DeLorean Mailing List - 3/20/96
dmcnews-digest Thursday, 20 March 1997 Volume 02 : Number 222
In this issue:
Re: Why Replace a Muffer?
Delorean Models
RE: Delorean Shop Manuals
Re: Thermostat
Delorean's in a song?
Stnls Steel Brake Lines
Service Manuals
Re: Delorean's in a song?
Re: Need some input from you guys ... and ladies.
re:Re: Need some input from you guys ... and ladies.
Re: Need some input from you guys ... and ladies.
Re: Need some input from you guys ... and ladies. Radio Installation?
Luck of the IRISH
Re: Radio Installation?
J Z De Lorean's address
DMC Newsletter
Dings
Re: J Z De Lorean's address
Re: Luck of the IRISH
To Turbo or Not To--
Need help with door locks
1982 Production Chronology
High Performance?
Experienced Buyer?
Electric and Fires
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: GullWinged@aol.com
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 1997 18:40:55 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Why Replace a Muffer?
>I have a question... If the muffler was stainless why did you have to have it
replaced???
Jameel, the muffler is indeed stainless steel, but not 100 percent stainless
steel and not of the same quality as the body panels. The body panels are
dairy-grade stainless steel (SS304), while I assume the muffler is T304. I know
from looking at my muffler that it is not 100 percent stainless as I can see
hints of rust along the welded seams, which tells me that the solder was something
that can rust.
I know very little about how mufflers do their job, but like most anything else
in the world, I assume they too would quit functioning from wear and tear over
the course of enough years.
Chase Clark
------------------------------
From: WINGD2@aol.com
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 1997 23:57:14 -0500 (EST) Subject: Delorean Models
Here's an update on the Delorean model orders: At present I have recieved "0"
checks and "0" money orders for model kits. It looks like we're
quite short of our 25 kit minimum, but I still have'nt given up. I'll keep this
open until the end of the month like originally stated. As things change
I'll update the mailing list.
Marty
------------------------------
From: Dan Baisley Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 00:25:03 -0500
Subject: RE: Delorean Shop Manuals
Someone asked about DMC manuals the other day.
Check out http://www.racecar.co.uk/chaters/bmwman.html.
Remember, those are prices in pounds so # 41.25 = $ 65 or so.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -
I'm hungry. Let's get a taco.
__________________________________________________________
------------------------------
From: Calducati@aol.com
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 1997 23:25:35 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: Thermostat
NEVER RUN AN ENGINE WITHOUT A THERMOSTAT!!! Without a thermostat in the engine
the cooling system fluid will pass through the cylinder heads faster
than normal and will not transfer the heat from the exhaust valve areas of the
cylinder heads and cause long term damage. This will also cause localized hot
spots in the cylinder heads. A computer controlled car has to
have a thermostat in the car to have the fuel injection and emissions systems
work properly. Without a thermostat or too low of a temperature of a thermostat,
the sensor that sends a signal to the computer will be telling the computer that
the engine just started up and is still cold. This in turn
causes the computer to run the fuel injection in cold start running mode which
sets the timing at a fixed reading and enrichs the fuel mixture. Long
term problems are plugged catalytic convertors, fouled spark plugs, carbon
build-up in combustion chambers, thinned out oil from fuel dilution which can
damaged engine bearings, shortened engine life, etc. The only time the thermostat
should be removed is as a temporary repair to make it to the next
town to replace a stuck closed thermostat. Normally people remove the thermostat
to compensate for a problem somewhere else in the cooling system
such as a plugged radiator, worn out water pump, etc.
Good luck everyone.
David
ASE certififed Master Technician
------------------------------
From: Dan Baisley Date: Tue, 18 Mar 1997 23:44:06 -0500
Subject: Delorean's in a song?
Came across this the other day while browsing through some discographies. The
band is called Game Theory. On an album called "Two Steps From The Middle Ages"
in 1988, they had a song called "In A Delorean". Anyone ever heard of this
band/song? Anyone know of any other songs with Delorean references?
Here are the (rather depressing) lyrics:
In a Delorean (Miller)
I watch the mood get sober and I'm not so sure I'm over
All the times I didn't know and I didn't used to know
When my heart was breaking nightly
Was I taking things too lightly
That would never come again, that would stay awhile
And end?
Bring us in under budget, lord
We want out of the wrong
Playing safe too long
Though we're miles clear of the firefight
We can't light our pipes with hindsight
I'll re-start this life somehow, I could live it better now
Give us grace under pressure, lord
And help us watch our tongues
And make our mistakes young
In a Delorean we're all going make our mistakes young
I'd apologize the ears off
But the gloom here never clears off
I can't sit through one more day of deserving some O.K.
It's a scandal just to mention
But I don't mind the attention
It's a failing by design, Betty Ford's world and not mine
Give us some final option, lord
We mean well every one
Let us make our mistakes young
In a Delorean
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -
I'm hungry. Let's get a taco.
__________________________________________________________
------------------------------
From: WINGD2@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 00:02:21 -0500 (EST) Subject: Stnls Steel Brake Lines
I received the stainless steel brake line kit for my Delorean this past
weekend. It took the most part of a day to do the installation. The hardest
part was getting the old rubber lines off. The jam nuts on the bulkhead fittings
were pretty tough to break loose after 15 years. I even had to cut a
couple jam nuts to get them off but it caused no problem since the new kit
included new jam nuts. The new braided lines fit perfectly. We made them a little
longer than the stock rubber lines to compensate for the DOT ends and
stiffness of the SS braid. They hook up to all the stock lines on the car with no
modifications required. After bleeding the system I took the car out
for a test drive. I can not verify that there is any gain in braking performance,
but I can tell you that the brake pedal "feel" is much firmer.
To me the brakes feel like what I think sports car brakes should feel like,
if that makes any sense. I have not done any panic stops with this setup yet,
I'm still in the process of bedding in the pads, but the harder you press the
pedal the more progressive the braking with a firm pedal feel. First impression
is I'm very happy with the changes.
If anyone else is intrested in a set of lines, I can get more kits made.
Allen at Goodridge tells me that since we have the specs set for this kit, they
are going to add it to their line of auto brake kits. Suggested retail
is going to be $174 per set. I told him of others on this mailing list who had
expressed interest in these kits. He told me that in return for the assistance
with the developement of this kit, any additional kits I order for
others on the list will be at a one time only wholesale cost of $120 per set.
(4ea - SS braided brake lines, plastic coated w/ bulkhead ends to DOT specs).
Shipping will be about $5 per set. It will take about 2 weeks to get
them made. E-mail me if your interested.
Marty
------------------------------
From: Mpeak@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 00:34:58 -0500 (EST) Subject: Service Manuals
Doug,
Buy your service and parts manuals from Darryl Tinnerset at Specialty Automotive.
I bought both for about $80. They are prestine reproductions of
the originals which included extra part numbers and a complete wiring diagram.
His phone number is (360) 786-0243.
Matt Peak
------------------------------
From: sundiver@hellfire.dusers.drexel.edu (J) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 09:23:20 -0500
Subject: Re: Delorean's in a song?
>Came across this the other day while browsing through some discographies. The
band is called Game Theory. On an album called "Two Steps From The Middle Ages"
in 1988, they had a song called "In A Delorean". Anyone ever heard of this
band/song? Anyone know of any other songs with Delorean references?
I have the album. It's 80's rock type stuff. I like it. *shrug*
- - J
------------------------------
From: Mike Substelny Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 11:14:34 -0500
Subject: Re: Need some input from you guys ... and ladies.
Arron Oberman said:
>What I really want to know is, how can I best enjoy the vehicle? Supercharge it
to the nines with a bunch of added extras or find one in good shape and
re-install all original parts?
In my opinion, all you really need to do is keep your DeLorean running reliably.
You can't help but enjoy the car. It will literally get looks everywhere you go,
and people will remember you forever.
The custom vs. original debate is interesting, and your decision may have
unpredictable effects to the car's future value (could go either way). If you
choose to either customize or restore you can't go wrong. You will enjoy your
DeLorean either way, as long as you show it off as often as possible.
I can, however, tell you the guaranteed, sure-fire way to NOT enjoy your
DeLorean: park it in a garage and never drive it.
- -Mike Substelny
------------------------------
From: "Jeff Phillips, x4300" Date: Wed, 19 Mar 97 11:21:37 MST
Subject: re:Re: Need some input from you guys ... and ladies.
>Sent by:Mike Substelny
AArron Oberman said:
>>What I really want to know is, how can I best enjoy the vehicle? Supercharge
it to the nines with a bunch of added extras or find one in good shape and
re-install all original parts?
>The custom vs. original debate is interesting, and your decision may have
unpredictable effects to the car's future value (could go either way). If you
choose to either customize or restore you can't go wrong. You will enjoy your
DeLorean either way, as long as you show it off as often as possible.
>
>-Mike Substelny
Arron-
I would have top agree with Mike on this one however if you do customize it
keep all the original parts somewhere. This way incase you or whoever you sell
it to wants to restore it to original you'll be able to.
Jeff
------------------------------
From: "Michael E. Gaines" Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 12:59:38 -0500
Subject: Re: Need some input from you guys ... and ladies.
Arron Oberman said:
>>What I really want to know is, how can I best enjoy
tthe vehicle? Supercharge it to the nines with a bunch of added extras or find
one in good shape and re-install all original parts?
I'm happy enough to HAVE the damn car. I wanted one for 15 years, but was too
young to afford it.
Keep it maintained is the best thing you can do. What good is turbocharging it
if it's illegal to go over 55 or 65 anyway? If you want a turbocharded car you
could just get a Nissan.
As for custom vs. original, the only thing I've done to my car is install a CD
player which meant drilling out the dash. I hate tapes; they wear out, they get
eaten, etc. I make my own CDs so it was the best choice for me. I have a little
Apple Computer sticker in my window too but that's as far as I've taken it.
>I can, however, tell you the guaranteed, sure-fire way to NOT enjoy your
DeLorean: park it in a garage and never drive it.
Amen to that.
Mike Gaines
VIN 10213
------------------------------
From: "Arron D. Oberman" Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 10:31:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: Need some input from you guys ... and ladies.
On Wed, 19 Mar 1997, Mike Substelny wrote:
>Arron Oberman said:
>>What I really want to know is, how can I best enjoy the vehicle? Supercharge
it to the nines with a bunch
**SNIP**
>In my opinion, all you really need to do is keep your DeLorean running reliably.
You can't help but enjoy the car.
***SNIP***
I kinda leave that one as a given. I've already loved te car for a long time and
I don't even own one yet! :)
>The custom vs. original debate is interesting, and your decision may have
unpredictable effects to the car's future value (could go either way). If you
choose to either
***SNIP***
Good point. I do want the car to retain a maximum resale value if I ever have
to sell it. What I also wanted to know about the customizing thing was a general
opinion on how the car 'feels' before and after peoples customizing. Also, it
would be nice to hear from D. owners who have driven both a fully restored D.
and a customized D. Any input from all of you would be great and I'm sure it
would stimulate an interesting debate on both sides.
Thanks,
Arron
------------------------------
From: Jameel Ahed
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 14:02:16 -0600
Subject: Radio Installation?
Dear DMC Group,
When I get my car I want to put in a fancy stereo with cd changer. Is it very
difficult to remove the stock stereo? Must there be a lot of modificatio
(cutting drilling) to install a new one??? THanx for the help!
Jameel
- --
- --------------------------------------------------
Jameel Ahed owner of CyberTECH Industries
Consultant for VOITECH Computer Solutions
HOMEPAGE: http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~ahed/
VOITECH: http://www.voitech.com
EMAIL: mailto:ahed@uiuc.edu
- --------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
From: thomas mccoy Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 13:33:37 -0800 (PST) Subject: Luck of the IRISH
I got to thinking (a day too late) that St. Patricks day should be a day for
DMC owners to get together for a celebration! After all, our cars our Irish...
------------------------------
From: "Michael E. Gaines" Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 15:50:32 -0500
Subject: Re: Radio Installation?
Jameel Ahed wrote:
>Dear DMC Group,
>When I get my car I want to put in a fancy stereo with cd changer.
Is
>it very difficult to remove the stock stereo? Must there be a lot of modificatio
(cutting drilling) to install a new one??? THanx for the help!
Jameel,
You betcha!!! The original D has the hole-rectangle-hole dashboard cutouts used
for the old tape decks. For the new CD changers, you absolutely HAVE to cut a
new hole in the dash. There was only one model in all of NJ that I could find
that conformed to this setup AND had a CD controller. The problem was that the
audio came from the FM antenna and sounded like garbage.
I have a Panasonic something-or-other in my D and I love it. In retrospect I
should have put a changer in the little compartment behindthe driver's side
seat, but I'd bet in the long run even that cubby-hole could become more
important.
Mike
------------------------------
From: thomas mccoy Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 13:36:23 -0800 (PST) Subject: J Z De Lorean's address
I have tried to send mail to Mr. De Lorean, using the address on the D.M.L. home
page. I haven't heard from him, or recieved a "return to sender" thing. Has
anyone sucessfully sent him a letter? Please let me know...
------------------------------
From: ABatt10347@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 23:27:30 -0500 (EST) Subject: DMC Newsletter
With all the questions about DMC and their dependability. I have noticed a common
area, that is some people are scared of driving a long distance in their DMC. I
have a solution, besides always checkout your ride BEFORE going
cross country. Why not have everyone who has had a good experience with a shop
list where that shop is located and its phone number. I am willing to compile
this info into a list that we can publish in the newsletter two times
a year. This would be a great source of help if you weretraveling across country
and break down. I do all my own work, but if someone were broken down
in the middle TN area I would know who could and more important who I would
trust to work on my DMC. The list could be divided into a state by state listing.
Only list those shops that we have used or would trust our own DMC's
to be worked on in. Also if members would like to list him or her self as a
contact person in any specific area that too could be included. The joy of owning
this type of auto is that we all share specific things ,like bad relays, bad
speedo cables, etc... The list of who one would trust is a way that anyone of
us could take a long trip and feel that if anything did go wrong, we are not
just picking up the yellow pages and picking a shop blindly. Our autos are not
something that any Chev. or Ford mech. could or should try and fix. (No neg.
reflection on Chev. or Ford mechs.). My point being that if I were broken down
in say Kansas, I would not have any idea who
to call. With a list of shops submited from our membership this would not be
a problem. Again if everyone wants a list like this let me know and I'll start
trying to put one togather. My Email address if ABatt10347@aol.com. Thank you,
Bruce
Battles
------------------------------
From: RazzzzD@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 23:56:13 -0500 (EST) Subject: Dings
An open question to DMC-12 owners.
Has anyone use dry-ice to remove dings from their DMC-12? Razzzz
------------------------------
From: RazzzzD@aol.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 23:42:55 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: J Z De Lorean's address
Yes, he replied to me.
About a year ago I wrote to him. In the letter I asked him if he would be kind
enough to acknowledge receiving the letter. (I did enclosed a self-addressed
stamped envelope) He sent the letter back and hand wrote the
following;
Dear Raz
Give it your best shot!
JZD
As you can assume I had the letter framed.
Raz
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 97 22:00:32 -0000
Subject: Re: Luck of the IRISH
>I got to thinking (a day too late) that St. Patricks day should be a day for
DMC owners to get together for a celebration! After all, our cars our Irish...
A group of DeLorean owners in Arizona DID get together for St. Patrick's Day!
Four of us entered the 9th Annual British Car Show, also the DeLorean Midwest
Connection was the only car club allowed in the Chicago St. Patrick's Day
parade - they were even televised this year, too.
James Espey
Just because it's always been done that way does not make it right.
------------------------------
From: ausmith@pdx.oneworld.com
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 1997 22:29:28 +0000
Subject: To Turbo or Not To--
I deleted the note before I recorded who wrote about not needing turbos
considering the speed limits.
If you had ever driven up the Oregon coast behind a couple of motor homes driven
by guys wearing hats that were to tight, with a Corvette and a Z car behind you,
waiting for a chance to pass you'd know why JZD decided to have Ledgend design a
setup for this car. 3180 lbs. and 135 hp = gutless wonder. The first place I had
a opportunity to pass these clowns was about a 6% uphill. The other two couldn't
keep up.
As I've said before, the turbos give it performance to go with the looks. Having
had one without and one with, I'll never own another without, unless it's a
non-driver. No Fun!!! Well, not as much fun.
Chris
------------------------------
From: Starman
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 08:42:49 -0500 (EST) Subject: Need help with door locks
Hi all,
My driver's side door lock is starting to annoy me. Sometimes, I'll torn the key
to 3:00, and I can see the switch inside WANTS to move, but doesn't. The
passenger side lock opens and I have to get in the car, close the passenger side
door, and rock the driver's side switch back and forth until it unlocks. This is
terribly annoying, and I don't think it's an electrical problem. I'd like to
take a look at the mechanism this weekend, so does anyone have any on-line
references as to how to take apart the door so I can get at this and look at
it? Anyone else have this problem? Thanks!
Mike
VIN #10213 NJ
------------------------------
From: James Espey
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 97 09:42:41 -0000
Subject: 1982 Production Chronology
As an owner of an 82, I'm trying to determine as accurate of a production
chronology as possible. I know of cars as early as 10213 (December 81) and as
late as 10574 (December 81). A member of the list has 10688 (December 82). If
this is accurate - what happened between DEC 81 and DEC 82 that only 114 cars
were built? I am trying to confirm a So. Cal. car in the 11XXX range and should
have that tonight.
Owners of 1982's - please email me personally with the last five of your VIN and
the build month/year as shown on your door jamb. I'd like to have your name and
state, but I will not release that information to anyone else with out your
permission.
Thanks!
James Espey
mikasa@goodnet.com
Just because it's always been done that way does not make it right.
------------------------------
From: Jameel Ahed
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 12:00:07 -0600
Subject: High Performance?
Dear DMC Group,
I was AutoClub President for a few years in my highschool way back when... I had
this genius teacher, Mr. Craig Elam. Maybe you guys know him. Well, I would do
anything he says cuz he knew it all. Well, I have questions for all of you.
MOTOR OIL:
CRAZY SUPER LUBES (DURA LUBE?)
Synthetic?
BLEND?
Normal?
I have heard many different stories about oil. My teacher told me to use Blend,
but he didn't really have a good reason. I was wondering what you guys use in
your cars? Money is no object when it comes to thes few items. What are the
advantages of CASTROL SYNTECH or other synthetic oils compared to the blends
and normal straigh oils? Oh, I almost forgot... Another one of my teachers
said, USE A LARGER VOLUME OIL FILTER... It makes sense... Yes you ad a bit
more oil, but there is so much more of a filter there to catch all the garbage.
Is this a good Idea for the PRV6. After all, after breakin is there much garbage
scraping off and flowing around the engine???
SPARK PLUGS:
Split FIRE?
Bosch Platinum?
Normal Plugs?
High Performance Spark Plug Wires?
Again... I have had Splitfires before... actually I put them in a minivan when
I was 16... The car performed a lot better... even for a minivan! Others tell
me that the Bosch Platinums are a lot better than splitfires.. I know all of
these things don't increase performance like a turbo does, but I just want to
use the best parts so my engine will last longer.. and perform better... The
car I want to get is an 81 with 65k on it. When I get the car I want to bring
it up to "Jameel Standards" I want to change all the belts, hoses and these
components. Back to Spark... How about the spark plug wires... I am into
electronics, so I kinda know about gauge and things. Well if it is up to gauge
what is the difference? I know if one is gold wire and one is silver there is
different resistences... but I don't think they make those kind of wires????
Well, what do you guys suggest?
Alternator?
I have heard the alternator is very weak in the Delorean. I don't know what
is inside the 81, since it is in WA and I haven't flown over and checked it
out. What is the name of the weak one? How do I identifiy it? Can any
aftermarket alternator fit? Or is it Delorean exact? I know I should have a
powerful alternator, but how powerful? Isn't it true if it is too powerful,
it will overcharge the battery or just hurt the battery???
HOSES?
BELTS?
I know I can't go crazy with these, but is there anything that last very long?
Like some kind of super BELTS or super HOSES??? Should I wait till I see some
type of damage before I replace them, Glazing, or bulging on the hoses? Or
should I replace them as soon as I get them.
Braided Cables?
I know I want to get the new clutch cables and the new brake lines. Which ones,
and how much do they cost?
Clutches?
This I am scared about. It has 65K on it... I know clutches go bad all the time,
just because of the way they operate. BY FRICTION... Well how do I know the
clutch isn't going to die??? Is there any preventative Medicine for it? How much
does the part cost on a usual clutch failure? What fails?
Coolant?
I don't think the car has a stainless steal coolant tank so I know I am going
to have to purchase one of those. How much do those run??? What is the best
coolant to use? And the ratio with water???
Fuel System Cleaners?
Syntech makes fuel system cleaners?
I want to clean up everything. I want my injectors all cleaned up. Especially
after the 65k. What do you guys recommend for this instance?
I was reading some manual, and it says something about the 30k checkup for the
Delorean. I want to do this myself. It says I have to replace an Oxygen sensor
and other things and clean up other stuff... Well... I am ready to do all of
this for my baby. But Are all those components required for the 30k checkup
expensive.
REMEMBER GUYS... I WANT MY CAR TO LAST FOREVER.. I know cars can.. if you take
care of them. I have heard of Deloreans going 494K So if one did it... Mine
will do it too!!!!!! I don't want to make my car have super performance if it
will take away from its life!!!! I love this car to death, and I am not buying
it for the speed. Maybe for the doors but not for the performance.
Last Question!
EURO SHOCKS?
When I saw my first Delorean Up Close, it looked kinda high. Now I found out
that it had to be high like that to pass the bumper height for the the USA
standards. Well I want to drop it by using the Euro Shocks. How much do these
shocks cost? (ALL 4) Can I just get some normal springs from PepBOys or
something that match the specs for Euro? Or Delorean Euro springs are the
only ones???
I think this is about all my questions for now! But I appreciate you guys
reading this long letter and hopefully replying. I just want what you guys
think, and if you have any hard facts on certain equiptment and other advice,
I will be very greatfull! THank you again! Jameel Ahed
- --
- --------------------------------------------------
Jameel Ahed owner of CyberTECH Industries
Consultant for VOITECH Computer Solutions
HOMEPAGE: http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~ahed/
VOITECH: http://www.voitech.com
EMAIL: mailto:ahed@uiuc.edu
- --------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
From: Jameel Ahed
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 13:25:20 -0600
Subject: Experienced Buyer?
Dear DMC GROUP,
I was told by a friend that I should have a Experienced Delorean owner accompany
me when buying this car. (81 with 65K) Well... I know that is a lot to ask, but
if you guys could put together a small little check list for me when I am going
over the car (WHEN I FLY OVER TO WASHINGTON) That would be most appreciated. I
know some things about cars... but a Delorean is a totally different Animal...
You all know the common problems. and things... (By the Way... Is there A way
to see what condition the clutch is in?) Thanx for all the help... You guys
have been wonderful!
Jameel
- --
- --------------------------------------------------
Jameel Ahed owner of CyberTECH Industries
Consultant for VOITECH Computer Solutions
HOMEPAGE: http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~ahed/
VOITECH: http://www.voitech.com
EMAIL: mailto:ahed@uiuc.edu
- --------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
From: Bryan Pearce Date: Thu, 20 Mar 97 17:54:45 -0600
Subject: Electric and Fires
This post is a follow up to some of the posts that have been appearing related
to engine fires. I am going to share my experience as this may help save other
owners some time and money.
The end of January in Chicago was pretty cold, so the blower motor in my DeLorean
had been used constantly. I noticed an electrical burning smell at one point and
became concerned for my cars safety. Shortly after I noticed the burning smell,
positions 1, 2, and 3 on the blower control stopped functioning. As many of you
may know, to achieve the variable speeds, a resister is used and mounted in the
duct work next to the blower motor. On my car, the contacts on the inside of
the resister had become very corroded which caused enough excessive resistance
and heat to begin melting the housing for the resister. After obtaining a new
resister I felt confident that my electrical problem was over.
Within only a couple days, I was pulling out into traffic when the DeLorean just
stopped. After getting the car out of the middle of the road, I realized that
the fuel pump was not running. Assuming the problem to be electrical, I opened
the relay compartment to be greeted again by that burning electrical smell. It
turns out that the contacts in the fuse block had melted the fuel pump fuse and
a hole in the fuse block. This was obviously caused by the poor quality of the
contacts in the fuse block that had become corroded. I found the same process
beginning to occur with two other fuses in the block. I replaced all three of
the fuses with the correct size in line fuses.
Finally, within one week of the fuse problem, my car would not start while parked
in a very visible location at a parking lot. After systematic troubleshooting,
it turns out that the same contact problem occurred with one of the connectors
on the ignition resister. The connector and plastic shield had melted and lost
contact with the resister. I was able to get the connecter to make contact long
enough to make it home and put a new connector on the wire.
If you drive your car on a regular basis, a regular check of relay compartment
and other connections on the car could stop a more costly problem from developing.
Bryan
bryan@denebcorp.com
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End of dmcnews-digest V2 #222
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