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Saturday, September 20 1997 Volume 03 : Number 283
In this issue:
Re: DML: gray dash board
Re: DML: turn signals
DML: Engine And Transmission for sale
Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
DML: Re: turn signals
Re: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
DML: Diodes
Re: DML: starting problems?
Re: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
Re: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
DML:Patrick Swayze's DeLorean
Re: DML: Re: Richmond to Boston
Re: DML: turn signals
Re: DML: gray dash board
Re: DML: Re: turn signals
DML: sunshades
Re: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
DML: Interesting Question
DML: Alternator - - Upgraded - - How to Wire
DML: big battery (was turn signals)
DML: Seeking comments about Lotus Convention
DML: John Z. DeLorean & the Pontiac Banshee
DML: EASTERN REGIONAL RUN 7 -- ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS !!!!!!!!
DML: Richmond
DML: Speedo reface/recalibrate?
DML: Alternator - - Wiring
DML: Over voltage problem
Re: DML: big battery (was turn signals)
Re: DML: Over voltage problem
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 19:49:32 -0600 (MDT)
From: raddad(AT)cmn.net
Subject: Re: DML: gray dash board
Travis, I have had both a gray (81) and a black (83) dashboard. I have a
sunshield that I purchased from John Truscott 10+ years ago and have used
it in both cars and never had a problem.
Re the painted dashboard: While I can't speak for Rob Grady, his
reputation is such that if you had a problem I would be very surprised if
he didn't make it good.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 19:52:10 -0600 (MDT)
From: raddad(AT)cmn.net
Subject: Re: DML: turn signals
Travis
Bruce Benson, a regular contributor to this group and a friend of mine
says
that if something suddenly begins to go wrong, first review that last
thing
that you "fixed". Nine times out of ten there is more than a casual
relationship.
Dick Ryan
The Rad Dad
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 22:50:45 -0500
From: Duke
Subject: DML: Engine And Transmission for sale
SACRIFICE TIME! I'm desperate! I am offering my automatic transmission
AND engine for ONLY $3,000! THERE"S NOTHING WRONG WITH EITHER! I just
need the money to help in my engine swap.
Thanks,
Duke Bladorn
www.geocities.com/motorcity/8952/delorean.html
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 97 06:30:53 -0000
From: James Espey
Subject: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
Here in AZ we use sunshades religiously, and for years I have used a
heavy reflective accordion fold type. I recently got a "catalog" of
products from Teri Jennings, and they offer a heavy cloth sunshade.
According to the description, it goes on the *outside* of the car, and
each end closes in the door to secure it. Does anyone else have this kind
and what are your thoughts as to its effectiveness and usability?
James
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 09:56:49 -0400
From: Mike Substelny
Subject: DML: Re: turn signals
Could your turn signal problem be a symptom of low voltage? I know my
poor little Ducey alternator gets overwhelmed when I use my headlights
and A/C while my battery is recovering and the engine is at idle. Usually
the first thing to go is the turn signals. As soon as I get my RPMs back
up the blinkers blink normally.
This is one of the drawbacks of the big 1000 CCA battery I use. For a
few minutes immediately after starting my engine (which drains a good
chunk of current from any battery), that big battery seems to be a
heavier draw on my little alternator. It does more harm than good for
those few minutes until it builds up a good charge again.
- - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 08:33:44 -0700
From: raddad(AT)cmn.net
Subject: Re: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
My sunshade is the same heavy, reflective type as James'. The type
advertised by Terri Jennings is fairly popular in this area because it
helps to keep "frost" off the windshield. Don't laugh -- we had frost on
the windshield (and the pumpkins) this morning!!
Dick Ryan
The Rad Dad
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 11:32:00 -0400
From: Richard Strecker
Subject: DML: Diodes
Recently someone mentioned that placing a diode across the power input
to the digital clock would prevent it from being reset by voltage
spikes. I would like some more information on this, rating or part
number of the specific diode etc.
Thanks,
Richard
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 10:36:52 +0000
From: James Nichols
Subject: Re: DML: starting problems?
Jameel wrote,
Well this problem has been with me ever since I got my car. It is just
like the scene from Back To The Future when McFly turns the key to start
the car and it just clicks... My car clicks and clicks and if I click
a few times really fast it starts...
This sounds like a bad electrical connection or possibly a bad starter
relay. Have you checked battery ground cable for corrosion where it
connects to the frame? Also check the ground strap from the engine to
the frame. You may have to disconnect each connection, clean it, coat
it with a little grease so that it won't corrode again for a while, and
reconnect it.
The right size alternator pulley should be available in any
starter-alternator repair shop. The nut holding the pully is almost
always frozen and if you don't know how to break it loose, you will
destroy the pulley. The repair shops use a belt in a vice to hold the
pulley and a big wrench to remove the nut. At any rate, the alternator
will have to be removed to replace the pulley.
Can't help you with the wiring without the schematics for both, but I
did hear that if connected them up wrong, the car will disappear in a
cloud of smoke, and if you are in it, you'll end up 10 years back in
history.
Jim #6884
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 11:26:03 -0500
From: Bill Marcussen
Subject: Re: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
Could you provide a source for this sunshade?
Thanks,
Bill
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 12:03:03 -0700
From: raddad(AT)cmn.net
Subject: Re: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
I got mine through John Truscott, the membership director of the DOA. It
comes with a nice case and looks as if it were made for the DeLorean
exclusively. It also looks "factory original" when in the case on the
rear
package shelf.
Don't have John's address here at the store, but you should be able to
contact him through the DOA web page.
The Rad Dad
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----
>Could you provide a source for this sunshade?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bill
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 15:01:03 -0400 (EDT)
From: NJP548(AT)aol.com
Subject: DML:Patrick Swayze's DeLorean
Hey Fellow DeLorean fans,
i read in the Sept. 8th issue of Peples Magazine and found out that
Patrick Swayze owns a DeLorean, Does anyone know what year and VIN# his
DeLorean is??
later,
Nick
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 15:39:54 -0400 (EDT)
From: KKoncelik(AT)aol.com
Subject: Re: DML: Re: Richmond to Boston
hi
i've been meaning to get back to you on your air conditioning hose.
PJGrady
has two factory original hoses left and he also has aftermarket
replacements.
I stopped by and checked iot out so give him a call. sorry it took so
long
to get back
ken
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1986 00:44:28 -0700
From: "lseiler(AT)radiance.com"
Subject: Re: DML: turn signals
At 04:25 PM 9/16/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Today's problem deals with the turn signals: They don't work all of the =
>time. They particularly like to cease functioning when I really need =
>them to work (like when a cop is behind me). Through experimentation, I =
>found that I can usually do the following to get them to work:
>
>1) Give the car a solid cursing
>2) Move around the wiring that is located directly under the steering =
>column (sometimes works)
>3) Punch the rear facia near the turn light
>
>Do I have a problem in the tail light board, have a short in a wire, or =
>just have bad luck in general? It might help to know that this problem =
>started after I replaced the dash board and I already checked the =
>connection of the wiring to the instrument cluster in the binnacle.
>
>Any help is greatly appreciated.
>Travis #6344
>
>
>Travis You bet I can help...
Hears the problem....time and oxidation.
Your solution is simple and easy.
Clean, clean clean every wire connector, in the turn signal circuts,
using some fine emery paper, clean the bases of all your tail light
assembly bulbs until they are bright and shiney! clean all the contact
poins and the inside of the bulb holders. Replace any questionable light
blubs, and clean them before installing. You must clean the spade clips as
well as the female parts as well. A single strip of emerey paper works
fine.
You may want to use ziplock ties to get controle of the birds nest of dash
wires to. It will help trust me!
I had much the same problem as you do but with all the lights including
the
head lights. Aftere a week-end sitting on, next to and in side my DMC I
got
every single light working by just cleaning all the electrical
connections.
You may think that many are OK because there is no "Green" corrosion
visible....this is a misconception, apparently clean connections that have
sat for years can be very corroded at the point of metal to metal contact.
Hope this helps....
Lee
VIN#5729
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1986 00:57:09 -0700
From: "lseiler(AT)radiance.com"
Subject: Re: DML: gray dash board
At 04:15 PM 9/16/97 -0500, you wrote:
>At the beginning of the summer, I bought a black dash board that was =
>painted gray from PJ Grady. I understand that this is cheaper than =
>buying an actual gray one and that all of the gray ones left are =
>defective. The painted dash board came in and I installed it in my De =
>Lorean. Besides being a PAIN to install, the gray paint easily =
>scratched and came off, exposing a bold BLACK color....I got a new =
>painted dash in several weeks ago and it seemed much better. The =
>install caused no noticeable marks, but I like to use a sun shield in my =
>car in an effort to protect the interior. I carefully put the shield in =
>the window, but I still notice some marks where it has stripped the gray =
>paint!!! Does anyone else have this dash board? Are all of them this =
>sensitive? I'm slightly irritated and will never use the sun shield =
>again...
>
>Travis #6344
>
>Hello Travis,
You may want to clean off the Grey paint and refinish the black vinyl with
a grey vinyl pigment coating. This is actually liquid grey vinyl which
bonds to the "old" surface. Used right it will take on the same texture
too.
This material is found in many upolstery stores and suppliers.
You should be able to find it through your yellow pages
or even here on the internet.
sorry about your problem with the dash...
Lee
VIN#5729
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1986 17:23:54 -0700
From: "lseiler(AT)radiance.com"
Subject: Re: DML: Re: turn signals
At 09:56 AM 9/17/97 -0400, you wrote:
>Could your turn signal problem be a symptom of low voltage? I know my
>poor little Ducey alternator gets overwhelmed when I use my headlights
>and A/C while my battery is recovering and the engine is at idle. Usually
>the first thing to go is the turn signals. As soon as I get my RPMs back
>up the blinkers blink normally.
>
>This is one of the drawbacks of the big 1000 CCA battery I use. For a
>few minutes immediately after starting my engine (which drains a good
>chunk of current from any battery), that big battery seems to be a
>heavier draw on my little alternator. It does more harm than good for
>those few minutes until it builds up a good charge again.
>
>- Mike Substelny
>
Hello Mike,
I saw your comment about the big batt. Which raises a question?
I installed the biggest battery I could find that would fit in the space
when I first got my DMC. I had all the flickering lights, dead battery,
won't start problems.
Even with 120 Cranking AMPS available and a 90 AMP rebuilt Alt, I still
had
to do the door switch repairs, connecter cleaning, relay overhaul Replace
it's all rotten equipment, split ends, teeth fallingout bad hair days
cycle.
These days thats all past, but I don't see your low batt "after starting
my
engine (which drains a good chunk of current from any battery), that big
battery seems to be a heavier draw on my little alternator."?
What I do see on occasion when lights, air, radio, are on is a slight
voltage drop from a 13V+ (needle is just above the 13V mark) to a 13V-
(needle is just below the 13V mark). Is this what you are referring to? or
do you see a major drop in system voltage.
I thought the whole point of a bigger battery was to reduice the impact of
the starter draw, and have enough resurve energy to push the engine into
starting inspite of a cold day or wet spark plug?
I am just wondering about it....>wink
Lee
- ----------------- End Forwarded Message -----------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 00:47:41 +0000
From: BRUCE BENSON
Subject: DML: sunshades
Check out a J.C.Whitney catalog. You can call them at 1-312-431-6102. Item
#78fx4915bf on page 62 of cataloge #606j is the same sunscreen I have.
It's
the one John Truscott sold for a while in DeLorean World. Their custom
tailored for each model car so you'll have to make sure they still do the
DeLorean. The price is $43.99. Item # 78fx4916pf on the same page is the
storage bag. It sells for $5.99.
Bruce Benson
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 20:46:59 -0500
From: Daniel McGauley
Subject: Re: Sunshades for the DeLorean (was Re: DML: gray dash board)
At 06:30 AM 9/17/97 -0000, you wrote:
>Here in AZ we use sunshades religiously, and for years I have used a
>heavy reflective accordion fold type. I recently got a "catalog" of
>products from Teri Jennings, and they offer a heavy cloth sunshade.
>According to the description, it goes on the *outside* of the car, and
>each end closes in the door to secure it. Does anyone else have this kind
>and what are your thoughts as to its effectiveness and usability?
great for snow cities. just left up the snow and you're ready to go...
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 00:26:29 -0400
From: Benjamin Ruset
Subject: DML: Interesting Question
Okay, I have posted pretty much the same question to the Rx7 mailing list.
I want to get the opinions of some DMC owners out there.
1) How much would a D go for if it was in pretty decent shape w/ no motor
(or a blown motor)
2) are there any out there like this?
3) (This is the part that involved the Rx7 list) If I was to get a D with
no/blown motor, how hard would it be to put a 20B Rotary Engine in? I know
it should be about the same size as the PRV engine.
I was told that the 20B produces about 400HP. Since the DMC weighs about
the same as a 3rd Generation Rx7 (91-96) the car should be pretty fast.
What worried me was that I thought the D was heavier than I was told
(2800lbs) so I didn't think the engine had enough low-end torque to get
the
car moving at all.
If anybody had any insights or suggestions, please let me know. I'm
currently in the process of putting money away for a D, and would like to
know what to look for. I love the sound and performance of a Rotary, and a
love the looks of a D. Would be a pretty good combo, IMHO. =)
BEN RUSET - Oasis Creations
http://www.infi-pos.com/~oasis
"I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world."
- -------------------------------------------
"Up the airy mountain,
Down the rushy glen,
We daren't go a-hunting
For fear of little men."
--William Allingham
- -------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 10:45:57 -0400
From: Aldo.Buono(AT)phila.gov
Subject: DML: Alternator - - Upgraded - - How to Wire
One of our DMLers is upgrading his alternator, that is, he is
not replacing his alternator with a Ducellier or Motorola.
He asked "WHich color wire to Pin 1 and which color wire to
Pin 2????"
Answer: The red wire goes to Pin 1.
The green wire goes to Pin 2.
I upgraded my alternator to a Delco 100 AMP, distributed by
Prostart, part number 7157, through Parts USA. It has a
lifetime warranty. You can't beat a lifetime warranty!!!!
Aldo Buono
De Lorean Midatlantic, President
DMC #14, Board of Governors
VIN 1440
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 08:16:46 -0400
From: Mike Substelny
Subject: DML: big battery (was turn signals)
Any battery will be somewhat drained by starting a DeLorean. Before
the alternator can supply power, the battery must crank the engine, turn
the fuel pump, and close some relays. After the engine starts the
alternator will spend a few minutes getting the battery back up to a full
charge.
IMHO the DeLorean has a special need for a decent sized battery, which
comes from the marker lights on the doors. I never know when gawkers
may surround my car and I will end up giving an impromptu lecture on
DeLoreans in a parking lot. Sometimes this means the doors will be open
(with marker lights on) for several minutes. Occasionally when showing
the car off to friends, relatives, or co-workers those doors stay up for
30 minutes or more!
I like knowing that big battery is there to start me up afterwards. The
real
advantage may be only psychological, but I like having it anyway.
After the doors have been open for a while there is no question that
recharging the big battery is a substantial load on my alternator. That
big
pool of electrons needs to be refilled for the next time I need it.
- - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 11:03:04 -0400
From: Mike Substelny
Subject: DML: Seeking comments about Lotus Convention
Everyone with a web browser, please check out:
http://www.lotuscarclub.org/ltdlog17info.htm#A
This is the website of LOG 17, the Annual National Lotus convention.
The convention was held last weekend just outside of Cleveland.
Unfortunately I did not have a chance to go myself.
The LOG 17 itinerary seems quite different from a DOA Expo to me, even
though it looks like about the same size convention (LOG's humble goal
was to attract 50 Europas from across the USA). The location
(Cuyohoga Falls, Ohio) was not nearly as exotic as Las Vegas or
Nashville or Snowmass. This made LOG 17 more like a trade show and
less like a vacation. They had tech sessions, vendors, and a concourse.
They also had a fun ralley, an autocross, and track time on a real race
track!
They had other events related to their cars, like the "idendify the
mystery
car part" contest, an art contest, and a story contest. I'm a bit
skeptical
about the "Gravity Grand Prix" though (they raced their cars, with
engines OFF, down the national Soap Box Derby track in Akron).
Please check out the above URL before they remove it, then post
comments to the DML. How many of us would like to see a similar event
for DeLoreans?
- - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 12:13:47 -0400
From: Mike Substelny
Subject: DML: John Z. DeLorean & the Pontiac Banshee
A couple of years ago I saw John DeLorean's Pontiac Banshee concept
car while it was at the Crawford Auto Museum here in Cleveland. This
sports car was made in the early 60s when JZD was an executive at
Pontiac. It was engineered by Bill Collins, the same man who later did
the
original engineering on the DMC 12. The car was mentioned in "Stainless
Steel Illusion" but no picture was given.
I had a professional photographer take some pictures of the Banshee
and I wrote a short text about it. Now a classmate of mine has given
one of the pictures and the text a temporary home on her website. If you
want to see it, go to "The Frontier" at:
http://melserver.shepherd.lakewood.oh.us/friends/
The "sign in" box is optional. Click on "pictures." Then, when you see
the white sports car, click on it for a larger picture and the text.
I would like your feedback on the text. Is it accurate? The museum
placard said more, but it had a VERY strong anti-General Motors tone so I
softened it. In doing so, did I bend the truth?
I would like to give the Banshee a more prominent home on the web, and
maybe even write a longer article about it, but first I want to be sure I
have my facts straight. I tried to be careful, but if anyone spots any
errors please let me know about them.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
- - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 15:58:52 -0400
From: Aldo.Buono(AT)phila.gov
Subject: DML: EASTERN REGIONAL RUN 7 -- ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS !!!!!!!!
Eighteen De Loreans brought their owners and guests to Eastern
Regional Run 7 in Sandston, Virginia, just south of Richmond.
Pleasant weather welcomed early arrivals on Friday, September 12,
who got together for a dinner welcome.
Saturday took the troops on a rally through the historic James
River Plantation district including a FREE ferry ride crossing
into Jamestown. Late in the afternoon, Rob Grady held a FREE
technical session with owners. Saturday night, owners of all the
British marques gathered for a party at the Virginia Aviation
Museum at the Richmond Airport.
De Lorean owners were up early Sunday prepping for the Thirteenth
Annual British Car Days. Jack Singer, President of De Lorean
Virginia, our host club, lead a caravan to the site of the show
in Charles City, the Berkeley Plantation. Berkeley is one of
five, privately owned and maintained plantations that constitute
the James River Plantations.
The show was on a field right next to the river. All those
De Loreans in a row plus all of the other British marques were
a fabulous sight. P. J. Grady, Inc., represented by Rob and
Debbie Grady, was the De Lorean vendor present. Rob went from
De Lorean to De Lorean diagnosing and fixing for FREE whatever
problems he could resolve. Parts, of course, were extra. Many
thanks to Rob for his generous support and assistance to the
owners.
CONGRATULATIONS TO PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First Place: Carol and Tom Griepenburg, VIN 17168
Second Place: Michael Babb, VIN 3472
Third Place: Jack Singer, VIN 2800
Honorable Mention: Aldo Buono, VIN 1440
Congratulations to Murray Gintis, VIN 2355, for taking the
Longest Distance Driven Award. Murray drove from
Brookline, Massachusetts.
EASTERN REGIONAL RUN PARTICIPANTS
Babb, Michael -- North Carolina
Benyon, Bob -- New Jersey
Buono, Aldo and John Bell -- Pennsylvania
Ciszek, Ray -- Virginia
Gintis, Murray -- Massachusetts
Griepenburg, Carol and Tom -- New Jersey
Hook, Robert -- Virginia
La Prade, Derek -- Virginia
Maier, Alvin -- Maryland
Masie, Gary and Jan -- New Jersey
Miller, Bob -- North Carolina
Nolan, Runkel and Linda -- New Jersey
Pack, Michael and Tony Frame -- Maryland
Senft, James -- Maryland
Singer, Jack -- Virginia
Teitelbaum, David -- New Jersey
Vincent, Brad -- West Virginia
Whiting, Bill -- Virginia
Thany you all for making Eastern Regional Run 7 an enjoyable
gathering of fellowship and De Loreans.
Stay tuned for news on next year's Run!!!!
Aldo Buono
De Lorean Midatlantic, President
DMC 14, Board of Governors
VIN 1440
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 18:17:11 -0700
From: Bob Benyon
Subject: DML: Richmond
Just a quick update on the Eastern Regional Rally in Richmond. We had 18
cars total and 16 in the show.This is great considering we only had 12 on
display in Snowmass. We got at lot of attention and comments. I didn't
stay till the end so I can't report on the awards. Rob Grady did a tech
session on Sat and inspected anyones car who requested it(some people
were glad they did). Everyone had a good time and thanks to the host club
and Jack Singer for a great event.
Bob Benyon
Vin 3583
DOA
DMC
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 1997 18:57:40 -0700
From: "Murray Fisher"
Subject: DML: Speedo reface/recalibrate?
I have had my De Lorean 5 months, 18 days and 10 hours!! (roughly)
I would like to install a new 170 mph speedometer face and have it
recalibrated. I have both the parts manual and a shop manual. I assume
I will have to remove the binnacle to do this, but neither of these
manuals
say or show how to remove it. I suspect there may be more than one
shop manual and I have the wrong one? Can someone tell me just how
to remove the binnacle IF this is the way to get the speedo out to send
in.
I suspect there are some bolts way up under the dash that will do this.
(maybe I am guessing wrong!) Any tips...how many bolts .....nut driver
maybe? I realize it will be harder to read,with normal speeds being in
a smaller area, however I get tired of everyone making snide remarks
about the speedomenter only going to 80 mph when the car supposedly
will do 140 mph or so. I know the story, but they don't! Help
please?
Murray
Vin 05962
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 7:33:52 -0500
From: Don Gowler-CFPO01
Subject: DML: Alternator - - Wiring
>>He asked "WHich color wire to Pin 1 and which color wire to
>>Pin 2????"
>
>>Answer: The red wire goes to Pin 1.
> The green wire goes to Pin 2.
>
>>Aldo Buono
_________________________________________________
Other than the 3 very heavy gauge brown wires that go to the one large
contact on the Motorola alternator I have only one other connecting wire
and it is brown with a yellow stripe (approx. 20 gauge). Aldo, where
are you getting these other wires????
The Silver Fox
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 12:18:06 -0700
From: The Olsons
Subject: DML: Over voltage problem
Hi all. =20
I=92ve got a problem maybe someone can help me with. My 1981 De Lorean
#2200, with a Motorola alternator, is giving me over voltage problems.=20
The voltage on the meter is up over 16 volts, sometimes almost 18
volts. I have verified this with an external voltmeter. When I look
at the alternator I see three large brown wires (out of the wiring
harness) and a very large black wire, (that connects to the starter),
all connected to one large connection; and then one small brown/yellow
wire (out of the wiring harness) connected to a small terminal. That is
all that is connected to the alternator. But then I have another small
brown wire that is just hanging down, not connected to anything. There
are also some other large brown wires that, have been cut off, right
where they come out of the wiring harness. I assume that the unused
wires were for the original alternator and aren=92t needed for the
Motorola alternator, but I don=92t know that for sure. Can someone pleas=
e
tell me how their Motorola alternator is hooked up so I can tell if mine
is right. Also, if anyone has had a similar over voltage problem, and
has a solution, I would appreciate the information.
Thanks in advance
D. Olson
usolsons(AT)televar.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 20:39:28 +0100 (BST)
From: Martin Gutkowski
Subject: Re: DML: big battery (was turn signals)
WHAT is the rating of your battery? Let's put things onto perspective: My
car is a diesel and therefore has a large battery because a diesel
requires much more of a kick to start it. Mine is a 66AMP-HOUR battery.
That is: it can supply 66AMPS of current for an hour or it could run for
66hours supplying one amp.
In terms of lights, the current drawn is the Power (Wattage) divided by
the voltage (12). Assuming your marker lights are about 60W total, that
means the current drawn is 5A. My battery could happily support this for
over thirteen hours.
A lead-acid battery will supply at or very near full voltage right up to
close to being discharged. The charging current required by the battery
will be well below what the alternator should be capable of kicking out.
IN OTHER WORDS, when charging, the battery will not be drawing anywhere
near the current drawn on starting. And the alternator
should more than cope with it.
Martin
On Thu, 18 Sep 1997, Mike Substelny wrote:
> Any battery will be somewhat drained by starting a DeLorean. Before
> the alternator can supply power, the battery must crank the engine, turn
> the fuel pump, and close some relays. After the engine starts the
> alternator will spend a few minutes getting the battery back up to a full
> charge.
>
> IMHO the DeLorean has a special need for a decent sized battery, which
> comes from the marker lights on the doors. I never know when gawkers
> may surround my car and I will end up giving an impromptu lecture on
> DeLoreans in a parking lot. Sometimes this means the doors will be open
> (with marker lights on) for several minutes. Occasionally when showing
> the car off to friends, relatives, or co-workers those doors stay up for
> 30 minutes or more!
>
> I like knowing that big battery is there to start me up afterwards. The
> real
> advantage may be only psychological, but I like having it anyway.
>
> After the doors have been open for a while there is no question that
> recharging the big battery is a substantial load on my alternator. That
> big
> pool of electrons needs to be refilled for the next time I need it.
>
> - Mike Substelny
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 1997 10:00:35 -0400 (EDT)
From: Phillip124(AT)aol.com
Subject: Re: DML: Over voltage problem
Hi. I have the Motorola alternator and my car is vin #7134. When I first
got it in 1/97 it had the same problem. I didn't really notice it and I
drove about 200 miles out and the battery started boiling. I wound up
having
to get the alternator rebuilt. I haven't had any problems with it yet.
They
told me that the alternator was charging open and it was probably because
the
car hadn't been driven much.
Phillip
------------------------------
End of dmcnews-digest V3 #283
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