team3s            Tuesday, November 7 2000            Volume 01 : Number 317




----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 01:53:41 -0600
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Team3S: VR4s Rule in the Rain

Race report:
Audi Quattro Club open track event
Heartland Park, Topeka, Kansas
Nov. 4-5

Remember Woodstock? How they chanted No Rain! No Rain!?
It didn't work. 400,000 people all working together couldn't make it stop
raining.

One guy, standing out there on Sunday afternoon chanting "More Rain! More
Rain!" couldn't make it keep raining either.

That one guy was a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 driver (me, of course) chanting
for more rain because, for one brief shining moment, my AWD twin turbo VR4
was the class act in the Group 3 Intermediate run group. In the rain, the
VR4 ran down just about every car in the class -- lapping some of them
twice in a session. 

All except for a pesky instructor in a twin turbo AWD Porsche who would
jump on the track every now and then just to ruin my big moment.

I'm going to fix his wagon. Next time I go to Heartland Park, I am going to
request him for an instructor. Anybody who can run that fast in a 500 hp
twin turbo AWD German Edsel deserves having me for a student as punishment.

This time out, I had the slow ol' farmer dude, Jeff Lacina, as my
instructor. Jeff is plenty fast, but he drives one of those ancient
technology RWD 78 Fairlanes (oops, 95 Mustang GT 351 -- same thing, really).

The Quattro club neglected to pick up a set of pylons, so we ran Heartland
Park nekkid: i.e., no cones marking corner entry, apex and track out. Man,
I was lost.

(Note to newbies: many driving schools place pylons at the turns to help us
learn the track: turn-in points, apex, and corner exit locations.)

Last July, I had this track down pretty well; but without the cones for a
crutch, I was lost. I knew HOW to take the corners, I just didn't remember
WHERE to take 'em. Saturday in the dry was pretty exciting for Jeff and me,
as I had to learn landmarks instead of pylons.

At one point, I sailed into turn 4 out of the carousel without lifting at
about 90 mph and got the VR4 completely sideways. "Where were you?," asked
Jeff. I was actually on a different race track, because 4 looks exactly
like another turn that is taken flat, without braking (turn 7 at Road
America). Took me all dang day to find most of the apexes and relearn all
the lines, and I finally turned a 2:12, a reasonable time, considering the
cold track.

Picking landmarks is kinda fun. Like in the carousel. I enter the Carousel
in 3rd gear, at about 75, and stay way to the outside of the turn. This
avoids all the bumps on the inside line. The carousel is a constant-radius
left turn about a quarter-mile long, and you take it at a constant speed.
Toward the end of the turn, there are three white lines painted on the road
on the inside (left) of the turn. When you see the first line, you start
edging over toward the left, until you touch the curbing in the middle of
the third line and clip the apex. See? Who needs pylons?

Sunday dawned damp, and I was smart enough to listen to another Iowa
farmer/M3 driver, who had changed to rain tires even though it wasn't
raining. He said the forecast was for rain (farmers live and die by weather
forecasts) and he didn't want to change tires in the pouring down rain, so
he changed them early. I've learned that Iowa farmers are among the
smartest people in the entire world (except for their desire to actually
live in Iowa), so I also changed my tires back to the street Michelin
Pilots. Smart move.

First run for Group 3 was on a very wet track, with everybody slipping and
sliding except yours truly. I took a brief moment to size up the traction
and discovered that Pilots stop very, very well in the wet and stick pretty
good in the corners. With the AWD preventing wheelspin, we circulated with
2:25-2:30 laps, probably 15-20 seconds faster than most.  Like I said, I
lapped some people twice. The second run in the morning was about the same,
with the rain coming down steadily.

Then it stopped raining.
And I started chanting: "More Rain! More Rain!"
But the track was drying. Drat!

It's really cool to see the dry line emerge from a wet track. It's better
than pylons, actually, because you can actually see the proper line laid
out on the track.

Seeing the dry line helped me find the proper line through 12, which I had
been seeking for two days. Once I saw the line emerge, I remembered that 12
is taken by turning in before the apex and then hammering the throttle. You
clip the very late apex running about 80 mph at full throttle and the car
fairly launches itself straight into 13. Whoa! What a rush!

Actually there are two places at Heartland Park where you get a rocketship
launch: the other is at the aforementioned 4, a right turn immediately
after the lefthand carousel. If you take it properly, which means stab the
brakes (remember those brakes!), apply full power before the apex, and clip
the inner curbing at about 80 mph, it launches you straight toward the
corner station at 5 and 100+ mph comes up in a very big hurry.

I turned a 2:17 Sunday running on the mostly dry (damp in places) track on
street tires, only 5 seconds slower than on Kumho race tires in the dry on
Saturday. Having to drive smoothly and precisely in the rain really helps
you learn a track. I am guessing that I have a 2:08-2:10 dry/Kumho time in
me, now that I've run it in the rain.

This was my first time running in the rain, and I loved it. The Mitsubishi
was at home, and it kept getting faster and faster. "C'mon Richie," it
would say to me. "I can go faster than that." And, bigawd, it did. It was
bloody amazing how well that car sticks. AWD is wonderful. Only got it off
in the grass one time, because of cold tires and brain fade on the first
lap of a session -- otherwise, it was a wonder in the wet.

People packed up and took off in droves on Sunday, leaving us with smaller
and smaller run groups. The Quattro Club started combining groups on Sunday
afternoon.

They let me run with the instructors in one session and, to their credit, I
didn't pass a single one. Even though they are driving inferior cars, such
as BMW M3s and Porsches, those dudes are such fantastic drivers I could not
catch them even with my superior car.

We had to pack up and leave mid-afternoon for our 7 hour, 400 mile run back
to Iowa, but I suspect that the true believers were running as many laps as
they wanted late Sunday afternoon.

Although I cursed the organizers for forgetting the pylons, it all worked
out for the best. I learned two very valuable lessons:

1. Learn the track, not the pylons.
2. Running in the rain is a great way to learn a track.

Hope I remember all those landmarks from now until next April.

Once again, I was the only Mitsubishi VR4 at the track. I had hopes that
another Mitsu driver -- Chuck Willis -- would be there, but he got sick on
Thursday.  Someday, I will have the opportunity to run with another VR4 and
compare notes. The chief instructor told me I was "an aggressive driver."
Who me? Nah, it's my car. It keeps urging me to go faster. Wait'll you see
TWO of us on the track!

Rich
94 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Twin Turbo AWD
Springs, lowered, camber kit, Porsche brakes, stock motor

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 10:14:48 -0500
From: "Infernalist" <baali@wwnet.net>
Subject: Team3S: 92 Stealth Body Parts

Greets all!
My name is Ron Zilinsky, and I was lucky enough two weeks ago to purchase a
Stealth RT/TT. Unfortunately I was lucky enough to meet a soccer mom trying
to be mario andretti with a mini-van in a parking lot :( extreme damage to
left front, oil everywhere etc. I will need a new front bumper among other
things, and was wondering, is there anywhere online I can order aftermarket,
high quality parts? I was looking at the Veilside front bumpers, and while
they look nice, I'm not sure they will bolt on the stealth. does anyone know
the answer to this? or where I can get a kit for my car? thanks in advance.

Ron Zilinsky
92 Stealh RT/TT K&N FIPK
More to come (gimme a break, its two weeks old :)
91 Corvette LT1 415 HP and rising


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 08:43:15 -0800
From: Ken Middaugh <Kenneth.Middaugh@gat.com>
Subject: Team3S: Car won't start...Help!

Hi Folks,

My car will no longer start.  Could this be the dreaded dead ECU problem?  If
so, what prices have folks paid and where have you had it repaired?  (I'm
checking the old posts now).

Details.  1991 VR4, 127,000 miles.  Saturday, I was at a stoplight in downtown
San Diego on my way to the inaugural Grand Prix.  When the light turned green, I
noticed my engine quit running.  I coasted to the curb, cranked the engine but
it would not start.  I called AAA club and waited for a tow.  Occasionally, I
tried to restart the car.  Finally, after 2 1/2 hours of waiting for a flatbed
tow truck, the engine started, there was a slight pop at startup.  I warmed up
the engine for a few minutes.  Stopped and restarted the engine just fine.  I
canceled the tow truck and began the 40 mile drive home.  The engine ran
normally for awhile, but after 20 miles, the engine 'shut off' while cruising on
the freeway.  No hesitation or stumbling indicative of a fuel problem, just
instantaneously off like an electrical problem.  It would not start.  I had it
towed home.  I put on the battery charger.  The car still wouldn't start
Saturday night, or Sunday either.

So, what do you email diagnosticians think?

Thanks in advance,
Ken

PS - I did make it to the San Diego Grand Prix on Sunday.  It really is great to
have events like this in one's own county!
- --
If you lived in your car, you'd be home by now.

Ken Middaugh (858) 455-4510
General Atomics
San Diego

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 12:46:10 -0800
From: "noble" <nketo@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Car won't start...Help!

Ken,

If it is the CPU, it might be already too late.
However, you can try to fix it :)

It just so happens that I've ripped out my CPU for the exact same
problems occuring on the DSM's: leaking capacitors.
There are 3 you'd have to contend with on the 3000's circuit board.
Each has an average life roughly 5-7 years.
Over time, the capacitors will eat through your board.

The capacitors you'd need can be found at digikey.com
Ask them for part numbers:

P5570 (47uf 50V, replaces p5275)
p5273 (22uf 50V)
p5231 (100uf 16V)

Shipping and handling is pricey, but these parts are all less than $1.
You'll have to remove the bad capacitors and replace them with these.
If time is an issue, any reputable electronics shop should be able to do
it quickly with these parts.

If it is anything else on the circuit board, you're out of luck,
but I'd try it first since it's cheaper than the $1000+ the dealer wants...

I hope it's not anything major:)

Best,
Noble


- ----- Original Message -----
From: Ken Middaugh <Kenneth.Middaugh@gat.com>
To: Team3S <Team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 8:43 AM
Subject: Team3S: Car won't start...Help!


> Hi Folks,
>
> My car will no longer start.  Could this be the dreaded dead ECU problem?
If
> so, what prices have folks paid and where have you had it repaired?  (I'm
> checking the old posts now).
>
> Details.  1991 VR4, 127,000 miles.  Saturday, I was at a stoplight in
downtown
> San Diego on my way to the inaugural Grand Prix.  When the light turned
green, I
> noticed my engine quit running.  I coasted to the curb, cranked the engine
but
> it would not start.  I called AAA club and waited for a tow.
Occasionally, I
> tried to restart the car.  Finally, after 2 1/2 hours of waiting for a
flatbed
> tow truck, the engine started, there was a slight pop at startup.  I
warmed up
> the engine for a few minutes.  Stopped and restarted the engine just fine.
I
> canceled the tow truck and began the 40 mile drive home.  The engine ran
> normally for awhile, but after 20 miles, the engine 'shut off' while
cruising on
> the freeway.  No hesitation or stumbling indicative of a fuel problem,
just
> instantaneously off like an electrical problem.  It would not start.  I
had it
> towed home.  I put on the battery charger.  The car still wouldn't start
> Saturday night, or Sunday either.
>
> So, what do you email diagnosticians think?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Ken
>
> PS - I did make it to the San Diego Grand Prix on Sunday.  It really is
great to
> have events like this in one's own county!
> --
> If you lived in your car, you'd be home by now.
>
> Ken Middaugh (858) 455-4510
> General Atomics
> San Diego
>
> ***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 18:26:54 +0100
From: Roger Gerl <roger.gerl@bluewin.ch>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Car won't start...Help!

>My car will no longer start.  Could this be the dreaded dead ECU problem?  If
>so, what prices have folks paid and where have you had it repaired?  (I'm
>checking the old posts now).

More a problem in the connections. I'd start with el. contact cleaner
first. When removing teh ECU, open it and check the capacitors if they are
leaking. I'd change them at this time anyways.

>tow truck, the engine started, there was a slight pop at startup.

Pop was due to the excessive fuel in the chamber.

>normally for awhile, but after 20 miles, the engine 'shut off' while
>cruising on
>the freeway.  No hesitation or stumbling indicative of a fuel problem, just
>instantaneously off like an electrical problem.  It would not start.

Problem could also be related to the ignition transistors or the power
module. Check if there is spark when cranking over.

>So, what do you email diagnosticians think?

- - ECU
- - ECU connection
- - Power Module
- - Power Transistors
- - Connections of the above

Not sure, but do you have a Datalogger. If so, put key to ign. position and
try to conntect to the ECU. If the connection fails, the ECU is not
working. If it is it should show you a code.

Good luck
Roger
93'3000GT TT
www.rtec.ch


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:49:17 -0600
From: "john adams" <johnqadamsiii@yahoo.com>
Subject: Team3S: Re: alarm, was 5 speed problems

Hi Cody,

Thanks for the help. I was thinking perhaps my first post to the list ended
up in 'the void' somewhere.
Since you offered, ill list the symptoms more clearly for you or anyone else
with the insight into it.
Of course, the hugest headache is that the key won't turn into lock/release
position. Second, the headlights won't fall down, and third the windows
won't go up/down. And, if it helps any, the locks do work, as do the lights
themselves. For the reason i stated previously i disconnected the batt.
overnight. Each time i reconnect or simply open the door the alarm goes
off - but the only thing happening is that the driving lights
blink on and off, and the alarm remote has no effect whatsover (turning the
key on/off twice stops it). I was rather of the thinking that it could have
been related to water damage of some variety as one possible culprit.
Afterall, there was water in the motor when i bought, which is part of the
reason why i got it for dirt cheap, although now it runs great. I did notice
some peculiar clear plastic electronic box tie wrapped beneath the steering
column which looks like some rust or capacitor debris has coated 1/4 of it
(cant tell what the hell it does). I disconnected this just to see what
happened and nothing. Also there is an on/off toggle switch beneath the dash
on the far left side with a yellow indicator light which does nothing either
apparently. At any rate, all the fuses look good (replaced one ignition
fuse), andhavent tested the relays and what not. I hope this goes very far
in the way of helping to clarify further on this little scenario. Thanks
for any attention to the matter!

regards,
john - 93 stealth es

- -----Original Message-----
From: cody <overclck@flash.net>
To: john adams <johnqadamsiii@yahoo.com>
Date: Sunday, November 05, 2000 11:50 PM
Subject: RE: Team3S: Synchro 5 spd. problems


>To disable the alarm, entirely, you will have to remove it.  It is a hard
>procedure due to where it is located.  Iit on the drivers side of the car,
>near the rear 6x9 speaker under the panel.  Get under that panel, and
>disconnect it.  About the other electrical stuff, i would need you to tell
>me exactly what symptoms, and I think i can help...
>
>-Cody
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
>[mailto:owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st]On Behalf Of john adams
>Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2000 11:26 PM
>To: team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
>Subject: Team3S: Synchro 5 spd. problems
>
>
>I was curious as to whether anyone is aware of what causes this
>apparently common problem in the 5speed trannies, as well as the "plague"
>which tends to hit the output shaft. Certain Alfa Romeos had a similar
issue
>with
>the 1-2 synchro, which it turns out - as a fellow who spoke with a, or the,
>head Alfa
>designer recently told me - the problem arose from the fact that the manual
>called
>for the same weight of transmission oil as the rear-end, which was intended
>to simplify
>matters for the consumer, or perhaps prevent them from using one in the
>wrong place.
>The effect was to cause too much wear over time on the synchros, and to
>prevent the problem i was told the use of a higher than called for
viscosity
>Redline oil would
>cure the syndrome. At any rate, im kind of glad in this respect that i've
>got the auto trans.
>but perhaps there is, if not a solution, a decent reason behind this issue
>for the 5 spd owner.
>
>Incidentally, I was a little hopeful of getting a response to the
electrical
>issues that
>still face me. Namely, the ignition keylock position and release, windows,
>and headlight
>motor not working/alarm causing the lights to flash and otherwise being
>non-responsive. Anyone know how to disable the alarm...? Thanks in advance
>if anyone
>might have a piece of advice or two. I'm actually too broke to buy the
>manual
>for now after purchasing the car.
>
>regards,
>john, 93 stealth es




_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 01:35:06 -0600
From: "john adams" <johnqadamsiii@yahoo.com>
Subject: Team3S: Re: 5 speed problems

Hi Cody,

 Thanks for the help. I was thinking perhaps my first post to the list ended
up in 'the void' somewhere.
Since you offered, ill list the symptoms more clearly for you or anyone else
with the insight into it.
Of course, the hugest headache is that the key won't turn into lock/release
position. Second, the headlights won't fall down, and third the windows
won't go up/down. And, if it helps any, the locks do work, as do the lights
themselves. For the reason i stated previously i disconnected the batt.
overnight. Each time i reconnect or simply open the door the alarm goes
off - but the only thing happening is that the driving lights
blink on and off, and the alarm remote has no effect whatsover (turning the
key on/off twice stops it). I was rather of the thinking that it could have
been related to water damage of some variety as one possibile culprit.
Afterall, there was water in the motor when i bought, which is part of the
reason why i got it for dirt cheap, although now it runs great. I did notice
some peculiar clear plastic electronic box tie wrapped beneath the steering
column which looks like some rust or capacitor debris has coated 1/4 of it
(cant tell what the hell it does). I disconnected this just to see what
happened and nothing. Also there is an on/off toggle switch beneath the dash
on the far left side with a yellow indicator light which does nothing either
apparently. At any rate, all the fuses look good (replaced one ignition
fuse), andhavent tested the relays and what not. I hope this goes very far
in the way of helping to clarrify further on this little scenario. Thanks
for any attention to the matter!

regards,
john - 93 stealth es

- -----Original Message-----
From: cody <overclck@flash.net>
To: john adams <johnqadamsiii@yahoo.com>
Date: Sunday, November 05, 2000 11:50 PM
Subject: RE: Team3S: Synchro 5 spd. problems


>To disable the alarm, entirely, you will have to remove it.  It is a hard
>procedure due to where it is located.  Iit on the drivers side of the car,
>near the rear 6x9 speaker under the panel.  Get under that panel, and
>disconnect it.  About the other electrical stuff, i would need you to tell
>me exactly what symptoms, and I think i can help...
>
>-Cody
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
>[mailto:owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st]On Behalf Of john adams
>Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2000 11:26 PM
>To: team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
>Subject: Team3S: Synchro 5 spd. problems
>
>
>I was curious as to whether anyone is aware of what causes this
>apparently common problem in the 5speed trannies, as well as the "plague"
>which tends to hit the output shaft. Certain Alfa Romeos had a similar
issue
>with
>the 1-2 synchro, which it turns out - as a fellow who spoke with a, or the,
>head Alfa
>designer recently told me - the problem arose from the fact that the manual
>called
>for the same weight of transmission oil as the rear-end, which was intended
>to simplify
>matters for the consumer, or perhaps prevent them from using one in the
>wrong place.
>The effect was to cause too much wear over time on the synchros, and to
>prevent the problem i was told the use of a higher than called for
viscosity
>Redline oil would
>cure the syndrome. At any rate, im kind of glad in this respect that i've
>got the auto trans.
>but perhaps there is, if not a solution, a decent reason behind this issue
>for the 5 spd owner.
>
>Incidentally, I was a little hopeful of getting a response to the
electrical
>issues that
>still face me. Namely, the ignition keylock position and release, windows,
>and headlight
>motor not working/alarm causing the lights to flash and otherwise being
>non-responsive. Anyone know how to disable the alarm...? Thanks in advance
>if anyone
>might have a piece of advice or two. I'm actually too broke to buy the
>manual
>for now after purchasing the car.
>
>regards,
>john, 93 stealth es



_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 12:03:33 -0600
From: "Jannusch, Matt" <mjannusch@marketwatch.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Re: alarm, was 5 speed problems

> Of course, the hugest headache is that the key
> won't turn into lock/release position.

In the doors, or in the ignition switch?  Squirt some WD-40 in there and see
if it loosens it up.  If it is hosed already, you can't really break it much
more.

> Second, the headlights won't fall down, and third
> the windows won't go up/down. And, if it helps
> any, the locks do work, as do the lights
> themselves.

If the car was sunk in water, like it sounds it was, then it isn't beyond
reason that the motors for the headlights are toast.

> For the reason i stated previously i disconnected
> the batt. overnight. Each time i reconnect or
> simply open the door the alarm goes off - but the
> only thing happening is that the driving lights
> blink on and off, and the alarm remote has no effect
> whatsover (turning the key on/off twice stops it).
> I was rather of the thinking that it could have
> been related to water damage of some variety as
> one possible culprit.

Most likely water damage to the alarm.  Is this an aftermarket alarm system
or a factory one?  Sounds like aftermarket.  Tear the damn thing out and
forget about it.

> Also there is an on/off toggle switch beneath the
> dash on the far left side with a yellow indicator
> light which does nothing either apparently.

Sounds like an aftermarket alarm valet switch.

> At any rate, all the fuses look good (replaced
> one ignition fuse), andhavent tested the relays
> and what not. I hope this goes very far in the
> way of helping to clarify further on this little
> scenario. Thanks for any attention to the matter!

Test the relays for the affected systems.  If water finds its way into a
relay it doesn't take long to corrode the contacts and make the relay
useless.  If you don't have a service manual, get one.  In a water-soaked
car you are going to need it even more than the rest of us.

Hope you didn't pay much more than $1000 for this car...  There are so many
electrical systems in these cars that you are going to likely have
electrical trouble with it until the day it goes to the scrapyard.

- -Matt
'95 3000GT Spyder VR4

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 10:11:49 -0800
From: "Jim Berry" <fastmax@home.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Car won't start...Help!

Ken

I had an oddball hard start/idle problem,cold start only, it was intermittent,maybe
once or twice a month, worse when colder weather [Southern California cool].
The car wouldn't idle, it would start, run rough for a few seconds and then shut
off, I could hear the MFI relay click at the same time it died --- no engine code
was stored. The only way I could get it going was to nurse the RPM above
2000 RPM and hold it there until the engine warmed up. It finally started to have
the same problem consistently ---- finally time to fix it. I checked the Idle speed
stepper motor and it checked OK but I pulled it and cleaned it anyway --- no
change. I checked the throttle position sensor and found the throttle closed
switch showed 20 ohms not 0 as in a closed switch, HMMMMM ---- dealer said
$165 for the part, ouch, I decided to live with the problem for awhile.
In the meantime I decided to install the AVC-R and while doing so I thought
I'd look at the three electrolytic capacitors on the ECU that have a tendency to
leak and cause problems, lo and behold the 47 microfarad cap by the connectors
hade the good old rotten fish smell and a bunch of corrosion had built up around
one of the power transistors adjacent to it. I removed all three caps, cleaned the
board of corrosion, replaced the caps and as a result seemed to have cured my
start problem [ this was only about 2 weeks ago]. The throttle position switch
still shows a problem but the start/idle  problem has disappeared.
There's a thread in the team3s list on the capacitors and how to change them.

        Jim Berry
=========================================================


- ----- Original Message -----
From: Ken Middaugh <Kenneth.Middaugh@gat.com>
To: Team3S <Team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>

> Hi Folks,
>
> My car will no longer start.  Could this be the dreaded dead ECU problem?  If
> so, what prices have folks paid and where have you had it repaired?  (I'm
> checking the old posts now).
>
> Details.  1991 VR4, 127,000 miles.  Saturday, I was at a stoplight in downtown
> San Diego on my way to the inaugural Grand Prix.  When the light turned green, I
> noticed my engine quit running.  I coasted to the curb, cranked the engine but
> it would not start.  I called AAA club and waited for a tow.  Occasionally, I
> tried to restart the car.  Finally, after 2 1/2 hours of waiting for a flatbed
> tow truck, the engine started, there was a slight pop at startup.  I warmed up
> the engine for a few minutes.  Stopped and restarted the engine just fine.  I
> canceled the tow truck and began the 40 mile drive home.  The engine ran
> normally for awhile, but after 20 miles, the engine 'shut off' while cruising on
> the freeway.  No hesitation or stumbling indicative of a fuel problem, just
> instantaneously off like an electrical problem.  It would not start.  I had it
> towed home.  I put on the battery charger.  The car still wouldn't start
> Saturday night, or Sunday either.
>
> So, what do you email diagnosticians think?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Ken
>
> PS - I did make it to the San Diego Grand Prix on Sunday.  It really is great to
> have events like this in one's own county!
> --
> If you lived in your car, you'd be home by now.
>
> Ken Middaugh (858) 455-4510
> General Atomics
> San Diego
>
> ***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
>


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 10:46:32 -0800
From: Ken Middaugh <Kenneth.Middaugh@gat.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Car won't start...Help!

Thanks Noble, Roger, & Jim for the great advice.  Also to Vineet for his 'Burned
ECU' post from last June.

I'll swap my ECU with a buddie's tonight to determine if this is definitely the
culprit.  Then we'll look at the parts of both boards to check the condition of
the capacitors, the chips, and the general condition of the traces.

Depending on what we find, I'll decide to try to repair myself, or send in to
one of the ECU repair places.  Foreign Auto Computer Repair had the best
warranty and best price -- $225 repair with 18 month warranty.  FYI, a new ECU
lists for over $900, and Norco Mitsu discounts to $774.

I'll update you tomorrow.  Thanks again,
Ken
- --
If you lived in your car, you'd be home by now.

Ken Middaugh (858) 455-4510
General Atomics
San Diego

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 13:55:43 -0600
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Team3S: High Tech Brake Scoops

Photos are just in from Heartland Park, featuring my high technology brake
scoops.

I want you folks to know that I looked far and wide to find these scoops. I
went through the plumbing and gutter sections of Menard's and Payless
Cashways, searched through the parts bins of appliance and electronics
stores, and perused countless catalogs before finally coming across some
space-age plastics that seem to work. If you would like to see the very
latest in ultra high technology brake scoops, just go to:

www.bazillionbooks.com
scroll down to the end of the book listings, to where it says Racing Photos
Click on Heartland Park, November 4-5, 2000

These are unmodified digital pix, so the pix section is 1 MB.
If any kind person would like to capture these pix, convert them to
something of more reasonable size, and send them back, I would appreciate
it very much.
Thanks to Jeff Lacina (slow ol' farmer dude), who took the photos.

Rich
94 Mitsubishi 3000GT V4

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 16:28:32 -0600
From: "Trevor L. James" <trevor@kscable.com>
Subject: Team3S: Turbo guys have got to see this!!!

http://www.autospeed.com/A_0527/P_1/article.html
It's a electronics package that figures out when to trigger an intercooler
water spraying system. It uses injector duty cycle compared to actual
intercooler temp vs. ambient temp. ULTRA SWEET! The bare bones one runs $47.68
or so even after shipping to the states from Australia. Damn, that things cool!

Trevor
96 Stealth R/T TT
12.65@107.9-Stock turbos & fueling on 91 octane
Lotsa new mods but it's in the shop getting new forged pistons...
92 GMC Typhoon
13.96@96.4


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 14:34:19 -0800
From: "Jim Berry" <fastmax@home.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Car won't start...Help!

If it is just the capacitors almost any electronics shop should be able to replace
them for $50 or less ---- it should take about half an hour.
Hell drive it up to Mission Viejo [ a bit north of San Juan Capistrano] and I'll
fix it for you.

            Jim Berry
=====================================================


- ----- Original Message -----
From: Ken Middaugh <Kenneth.Middaugh@gat.com>
Cc: Team3S <Team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 10:46 AM
Subject: Re: Team3S: Car won't start...Help!


> Thanks Noble, Roger, & Jim for the great advice.  Also to Vineet for his 'Burned
> ECU' post from last June.
>
> I'll swap my ECU with a buddie's tonight to determine if this is definitely the
> culprit.  Then we'll look at the parts of both boards to check the condition of
> the capacitors, the chips, and the general condition of the traces.
>
> Depending on what we find, I'll decide to try to repair myself, or send in to
> one of the ECU repair places.  Foreign Auto Computer Repair had the best
> warranty and best price -- $225 repair with 18 month warranty.  FYI, a new ECU
> lists for over $900, and Norco Mitsu discounts to $774.
>
> I'll update you tomorrow.  Thanks again,
> Ken
> --
> If you lived in your car, you'd be home by now.
>
> Ken Middaugh (858) 455-4510
> General Atomics
> San Diego
>
> ***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 18:48:18 -0600
From: "Dale T. Kroetz" <kroetz@mvn.net>
Subject: Team3S: Interior lighting

Hello all,
    I've asked this question before with mixed replies. Does anyone with
a first gen. 3KGT know for sure if the passenger side door switches are
supposed to be lighted? I have some kind of  grounding problem with my
glove box light and wondered if  it affects the door switches also?
Thanks in advance.

- --



Dale T. Kroetz
kroetz@mvn.net



***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 19:57:26 EST
From: Sportsmobile101@aol.com
Subject: Re: Team3S: Interior lighting

The switches on mine are lighted, so i guess yours should be too. What  do
you have? Perhaps the base model doesn't.  good luck.
                    Chris.

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 16:59:57 -0800
From: "Jim Berry" <fastmax@home.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Interior lighting

No !!!  the passenger door switches are not lit --- a few folks have added
led's to replicate the drivers side switches.

        Jim berry
=================================================

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Dale T. Kroetz <kroetz@mvn.net>
To: 3000GT List <Team3S@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 4:48 PM
Subject: Team3S: Interior lighting


> Hello all,
>     I've asked this question before with mixed replies. Does anyone with
> a first gen. 3KGT know for sure if the passenger side door switches are
> supposed to be lighted? I have some kind of  grounding problem with my
> glove box light and wondered if  it affects the door switches also?
> Thanks in advance.
>
> --
>
>
>
> Dale T. Kroetz
> kroetz@mvn.net
>
>
>
> ***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 20:22:29 -0500
From: "Trent" <bdtrent@netzero.net>
Subject: Team3S: Eiback Spring Rates

For those interested, I was informed by Eibach tech service that the one and
only spring kit offered for our cars uses progressive wound springs with an
initial rate of 228 lbs. to a final rate of 428 lbs. for the front with an
initial rate of 154 lbs. and a final rate of 228 lbs. for the rear.  This is
the 1.3in. drop Pro-Kit that most of the vendors offer. (part# 2811.140).
With the help of Curt Gendrons magic coupon numbers I ordered these with the
Goodrich break line kit for $425.00 from CarParts.

Regards,
DaveT/92TT
Track Time Freshman

_______________________________________________
Why pay for something you could get for free?
NetZero provides FREE Internet Access and Email
http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 19:24:52 -0600
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Team3S: High Tech Brake Scoops

If anybody out there got tired of waiting for the 1MB file with pix of my
high-tech brake scoops to download, try again.
Thanks to a couple of friends who know how to manipulate photo files, I now
have much smaller file size pix out there, so the site should load much
faster.

To see the scoops, go to:
www.bazillionbooks.com
scroll down through the book listings to Racing Photos
Click on Heartland Park, November 2000

Rich/94 Mitsubishi

***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 19:55:53 -0600
From: "john adams" <johnqadamsiii@yahoo.com>
Subject: Team3S: Re: alarm, was 5 speed problems

Greetings Matt,

>> Of course, the hugest headache is that the key
>> won't turn into lock/release position.
>
>In the doors, or in the ignition switch?  Squirt some WD-40 in there and
see
>if it loosens it up.  If it is hosed already, you can't really break it
much
>more.
>

No, actually it is the ignition lock and release position that is the
problem.
I assume it has to do with a park position relay or something (since it has
to
be in park to release). Or, it could be the brake switch or relay, since the
brakes must be
engaged to move in and out of park - yet it freely does so.
By the way, i wouldnt at all recommend using wd40 in locks - it makes
things worse in the long run for the interior of the lock. Graphite is the
usual recourse for the situation.


>> Second, the headlights won't fall down, and third
>> the windows won't go up/down. And, if it helps
>> any, the locks do work, as do the lights
>> themselves.
>
>If the car was sunk in water, like it sounds it was, then it isn't beyond
>reason that the motors for the headlights are toast.


It's highly possible. But, the car wasn't necessarily 'sunk' in water I dont
think. I envision it possible the nose went down into a watery ditch or an
area something similar to that. Though there is no real definitive evidence
for even that.


>> For the reason i stated previously i disconnected
>> the batt. overnight. Each time i reconnect or
>> simply open the door the alarm goes off - but the
>> only thing happening is that the driving lights
>> blink on and off, and the alarm remote has no effect
>> whatsover (turning the key on/off twice stops it).
>> I was rather of the thinking that it could have
>> been related to water damage of some variety as
>> one possible culprit.
>
>Most likely water damage to the alarm.  Is this an aftermarket alarm system
>or a factory one?  Sounds like aftermarket.  Tear the damn thing out and
>forget about it.


Its a viper alarm. Ive already torn out the volume control, but havent
located where the rest of the gizmo has setup its occupancy.

>> Also there is an on/off toggle switch beneath the
>> dash on the far left side with a yellow indicator
>> light which does nothing either apparently.
>
>Sounds like an aftermarket alarm valet switch.


Yes, it turns out that it was that.

>> At any rate, all the fuses look good (replaced
>> one ignition fuse), andhavent tested the relays
>> and what not. I hope this goes very far in the
>> way of helping to clarify further on this little
>> scenario. Thanks for any attention to the matter!
>
>Test the relays for the affected systems.  If water finds its way into a
>relay it doesn't take long to corrode the contacts and make the relay
>useless.  If you don't have a service manual, get one.  In a water-soaked
>car you are going to need it even more than the rest of us.


I suppose you are right here. And what's the best way to test these relays,
open the circuit
without them in place?

>Hope you didn't pay much more than $1000 for this car...  There are so many
>electrical systems in these cars that you are going to likely have
>electrical trouble with it until the day it goes to the scrapyard.


Really, i wouldnt see it possible to find a car in this shape for under the
low price I
already paid of $2500, not to mention $1,000 or less. Everything is great
except for the windows, headlights, and whatever is behind the ignition
release that went awry. Even in the worst of cases that i have to replace
the headlight and window motors and perhaps something else as costly or
more, i think the junkyard will prove one true saving grace atleast, and as
for anything else, i am prepared to confront it too. But I understand -
these electrical systems are no joyride in the park, as say compared to my
70 mustang.

thanks,
john





_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 19:40:09 -0600
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Eiback Spring Rates

At 08:22 PM 11/6/00 -0500, Trent wrote:
>For those interested, I was informed by Eibach tech service that the one and
>only spring kit offered for our cars uses progressive wound springs with an
>initial rate of 228 lbs. to a final rate of 428 lbs. for the front with an
>initial rate of 154 lbs. and a final rate of 228 lbs. for the rear. 

Gee. How did I get 550 fronts and 315 rears, then?

Rich



***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 19:19:46 -0700
From: "Barry E. King" <beking@home.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Eiback Spring Rates

Eibach makes a whole pile of springs for various people to various
specifications.  Whether a given spring is designated for a VR4 or not may
not be known by Eibach, and in fact likely is not.  I have no doubt that the
only "Eibach" spring is as stated.  This is the commodity spring available
from Eibach off-the-shelf.

The Ground Control kits use Eibach springs and come in any rate desired.
You specify the spring rate at order placement and get what you want, just
maybe not *when* you want it depending upon the production run Eibach is
doing at the time, GC stock and the phases of Jupiter's moons.

I've got the same GC setup as Rich complete with Eibach springs 'cept I
think mine are a bit lighter on the ass end and come in spec'ed at 300 lbs.


Barry

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
> [mailto:owner-team3s@stealth-3000gt.st]On Behalf Of Merritt
> Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 6:40 PM
> To: Trent; Team 3S
> Subject: Re: Team3S: Eiback Spring Rates
>
>
> At 08:22 PM 11/6/00 -0500, Trent wrote:
> >For those interested, I was informed by Eibach tech service that
> the one and
> >only spring kit offered for our cars uses progressive wound
> springs with an
> >initial rate of 228 lbs. to a final rate of 428 lbs. for the
> front with an
> >initial rate of 154 lbs. and a final rate of 228 lbs. for the rear.
>
> Gee. How did I get 550 fronts and 315 rears, then?
>
> Rich
>
>
>
> ***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
>


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 18:26:42 -0800
From: "Jim Berry" <fastmax@home.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Eiback Spring Rates

Probably because yours aren't  progressively wound.

        Jim Berry
===============================================



- ----- Original Message -----
From: Merritt <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>

> At 08:22 PM 11/6/00 -0500, Trent wrote:
> >For those interested, I was informed by Eibach tech service that the one and
> >only spring kit offered for our cars uses progressive wound springs with an
> >initial rate of 228 lbs. to a final rate of 428 lbs. for the front with an
> >initial rate of 154 lbs. and a final rate of 228 lbs. for the rear. 
>
> Gee. How did I get 550 fronts and 315 rears, then?
>
> Rich



***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2000 09:23:29 CST
From: "Curt Gendron" <curt_gendron@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Eiback Spring Rates

Hey Dave,

I'm glad the coupon helped.  As mentioned in other posts, the ground control
set up has many different spring rates for the Eibach springs included.  But
your information about the Eibach kit that is sold for our cars is helpful.

If anyone else is looking for 33% off there next CarParts purchase.  Go to:
http://www.mn3s.org/car-parts.html

later,
Curt
http://www.mn3s.org


>From: "Trent" <bdtrent@netzero.net>
>To: "Team 3S" <team3s@stealth-3000gt.st>
>Subject: Team3S: Eiback Spring Rates
>Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 20:22:29 -0500
>
>For those interested, I was informed by Eibach tech service that the one
>and
>only spring kit offered for our cars uses progressive wound springs with an
>initial rate of 228 lbs. to a final rate of 428 lbs. for the front with an
>initial rate of 154 lbs. and a final rate of 228 lbs. for the rear.  This
>is
>the 1.3in. drop Pro-Kit that most of the vendors offer. (part# 2811.140).
>With the help of Curt Gendrons magic coupon numbers I ordered these with
>the
>Goodrich break line kit for $425.00 from CarParts.
>
>Regards,
>DaveT/92TT
>Track Time Freshman

_________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at
http://profiles.msn.com.


***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***

------------------------------

End of team3s V1 #317
*********************