Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth  Tuesday, November 27 2001  Volume 01 : Number 685




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Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001 20:08:59 -0600
From: David Allison <daedel@mac.com>
Subject: Team3S: Oil Burning Probs

> Yes, its me... again... I have a 94 3000gt which I think is burning
> oil. For the first week of driving it after buying it from the guy I
> would belch the blue smog of death whenever at low speeds or idling
> (accelerator pushed down slightly or whatever). This last weekend I
> drove about 70 miles on I-49 to a State Park to camp. It was hilly in
> the camp and I was forced to travel at low speeds which gave me a lot
> of blue smoke. Since driving back Sunday night most if not all of the
> smoke has dissapeared. I added a quart of Mobil 1 10W30 synthetic to
> top the oil off which I think looked low on the dip stick. (I'm
> confused on this point because all there is on the dip stick is two
> indentations and the wiggly part above them: someone please clarify for
> me!) Still no smoke problems. I get home from driving 150 miles or so
> today (Baton Rouge-Lafayette and back, twice), and just to see if I can
> get any smoke I rev the engine up to 7000 RPM which gives me some
> smoke, but not nearly as much. The oil seems low again however, When I
> filled up with the synthetic it was at almost 3/4s (upward) between the
> two indentations but now its just below half way between them, but it
> could be my mistake on that part. I got on the phone with a Mitsu
> mechanic and he said it was probably bad valve seals. Some people over
> here in Lafayette at Hi-Tech Motorsports seem to think bad rings
> maybe (???). The mitsu guy quoted me about 800-900 total to do the
> valves which seems a little excessive. I do not want to pay the money
> but I'm still pretty sure it may be burning a little bit of oil. I will
> check the PCV valve just in case but I really doubt that is the root of
> my problems. Remember when considering all of this, it smoked for about
> a week and all of a sudden seemed to quit, about 2 days ago (after the
> first rain its been in since I had it). Thanks in advance for putting
> up with all of my crap.
>
> P.S. The oil pressure gauge still reads in between the two marks  above
> about 2/3rds.
>
> -David

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

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Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001 18:29:35 -0800 (PST)
From: Jeff Lucius <stealthman92@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Engine stuttering/Tach Jumping

The most common reason for the ECM "going bad" is leaking capacitors.
John Monnin (see 3SI board) was (and may still be) selling the 3
capacitors we need at $5.00 shipped. Any competant electronics shop
can do the repair if you do not trust yourself with a soldering iron.
If you just want to send the ECM somewhere (for testing and repair),
contact one of six ECM repair shops I list in the "Specialty" section
of the HUGE Links Page at my web site. Dealers will want to charge
you ~$1000 for a new one.

Instructions for DSM ECM capacitor replacement (similar to ours):
http://www.tmo.com/howto/ecu1g/caps.htm

ECM removal:
http://www.geocities.com/lutransys/jlucius5/j5-2-ecmremoval.htm

Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

- --- ThorHolth@aol.com wrote:
> Okay, further investigation/reading on the internet suggests that I
> might have a bad ECU. if that's the case, where can I get mine
> repaired without giving up my firstborn?
>
> -Thor

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

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Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001 23:27:43 -0600
From: "Todd D.Shelton" <tds@brightok.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Traction Control

- -----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Lucius <stealthman92@yahoo.com>
To: team3s@stealth-3000gt.st <team3s@stealth-3000gt.st>
Date: Monday, November 26, 2001 9:43 AM
Subject: Re: Team3S: Traction Control


>What type of car do you have? This list is for 3000GT/Stealth cars,
>none of which have "traction control" in any electronic sense. All
>the factory turbocharged models have all-wheel drive, which is
>full-time and automatic in a mechanical sense. Some for-Japan
>non-turbo models have AWD also. Just look for a differential between
>the rear two wheels (the transfer case and propeller shaft give it
>away also).
>>Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com
>: RE:Traction Control
>
>How can I check to see if my car has traction control?
>
>Thanks,
- -----------

It's not nearly as cut and dry as that ....

Our four-wheel-drive system consists of a center
differential with a limited-slip viscous coupling.

The rear differential also uses a viscous coupling.

If slip occurs, torque is sent to the tires with greater traction.

- - tds

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 15:31:51 +0700
From: "CV. Duta Karya Teknik" <dutakt@sby.centrin.net.id>
Subject: Team3S: BLUE SMOKE

Hi Guys,

When I accelerate hardly I see a light blue smoke comes out from tail pipe,
but whenever it idles blue smoke never comes out.
Should it come out because valve guide seal damage or broken piston rings,
please advise.
For your info that blue smoke will come out whenever I push acceleration
pedal hardly.
How to remove and replace valve guide, does it easier job or difficult job
and what special tool that I must have it.
Should I take out camshaft sensor carefully and what should I must know or
remember about this sensor so that whenever I reinstall it the sensor seats
at correctly place and will never have a problem.
Your kindly assistant will be highly appreciated

Regards,
Harry

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 07:47:14 -0500
From: AMastrangelo@giwindustries.com
Subject: Team3S: RE:Tapping Noise

Hey All,

    When I start my car up in the morning the temperature is about 60
degrees or lower. It just started making a tapping noise loud, but when the
car warms up, it goes away.The car has 153,000 miles on it, and no major
problems that I know of. I recently changed the oil and put in castrol
synthetic blend 10w30. Would it help if I put a thicker oil in it?

Thanks,

Anthony
1992 GT/SL

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 06:27:08 -0800 (PST)
From: Jeff Lucius <stealthman92@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Spark Plugs Question?

Many of us also use copper plugs without problems. I only put
3000-6000 miles/year on my '92 TT so don't really care about 60,000
mile plug change intervals. I use NGK BCPR6ES-11 copper spark plugs
at 0.030" gap (~$1.60 each plug at Checker Auto). As Todd Shelton and
others have suggested, I plan to go to one range colder next spring
(BCPR7ES-11).

The -11 indicates the plug gap. 1.1 mm in this case, which is also
the stock gap. To save yourself the trouble of gapping the plugs, try
to find -8 plugs -- 8 mm or 0.315" gap (25.4 mm/inch).

With the stock turbos (highest boost occurs at lower RPM) you may be
able to get away with the stock gap. If you have some blowout at
higher boost, then try 0.34" gap. If you still get blowout, try
0.28-0.31" gap. I haven't heard members recommend gaps smaller than
0.28".

Plug changing instructions:
http://www.geocities.com/lutransys/nlucius/n-2-sparkchange.htm

Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

- ----- Original Message -----
From: <NETM1NDER@aol.com>
To: <stealth@starnet.net>; <team3s@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2001 5:43 PM
Subject: Team3S: Spark Plugs Question?

I need to change my spark plugs, I was told that the factory plugs
were still the best to use, I have the greddy profec B boost control
set at 14Ib & K&N filter 3" exhaust front to back, What should I gap
the plugs to 29mm 0r 32mm ? Thanks in advance.

    Chris  95VR4

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 06:49:24 -0800 (PST)
From: Jeff Lucius <stealthman92@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Traction Control

Actually is it that "cut and dry". Our cars do not have traction
control, as the industry defines it. Period. Traction control is
electronic technology that controls the throttle cable and brakes to
limit slipping of the wheels. Our system of limiting wheel slip is
entirely mechanical (even the VCU).

For those that care to read and look at my Illustrated Guide to the
3S AWD system, they will find an elaborate explanation of our viscous
coupling center differential operation plus many pictures and
diagrams of all parts involved in our drivetrain, including the
limited slip rear diff, open front diff, 5-spd trany internals,
synchros, etc.

An article by Edmunds on tractions control:
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/46352/article.html

Great search engine:
http://www.google.com/

Jeff Lucius, www.stealth316.com

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Todd D.Shelton" <tds@brightok.net>
To: <team3s@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2001 10:27 PM
Subject: Re: Team3S: Traction Control

<snip>

It's not nearly as cut and dry as that ....

Our four-wheel-drive system consists of a center
differential with a limited-slip viscous coupling.

The rear differential also uses a viscous coupling.

If slip occurs, torque is sent to the tires with greater traction.

- - tds

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

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Date: 27 Nov 2001 08:22:37 -0800
From: John Monnin <jkmonnin@altavista.com>
Subject: Team3S: I can get copies of recalls for free till end of year

If anyone wants a copy of a NHTSA recall, I can get free copies until the end of the Year.  The company I work for subscribes to a very expensive research service that is being cancelled at the end of this year(anyone else use NERAC?).  Until then If you post a recall number I should be able to get a full copy from them.

Thanks for all of the information on helmets. I accidentally CC'ed the Team3S list and was surprised no-one gave me a hard time about not searching archives first.  I only want a helmet for autocrossing and maybe a few runs at the local 1/4 mile track.  I will get something nice even though the odds are greater of me being hit by a car while working the course than when I am competing.

P.S.  I finally discovered why I double post occasionally.   If I am writing an email and accidentaly hit the back key on my browser(extra button on mouse) I loose email draft.  If I then start over I just noticed the old email address is automatically inserted into the new mail message.   Altavista web based e-mail is pretty sad.  The only reason I keep using it is because it is so unpopular I never get spam email.

John Monnin
jkmonnin@altavista.com
1991 VR-4 with 4-bolt main conversion
See all my mods at:   http://hometown.aol.com/johnmonnin/index.html

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 12:53:43 -0600
From: "Philip V. Glazatov" <gphilip@umich.edu>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Traction Control

>Having owned vehicles that use both methods, I
>much prefer our limited slip versus traction
>control.

You do not have to chose one over the other. They are different animals and
could be used together and compliment each other very nicely. F1 uses both.

The theory behind Traction Control is the same theory that is behind ABS,
which is you can get maximum possible traction ONLY if you allow a small
and measured slippage between the tires and the road. Too much is bad and
too little is bad.

Let me try some ASCII art here to explain the relationship between wheel
slippage and traction:

Traction
Force (N)

^
|
|       /^^^^-----
|     /             ----------
|    /                         ------------
|   /
|  /
| /
|/________|____________________________  > Wheel Slippage (%)
           X

You want to keep slippage at the "X" because this is where you have your
maximum traction. This is what all drag racers know and try to do during
every launch. Limited slip and AWD is not enough, you also need to control
traction (slippage).

Actually the better term would be a Slippage Control, but it just would not
sell well at car dealerships, LOL!

>Why punish someone for not being as exact
>in technical terminolgy as you would like?
>I would imagine he will think twice before
>asking a question he doesn't already know
>the answer to again.

Oh, c'mon, nobody was punishing anyone. As a reader of this list I would
rather read straight answers to technical questions. That was a good
refresher for those who know this stuff and a good info for those who are
learning.

Philip


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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 09:35:01 EST
From: ThorHolth@aol.com
Subject: Team3S: Engine stuttering/Tach Jumping

Hey all,

thanks for the helpful advice, I guess I must be suffering from the "leaky
capacitor" problem.  I'll be pulling the ECU tonight, and assaulting it with
my trusty soldering iron.

- -thor

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

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Date: Mon, 1 Jan 1996 03:13:49 -0800
From: "Jim Berry" <fastmax@home.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Engine stuttering/Tach Jumping

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Make sure that the caps are bad before you start pulling. If you did
a search of the archives you'll know what to look for ---- they will have
electrolyte leaking from the capicitors and they will have a fishy smell.
The electrolyte may not be visible --- it was, in the case of my ECU, but
the fish smell is there if they are leaking. You should also have a good
solder puller --- Radio Shack should have a suction type that is cheap.
Use a quality soldering iron --- the gun type usually get too hot. Too
much heat can cause the pads to lift from the PC board.

It's not difficult but take your time ---

        Jim Berry
===================================================
- ----- Original Message -----
From: <ThorHolth@aol.com>
To: <team3s@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 6:35 AM
Subject: Team3S: Engine stuttering/Tach Jumping


> Hey all,
>
> thanks for the helpful advice, I guess I must be suffering from the "leaky
> capacitor" problem.  I'll be pulling the ECU tonight, and assaulting it with
> my trusty soldering iron.
>
> -thor

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 14:35:08 -0600
From: "Jannusch, Matt" <mjannusch@marketwatch.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Engine stuttering/Tach Jumping

> If it ain't broke don't fix it.

On a 10 year old Mitsu-designed car with their ECU, if it ain't broke then
its almost broke and you might as well replace them as preventative
maintenance.

Even if they don't smell fishy they should really be replaced.  It one of
the few things that we as owners can do to the ECU to try to fix it so you
might as well try it if you are competent with a soldering iron.

- -Matt
'95 3000GT Spyder VR4

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 14:17:34 -0700
From: "Floyd, Jim" <Jim_Floyd@maxtor.com>
Subject: Team3S: ECU capacitor replacement

What watt iron do you suggest ?

- -----Original Message-----
From: Jim Berry [mailto:fastmax@home.com]
Sent: Monday, January 01, 1996 4:14 AM
To: ThorHolth@aol.com; team3s@stealth-3000gt.st
Subject: Re: Team3S: Engine stuttering/Tach Jumping


If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Make sure that the caps are bad before you start pulling. If you did
a search of the archives you'll know what to look for ---- they will have
electrolyte leaking from the capicitors and they will have a fishy smell.
The electrolyte may not be visible --- it was, in the case of my ECU, but
the fish smell is there if they are leaking. You should also have a good
solder puller --- Radio Shack should have a suction type that is cheap.
Use a quality soldering iron --- the gun type usually get too hot. Too
much heat can cause the pads to lift from the PC board.

It's not difficult but take your time ---

        Jim Berry
===================================================
- ----- Original Message -----
From: <ThorHolth@aol.com>
To: <team3s@stealth-3000gt.st>
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 6:35 AM
Subject: Team3S: Engine stuttering/Tach Jumping

> Hey all,
>
> thanks for the helpful advice, I guess I must be suffering from the "leaky

> capacitor" problem.  I'll be pulling the ECU tonight, and assaulting it
with
> my trusty soldering iron.
>
> -thor

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 19:50:39 EST
From: NETM1NDER@aol.com
Subject: Re: Team3S: RE:Tapping Noise

It sounds like your EGR solenoid. This is normal when it gets old.

Chris  95VR4

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

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Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 22:19:08 -0500
From: "Bill vP" <billvp@highstream.net>
Subject: Team3S: 1/4 mile ET question (math question?)

I have a question about differences in ET and how far back that you think
someone would be with a slower ET.  I know that every run would be a little
different, but is the following scenario valid?

Let's say that both car 1 and car 2 have the same reaction time, and both
accelerate normally.
Car 1 is the faster car and finishes in 13.0 seconds
Car 2 finishes in 13.5 seconds and traps at ~100 mph

Now the question is, how far behind car 1 is car 2 when it goes thru the
traps, i.e. finishes ?

Trap speed for the quicker car would seem to be irrelevant.
Now by my reasoning, since car 1 finishes 0.5 seconds faster, then you can
use that 0.5 seconds as a time difference.  Then you see how far car 2
travels at ~100 mph (the trap) in 0.5 seconds

Now 100 mph is about equal to 147 ft per second, so car 2 would have
traveled about 74 ft in the last 0.5 seconds, and this is the difference
between the two cars (in length).  So for every 0.1 seconds back in ET (+\-
rt if necessary) a 100 mph trapping car would be about 15 ft behind, which
is about 1 car length for every 0.1 seconds back for a 100 mph trapping car.

Is there some fatal flaw in this reasoning?


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

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End of Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth V1 #685
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