Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth  Wednesday, October 30 2002  Volume 01 : Number 985
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 04:10:00 +0000
From: "Joshua Keena" <teamkeena@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Unusually High Knock Sums - What'...
 
Carbon build up in the combustion chamber does cause pre-ignition, or knock,
but not from increased pressures.  As pressure rises in the combustion
chamber, these small carbon particles glow from the intense heat and
pressure.  The carbon build up acts as a virtual glow-plug, which leads to
knocking or pre-ignition.
As engines wear, compression usually decreases in the combustion chamber as
tolerances expand from material loss ("blow-by").
Josh Keena
 
===================================================
An additional thing to check ---- with that many miles on the car you should
do a compression check. It's possible there has been a lot of carbon buildup
which increases compression and thus increases the propensity for
detonation.
 
       Jim Berry
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 22:17:50 -0800
From: "Riyan Mynuddin" <riyan@hotpop.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: 106,295 oil change = expensive [kinda long]
 
Jim-
 
So you took off the covers and checked the timing? How far out of time, and which cam(s) slipped?
 
The process of installing the auto tensioner is this. The timing belt must be tensioned manually  to 7.2ft lbs against the auto tensioner spring. Then, simultaneously, the center bolt on the  tensioner pulley must be torqued to 42 ft.lbs. When the center bolt is being torqued, the  tensioner MUST NOT move. If the pin does not go back into the tensioner after the engine is turned  a few times (manually) then at least the rod protrusion should be within spec before the timing  covers are replaced etc... Afterwards, during reassembly, the engine must not be turned backwards.  If it is turned backwards, the precautions taken in adjusting the tensioner perfectly are next to  useless. I am doing my reassembly right now, and I always end up turning the damn engine backwards  when I replace and remove the crankshaft pulley (which will need to be done many times). Every  time I turn the engine backwards, the rod protrusion goes out of spec!! So if this process is not  done properly, the cams can and will most likely slip. This is why I've spent DAYS on this. I keep  looking at that stupid rod and keep needing to put that tensioner in a vise again...ugh. Worst  part--I live in an apartment complex. Convenient huh? Just imagine a dealer trying to do this  right. Okay I'm done.
 
Getting back to the point, my front bank exhaust cam slipped slightly (3 teeth). This is either  because the last 60K was not done properly, or because the water pump leaking coolant all over the  belt made things a little...unhappy?
 
Now after this point, I will have trouble explaining things to you, but I will try. Perhaps  another member can contribute more....  Here goes. If exhaust timing is off, valves can get burned  if they close too early. The valve will close before all the exhaust gasses can exit. After  driving like this for awhile and the exhaust valve is superheated and cooled again and again, the  sealing capability of the valve is ruined. Also, as the valve material is burning off, maybe it is  somehow making its way into the oil? And burned valves will reduce engine compression which will  force the engine to work harder to produce less power (not good!). As far as the intake cams, if  an intake cam slips then I hear you are likely to bend valves, because being an interference  engine, the valves and pistons share the same air space, just alternately. If the timing jumps too  far, and the valves are bent, you will lose more compression and if you continue to drive this  way, who knows what else could happen. I would assume camshaft wear... and if left unattended  could even cause cylinder head damage after the top end bearings get eaten up.
 
Now if all you did was spin a rod bearing, I'm not really sure of what you have on this guy. As I  tried to explain your rod bearing failure, I felt sort of like I was putting together a puzzle  that didn't fit perfectly. Our cars seem quite prone to bearing failure in the first place. You  could have also had a bad oil pump or let the engine oil run low. Taking the guy to court, you  will most likely be accused of letting your engine run low on oil. So if you do routine oil  changes, start scrounging up ALL those old, junky, crumpled up service receipts now! If you do  those oil changes yourself, find those sales receipts from you local auto parts store. They may  even have a database that you could beg them to look up for you. I can make the assumption that  driving on bent intake valves would wear down the valves + guides and this could also be where the  metal contamination came from, but from what you are saying, it doesn't sound like you bent a  valve (did you?)...things would be running much worse if so. Perhaps you need to do a cylinder  leakage test since that's the best way to figure things out for sure.
 
Good luck,
Riyan
93 stealth rt tt...still in pieces...has been for way too long.
 
************
 
Jim wrote:
 
My dealer miss-installed the tensioner.  I drove it out of time nearly 4K miles.  The second time,  the same thing.  Then my engine started knocking, spun a rod bearing most likely from metal  contamination.  I will have to take him to court.  Could you elaborate some, and what would be the  damage from running out of time?
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 08:21:30 -0500
From: "Starkey, Jr., Joseph" <starkeyje@bipc.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Fuel Cut
 
I'd bet my salary that very few persons, if any, in the "general" consumer population know or even  care about "A/N," fuel cut, etc.,  or can make the jump or distinction made by Jeff.  At least the  engine coolant temperature gauge measures what it is labeled to measure--the engine coolant  temperature.  Not many persons of the "general" consumer population really care what the actual  temperature of their coolant is. They just want to know whether their engine is overheating or  not, and that gauge serves that purpose.  The "turbo meter" doesn't measure what it is labeled to  measure, and therefore, at least to the every-day, typical member of the "general" consumer  population (the population that, like it or not, the Stealth/3KGT was built and marketed for), the  meter is worthless.
 
- -----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Lucius [mailto:jlucius@stealth316.com]
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 5:43 PM
Subject: Re: Team3S: Fuel Cut
 
>> ... is worthless.  But that's just my take :-)
 
Erik, using your line or reasoning, the engine coolant temp meter is also
worthless because it displays no numeric information whatsoever - it has "tick
marks that correspond to absolutely nothing". :)
 
To be correct, the meter does not "measure airflow" as you state. The MAS does
that. The "turbo meter" measures nothing, but does display basically the
 
engine load, or the calculated air volume per cylinder per engine revolution -
called "A/N".
 
The A/N value that the "boost meter" displays is the very basis for the
calculation of the fuel injector activation time and the stock boost control
solenoid duty cycle. There is no other engine operating value/condition that
is more important in determining these two duty cycles.
 
I agree that the value displayed by the boost meter does not necessarily or
accurately represent the relative intake manifold pressure (vacuum or
boost) -
and in that sense it has little value as a boost meter.
 
But the information displayed reveals the very basis for the most essential of
engine operations - that of mixing fuel and air in the correct proportions for
the desired goal (economy or power, as examples). Hardly worthless information
by any reasonable standard. But also, hardly information that might be
valuable or useful to us as tuners. The "boost meter" is mostly just a
curiosity unless we can quantify its display somehow (maybe some ingenious
member can use the datalogger info to do this?).
 
It is too bad, though, that the display range does not cover the full range of
A/N values and is not marked in units that are relevant to engine load (I'm
not sure what those would be exactly).
 
However, a pegged meter does suggest that the "overboost-protection"
fuel-
cut "feature" could be initiated soon by the ECM. So maybe it is partly
valuable as a "warning" device (warning the driver that the ECM may shortly
try to slam his face into the steering wheel by cutting power to the fuel
injectors). :)
 
Mitsu should have supplied a real boost gauge (a super-easy task as any of us
know that have installed vacuum-boost gauges). Mitsu even installed a MAP
sensor (manifold absolute pressure) in 1996 and newer models. Sadly, the
 
measurements are only used for testing and regulating the EGR valve.
 
Page 14-56 of the 1990 Laser Technical Information Manual and page 14-57 of
the Talon TIM (see Manual on CD) document how the "boost meter" works. Page 14- 2 of the 1991  Stealth TIM states that the electronic control of the 3S fuel
injection system is basically the same as that used in the Laser/Talon.
 
http://www.stealth316.com/2-stim.htm
http://www.manualcd.com/
 
Jeff Lucius, http://www.stealth316.com/
 
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 10:53 AM
Subject: RE: Team3S: Fuel Cut
 
Ok, so perhaps our definitions of worthless are not the same... IMHO, a gauge that is labeled  "turbo symbol", yet reads A/N; has units of "psi", but measures airflow; has numerical labels and  tick marks that correspond to absolutely nothing; and regularly pegs the needle at the upper end  of the gauge under normal driving... is worthless.  But that's just my take :-)
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 07:27:34 -0800
From: "fastmax" <fastmax@cox.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Unusually High Knock Sums - What'...
 
What you describe is correct --- however --- carbon buildup can also
increase the static compression ratio by decreasing the volume of the combustion chamber. I've  seen guys on these lists complain of pressures in the range of 190+ psi in a compression check.  The only thing to account for that is a badly damaged engine or deposits in the chambers.
 
Pre-ignition  is caused by hot spots [ carbon 'points' ] while knock is
caused by the simultaneous ignition of unburned end gasses. Uneven fuel distribution in turn  causes uneven flame fronts which leaves areas in the combustion chamber susceptible to this  simultaneous explosion. Modern engines are designed with quench [ areas to remove heat from the  A/F mixture ] and swirl [ areas that will cause turbulence in the combustion chamber for better  mixing of the air/fuel ] to help eliminate knock. Buildup of carbon can defeat that design.
 
        Jim Berry ================================================
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 11:02:57 -0500
From: "Starkey, Jr., Joseph" <starkeyje@bipc.com>
Subject: Team3S: Spark Plug Wires
 
I don't know that there is a consensus on this, but are there any real advantages to using  something other than the OEM spark plug wires?  On the FAQ page, the recommendation is NOT to  upgrade to Magnecor, Accel, etc., as many members have had problems with them.  It is unclear what  types of problems they are having.  Still other members recommend using Accel Thundersports,  Magnecor KV85s and others.  Since I've now put my car away for the winter, I'm going to take the  opportunity to install some upgrades, etc. and replace the plugs and wires.  Thanks for your  input.
 
Joe
91 Stealth TT
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 08:25:23 -0800
From: "dakken" <dougusmagnus@attbi.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Spark Plug Wires
 
> I don't know that there is a consensus on this, but are there any real
> advantages to using something other than the OEM spark plug wires?  On
> the FAQ page, the recommendation is NOT to upgrade to Magnecor, Accel,
> etc., as many members have had problems with them.  It is unclear what
> types of problems they are having.  Still other members recommend
> using Accel Thundersports, Magnecor KV85s and others.  Since I've now
> put my car away for the winter, I'm going to take the opportunity to
> install some upgrades, etc. and replace the plugs and wires.  Thanks
> for your input.
 
In my personal opinion, the problem is not in our spark plug wires.  I think it is in our ignition  coils.  The stock ignition coils seem to be marginal at stock boost levels and a roll of the dice  as to whether they will be able to still fire at anything higher than stock.  I know that my coils  were marginal at stock boost.  It depended on the engine temperature, how long the engine had been  running, and the position of the stars in the sky as to whether all my cylinders were firing at  idle and if I would get spark blow out under boost.  This was at just 9 psi.  Anything over and it  was a hesitation nightmare.  If you have high miles on your coils then it may be time to replace  them anyway.
 
Many other members have problems with them and they go through countless combinations of spark  plugs and wires looking for that "magic" combination that eliminates spark blow out.  Once they  find the magic combination then they proclaim to everyone else that brand X and Y are bad but  brand Z is the only way to go.  I haven't seen a single member with upgraded coils complain about  spark blowout regardless of what plugs or wires they are running.  I believe that if you upgrade  the coils then the brand of wire that you use won't be a factor at all.
 
You can build your own coil packs with Accel coils or you can buy a premade plug and play coil and  wire set from Dynamic Racing for $550.  No drilling, crimping or figuring anything out is needed  with the DR coils.  I made my own using motorcycle coils.  Many other members used the GM coils.   With GM coils, it costs about $130 to $190 for the parts depending on where you buy them and what  kind of wires (if any) that you buy with the new coils.  The motorcycle coil packs will run $200  but includes wires.
 
Doug
92 Stealth RT TT
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 09:48:16 -0800
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Unusually High Knock Sums - What'...
 
> Carbon build up in the combustion chamber does cause
> pre-ignition, or knock, but not from increased
> pressures.  As pressure rises in the combustion
> chamber, these small carbon particles glow from the
> intense heat and pressure.
 
Unless, of course, you have a nice, smooth, thick layer of carbon on your piston tops and on your  combustion chamber surfaces....  If you see 240psi compression (~12:1) in your engine, then  detonation from compression pressures certainly could be an issue.  AMHIK :-)  You may get  pinging/knock, but lemme tell ya, the engine braking is phenomenal...
 
- --Erik
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:19:14 -0600
From: "merritt@cedar-rapids.net" <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Team3S: Need to get my bearings
 
Are there instructions on anyone's site for replacing rear wheel bearings?
 
I tried 3Si.org, John's Repair shop, and web sites for Hans Ertl and Dave Black. I'd search our  archives if I knew how, because I recall such a discussion around here recently.
 
Thanks.
 
Rich/slow old poop
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:20:23 -0600
From: "merritt@cedar-rapids.net" <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Team3S: I shudder to ask this...
 
When I yank on the emergency brake, I get a loud clunk from the right rear.
 
I took it up to Denny's Mufflers in Cedar Rapids, we put it on a rack, and disassembled the right  rear brakes. Everything looks normal and tight. The little drum brakes are hardly worn.
 
So we ran it on the rack, with me accelerating in gear and yanking on the e brake. Wham! Wham!  Wham!
 
The whole drivetrain, front and rear, clunks when I pull the brake. It's especially bad at the RR  e brake, but it clunks everywhere. It DOES NOT clunk when using the regular brakes.
 
We found a bad left rear wheel bearing, a worn RR wheel bearing, worn motor mounts, and a worn  right inner tie rod end. But nothing really explains why the drive train clunks so bad.
 
Any ideas?
 
Rich/slow old poop
94 VR4
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:41:11 -0600
From: "Willis, Charles E." <cewillis@TexasChildrensHospital.org>
Subject: Team3S: RE: 3S-Racers: I shudder to ask this...
 
"We found a bad left rear wheel bearing, a worn RR wheel bearing, worn motor mounts, and a worn  right inner tie rod end. But nothing really explains why the drive train clunks so bad."
 
If the motor mounts are bad, that alone can make the whole drive train go clunk, clunk, clunk when  you brake abruptly.  Glad to hear you are replacing your rear wheel bearings.  I took mine to the  shop to have it done and they refused because they said they weren't bad. I guess they didn't want  my $300.
 
Chuck Willis
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 16:51:38 -0500
From: "Starkey, Jr., Joseph" <starkeyje@bipc.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: I shudder to ask this...
 
Mine does that too, and has done it for the 8 years I've owned my car.
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:53:06 -0600
From: "merritt@cedar-rapids.net" <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: Team3S: RE: 3S-Racers: I shudder to ask this...
 
At 03:41 PM 10/29/02 -0600, you wrote:
>If the motor mounts are bad, that alone can make the whole drive train
>go clunk, clunk, clunk when you brake abruptly.
 
I guess that makes sense. The RR is as far away as you can get from the upper motor mount in the  LF of the car. I suppose the loose motor mount could create a torque moment that propagates  through the system and manifests itself as a loud clunk in the RR.
 
(I'm not sure what I just said...it just kinda popped into my pea brain from gawdonlyknows where  in my past. It's been happening a lot lately, daddio).
 
Somebody else suggested U joints, but we checked most of them by hand.
 
Rich
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:54:12 -0600
From: "merritt@cedar-rapids.net" <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: RE: Team3S: I shudder to ask this...
 
At 04:51 PM 10/29/02 -0500, Starkey, Jr., Joseph wrote:
>Mine does that too, and has done it for the 8 years I've owned my car.
 
Mine just started doing this recently.
 
Rich
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 16:57:10 -0500
From: "Starkey, Jr., Joseph" <starkeyje@bipc.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: RE: 3S-Racers: I shudder to ask this...
 
To clarify my earlier response, when I'm moving forward, if I pull up on my e-brake, I get ONE  clunk, and then silence, not repeated clunks. Everything check out okay on my car, so I just  always assumed it was the shoes seating or something like that.
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 16:03:11 -0600
From: "merritt@cedar-rapids.net" <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Subject: RE: Team3S: RE: 3S-Racers: I shudder to ask this...
 
At 04:57 PM 10/29/02 -0500, Starkey, Jr., Joseph wrote:
>To clarify my earlier response, when I'm moving forward, if I pull up
>on my e-brake, I get ONE clunk, and then silence, not repeated clunks.
>Everything check out okay on my car, so I just always assumed it was
>the shoes seating or something like that.
 
Me, too. Just one clunk when driving around. But when we put it on the rack, we could clunk it at  will.
 
Rich
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 17:02:43 -0500
From: Mark Frouhar <mfrouhar@bear.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Need to get my bearings
 
My post wasn't too terribly descriptive but I'll attach it anyway in case it helps.
 
 good luck
 
  -Mark Frouhar
   95' VR4
   The 2700lb 85 TA
   http://legoland.fbody.com
 
_________________________________________________________________
 
It's not terrible, but if things are really seized it can be challenging I suppose. 
You'll need to get the caliper/rotor off, then you'll either have to hammer slide the axle out or  carefully hammer it from the other side(inwards) after disconnecting the
four bolts that couple it.  You will definitely want to press off the old and press on
the new bearing, that sucker is a real interference fit.  The shop charged me $20 or
so to do that.  Take notes on where the bearing hat (dust cover) goes.  ____________________________________________________________________
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 14:41:51 -0800
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: Team3S: What's "normal" for oil pressure?
 
Anyone know for a VR-4?  Or just for 4-stroke, internal combustion, wet-sump, engines in general? 
 
In case anyone is interested, here's what I see in my VR-4 with my newly-installed real (as  opposed to the stock POS) oil pressure gauge:
 
Idle, Immediately after Startup:  55psi
3000RPM unloaded, Cold Engine: 140+psi (pegged)
2000-4000RPM loaded, Hot Engine:  55-85psi
Idle, Hot Engine:     20-23psi (seems low)
 
- --Erik
'95 VR-4 with Mobil1 5w30 in 50F weather 
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 14:54:38 -0800
From: "Tigran Varosyan" <tigran@tigran.com>
Subject: Team3S: Do StopLeak products work?
 
I saw some StopLeak for engine oil and Tranny fluid at Schucks. Do those work or is it all BS?
 
Tyson
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:19:53 -0800
From: "Geddes, Brian J" <brian.j.geddes@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Do StopLeak products work?
 
They work just fine if you like clogging up the oil feed lines to your turbos.  :)
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 18:26:55 -0500
From: "Rodriguez, Elpidio   x35617d1" <x35617@exmail.usma.army.mil>
Subject: RE: Team3S: Do StopLeak products work?
 
The last and only time I used a StopLeak product was to try to "fix" a small oil leak in my '90  celica. Though it was dripping a few drops of oil, the engine was running perfectly w/only 80K  miles on it. Within 3 weeks of putting in that stuff, the engine was dead. I was told by the  mechanic that stuff like that breaks down the viscosity of the oil, not sure if he's right or not  but my car certainly had all sorts of bottom-end damage due to poor lubrication. I shudder to  think what stuff like this would do to a high-performance engine like ours, especially the turbos.
 
E.RDZ
 
- -----Original Message-----
From: Tigran Varosyan
Sent: 10/29/2002 5:54 PM
Subject: Team3S: Do StopLeak products work?
 
I saw some StopLeak for engine oil and Tranny fluid at Schucks. Do those work or is it all BS?
 
Tyson
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:25:53 -0800
From: Andrew Woll <awoll1@pacbell.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Do StopLeak products work?
 
They work for very small leaks. I don't know what else they clog up and I never use them.
 
Andy
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Tigran Varosyan" <tigran@tigran.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 2:54 PM
Subject: Team3S: Do StopLeak products work?
 
| I saw some StopLeak for engine oil and Tranny fluid at Schucks. Do
| those work or is it all BS?
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:46:36 -0800
From: "fastmax" <fastmax@cox.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: Do StopLeak products work?
 
Most of the oil stop leak products just have a chemical that softens the
rubber in the seals. I don't think it would work on a large leak. Radiator
stop leak is different, it has to fill a hole while you shouldn't have any
spare holes in your engine.
 
I've never used the oil stuff and would recommend against it unless it's for a winter beater or  something.
 
        Jim Berry ================================================
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Rodriguez, Elpidio x35617d1" <x35617@exmail.usma.army.mil>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 3:26 PM
Subject: RE: Team3S: Do StopLeak products work?
 
> The last and only time I used a StopLeak product was to try to "fix" a
> small oil leak in my '90 celica. Though it was dripping a few drops of
> oil, the engine was running perfectly w/only 80K miles on it. Within 3
> weeks of putting in that stuff, the engine was dead. I was told by the
> mechanic that stuff like that breaks down the viscosity of the oil,
> not sure if he's right or not but my car certainly had all sorts of
> bottom-end damage due to poor lubrication. I shudder to think what
> stuff like this would do to a high-performance engine like ours,
> especially the turbos.
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 17:17:27 -0700
From: Desert Fox <bigfoot@simmgene.com>
Subject: Re: Team3S: What's "normal" for oil pressure? And recent woes with water pump
 
Same questions here. Additionally, how much of a role does viscosity play in these pressures?
 
Just put the Amsoil Series 3000 5W30 Heavy Duty full synthetic in for a go round as it is expected  to drop below 0°F here tonight, snowed the last two nights, and snowed lightly most of the day.  Also threw the snow tires at lunch today on a good 3 weeks ahead of last season. Off with the  Kumhos at and on with the Pirelli Snow Sports.
 
I had posted after my oil change on Sunday that I seemed to have started getting some leaking from  the water pump. I went to sleep praying for a miracle. The next morning, it did not drip  immediately but started to soon thereafter. So, no miracle but I'm still a believer.;-)
 
Last night, a heater hose blew a 3" section in my 98 F150 4X4, dumping the entire contents of the  cooling system in the process. Engine check light on, oil light on, high temp light on, but temp  gauge still showed cool, probably because it was only 20°F or so out and it went in to "Fail Safe  Mode" where the engine automatically shuts down every other cylinder to suck air and help cool in  the absence of proper fluids. Made my drip, drip, drip from the VR-4 water pump look like an  eyedropper next to Niagara Falls. $20 worth of coolant and distilled water later (left in the  Wal-Mart parking lot) and cutting the busted section of hose off to reattach got me home. In to  the Ford dealership today: probably $240 for hose replacement, fuel filter replacement, cooling  system flush and fill. More salt in this open wound please...
 
The only good (and bizarre) news is that after driving the VR-4 back to work after lunch with the  snow tires on it, I don't see any discernable leaking at all! Maybe because it is 25°F outside,  maybe because... Who the Fridge knows... I'm just glad to be on the road again...
 
Oh, so that might postpone my 120K maintenance for 10K or so but the guy I talked to today about  was saying about $380 for labor on the water pump, timing belt, fuel filter, idler pulleys, oil  seals, AC belt. That sound about right? He is saying 5.2 hours for the water pump, which also gets  him in to the timing belt. Another 1.3 hours for the fuel filter, which I thought was on the  firewall with access by removing battery, battery tray and washer fluid bottle. He thinks the fuel  filter is in the fuel tank. Am I right or is he?
 
I'm guessing:
 
Fuel filter - $80
Timing belt - $100
Water pump - $120
Oil seals - $40
AC belt - $40
Idler pulleys - $100
 
The Mitsu dealership in Billings said $850 for a 60K tune which I don't think included a water  pump. I already did my plugs, ignition wires just this summer.
 
Erik - get any ticking with the Mobil 1 5W30?
 
- --
Paul/.
95 black 3000GT VR-4
98 VFR800F, TBR aluminum hi exit
formerly reasonable and prudent
 
on 10/29/02 3:41 PM, Gross, Erik at erik.gross@intel.com scribbled:
 
> Anyone know for a VR-4?  Or just for 4-stroke, internal combustion,
> wet-sump, engines in general?
>
> In case anyone is interested, here's what I see in my VR-4 with my
> newly-installed real (as opposed to the stock POS) oil pressure gauge:
>
> Idle, Immediately after Startup:     55psi
> 3000RPM unloaded, Cold Engine:    140+psi (pegged)
> 2000-4000RPM loaded, Hot Engine:     55-85psi
> Idle, Hot Engine:                 20-23psi (seems low)
 
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------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 16:31:21 -0800
From: "Gross, Erik" <erik.gross@intel.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: What's "normal" for oil pressure? And recent woes wit h water pump
 
> Oh, so that might postpone my 120K maintenance for 10K
> or so but the guy I talked to today about was saying
> about $380 for labor on the water pump,
> timing belt, fuel filter, idler pulleys, oil seals,
> AC belt.
 
If your water pump is visibly leaking, don't postpone the 60k for any length of time or you may  end up regretting it.  It's soaking your belt with coolant most likely.
 
> That sound about right? He is saying 5.2 hours
> for the water pump, which also gets him
> in to the timing belt.
 
Not terrible.   ... if he does it right ;)
 
> Another 1.3 hours for the fuel filter, which I
> thought was on the firewall with access by removing
> battery, battery tray and washer fluid bottle.
> He thinks the fuel filter is in the fuel tank. Am I
> right or is he?
 
You're right.  On the firewall.  Instructions here:  http://www.team3s.com/~egross/3000GT/FuelFilter/ChangeFuelFilter.html
 

> I'm guessing:
> Fuel filter - $80
$20
 
> Erik - get any ticking with the Mobil 1 5W30?
 
A little on startup every once in a while, but none, ever when it's warm.
 
- --Erik
 
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------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 19:37:51 -0500
From: "Darren Schilberg" <dschilberg@pobox.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: What's "normal" for oil pressure? And recent woes with water pump
 
Paul - Fuel filter is on the firewall.  Mine was replaced at the 90k tune-up (which I had  performed at 98k) and they showed me the old one but I did not know what to look for - they said  you can usually see through it (like from one end to the other) but as it clogs up with things you  can not do that - then I knew what they meant.  There might be one in the fuel pump area but I  think the main one to replace is on the firewall and yes, remove the battery, tray, maybe wash  bottle, etc. to gain access.
 
$850 sounds high even for a dealer's price on the 60k.  I think they are more around $500-$600  when they buy all the parts (like the $15 spark plugs instead of the same ones cheaper that you  can buy yourself).  The Mitsu dealer I went to was around $550 for the 60k I believe and they  inflate their prices the normal percentage even.
 
I'm off to watch my driving instructor at the last event of the NASA East Coast Honda Challenge  (ECHC) this weekend at Summit Point, WV and on the way back I am picking up my track wheels from  my friend who borrowed them so I can mount the winter tires on.  First dusting of snow being  called for this week/weekend (in the higher areas of southern PA) so it is perfect timing.  Slap  on the Bridgestone Blizzak MZ-01 tires and I'll be snowplowing in style.
 
- --Flash!
 
- -----Original Message-----
From: Desert Fox
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 19:17
 
Oh, so that might postpone my 120K maintenance for 10K or so but the guy I talked to today about  was saying about $380 for labor on the water pump, timing belt, fuel filter, idler pulleys, oil  seals, AC belt. That sound about right? He is saying 5.2 hours for the water pump, which also gets  him in to the timing belt. Another 1.3 hours for the fuel filter, which I thought was on the  firewall with access by removing battery, battery tray and washer fluid bottle. He thinks the fuel  filter is in the fuel tank. Am I right or is he?
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 16:59:17 -0800
From: "Riyan Mynuddin" <riyan@hotpop.com>
Subject: Team3S: How to get the timing belt on right??
 
As you guys know, I'm doing my 60k now and I'm having hell with the timing belt. I had mentioned  in a previous post that turning the engine backwards seems to mess up the auto tensioner's  protrusion and throw it out of spec. But I've noticed that even if I turn the engine clockwise all  the time (which is a royal pain, but can be done) then it still goes out of spec!  I religiously  torque the center tensioner pulley bolt to 42ft lbs every single time while I am holding the belt  at 7.2ft lbs using the over-priced mitsu magic tool. The pin then comes out easily, and goes back  in easily too. But as soon as the engine starts turning, things get messed up. The protrusion  compresses (goes in too far). It has never gone out of spec by coming out too far. I've adjusted  and re-adjusted the belt at least 4 or 5 times (i think more) and this happens every single time.  Has anyone had this same experience? Can I trust the auto tensioner to just do its job here even  if that protrusion isn't within spec? I'd rather not drive this thing unless someone else had the  same experience, and everything is okay for them.
 
One more thing...
 
I have tried torquing the center bolt more. I torqued it to 55 ft lbs, and the rod still moves!  Should I try going higher? I'd rather not. That's another thing that I'm shaky about. If the shop  manual says 42 ft lbs, I'd expect the thing to work at that torque.
 
Riyan
93 stealth rt tt
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 17:05:11 -0800
From: "Riyan Mynuddin" <riyan@hotpop.com>
Subject: Team3S: high compression. bad gauge?
 
While I'm doing my 60k, I figured why not check how my baby's internals are. My compression  numbers came out between 150psi and 165psi for each cylinder. The shop manual spec is 156 psi  (turbo) with a lower limit of 115 psi. With 188,000 miles on the engine, I'm very surprised that  it has this much compression left. Also, my engine was cold when I did the test. I'm pretty sure  the 156 psi spec is for a warm engine. Plenum and all spark plugs were removed. When I shot oil in  the socket, I got between 160 and 180 psi per cylinder. Does this sound like a bad gauge? I called  the parts shop that sold it to me and they said their gauges are "pretty accurate"... for what  that's worth. It's an EQUUS 6-piece tester.
 
Riyan
93 stealth rt tt
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 17:19:25 -0800
From: "Tigran Varosyan" <tigran@tigran.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: high compression. bad gauge?
 
I have bought and tested 4 pressure gauges from 2 different manufacturers including SNAP-ON which  is like the best tool maker... Anyway, they are all wrong. What you are looking for is  consistency. Make sure all cylinders are within 5-7psi and you are ok.
 
Tyson
 
- -----Original Message-----
From: Riyan Mynuddin
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 5:05 PM
Subject: Team3S: high compression. bad gauge?
 

While I'm doing my 60k, I figured why not check how my baby's internals are. My compression  numbers came out between 150psi and 165psi for each cylinder. The shop manual spec is 156 psi  (turbo) with a lower limit of 115 psi. With 188,000 miles on the engine, I'm very surprised that  it has this much compression left. Also, my engine was cold when I did the test. I'm pretty sure  the 156 psi spec is for a warm engine. Plenum and all spark plugs were removed. When I shot oil in  the socket, I got between 160 and 180 psi per cylinder. Does this sound like a bad gauge? I called  the parts shop that sold it to me and they said their gauges are "pretty accurate"... for what  that's worth. It's an EQUUS 6-piece tester.
 
Riyan
93 stealth rt tt
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 17:19:29 -0800
From: "fastmax" <fastmax@cox.net>
Subject: Re: Team3S: high compression. bad gauge?
 
carbon buildup in the cylinder can cause increased compression numbers. There was a thread in the  last day or so talking about this topic.
 
        Jim Berry ================================================
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Riyan Mynuddin" <riyan@hotpop.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 5:05 PM
Subject: Team3S: high compression. bad gauge?
 
> While I'm doing my 60k, I figured why not check how my baby's
> internals are. My compression numbers came out between 150psi and
> 165psi for each cylinder. The shop manual spec is 156 psi (turbo) with
> a lower limit of 115 psi. With 188,000 miles on the engine, I'm very
> surprised that it has this much compression left. Also, my engine was
> cold when I did the test. I'm pretty sure the 156 psi spec is for a
> warm engine. Plenum and all spark plugs were removed. When I shot oil
> in the socket, I got between 160 and 180 psi per cylinder. Does this
> sound like a bad gauge? I called the parts shop that sold it to me and
> they said their gauges are "pretty accurate"... for what that's worth.
> It's an EQUUS 6-piece tester.
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 18:09:53 -0800
From: "fastmax" <fastmax@cox.net>
Subject: Team3S: Re: 3S-Racers: Need to get my bearings
 
It's really pretty basic, you're buddies at Denny's [ the muffler shop, not the restaurant ] could  easily do it. There are a four small bolts for the half shaft and then a large nut holding the  axel stub in the bearing housing. 35mm or so --- I'm guessing until I look at the one I bought to  remove the rears. You shouldn't even need to remove the ebrake backing plate --- just the rotors  and calipers. You probably need to have the bearings pressed off of the axel.
 
        Jim Berry =========================================================
 
- ----- Original Message -----
From: <merritt@cedar-rapids.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 1:19 PM
Subject: 3S-Racers: Need to get my bearings
 
> Are there instructions on anyone's site for replacing rear wheel
> bearings?
>
> I tried 3Si.org, John's Repair shop, and web sites for Hans Ertl and
> Dave Black. I'd search our archives if I knew how, because I
> recall such a discussion around here recently.
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 21:51:30 -0500
From: "Alex Pedenko" <alex@kolosy.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: How to get the timing belt on right??
 
What type of torque wrench are you using? If it's one of those clicker types, it could be  miscalibrated. Hell, even the beam type could be off (temp changes and the like)
 
This may sound absurd (and may very well be absurd) but you may be over-torqueing the center bolt.  Try going just a tad under. I know when I did mine, it took for friggin' ever. I had to redo the  tensioner a good 4 or 5 times, but when all was said and done, you could turn the engine  every-which-way without any problems. I don't see how the direction of travel of the tbelt  would have any impact on the tensioner protrusion.
 
Alex.
 
- -----Original Message-----
From: Riyan Mynuddin
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 7:59 PM
Subject: Team3S: How to get the timing belt on right??
 
As you guys know, I'm doing my 60k now and I'm having hell with the timing belt. I had mentioned  in a previous post that turning the engine backwards seems to mess up the auto tensioner's  protrusion and throw it out of spec. But I've noticed that even if I turn the engine clockwise all  the time (which is a royal pain, but can be done) then it still goes out of spec! I religiously  torque the center tensioner pulley bolt to 42ft lbs every single time while I am holding the belt  at 7.2ft lbs using the over-priced mitsu magic tool. The pin then comes out easily, and goes back  in easily too. But as soon as the engine starts turning, things get messed up. The protrusion  compresses (goes in too far). It has never gone out of spec by coming out too far. I've adjusted  and re-adjusted the belt at least 4 or 5 times (i think more) and this happens every single time.  Has anyone had this same experience? Can I trust the auto tensioner to just do its job here even  if that protrusion isn't within spec? I'd rather not drive this thing unless someone else had the  same experience, and everything is okay for them.
 
One more thing...
 
I have tried torquing the center bolt more. I torqued it to 55 ft lbs, and the rod still moves!  Should I try going higher? I'd rather not. That's another thing that I'm shaky about. If the shop  manual says 42 ft lbs, I'd expect the thing to work at that torque.
 
Riyan
93 stealth rt tt
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
------------------------------
 
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 23:33:02 -0800
From: "Riyan Mynuddin" <riyan@hotpop.com>
Subject: RE: Team3S: How to get the timing belt on right??
 
I have used both types. The beam type is what I prefer. The clicker type was doing some strange  things. Even when the center bolt reached the right torque, it would keep turning. It's a  Craftsman tool too. So much for their big reputation. Maybe I just got a bad one. Tomorrow I'll  try going a tad under and a tad over, then 10 lbs under and 10 lbs over. After that, maybe I'll  start complaining again.
 
Riyan
93 stealth rt tt
 
***  Info:  http://www.Team3S.com/Rules.htm  ***
 
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End of Team3S: 3000GT & Stealth V1 #985
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