TAZMNDVL - Build - 350 QB - 6sp - chop ... and more (Page 7/44)
DrCPU JUL 28, 08:14 AM

quote
Originally posted by madcurl:





Yahh - it's been a while! I'm waiting for a solenoid to come from Archie. I'm having the luck of an Irishman with getting the "bugs" out. The alternator fried (thank GOD for that!)- and I've had lots of weird problems with the starter. I picked up a rebuilt alternator from NAPA and with the top cog belt (153888) I have kept the belt on for the last week. Looks like it might have been the alternator all along - throwing the belt.

I'm not confident driving it anywhere - as I spend most of my time driving focused on the voltmeter and expecting the to see it drop any time. Also, I cringe everytime I try to start her up as it might or might not go. I travel with a spare "jack and screwdriver" and can bypass the ignition wire to the solenoid to jump start it - but that's not a great way to do things. I think I've isolated the problem to a bad ignition wire to solenoid connection - or an intermittently bad solenoid. Hey - I'm not a mechanic so what I'm saying here is my 0.02 worth....

Not the best news - but this is a risk you take when you get stuff done a long way from home. I also don't have easy access to a mechanic as I live out in the countryside. If the system decides to fart big time - I'm kinda left up to my own to figure out the problem. All of this is good "character" building - and I can take the alternator and starter off and put it back on now in about 5 minutes flat - so I'm learning lots!!

Dave
Archie JUL 28, 10:01 AM
You should have the Solenoid any time now, I sent it out more than a week ago by Post.

Your confidence will build back up soon.

Did you replace or fix your ignition switch so that it shuts off properly when you turn off the key?

The problem you had earlier with the ignition switch where it kept running the starter when it was shut off is probly what killed the Alternator. So I'd recommend replacing the ignition switch if you haven't already. The power drain from when it kept on running may also have burnt up or damaged that wire going to the spade terminal on the solenoid & might be that the problem is just damage to that wire. Need to check that out if you can. When a starter keeps on running while the switch has been turned off, it pulls a lot of power & heats up all the wires connected to it. Maybe a wire just burnt partially thru. Like I said maybe that power drain is what fried the Alternator too.

Stay in touch.

Archie



quote
Originally posted by DrCPU:
Yahh - it's been a while! I'm waiting for a solenoid to come from Archie. I'm having the luck of an Irishman with getting the "bugs" out. The alternator fried (thank GOD for that!)- and I've had lots of weird problems with the starter. I picked up a rebuilt alternator from NAPA and with the top cog belt (153888) I have kept the belt on for the last week. Looks like it might have been the alternator all along - throwing the belt.

I'm not confident driving it anywhere - as I spend most of my time driving focused on the voltmeter and expecting the to see it drop any time. Also, I cringe everytime I try to start her up as it might or might not go. I travel with a spare "jack and screwdriver" and can bypass the ignition wire to the solenoid to jump start it - but that's not a great way to do things. I think I've isolated the problem to a bad ignition wire to solenoid connection - or an intermittently bad solenoid. Hey - I'm not a mechanic so what I'm saying here is my 0.02 worth....

Not the best news - but this is a risk you take when you get stuff done a long way from home. I also don't have easy access to a mechanic as I live out in the countryside. If the system decides to fart big time - I'm kinda left up to my own to figure out the problem. All of this is good "character" building - and I can take the alternator and starter off and put it back on now in about 5 minutes flat - so I'm learning lots!!

Dave

[This message has been edited by Archie (edited 07-28-2006).]

DrCPU JUL 28, 10:43 AM
Thanks Archie.

The ignition switch (at the steering wheel) seems to be OK. I did take the solenoid off the starter and cleaned it up and then put it back together, but the solenoid is not serviceable. I also tightened the ignition wire to the solenoid - as the crimp was loose. As there were a number of things going on at the same time - including a discharged battery - that it's too difficult for me to say one way or the other what the heck happened.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in September, and will drive the TAZ. I'll be leaving a day or two early - so if you get a call from me to come rescue me somewhere between Detroit and your shop that I hope you'll do so! (Hope you're smilling). I'm looking forward to getting my battery back as well - I hate SEARS products - long story better left to another time....
DrCPU AUG 14, 11:17 AM
Was at the Fiero meet in London - Way to go guys and gals! Excellent event!

Thanks go to Arn, Pete and Becky!

I picked up the trophy for most unique modification....
DrCPU AUG 14, 11:19 AM
I ordered the euro tail light panel from Ken and found lenses in a wrecking yard in Oklahoma! So this will be the next mod.

Hope to have it done (at Archie's) before ChopTop meet and Fierorama.
madcurl AUG 14, 01:44 PM
Nice. It's good to see that one of the choptops is out having fun. Any additional comments from those who viewed your car?
N8YKC AUG 14, 07:01 PM
Dr.CPU

Are you passing through Detroit and take 94 over to Chicago and up? If you have a chance, take a look at the High-speed Ferry in Muskegon that goes over to Milwaukee. This makes for a relaxing 2 hour trip and cuts your time waiting in traffic. AND, I would get to see your car!!

There is also a Coal-driven Car ferry in Ludington, Michigan that ports in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

[This message has been edited by N8YKC (edited 08-14-2006).]

Hulk AUG 14, 09:46 PM
..and if you are taking that route, I invite you to take a rest in Benton Harbor, too. It's in SW Michigan, and I don't live too far from I-94. I would love to see your car in person!

------------------
86 Fiero GT
-Stage eleventy billion...(pieces, that is!)

04 Mustang Cobra
-K&N FIPK
-DiabloSport Performance Tune

DrCPU AUG 15, 07:30 AM
I've travelled the route to Chacago a zillion times!

On the Harley, truck and Fiero!

I did the old ferry from Ludington-Manitowoc on the Harley in '97. I now normally go through Sarnia - Port Huron - Flint - Lansing - Battle Creek - but like mixing things up. I might be leaving late afternoon Sept 5th or very early Sept 6th.

Ping me with your email phone numbers and addresses and I'll see if I can plan out a route so we can meet. Send me the web link for the ferry and I'll check it out. Need to figure out how often it runs, the cost etc.. I normally like to stop off at exit 1 (Indiana) as there is a cigar store there that sells cigars at a bargain price. Hmmm I could get some cigars shipped to NY8's - now ya got me thinking....
DrCPU SEP 08, 10:06 PM
I've been at Archie's since Wednesday (about three days now) and will provide my final write up for the Archie "Build".

I'm no longer a "Fiberglass" virgin. Chirs - at Archie's gave me instructions and watched as I did the fiberglassing to cover the aerial hole. Actually, he fed the fiber bits and I did the dabbing and all the other work. Rob helped out with the hints on wet sanding and painting. Should have listened to him better.... but that story is to follow....

I also did the Hines Euro Tail light panel and took lots of pictures.

I'll finish of Archie's build first and will give him a "Report Card".

Then I'll just add all the other stuff I do and keep doing to the Taz - to this thread!

Hope to see lots of you at the open house - or at Fierorama.

Dave

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

[This message has been edited by DrCPU (edited 09-08-2006).]