Two weeks ago, the process to get us into the next Sears Pointless race (March 23-24) began. The applications were put in, so we are now pending status and will send the note when we hear.( Note: It takes the Lemon's staff two or three days to sober up, so we will most likely hear then.)
Today, Torch and I started actual work to get ready for Sears Pointless. Lugnut, called in sick, so I hope he feels well soon. As for the work we performed the normal various tests and some check to see where various components status. With reports of noises from the rear of the Z the differential was a clear target. Also, the transmission of the Z with the 4th gear grinding also needs to be looked at. Finally, the normal engine compression test was performed on both cars. After the work today we found more than Lugnut is sick.
For the steady eddie D the compression test was ok, and here are the numbers:
|
July , 2012 Compression Test
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January, 2013 Compression Test
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1
|
180
|
180
|
2
|
180
|
180
|
3
|
180
|
180
|
4
|
190
|
170
|
The compression on the #4 cylinder is a marginally low, but could be within the margin of error. With this and other sizes of heat stress, I think effort to exchange the transmission and differential might be prudent. After that the normal other check of about a days work and the D should be ready for Pointless.
As for the Z, well where should I begin?
Starting
The Z is running really rich. Starting has become a problem were the only time we could get it to turn over was when we did the fuel pump offline trick. Also, keeping the Z running was a challenge. After several thoughts and test we found that causing a vacuum leak leaned the mixture out just enough to keep the motor running. However, this only allowed us to run and did not aid in startup. So, for startup, we think we need Sparky's help to either look at the ECU or add a fuel pump cutout switch. Well, that was our thought before the next tests.
Engine Compression Test
We perform the standard compression test. Here are the numbers:
|
July , 2012 Compression Test
|
January, 2013 Compression Test
|
1
|
180
|
150
|
2
|
180
|
160
|
3
|
180
|
140
|
4
|
180
|
160
|
5
|
180
|
135
|
6
|
180
|
150
|
Ouch. The clause for the Z's starting and running issue is now clear. We defiantly wounded the motor in Vodden the Hell. It is not fatal, yet? To investigate how bad it is we also dropped the oil to see if we have other problems. The oil was darker than normal. It also was thinner, making it clear why the dip stick test unreliable. The oil also had hints of gas in it, so we (or Torch really) is thinking more ring, cylinder wall, or both issues as a result of overheating. So, we (or more me) need to think about what we need to do on this. Let me know if you have thoughts.
Transmission
We dropped the oil out of the transmission. It also showed signs of overheating. There were a few fines on the magnetic plug, but no more then I would expect for the amount of abuse it sees.
Differential
First, we performed a function test on the differential, by jacking up the car, running the car in 4th gear at 3,000 rpm, and then added drag by progressively increasing brake pressure. Throughout this test, no access noise from the differential occurs. The second test will be to drop the oil to look for parts. We ran out of time, so this will need to be done later.
From these initial tests, it is clear that we have some work to do on the Z. So, for all you wrenchers we most likely have work to do. It does appear that all areas we looked at suffered from high-heat stress. This is another reason why I think we should be caution about the D and do the additional test. For now, I am still pondering the best course for our poor Z, so let me know if you have some thoughts.
Muddy
