Wagovan Work - 10 Days to go!

"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
04/08/2019 at 11:39 • Filed to: project golf ball

This weekend was mostly successful wrenching, with one really, really bad fail. Here is a quick list of all the stuff I managed to get done!

Confirmed timing belt is correctly aligned

Confirmed valve timing

Re-adjusted valves

Replaced distributor

Replaced negative battery terminal

Installed aftermarket TPMS

Replaced rear wiper

Adjusted rear latch

Re-located expansion tank

Fit light bar (don’t like it, going with Plan C)

Applied custom “4WD” stickers

Replaced all coolant hoses

I was waffling on the cooling system, but I am mostly glad I got that done. The hoses looked original and you could hear the fibers inside them breaking as I was removing them, a first for me.

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Unfortunately this was my largest failure. Not only did the whole thing take a lot longer than I though, I didn’t successfully complete it!

A s I was trying to bleed the system, using the factory method, I could not get the thermostat to open. Eventually the water started boiling out of the top of the radiator and I had to shut it down. I tried again using a vacuum filler, but with the same end results.

Turns out the thermostat I bought was defective. Did the water test and it didn’t start to open until 200 or 210F. For a 180F thermostat that is... unacceptable. After that first opening it seems to be working OK now, but I’m not willing to risk it.

So... getting there. I plan on getting to the exhaust shop later this week, testing the running at that time, and seeing if I can borrow a lift this weekend to change the diff and transmission fluid.

No worries yet... unless my highway issues persist in which case I am super boned.

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Well OK....

Still so much clean up to do, but it looks really good... I promise. Also yes I know the sticker doesn’t look straight... but I think it is?

DISCUSSION (8)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
04/08/2019 at 11:52

Nice! I’m more than a little shocked you gave us this teaser...

A treat for those of us who actually read your posts? Haha.

Teal is definitely period correct.

LOREM IPSUM > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
04/08/2019 at 11:53

So , exactly what I said was gonna happen totally happened.

I’ll b e dipped.

random001 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
04/08/2019 at 11:58

Tell me more about your plastidip experience? what did you use? their sprayer?

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > random001
04/08/2019 at 12:23

I’ll do a full write up soonish, but the tldr is: It went OK. Mistakes were made. Not all dip is created equal. I used the Weber sprayer the DYC sprayer is based on.

random001 > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
04/08/2019 at 12:47

Thanks!

razorbeamteam > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
04/08/2019 at 12:48

I told you those hoses would be a PITA. Psyched to see the ful l color reveal and see what the car is like on a long trip.

twodudesnape > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
04/08/2019 at 12:49

I kid you not t here is an ‘87 Wagovan in the Seattle area for $500 right now in this same color. So if you want 2 teal 4wd civic wagons....

Future Heap Owner > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
04/08/2019 at 13:37

Oooh that plastidip looks great from the teaser!!