Car updates - Sort of.

"BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion" (pbs)
02/03/2014 at 17:43 • Filed to: None

Yesterday was kinda busy... Took the car to a bodyshop - the damage was actually less extensive than I originally though - then borrowed my parents' truck to go look for the grille that went missing. Got lucky too, it was picked up by the mop up crew at a neighboring town which assumed someone would come looking and stored it along with other assorted parts, including a trunk lid. It's mostly in one piece too, if a little bent and without paint on several spots. Or rather, it still has paint in a few spots, but I won't have to buy a new one and that's good.

Anyways, I picked the car up earlier today and the cooling fan immediately went haywire again, just like a week or so ago. The guys at the shop I took it did not do their job, but at least I'll be able to fix it myself now. Aside from that, I need to replace the fuel pump, check the injection system for carbon deposits again and hunt down all the noises a crickets from the last 18 years of brazilian roads.

Now it's just sitting there, all dirty and grimy, with the front wheels off and the front axles disassembled, and withe the battery off otherwise it will keep ventilating. Kinda looks like a wreck too...

DISCUSSION (6)

. . > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion
02/03/2014 at 18:16

As for your carbon deposits problem, maybe you should consider blanking your EGR valve? It's more trouble than it's worth.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > . .
02/03/2014 at 18:25

I did a little research about that, and it seems blanking the EGR on these engines will cause the ECU to throw faulty codes left and right. A Fiat/Alfa forum recommended installing a restrictor plate instead. Still, it's the quality/purity of the gas I'm worried about. I'm not really into paying full price for "premium gas" that's most water and solvents... And I really want some proof that Podium fuels really are controlled quality, as opposed to the free for all that happens in other stations.

. . > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion
02/03/2014 at 18:29

How about an LPG/CNG conversion? They're not the greatest of fuels, but if your petrol is so terrible maybe it'd be at least a partial solution.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > . .
02/03/2014 at 18:57

Nah, I'd rather keep running gas, even if I don't have a good reason to do so. It just seems "right" you know... Also, these types of conversions in Brazil are also a filthy, poorly executed, rust prone mess.

. . > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion
02/03/2014 at 20:16

Yeah, I know what you mean by it feeling 'right'. LPG conversions are very, very popular here and it always seems to me like the person is just being cheap at the cost of their car (LPG burns at higher temperatures than petrol and is not good for the engine).

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > . .
02/03/2014 at 20:18

Well, that alone is reason enough for me to avoid it then... Twin Cams are a sensible bunch with their working conditions, haha...