mr2-digest Wednesday, December 31 1997 Volume 02 : Number 038 Re: MR2 MKII 1991 NA: noises over bumps MR2 Mk1 potentiometer and thanks! Re: MR2 mki distributor o-ring Re: MR2 MK1 timing belt? Re: MR2 Re: Power antenna problems MR2 MKI in LAPD tv show MR2 So i'm at work...... MR2 MK1 Walker Dynomax glasspack muffler Re: ABS and the 91/92 MR2 N/A Re: MR2 So i'm at work...... Re: ABS and the 91/92 MR2 N/A Re: MR2 Assistance Needed With Oil Leak Re: MR2 MK1 Walker Dynomax glasspack muffler Re: MR2 93T (convertable) PARTS RE: MR2 Mk1 potentiometer and thanks! Re: MR2 MKII 1991 NA: noises over bumps MR2 MKI hood emblem Re: MR2 MK1 timing belt? MR2 (Fwd) Silver State Classic!! info... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 16:52:07 -0008 From: TerrySaltzman@home.com Subject: Re: MR2 MKII 1991 NA: noises over bumps > My mr2 makes a funny crunching/squeaking sound when I go over bumps. It is > coming from the front and it seems to happen more when it's cold. Any ideas? > I thought maybe the swaybar or the front struts need attention. Thanks in > advance. i had th every same thing on my 92turbo w/"bonus" color (BC, which would be Steel Mist Grey; SMG) very early on in my relationship with the beauty (~25k) i took it to the dealer and they "lubed the sway bar bushings." i dont know what they used but it has not make a noise since. YMMV and most likely will. if you do lube'em, DO NOT use a lubricant with solvents (WD-40) in it, this will destroy your bushings. rots-o-ruck terry paying $1.72 a gal. for this weather - terry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 19:29:39 PST From: "Todd klosnick" Subject: MR2 Mk1 potentiometer and thanks! Hello, Thanks for the help with all the timing belt and alternator stuff. I can't afford a toyota alternator so I'm probably going to have to keep on replacing it with rebuilt 99 dollar specials since its under warranty for lifetime. I have another question. I was reading through the NOV/DEC 94' issue of Grassroots motorsport magazine and it had budget hop ups for MK1. In the 1,000 setup it said to hook up a pententiometer to the temperature sensor. By doing this they said that it can be adjusted to fool the computer into thinking the engine is cold and richening the injectors. I'm sure some of you guys have read this. What is your opinion about this and what is a pententiometer anyway. Also where is the temp sensor located at? Also how do you adjust the Air flow meter? Are these good mods? or bad ones? I'm curious. Sounds like easy mods but how much extra power do they give you? Thanks Todd 87 MK2 ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 20:54:22 -0400 From: bagdon@rust.net (S and K Bagdon) Subject: Re: MR2 mki distributor o-ring >> Pull the distributor, and check the o-ring. Usually goes bad by now. >> Figure about $3. > >Once upon a time I tried to change my distributor o-ring. The new ring >(there was no old one) would not fit in the groove in the distributor >shaft. The groove itself was actually way too big, but the groove was >mostly taken up with what looked like a black anodized washer, except >it didn't move *at all* so I guess it was part of the dizzy shaft. In >any case the o-ring did NOT fit in the remaining groove space, and slid >up the shaft upon installation. Is there a trick here? What am I missing? >Or maybe they sent the wrong part? (That same parts order had several >other parts too, which were all right.) I helped a friend do his '85, and the o-ring was a no-brainer. The old one was flattened out, and was passing oil big time. The new one looked like the old one, but larger (creating a seal). My guess would be that that one part was mis-delivered. Steve B. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 20:54:18 -0400 From: bagdon@rust.net (S and K Bagdon) Subject: Re: MR2 MK1 timing belt? >I agree with everything you replyed on Ltraviolnc except for that last bit o >bull about the GM cars, you see IF and i mean IF you ever have anything wrong >with a GM, it will cost you a fraction of the cost that it does for an import >like my toyota or a honda. Plus, in my experience, the GM's easier to work on, >more room, simplicity, and well thought out. Plus, the way i drive, ive seen >that the GM's can take the abuse longer than the imports. Im not knocking my >import at all, just stating my experience. Well, I'll agree with anything except the 'well thought out' one. :) Working on my in-law's '90 Aerostar (which is the first domestic car I've worked on for 15 years) points out one interesting thing between Toyota and Ford. Toyota throughs technology and parts at a problem, while Ford throws weight. An example is brakes. On the Toyota, I need a manual and SSTs, on the Ford I need a hammer and chisel. The first time I worked on the Aerostar, I bought the manual, and had some problems working on the front brakes - I kept trying to figure out the best way to do them, and then I reverted back to 'mechanica around the corner at the gas station', and it all came together. :) Steve B. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 21:59:09 -0500 From: alain@voicenet.com Subject: Re: MR2 Re: Power antenna problems >>My power antenna doesn't work also, it doesn't go up nor down >but only >>those grinding noise :-( >>I heard that some people had used those high power fixed >antenna (its so >>short that it looks the same as if it doesn't go up) and I am >wondering >>if anyone of you have heard of that. > >How about spending the $45 on the Toyota part (antenna arm), >printing out >the directions from mr2.com, and keeping your antenna stock? > >Steve B. I did just that and that is why I posted my question to the digest. I replaced the antenna with a brand spanking new one (from toyota), and now when I go to put it up I get a horrible grinding noise once it reaches full extension. It carries on for about 20-30 seconds, then stops. When I put it down, it works wonderfully. Any suggestions? I never really got any replies to my first 2 posts on the subject... Thanks for any help! Allen Herbst 93NA 69k km ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 22:38:35 -0500 From: "Ardell L. Simon" Subject: MR2 MKI in LAPD tv show I was watching LAPD today and they were setting up an undercover drug bust. The undercover buyer was driving a.....any guesses?........a black MKI no spoiler!!! I'll add this 'sighting' to the growing list of MR2's spotted in shows/movies on my web page. We are up to 19 sightings!! Jeff F ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 18:07:50 -0800 From: "Patrick Smith" Subject: MR2 So i'm at work...... and i get the annual ride share slip from my personnel manager. I work for a big law office and they give discount parking for car poolers and bus riders. Everyone needs to fill them out anyway no matter if you car pool or not. Something to do with a big company and the AQMD. I'm not going to get into that. So i'm filing mine out and i come to the part that asks you if you drive a "A.F.V." (alternative fuel vehicle ) and i sit and think for a few minutes and then, i mark in the "YES" box, then it asks you what kind of AFV, so i make "octane", ( then it ask you if it's , natural gas, and so on, ) then i add in the "other" section "Racing Gas" ........ HAY, i consider 100 octane an AFV !!! MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2 PATRICK SMITH 1993 NA BLK TT CAL TAG "QCK MR2" "IMOC" International MR2 Owners Club "Life's a Trip , Not a Destination ! " Jack Russell -GREAT WHITE "Do, or do not, there is no try". Yoda MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2MR2 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 19:42:25 PST From: "Todd klosnick" Subject: MR2 MK1 Walker Dynomax glasspack muffler Hello, I was reading through Grassroots backissue and they said to put on a Walker Dynomax glasspack muffler in place of the stock muffler. They also said the weight savings is considerable (20lbs). My question is is this good to do? Also does it enhance the appearance of the exhaust and would it be possible to add a 4" tip onto the end. Does this give anymore low end power? Since mines a auto and its slow of the start. And finnally, is this too loud or how does it sound? I'm sure someone has done this. Thanks! Todd 87 MR2 ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 19:46:25 -0008 From: TerrySaltzman@home.com Subject: Re: ABS and the 91/92 MR2 N/A > > T-top, sunroof or hardtop. Now, i've never seen or heard of a turbo w/o > it. > > But, my turbo doesnt have LSD, which sucks and is another story. > > I have run into a few of the turbo's without but they are pretty rare. yep ive got a 92turbo ttops loaded no lsd but randy has the "fix" that he sez will be a cheap lsd substitute....and.... randy....what is the magic fix?....... waiting to get the big ticket so i can drop a "Q" lsd into my gearbox- terry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 19:56:58 -0008 From: TerrySaltzman@home.com Subject: Re: MR2 So i'm at work...... > "Racing Gas" ........ HAY, i consider 100 octane an AFV !!! keep em coming patrick that got me a' rollin' on da' flo' your a "gas" patrick- paying $1.72 a gal. for this weather - terry ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 20:34:02 -0800 (PST) From: Rick Wootten Subject: Re: ABS and the 91/92 MR2 N/A I have a 92T that does not have abs. In fact I looked at a red 92T here in San Jose that also did not have abs. I thought that it was not a common turbo option :) rick 92T w/o abs but has a sun roof On Tue, 30 Dec 1997, Chris King wrote: > > T-top, sunroof or hardtop. Now, i've never seen or heard of a turbo w/o > it. > > But, my turbo doesnt have LSD, which sucks and is another story. > > I have run into a few of the turbo's without but they are pretty rare. > > Chris K. > 91 NA > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 21:00:40 -0800 From: wagner@sprynet.com Subject: Re: MR2 Assistance Needed With Oil Leak John: I have an '85 too (in fact, it sounds like it was acquired under circumstances similar to yours...it sat for years before I got it). In any case...the oil leaks that I had were as follows: 1. Initially found the valve covers to be only finger tight. I retorqued these and my most serious leak was solved. 2. Later, I found the valve cover gasket to be leaking where the gasket "rides" over the cams. This time I replaced the valve cover gaskets and retorqued them. I could see the leak when I took the upper timing belt cover off. 3. When I was retiming the distributor (not to be confused with doing the timing with a timing light) I found the O-ring gasket on the distributor to be as brittle as a twig after I had pulled the distributor off. THIS WAS A BAD LEAK, 2ND ONLY TO THE FIRST ITEM. I'm inclined to guess you may be suffering from the problem I described in the third item above. I had the exact same symptoms you're describing...and your car is as old as mine too, so it's likely. Additionally, unless you use a mirror and a flashlight, this leak is difficult to see. Because the distributor and oil filter are fairly close to one another, it's easy to believe that the oil filter itself is leaking (of course, it may be). I hope this is of help to you, or anyone else. Best Wishes, Bill Wagner On Tue, 30 Dec 1997, "John" wrote: > I bought a '85 a couple of months ago for my son, soon to be a driver >(watch-out SE Texas!). It had been sitting for 5+ years. After pulling the >fuel tank to replace the fuel pump we found just about everything else to >work... Shortly there after we found that we had a bad head gasket and went >on to replace that (found the exhaust manifold to be cracked at the #4 >cylinder) during the Thanksgiving weekend. All is fine to this point, now >there is an oil leak that we can not locate. To date, we have replaced the >oil hose lines to the oil cooler and inspected the oil transfer pipe to the >cooler. The leak is probably not new as there is oil/dirt crud on the front >side of the oil pan (passengers side of the oil pan) and all over the A/C >compressor area. > A couple of other observations, the leak rate, a drop here and there >starts when the engine reaches operating temperature and "increases" briefly >when the engine is shut down and then stops after about 10-15 minutes. I >have tried to find the leak using a mirror and have ordered an UV additive. >There is NO oil on the soundproofing along the passengers cabin sheet metal. >The oil drops forward of the oil pan and about 2 inches on the passengers >side of the oil pan drain plug as viewed from the rear. > In general, I have found the car easy to work on, a little tough on the >pocket book for parts and a ball to drive. > > John/Nelson White 135M+ > > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 00:22:20 EST From: Ltraviolnc Subject: Re: MR2 MK1 Walker Dynomax glasspack muffler In a message dated 97-12-30 22:53:28 EST, locaencabeza@hotmail.com writes: > I was reading through Grassroots backissue and they said to put > on a Walker Dynomax glasspack muffler in place of the stock muffler. > They also said the weight savings is considerable (20lbs). My question > is is this good to do? To each his own, I guess. >Also does it enhance the appearance of the > exhaust Maybe if you turn the car upside down, but not much otherwise. >and would it be possible to add a 4" tip onto the end. Whatever floats your boat (or: WEFYB, in terry-speak), but my question is: WHY? Why have a 4" tip on a 2" (at best) pipe? The phrase wanna-be comes to mind. This aint no big block pro-streeter, its a 4cyl. Does > this give anymore low end power? No, but you'll probably lose some. Since mines a auto and its slow of the > start. And finnally, is this too loud or how does it sound? I'm sure > someone has done this. Thanks! Ron 87/\/\R2 Ltraviolnc@aol.com ICQ '98: 3087083 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 00:34:04 EST From: Ltraviolnc Subject: Re: MR2 93T (convertable) PARTS In a message dated 97-12-30 07:25:39 EST, bagdon@rust.net writes: (BTW, a > >DeWalt reciprocating saw goes through an MR2 like a hot knife through > butter). > > I prefer Milwaukee Sawzall Plus (with the quick-release blade coupler, > doesn't require a hex-tool) and 22tpi+ 8" blades. I could cut up an MR2 > small enough for two people to load it onto a flat bed, with no dollies, in > about 2 hours. Now, I call AAA, and have them flat-bed it to Auto > Shredders. > > Steve B. Yeah, it's a bit of a pain to change a broken blade in the heat of battle, but I'm getting pretty fast at it. Sure is easier then the way I used to do it, though...with oxy-acetolyne {sp?}. Nice to not have the car starting on fire all the time. I think I'm using 18tpi/8, but no problems. Ron 87/\/\R2 Ltraviolnc@aol.com ICQ '98: 3087083 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 01:02:56 -0500 From: Chris Conlon Subject: RE: MR2 Mk1 potentiometer and thanks! Todd wrote: > I have another question. I was reading through the NOV/DEC 94' > issue of Grassroots motorsport magazine and it had budget hop ups for > MK1. In the 1,000 setup it said to hook up a pententiometer to the > temperature sensor. By doing this they said that it can be adjusted to > fool the computer into thinking the engine is cold and richening the > injectors. I'm sure some of you guys have read this. What is your > opinion about this and what is a pententiometer anyway. Also where is > the temp sensor located at? A potentiometer is a variable resistor, usually with a knob, just like a volume control. The temperature sensor is a temperature-variable resistor, basically this mod lets you manually adjust the temperature the ECU "sees". Yes, you can make the ECU richen the mix. I'm not sure how much if any power this gets you, the only time I remember reading that someone had done this (Jorn?), they'd decided it didn't help any. I suspect the ECU is already running so rich at or near WOT that this mod is useless or worse... but perhaps some individual cars are different. Still, it's cheap, easy & safe... knock yourself out! Chris C. p.s. i'm almost sure this mod is on mr2.com , somewhere. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 01:10:20 EST From: MR2Turbo91 Subject: Re: MR2 MKII 1991 NA: noises over bumps In a message dated 97-12-30 13:14:30 EST, randyc@pacbell.net writes: << First/cheapest/easiest thing to check is the sway bar bushings. They should be lubricated. They can make some bad noises when they are not. I can see how being cold would make them worse. Don't use any lubricant with them also. The stock bushings are rubber. Perhaps you might try replacing them with some TRD or ST bushings? >> anyone know where I can get some TRD bushings??? either that, or know what other kinds of bushings I should get?? I don't care if the ride is harsh, I just want it to handle like a dream.... Austin T ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 01:30:59 EST From: KB2WJI Subject: MR2 MKI hood emblem Happy New Years everyone! Someone had E-mailed me a while ago about getting ahold of the eagle badge for the hood of the MKI. I dont remember who you are, so if theres anyone out there who needs that emblem, I'd be happy to mail it to you. Just drop me an E-mail at KB2WJI@aol.com Andrew dark pink 87na loaded ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 01:28:58 EST From: MR2Turbo91 Subject: Re: MR2 MK1 timing belt? In a message dated 97-12-30 19:05:09 EST, you write: << I agree with everything you replyed on Ltraviolnc except for that last bit o bull about the GM cars, you see IF and i mean IF you ever have anything wrong with a GM, it will cost you a fraction of the cost that it does for an import like my toyota or a honda. Plus, in my experience, the GM's easier to work on, more room, simplicity, and well thought out. Plus, the way i drive, ive seen that the GM's can take the abuse longer than the imports. Im not knocking my import at all, just stating my experience. Mike Craig 86 MR-2 <--- and loving it ZX-6R >> correct me if I am wrong...... wasn't the Fiero built by GM at the Fischer Body plant in Flint, Michigan..... Cause I owned one, and maintanance costs were much HIGHER than my MR2. In fact, I was even denyed service by 2 local Pontiac dealers because, "we don't work on Fieros" Austin T EX Fiero owner (keyword being "EX") ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 22:38:53 -0008 From: TerrySaltzman@home.com Subject: MR2 (Fwd) Silver State Classic!! info... genteeeeelfolks, the ssc is coming up (actually its th enevada open road which is basically th esame thing). i just got off the phone with larry hall (he won 1st in the 95mph bracket in a mki w/127k) he has since sold the 2 and will run this spring in a...GET THIS!... in a chevy S10 . he is going to strech it 3 ft and drop in a jag. V12 and compete in the 145+ class! sounds like a crazy country boy to me! it will be mid engine too...the V12 will set between the cab and the bed...WOW! now thats crazy.he also mentioned to me that espn or speedvision is suposed to run a feature on this past event in dec-january he is checking into it. anyway...im planning on running this. pete, austin, patrick mention their interest also... any supra takers? you can get info packages from the address below, larry is gonna send me one. there is also the "la carrera" in the fall. this is an international race in baja mex which sounds interesting. lets get ready it wil be here before you know it- terryiscrazywiththethoughtofopenroadsandopenthrottles ______________________________________ Thank you for your interest in the Silver State Classic Challenge series of Open Road Events. The dates for our events in 1998 are as follows: Nevada Open Road Challenge...................April 30 - May 3 La Carrera Classica (Ensenada Mexico).....July 23 - 25 Silver State Classic Challenge....................September 17 - 20 The Nevada Open Road Challenge and the Silver State Classic Challenge events are both run on State Route #318 in East-Central Nevada from the Towns of Lund to Hiko. The course is 90 miles in length, all on a state maintained public highway, with straight-aways up to 11 miles in length. The Nevada Department of Transportation closes the roadway to normal traffic for the duration of these events. These events are sanctioned and insured by the American IndyCar Series. THERE IS NO SPEED LIMIT! Anyone can enter this most unique automotive event who is at least 18 years of age with a valid driver's license and who brings a roadworthy 4 wheeled vehicle. You pick the speed that you would like to average from 95 mph up to 130 mph. If you have entered this event previously, or if you have a recognized relevant competition driving license, you may select an average speed up to 165 mph. There is even an unlimited class where speeds are in excess of 220 mph for the most experienced drivers! There are special competition driving classes in Las Vegas on Thursday before the event as well as practice and qualifying at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. All first time drivers are treated to special attention and instruction throughout the weekend to ensure that they enjoy everything these events have to offer. After four days of driving, receptions, a parade, a car show, and the fastest event held on a public highway in this country, there is the awards banquet at the Showboat Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place trophies are awarded in each speed bracket plus many other awards such as Rookie of the Event. These events are four days of action packed fun, the most fun you can have in a car with your clothes on. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, PLEASE PROVIDE US WITH YOUR SNAIL-MAIL ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER SO THAT WE CAN SEND YOU FURTHER INFORMATION AND AN ENTRY FORM! For more information, check out our web site: http://www.phenry.com/sscc/ To get a video of our 1994 event as aired on ESPN2 go to Silver State Classic Challenge, Inc. P.O. Box 420 Ely, Nevada 89301 702-289-6267 E-Mail us at: phenry@phenry.com ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V2 #38