mr2-digest           Friday, January 9 1998           Volume 02 : Number 086



MR2 MkII electircal problems
FW: MR2 for Sale in PA
MR2 Mk1 Reverse Light Relay
MR2 MKI speedo cable replacement?
Re: MR2 MK2 problems
MR2 Computer Dyno Program
Re: MR2 How to take off Gauge Needles?
Re: MR2 MkII  Power Steering Problem
Re: MR2 knock sensor LED
MR2 RE: mr2-digest V2 #84
MR2 Re:  Steering Wheel "not right"
Using High Boost vs. Engine work..was RE: MR2 Anyone know about S upras
MR2 speeding ticket revisited
Re: MR2 MkII Power Steering Problem
MR2 MKII jap.wheels/side vents/homepage update
MR2 Schroth Ralleye harness
MR2 Blowouts
MR2 Need Clutch Bleed Tube

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 09:50:36 -0800
From: Jim King <james.king@wyatt.com>
Subject: MR2 MkII electircal problems

Jason Hills  wrote:
Well, my 91T is starting to have a few random problems that I need to spend some time tracking down.  I thought I'd ask the list before I tear into it all, as maybe someone else has seen something similar.
1. parking brake light flashing on during driving <snip>

Probably low fluid level brake fluid resivour (sp).  Try topping it up. Try disconnecting the wire from the turbo timer if this doesn't work.

2. stock alarm tripping.  <snip>

Stock alarm is disarmed when the key is turned to unlock the door. A switch is operated when this happens (NOT the same one that turns on the dome light).  Maybe the contacts are dirty or the mechanical linkage is out of adjustment.  May also explain problem #3.

3. My key (I only have one, yeah, I know, I should have a spare...) seems to unlock the drivers door and trunk better when it's turned one way as opposed to the other <snip>

Jim
'93 Turquoise Turbo.

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 14:33:33 -0500
From: "Kennedy, Paul M, NCIO" <paulkennedy@att.com>
Subject: FW: MR2 for Sale in PA

I called and further confirmed the following about this car:

	Non-Turbo
	Mileage: 102K mi.
	Color: Teal
	Very good condition, no body damage, runs excellent per
     dealer.
	
Paul Kennedy

>----------
>From: 	Kennedy, Paul M, NCIO
>Sent: 	Friday, January 09, 1998 4:14 AM
>To: 	'MR2 Interest'
>Subject: 	MR2 for Sale in PA
>
>To those who are interested, I saw this dealer's ad for the following:
>
>'93 MR2 (NA, I assume, as it did not state Turbo)
>5sp.,sunroof
>$7495
>
>National Auto Sales
>Main St., Clifford, PA (N. of Scranton)
>717-222-9755
>or     -3930 
>
>I did not call and am unaware of the condition.
>
>Hope it's a good one and finds a happy home with a list member.
>
>Paul Kennedy
>91T
>86 NA
>

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

Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 12:11:39 -0800
From: Joel Aufrecht <jaufrec@primenet.com>
Subject: MR2 Mk1 Reverse Light Relay

('86 MR2) A while ago I noticed my white backup lights weren't working.  I
had it diagnosed as a bad reverse light relay (84210-60021), and I have
finally ordered and received said relay (now called a switch) from my local
Toyota dealer.  I have the Hanes and the BGB, and I can't figure out where
this thing goes.  Anybody know?

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 11:34:22 -0800
From: wmontoya@znet.com (Wayne Montoya)
Subject: MR2 MKI speedo cable replacement?

my speedo cable is broken and I've not been able to find any info on the
exact routing or replacement procedure in the toyota BGB. i assume it's
something like my VW bug's cable replacement tricks (tape leading edge, use
the old one to pull the other through, etc..) but that's a guess.
comments/hints from anyone who's performed this before would be most
appreciated.

TIA & regards...   WM

- ---------------------------------------------------------------
W. Montoya...  
    Scientist, Racer, Bozo...  Team Bozo/AFM#25

me --->  wmontoya@znet.com     

"Who ever said punky music and racing motorcycles don't mix..."

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

Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 15:12:50 -0500
From: Steve Bagdon <bagdon@rust.net>
Subject: Re: MR2 MK2 problems

> So after all of my rambling, here's the recommendation... Have a
> locksmith (not a key copier at a local hardware shop) make a new key to
> toyota specs and see if that fixes the problem.  It'd be cheaper than
> new locks which I was considering, and have been told is only a few
> dollars less than the nation debt!  Hope this helps.

Well, don't forget to include Toyota. I've had zero problems with the
keys that Toyota has made for me from the cross-reference sheet, and
their hand-held 'punch-key' maker.

Steve B.

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 15:23:47 EST
From: Mr2toy726 <Mr2toy726@aol.com>
Subject: MR2 Computer Dyno Program

Has anyone tried the "Home Dyno"?  I checked out the web page and it seems
like it would work and be fairly accurate, more accurate than a G-Tech (I
think).  Check it out and let me know whjat you think.

http://www.charm.net/~mchaney/homedyno/dynokit.htm

I want a reliable way to determine HP before I start modifying my 91 MR2 so
that I can evaluate the modifications...

So far my plans are to:

1.  Do a complete tune up (plugs, wires, cap and rotor. fuel filter, change
all fluids, etc.)
2.  handmade K&N Filter kit

3.  Advance the timing a few degrees (of course I will upgrade to super-
unleaded gas)

4.  custom exhaust, probally using 2 1/2 inch pipe and a Dynomax muffler (for
a Camaro) and the stock tips, possibly a hollow cat too

5.  Nitrous Oxide.  Check out Nitrous Express at http://www.nitrousexpress.com

Thanks,

Aaron
91 NA

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 11:13:07 -0800
From: "Sabrina and Alex Pun" <kapnalex@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: MR2 How to take off Gauge Needles?

They just pull off.  I would use a screwdriver and carefully pry it off.  Be
careful not to scratch anything.  Also, the black gauge faces are just held
on by adhesive.

Alex Pun
Yellow 91 MR2T  (Trust exhaust, K&N FIPK, GReddy PRofec, GReddy Boost Cut
Controller, HKS 46mm boost gauge)

- -----Original Message-----
From: Ardell L. Simon <rals@ptd.net>
To: mr2-interest@mr2.com <mr2-interest@mr2.com>
Date: Thursday, January 08, 1998 10:12 PM
Subject: MR2 How to take off Gauge Needles?


>Anyone know how to take off the gauge needles on an MKII to do a white face
>install???
>

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 11:33:31 -0800
From: "Sabrina and Alex Pun" <kapnalex@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: MR2 MkII  Power Steering Problem

>>Help!!!!  Michelle's 93T (44k miles) had a strange occurrance tonight.
>>She got in it to come home from work and the power steering didn't
>>work.  The idiot light was on and there was no assist.  It has never
>>done this before.  After she got it home I checked the fluid level and
>>it was fine.  (Idiot light still on, no assist) The power steering
>>started working when I tried it, ONLY if I revved the engine,
>>immediately after starting the car, before turning the wheel .  If I
>>tried to turn the wheel without revving, the idiot light came on and
>>there was no assist again until I shut the car off, restarted, and
>>blipped the gas again.  After several start/stops, the car seems to be
>>almost normal.  The power steering is working and the idiot light stays
>>off.  What's up?  It does seem as if the power steering is bogging the
>>engine down at idle a bit.  The interior lights dim and the revs drop
>>when you turn the wheel. Power steering pump going bad?  Any thoughts
>>are welcome!
>
>Maybe you need your battery or alternator looked at. The power steering is
>electric, and produces a heck of a currnet draw (almost as bad as the ABS).
>If you're car can't produce enough current, there might be a 'low current
>sensor' in the PS circuit that disables the PS (so you don't stall the car
>from a current-draw.
>
>Steve B.


When I was having problems with my alternator, everytime I turned the power
steering, my car would died.  Same thing by just applying the brakes.  I
kept jumping the battery and it still died after charging it.  I took it in
to Toyota and it just happened to fix itself (knock on wood).  They said
something about a faulty diode in the alternator, but it seemed to be
working now.  By the way, I'm still using the same battery and it kept its
charge after a weeks long vacation.  Good luck!

Alex Pun
Yellow 91 MR2T  (Trust exhaust, K&N FIPK, GReddy PRofec, GReddy Boost Cut
Controller, HKS 46mm boost gauge)

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 12:57:16 -0800
From: "Sabrina and Alex Pun" <kapnalex@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: MR2 knock sensor LED

There's also a VSV modeled as a variable resistor in the schematics.  Could
this work?

Alex Pun
Yellow 91 MR2T  (Trust exhaust, K&N FIPK, GReddy PRofec, GReddy Boost Cut
Controller, HKS 46mm boost gauge)

- -----Original Message-----
From: Chris Conlon <synchris@ricochet.net>
To: 'Harry C. Wang' <hcwang@scuacc.scu.edu>
Cc: IMOC <mr2-interest@mr2.com>
Date: Friday, January 09, 1998 6:57 AM
Subject: RE: MR2 knock sensor LED


>Harry wrote:
>
>> What about something timing related?  Doesn't the ECU retard timing upon
>> signals from the knock sensor?  What about hooking up the LED to this
>> function?  I'm not sure how the ECU does it.  A combination of electrical
>
>The tricky bit here is that ignition timing normally varies over some
range,
>so how to tell a normal timing apart from a knock-retarded one? You might
>look for abrupt changes in timing, or perhaps knock-retarded timing is way
>beyond any normal setting, I don't know. Not to say it can't be done;
rather
>to say *I* won't be the one doing the R&D ;)   Look for a nice easy VSV
first.
>
>   Chris C.
>
>p.s. I'm told you can hear knock with a stethoscope. Perhaps attach a piezo
>type microphone to the head, and put the signal out thru a speaker? Talk
>about engine noise! You could add a filter for the right frequency range...
;)
>
>p.p.s. I'm also told MSD has a universal knock sensor, part# 8964, for
~$140.
>Perhaps they've solved this problem already?
>
>

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 13:13:54 -0800
From: "Corey Lawson" <clawson@checfs1.ucsd.edu>
Subject: MR2 RE: mr2-digest V2 #84

> For those of us who scan the AutoTrader Online ever so often, I noticed a
91
> MR2 Turbo in Oklahoma for around $9300 obo.  The ad claims it has 23,000
> miles.  About two weeks ago I called the owner/seller and the car sounded
> great.  So my fiance and I drove 2 1/2 hours up to OK City to see the car.
>
> black
> black cloth interior
> turbo 2.0
> 5 spd
> 14" stock alloys
> 3 in 1 stereo
> 23,8?? showing on the odometer
> etc.
>
> The story was that the first owner wrecked the car several years ago
> (relativly light sideswipe) with only 21,000 miles on the clock.  They did
not
> have full coverage and could not afford to fix the car, so they let it sit
for
> several years.  Well a bodyshop came along, bought the car, and repaired
it.
> The current seller bought it from the body shop.  The story/car has a few
> flaws:
>
> seats are VERY worn, with several minor rips and tears
> Not original tires...surely a set of RE71's would hasve lasted 23,000
miles?

Nope, not necessarily. 10-15K Mi's rears, maybe twice that for the fronts
(for RE-71's). My car had been reshod once (I did get the service records
with the car from the prior, original, owner, and I bought it at a dealer,
no less...) before I bought it. It had 27K Mi on it 2.5 years ago (62K
now...). 91T.  Tires since I've bought the car:

new set of rears in Seattle 2 years ago (had a flat in one, tread was too
low, so had to get new ones.  $315 later...).  This summer, AVS-i's all
around (all 4 RE71's were corded... danger will robinson, danger!).  AVS-i's
weren't all that much more per tire than RE71's ($5-10).

> one side of the car has nice silver stock wheels, the other side has ugly
grey
> wheels
> body panel alignment is awful, hood is crooked, engine cover will not pop
up,
> trunk lid rubs engine cover....
> struts and shocks are worn out
> turbo boost guage is non-functional
> 3 in 1 stereo has a short in it, sounds like dirt
> driverside power window switch panel is broken
>
> I seriously doubt the owner's claims of 23,000  miles.  Don't waste your
time.

Who knows, though, might make for a good track/autocross car, since some of
the things would probably need to be replaced or removed (no regrets of
laying waste to the interior) to have a "serious" ASP car (for an MR2
anyways...whether it's competitive or not...) anyways.  Did it sit outside
while not being repaired?

Was it a T-Top? Not that I'm in the market, but...

> Aaron
> 91 NA

- -Corey Lawson
 clawson@ucsd.edu

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 16:12:27 -0500
From: "Burns, James B." <BurnsJB1@central.SSD.JHUAPL.edu>
Subject: MR2 Re:  Steering Wheel "not right"

Hank Wallace wrote:
> 
> I just replaced my front tires with Yoko AVSI's 205/50-15.  Although I
> bought the tires from the Tire Rack, I had NTB mount, balance, and do
the
> alignment.  Now my steering wheel is not right and they say they can't
fix
> it.

If the car was aligned and the steering wheel is not straight, this
usually means that the alignment shop didn't adjust both tie rods
evenly, so that one is now a bit longer than the other.  They can fix
this by properly adjusting the tie rod lengths.  In extreme cases where
everything else is perfect and the wheel is still crooked, you need to
remove and reinstall the steering wheel, but this is extremely rare.

Brad Burns

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 14:21:17 -0700
From: "McQuillin, Gordon" <GordonM@SunnysideUD.K12.AZ.US>
Subject: Using High Boost vs. Engine work..was RE: MR2 Anyone know about S upras

You have valid points here.  The article I was referring to wasn't about
the MR2 engine but about how higher boost isn't the same as higher HP.
I still wonder about the trend to just increase boost for more HP when
it seems to be the same price in the long run to instead do a logical
engine build up/work. (trying to improve manifold/head flow, removing
air flow meter restrictions, etc...)  But as long as the bolt on parts
are relatively cheap ($200-$400 per piece) and easy to install I think
most people will go that route (as opposed to saving up and having a
decent shop massage the engine, computer, turbo, etc..)   I'm still
learning about motors and how to raise performance, and the more I
learn, the less I know!  :-)  oh well, at least I know just enough to
get in trouble now.   Have a good one.

 
Gordon McQuillin
91'T Black

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 13:52:07 -0800 (PST)
From: Phil Esra <philesra@pacbell.net>
Subject: MR2 speeding ticket revisited

Just got back from court- case was dismissed because officer didn't show.
Whew!  I spoke to the judge afterwards and asked about my situation.  I had
been clocked by a plane; as far as I could tell, the CA vehicle code
specifically, explicitly forbids this technique.  However, she (the judge)
said that, to get around it, the pilot times the tip of his wing as he flies
with you, rather than timing your car.  She said that people try to use the
vehicle code defense all the time, and that they don't stand a chance.  She
seemed pretty cool, and I'm inclined to believe her.  So add that to your files.

I fought the law, and the law... didn't show up

Phil

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 17:00:03 -0500
From: "Kennedy, Paul M, NCIO" <paulkennedy@att.com>
Subject: Re: MR2 MkII Power Steering Problem

I had a similar problem about a year ago with my 91T.  For no apparent
reason the power steering died.  The next day it was fine.  Never had a
problem again.  Still a mystery.

Paul Kennedy
91T
>86NA
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Thu, 08 Jan 1998 21:44:10 -0500
>From: ClarkAttack <ClarkAttack@Prodigy.net>
>Subject: MR2 MkII  Power Steering Problem
>
>Help!!!!  Michelle's 93T (44k miles) had a strange occurrance tonight. 
>She got in it to come home from work and the power steering didn't
>work.  The idiot light was on and there was no assist.  It has never
>done this before.  After she got it home I checked the fluid level and
>it was fine.  (Idiot light still on, no assist) The power steering
>started working when I tried it, ONLY if I revved the engine,
>immediately after starting the car, before turning the wheel .  If I
>tried to turn the wheel without revving, the idiot light came on and
>there was no assist again until I shut the car off, restarted, and
>blipped the gas again.  After several start/stops, the car seems to be
>almost normal.  The power steering is working and the idiot light stays
>off.  What's up?  It does seem as if the power steering is bogging the
>engine down at idle a bit.  The interior lights dim and the revs drop
>when you turn the wheel. Power steering pump going bad?  Any thoughts
>are welcome! 
>
>Joel and Michelle C.
>92T	93T
>

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

Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 23:48:03 +0100
From: Falco Zeidler <falco@zedat.fu-berlin.de>
Subject: MR2 MKII jap.wheels/side vents/homepage update

Hi all,

I just did a few updates to my homepage.There is a MR2 from a german car
tuning magazine that shows a VERY nice MR2 MKII.Look for the wheels -WOW! It
is said that they are from japan.Does anybody know where to get them from
and how much they are?
Same to the side vents.They are so nice,I think, that they make the MR2 more
Ferrari looking as it still is. Somebody know where to get them?

Okay,don't miss this great pictures and click on the link below to go to my
page. Just follow the link about the SWISS MR2 on the main page or go to the
tuning page and click on the pic of the red MR2 there.

Hope you enjoy the page.If you have informations about the parts used there
on this car,please email me.

Have fun

Falco
- -------------------------------------
Falco Zeidler,Germany                
falco@zedat.fu-berlin.de
/or: mr2falco@aol.com      
http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~falco/ 
`95 euro MR2 n/a 180hp T-Bar
- -------------------------------------

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

Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 17:48:01 EST
From: bluemr2@juno.com
Subject: MR2 Schroth Ralleye harness

	Ok, where would one find a Schroth Ralleye harness?  Mail-order? 
Local NorthWestOhio area?  Detroit?  I want one, but I never see them
advertised.  All I can find are the Simpson and Bell harnesses which are
simply NOT going to work in my MR2.

Brian
'91 MR2 NA 4cs "Now with GTech Pro"

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

Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 17:48:01 EST
From: bluemr2@juno.com
Subject: MR2 Blowouts

	Just thought I'd mention the blowout I suffered in a corner @
35mph with an H rated Falken with only 5000 miles on it (I was actually
taking the corner slow, following traffic).  Life got real interesting
REALLY quick.  There was never any real concern of hitting any immovable
objects, I was just concerned about the guy behind me being able to stop!
 One of the tread blocks just ripped right out of the tire and I
instantly lost air pressure (with a nice BANG).  I consider it extremely
unlikely to happen again though, and am the only one among the people I
know to ever have this happen.  So, it CAN happen, but most likely it
WON'T.

Brian
_______________________________________________
not uncomommon?  no one i know has ever had a blowout at _any_ speed. 
i've
found nails, screws, etc. embedded in tires when i look over them while
stopped (sometimes penetrating straight through, and the tire holds
pressure).  i've had several flats on various cars, but no blowouts; they
always seem to lose pressure over several minutes, mimimum (plenty of
time
to notice and stop).

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

Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 18:34:28 -0500
From: "Andrew Pike" <ampike@infovision-nassau.com>
Subject: MR2 Need Clutch Bleed Tube

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

- ------=_NextPart_000_0008_01BD1D2D.382ABA20
Content-Type: text/plain;
	charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

I need a clutch bleed tube for a 1985 MR2, Manual Transmission.

This is the line which comes out of the top of the slave cylinder and =
has a bleed screw at the other end.

Let me know if you can help.


- ------=_NextPart_000_0008_01BD1D2D.382ABA20
Content-Type: text/html;
	charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD W3 HTML//EN">
<HTML>
<HEAD>

<META content=3Dtext/html;charset=3Diso-8859-1 =
http-equiv=3DContent-Type>
<META content=3D'"MSHTML 4.71.1712.3"' name=3DGENERATOR>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgColor=3D#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2>I need a clutch bleed tube for a =
1985 MR2,=20
Manual Transmission.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>This is the line which comes out of the top of the =
slave=20
cylinder and has a bleed screw at the other end.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Let me know if you can help.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></BODY></HTML>

- ------=_NextPart_000_0008_01BD1D2D.382ABA20--

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

End of mr2-digest V2 #86