Cascade Crew

Magman · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:51 pm Post subject: A day of wrenchin!

Just kickin back with a Beam and Coke after a long day...... Got up this morning to tackle a few of the many problems on that 88 GTA I picked up. Started off with fixing the seatbelt that wouldn't retract. Then worked on the power hatch, that turned out to be a bad ground. Next, replaced the transmount that was in two pieces. While working on that, I discovered the trans crossmember mount bolts were stripped on the pass side and had to install helicoils. Replaced front/rear swaybar bushings and endlinks. Lubed front end. Changed fluid in rearend, changed oil/filter, fuel filter, and trans fluid/filter. The whole underside was covered in 1/16" thick oil/grime/gook, so I took it to the car wash and cleaned with Gunk. Car wouldn't start after being sprayed Mad

. After removing the cap/rotor, I discovered I shorted the coil. I could hear/see the spark jumping in the water that collected on the top of the coil while cranking. So, I replaced the coil with a spare from the other 88 and got it home. It overheated by the time I drove home, so I started the cooling system troubleshooting chart. Fans work hooked direct and when the switch is grounded, so I replaced the switch, ($36.00 later! Shocked

) and poured antifreeze in my face! While I was under the car, figured I'd better check the oil pan bolts, yep, all were loose and probably culprit to the bad oil leak it has. Finally, 8:30 pm I take it for a ride after double checking all fluids. Stereo wont power on, WTF? But, it runs great, spins the tires even! Damn what a day!

Just looked under the car and see I have three spots of oil the size of a quarter on the floor! OMG, enough already! Guess I'll look at it again tomorrow. Right now, black fingernalls and all, Beams my friend! Laughing

Just thought I'd share the joys of buying a new, old car! I'ts obvious the previous owner wasn't mechanically inclined. But, it's coming along and my son is learning a lot!

Dewey316 · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject:

Wow, busy day! Glad you are getting things sorted out. On a motor that old, I would sure check the main seals for the oil leak, especialy if it is bottom end oil. The oil pressure sender area, and valvecovers would be other places to look.

You shoudl really get some pictures posted up for everyone to see, it is a pretty good looking car!

iansane · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:07 pm Post subject:

As long as your son is helping you along with all that it sounds like a fun weekend!

Dewey316 · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:09 pm Post subject:

Magman · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:52 pm Post subject:

Well, the boy hung with me most of the day. He got discouraged when it wouldn't start at the carwash. His smile came back when we drove it later though Laughing

. He was totally impressed with the power of a tired old L-98 and the handling with the new poly bushings!

The oil leaks appear to be all lower end (oil pan), engine is dry up top, nothing from the intake or valve covers that I saw today.

I scored a tranny cooler and A/C delete box from a 84 Z-28 at the local JY for $25. Think that will be our next project... after we fix the oil leaks.

Quasi-Traction · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:17 am Post subject:

right on the corners of where the oil pan meets the main seal is a common leak problem area. If you haven't done it, a 1 piece gasket and a few dabs of RTV in those corners, should seal it up nicely.

cameron7710 · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:05 am Post subject:

good to see its coming along Thumbs up