my Moonstone 3 Door ...
#164
Well managed to fix up a few little things that had been bugging me when the opportunity came up to buy some stuff from Paul S (thanks mate ... a gentleman to business with , very trustworthy).
Firstly the markings on the indicator stalks had faded and the steering column never sat right and wobbled ... little things I know but drove me nuts nontheless.
Off came the old covers and stalks ...
No wonder the cover was always loose ... mount hole was broken off ...
Ready for this little lot ...
The hazard lights didn't work properly, and luck for me replacing the swtch assy fixed that problem ... stoked .
Firstly the markings on the indicator stalks had faded and the steering column never sat right and wobbled ... little things I know but drove me nuts nontheless.
Off came the old covers and stalks ...
No wonder the cover was always loose ... mount hole was broken off ...
Ready for this little lot ...
The hazard lights didn't work properly, and luck for me replacing the swtch assy fixed that problem ... stoked .
Last edited by rudeboy; 04-10-2010 at 03:52 AM.
#165
Well one of the first things I bought was the replacement window switches ... off ebay, quite cheap but sat in my garage for ages ... anyway found the time to replace the old ones ...
But of course as I took the old ones out, as with everything electrical in this car, the wiring fell apart ... was a shonky previous repair anyway, and had never been crimped tightly, yes blue looked good, but tipping it was the wrong size.
So (again ) out came my gear ...
and the repair was made, note tightly crimped splices ...
and the new switches went in ...
... but of course they didnt work, the drivers window wouldnt come back up ... couldnt be my wiring could it? Course not, I reconnected the old switches and everything worked perfectly. So my cheap switches were cheap for a reason.
Anyway, not to be outdone, I took the switches apart and found they were full of fluff and gunk, plus the pivot contacts had pitted ...
So all apart for an emery clean on the contacting faces and rebuilt and reinstalled, now they work.
Win to me .
But I have now developed a nasty missfire on idle .
But of course as I took the old ones out, as with everything electrical in this car, the wiring fell apart ... was a shonky previous repair anyway, and had never been crimped tightly, yes blue looked good, but tipping it was the wrong size.
So (again ) out came my gear ...
and the repair was made, note tightly crimped splices ...
and the new switches went in ...
... but of course they didnt work, the drivers window wouldnt come back up ... couldnt be my wiring could it? Course not, I reconnected the old switches and everything worked perfectly. So my cheap switches were cheap for a reason.
Anyway, not to be outdone, I took the switches apart and found they were full of fluff and gunk, plus the pivot contacts had pitted ...
So all apart for an emery clean on the contacting faces and rebuilt and reinstalled, now they work.
Win to me .
But I have now developed a nasty missfire on idle .
#168
Thanks Zetec and Steve ... appreciate it
Well next, I had a spare sticker lying around at work and the battery looked a bit plain, so ...
It's not really an aviation battery ... but it sure is the biggest one I can fit!
Also the wipers were always crap (yes it gets driven in the rain occasionally when its replacing my daily driver under repairs ) ... so some newys went in ...
But most importantly I don't know how I lasted on the old tyres for so long, they were hard, skatey and just shite. I was searching for tyres for my daily car cause it really needed some, then I got distracted and bought these for the Cosworth ... Bridgestone Potenza RE001 Adrenalin's ...
Still need to find tyres for my other car ... and these don't come in its size but thats another story.
Well next, I had a spare sticker lying around at work and the battery looked a bit plain, so ...
It's not really an aviation battery ... but it sure is the biggest one I can fit!
Also the wipers were always crap (yes it gets driven in the rain occasionally when its replacing my daily driver under repairs ) ... so some newys went in ...
But most importantly I don't know how I lasted on the old tyres for so long, they were hard, skatey and just shite. I was searching for tyres for my daily car cause it really needed some, then I got distracted and bought these for the Cosworth ... Bridgestone Potenza RE001 Adrenalin's ...
Still need to find tyres for my other car ... and these don't come in its size but thats another story.
Last edited by rudeboy; 06-10-2010 at 09:50 AM.
#169
Well gradually I had developed an annoying misfire issue (surprise surprise )
It has developed over time but was different to most other misfires I read about on here.
My symptoms were hard starting when warm(but OK when cold), and when doing this it would runn overly rich and cause soot from the exhaust. Once running the car was fine. Then the problem starting happening with cold start and eventually on idle. I made the decision that I wouldn't drive it again until it was sorted. So a sensor kit was the order ...
Slowly when I found time I changed a sensor at a time cause I wanted to find what was at fault. First the aircharge temp sensor ... old one was dirty, but didn't make a difference.
Then did crank angle sensor, blue coolant temp sensor (thought it may be thais one ... but no) and cleaned all engine plug connecters with contact cleaner
It has developed over time but was different to most other misfires I read about on here.
My symptoms were hard starting when warm(but OK when cold), and when doing this it would runn overly rich and cause soot from the exhaust. Once running the car was fine. Then the problem starting happening with cold start and eventually on idle. I made the decision that I wouldn't drive it again until it was sorted. So a sensor kit was the order ...
Slowly when I found time I changed a sensor at a time cause I wanted to find what was at fault. First the aircharge temp sensor ... old one was dirty, but didn't make a difference.
Then did crank angle sensor, blue coolant temp sensor (thought it may be thais one ... but no) and cleaned all engine plug connecters with contact cleaner
#170
As I had the sensor, and my temp gauge always under read. I went to change the gauge sender ... and guess what, the wiring broke
So a new terminal and wire went onto the sender ...
and got crimped back onto the harness ...
Gauge now works misfire remains
When I changed the aircharge sensor I noticed inside the inlet manifold was very wet with fuel, and I had sourced a replacement fuel regulator as I read that if the regs diaphram leaks you can draw fuel at idle into the inlet. Worth a shot as my car was running very rich as it misfires. So the plan was to change the reg, and with it removed I would have more room to get to the phase sensor.
When I took out the old phase sensor I found this ...
Which, with gentle investigation revealed this ...
Corroded broken wires ... thats got to cause issues.
So together it all went with a replacement fuel reg and a new phase sensor ...
Took it for a blat and yay no more misfire issue.
So a new terminal and wire went onto the sender ...
and got crimped back onto the harness ...
Gauge now works misfire remains
When I changed the aircharge sensor I noticed inside the inlet manifold was very wet with fuel, and I had sourced a replacement fuel regulator as I read that if the regs diaphram leaks you can draw fuel at idle into the inlet. Worth a shot as my car was running very rich as it misfires. So the plan was to change the reg, and with it removed I would have more room to get to the phase sensor.
When I took out the old phase sensor I found this ...
Which, with gentle investigation revealed this ...
Corroded broken wires ... thats got to cause issues.
So together it all went with a replacement fuel reg and a new phase sensor ...
Took it for a blat and yay no more misfire issue.
#178
Well, I've kind off stuffed up the timeline because before I had got the car sorted, we had the RSOCVic Winter Concourse ... and I managed to nurse the car (and my 4 year old!) to the park it was at. Unfortunately I didn't take any photos of my car ... probably more interested in others! Anyway heres one I found ...
I was the only representative of the Sierra boys, so by default I received this ...
... but I reckon I might have encouraged Lincoln to get cracking ...
I was the only representative of the Sierra boys, so by default I received this ...
... but I reckon I might have encouraged Lincoln to get cracking ...
#179
Anyway ... I've got lots of plans for the car, and I'd really like to drive it more.
So I've got lots of stuff I need to do ... cambelt, cam/crank/aux shaft seals, service of gearbox/diff fluids, rewire fuel pump and put in a 044 before I enjoy it this summer.
But I have heaps of other improvements I want to make and have broken the projects down bit by bit ... so hopefully I don't get stuck with the car off the roads for to long.
One thing I'm going to improve is the dash/cabin ... and with the Aussie dollar so strong at the moment I couldn't help buying these cheap from the states ...
I wanted VDO's because I think they suit the Sierras original equipment, simple, black with orange needles and green through lighting. Plus they're accurate and reliable. Got boost, oil press and oil temp.
Also bought some for my other car ... up to 15psi for my daily ... up to 30psi for the Sierra (yes I've got big plans!)
So I've got lots of stuff I need to do ... cambelt, cam/crank/aux shaft seals, service of gearbox/diff fluids, rewire fuel pump and put in a 044 before I enjoy it this summer.
But I have heaps of other improvements I want to make and have broken the projects down bit by bit ... so hopefully I don't get stuck with the car off the roads for to long.
One thing I'm going to improve is the dash/cabin ... and with the Aussie dollar so strong at the moment I couldn't help buying these cheap from the states ...
I wanted VDO's because I think they suit the Sierras original equipment, simple, black with orange needles and green through lighting. Plus they're accurate and reliable. Got boost, oil press and oil temp.
Also bought some for my other car ... up to 15psi for my daily ... up to 30psi for the Sierra (yes I've got big plans!)
#185
Well after the Winter Show I noticed that my drivers seat lower outer foam bolster had just collapsed. Well I didn't want to wreck the material (I could feel metal underneath) so out it came from the car with plans to refoam it and swap it with the other side (to even out the wear). Whilst I was under there I found myself a few pennies ... !
I sourced some new foams from Capital Seating ...
A local trimmer (lives close by and owns a 'Unique Trimming' business) came past to check out the job ... he tidied a few stiches, sussed out the job and said he'll sort it for me later.
So I pressed on with swapping over the seat positions ... base off ...
With the seats all assembled again I hit a hurdle ... I knew the seats had the fold foward release latch on both sides ... but the recline wheel is only on one side ... aahhh
Thought about disassembling the seat ... then changed my mind, thought about returning them to original ... but didn't want to damage the drivers, so I pressed on and fitted the seats swapped around.
No problems though, the recline wheel is on the inside ...and there's enough clearance ... and really who'd know unless I told them
I sourced some new foams from Capital Seating ...
A local trimmer (lives close by and owns a 'Unique Trimming' business) came past to check out the job ... he tidied a few stiches, sussed out the job and said he'll sort it for me later.
So I pressed on with swapping over the seat positions ... base off ...
With the seats all assembled again I hit a hurdle ... I knew the seats had the fold foward release latch on both sides ... but the recline wheel is only on one side ... aahhh
Thought about disassembling the seat ... then changed my mind, thought about returning them to original ... but didn't want to damage the drivers, so I pressed on and fitted the seats swapped around.
No problems though, the recline wheel is on the inside ...and there's enough clearance ... and really who'd know unless I told them
#186
I've been planning my next jobs and I've sourced heaps of stuff, but my daily driver is taking up a lot of my time.
Its a Ford Laser KF AWD Turbo (based on the Mazda 323 GTX rally car from Japan. I've had it 10 years, and its undergone a miny resto to make it reliable again ... as I need the airconditioner in summer, and 4WD in winter!
When its off the road (a lot last year) the ol' Cos gets daily duties!
Once the other car is sorted, I'll be able to park the Cosworth and do the bigger jobs I want to ...
Its a Ford Laser KF AWD Turbo (based on the Mazda 323 GTX rally car from Japan. I've had it 10 years, and its undergone a miny resto to make it reliable again ... as I need the airconditioner in summer, and 4WD in winter!
When its off the road (a lot last year) the ol' Cos gets daily duties!
Once the other car is sorted, I'll be able to park the Cosworth and do the bigger jobs I want to ...
#187
A fuel pump loom and a radiator loom. They were great to deal with and a pleasant experience for an overseas buyer ... I recommend them and their product highly
The loom will be installed when I clean up the fuel pump cradle and install the new filter and 044 high flow fuel pump ...
Plus I got a big box from Burton Power with all sorts of goodies ...
Including adjustable Track Control Arms ...
... to go with my new rod ends and steering boots (one of mine is torn open ) ...
I've been collecting this stuff for a while and its slowly my parts are all coming together.
A small package from Reyland is on the way for me to start the first project ...
... plus a package from Roose Motorsport left today ...
#190
In keeping with making the car reliable, this little lot is to go in ...
I bought some 8mm silicon black leads from Burton, as I wanted to keep the looks as standard as possible for now ... eventually I'll do a wasted spark conversion. The car had the original leads in, although I had changed plugs, dissy cap and coil previously as I know the ignition in these cars need to be top notch.
I went to change the leads and again I was horrified with what I found !
Corroded HT Lead connections at the distributor end ...
And cylinder two dissy cap point was corroded and full of stuff ... gave it the best clean I could, will replace it (again) when I get a newy ...
The inside of the cap was still good and so was my (not old) rotor ...
With this all cleaned up hopefully she'll run smooth with no misfires!
I bought some 8mm silicon black leads from Burton, as I wanted to keep the looks as standard as possible for now ... eventually I'll do a wasted spark conversion. The car had the original leads in, although I had changed plugs, dissy cap and coil previously as I know the ignition in these cars need to be top notch.
I went to change the leads and again I was horrified with what I found !
Corroded HT Lead connections at the distributor end ...
And cylinder two dissy cap point was corroded and full of stuff ... gave it the best clean I could, will replace it (again) when I get a newy ...
The inside of the cap was still good and so was my (not old) rotor ...
With this all cleaned up hopefully she'll run smooth with no misfires!
#191
I put the cover back on, put a new clamp on the solid coolant hose and give it a little clean up.
Note, the hose from the fuel reg to the manifold has been clamped ... the old one had perished and nearly fell off. Thinking back the hose was wet with fuel (which had eaten the rubber) reinforcing my thought that the regulators diaphram was leaking fuel and giving me fuelling issues at idle .
Of course all work was done with regular visits from my buddy !
For the next stage of the car I need this hardware for the drive pulleys I'm replacing (vernier cam pulleys, new aux pulley and crank pulley after replacing seals). So this lot has gone to the electroplaters as they have already started to surface corrode
The cam pulley bolts and turbo dampner will be in 'blue' zinc (which is actually the silver appearance, plus I have some silver anodised vernier cam pulleys coming from Reyland. Those at the block (including the drive pulleys) will be black zinc plated (I never knew this was available).
Oh ... and my Roose coolant hoses arrived ... all black, no stickers. Pics later.
Note, the hose from the fuel reg to the manifold has been clamped ... the old one had perished and nearly fell off. Thinking back the hose was wet with fuel (which had eaten the rubber) reinforcing my thought that the regulators diaphram was leaking fuel and giving me fuelling issues at idle .
Of course all work was done with regular visits from my buddy !
For the next stage of the car I need this hardware for the drive pulleys I'm replacing (vernier cam pulleys, new aux pulley and crank pulley after replacing seals). So this lot has gone to the electroplaters as they have already started to surface corrode
The cam pulley bolts and turbo dampner will be in 'blue' zinc (which is actually the silver appearance, plus I have some silver anodised vernier cam pulleys coming from Reyland. Those at the block (including the drive pulleys) will be black zinc plated (I never knew this was available).
Oh ... and my Roose coolant hoses arrived ... all black, no stickers. Pics later.
Last edited by rudeboy; 02-02-2011 at 08:28 AM.
#192
We had our big car show this month, and I managed to find time to give the car a wash (the second in a year!) ... lucky I had some help ...
After a dry I gave the car a once over with one of the products my detailer markets 'gloss boost' ... I have tried this back to back with other commercial stuff and they just dont compare ... this leaves the car feeling smooth ...
Then a couple of pictures from the weekend ...
Usually its hot and dusty ... this time it rained and I got stuck inside the car having sandwiches with my boy!
After a dry I gave the car a once over with one of the products my detailer markets 'gloss boost' ... I have tried this back to back with other commercial stuff and they just dont compare ... this leaves the car feeling smooth ...
Then a couple of pictures from the weekend ...
Usually its hot and dusty ... this time it rained and I got stuck inside the car having sandwiches with my boy!
Last edited by rudeboy; 09-02-2011 at 09:03 AM.
#193
Then a parcel arrived ...
some silver alloy vernier cam pulleys, mmmm ...
Plus my plain black Roose coolant hoses, which I shall install with my favorite solid band stainless steel clamps which polish up a treat ...
My electroplating will be ready on the weekend to collect, then ...
... it will be time to stop buying stuff ... and start getting it fitted !
some silver alloy vernier cam pulleys, mmmm ...
Plus my plain black Roose coolant hoses, which I shall install with my favorite solid band stainless steel clamps which polish up a treat ...
My electroplating will be ready on the weekend to collect, then ...
... it will be time to stop buying stuff ... and start getting it fitted !
#194
And my electroplating is done.
I can see why the silver is called 'blue zinc' up against the anodised silver aluminium its has a definate blue tinge.
Very happy with the black zinc, glad he told me about it.
Some washers on the turbo dampner will need to go back as a few spots are still rough ... but overall big difference. Glad I plated instead of painting.
I can see why the silver is called 'blue zinc' up against the anodised silver aluminium its has a definate blue tinge.
Very happy with the black zinc, glad he told me about it.
Some washers on the turbo dampner will need to go back as a few spots are still rough ... but overall big difference. Glad I plated instead of painting.
#197
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Looks great mate, loads of work gone into this one, keep up the good work
#200
Thanks mate!
Yeah car does get a bit of recognition in AUS ... all because of the touring cars and Dick Johnson. Not many people know that the RS500 is different, and its about the only Ford that Holden (Vauxhall) fans appreciate !
The car diffenately turns heads on the roads ...
Yeah car does get a bit of recognition in AUS ... all because of the touring cars and Dick Johnson. Not many people know that the RS500 is different, and its about the only Ford that Holden (Vauxhall) fans appreciate !
The car diffenately turns heads on the roads ...