Sprocket's Competition

[clocker]

The only answer I'm aware of is to take the trans down and remove the pressure plate, which grates, because it only takes about two seconds to free the damn disc.

OK, well, that ain't gonna happen.
At least, not in our garage, not with our tools.

Here's hoping for a less painful solution.

[j2k4]

Can you get an eyeball on it any other way?

Can you assure yourself the pressure plate is actuating/releasing?

[clocker]

I can't even tell you if the throwout bearing arm is actually moving.
It's a mystery "down there".

[clocker]

I can't even tell you if the throwout bearing arm is actually moving.
It's a mystery "down there".

[j2k4]

Well, then.

A few months ago, Clocker informed me he'd been offered a tremendously tempting deal on a certain car - the car was in very nice shape, especially considering it's vintage; it had been well-cared for.

We knocked the question around for a short time, and I told him if he decided to pass, I'd like to throw my hat into the ring.

After weighing the situation for a few days, Clocker decided not to switch horses in mid-stream (he has his Mazda RX 7 to play with, and a slightly amorphous set of long-term plans according), so he basically consented - graciously - to act as my proxy in the purchase of this, oh, let's go ahead and call it a mid-life crisis.

I took the precaution of securing Missus J's blessing as well, which fact, along with Clocker's abilities as an intermediary, resulted in my taking possession of this:



































It's a 1992 Dodge Stealth RT Twin-Turbo, which is equipped with AWD and all-wheel steering; also a very comprehensive (and slightly bewildering) collection of options designed to please the senses.

It is the mechanical twin to the Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR4.

I am flying out on the 16th to visit Clocker and drive it home, and I am not bothered in the least that I haven't the syllabic wherewithal to describe my anticipation.

I can't even tell you if the throwout bearing arm is actually moving.
It's a mystery "down there".

Perhaps Dan-the-Man can advise...

[clocker]

Yup, that's it.

The Stealth was another of Sigfrid's "boy's toys" and for various reasons- none of which concerned the car itself- he decided to dispose of it.

I was sorely tempted but in the end, the mechanical complexity was a factor I could not overcome.
All wheel drive, all wheel steering and twin turbos make for an almost overwhelming plethora of things that could go wrong and I doubted my ability to deal with them easily.
Since Kev will not be dependent on the Stealth for daily transportation, if (when?) something happens, he can deal in leisure instead of desperation.

It's a pretty cool car (although the Mitsu 3000 GT has nicer bodywork IMO) and relatively fast.
Kev and I shall be attending to the few small pre-trip details necessary to ensure a safe arrival (new oil/filter, check tire pressure, etc.) and also a few mods to increase performance. With any luck, his 1300 mile journey home will be fun but uneventful.

I should take possession of the Stealth this week and transport it to my lair where time and weather will dictate what I can do before Kev's arrival on the 16th.
I'd be willing to drive the car just as she sits, there is nothing apparently wrong and she drives nicely, so we really needn't knock ourselves out prepping the car.

I'm sure that once he has it home Kev has big plans for it.
There may even be a thread about it.

The future looks bright.

[Detale]

Hey, I'm just glad you bought American I drive a Dodge Durango and love that gas guzzling bitch!

[j2k4]

Hey, I'm just glad you bought American I drive a Dodge Durango and love that gas guzzling bitch!

Yes, an American Mitsubishi, in this case, but one capable of (hear tell) mid-twenties, mileage-wise.

I have the vague feeling the trip home will net a bit less than that.

Don't know why.

Hey, check your PMs, D.

[clocker]

Next, the clutch...We have no clutch now and no explanation why...It's logical to assume that we simply have a bleeding problem but cannot seem to make any progress and will have to explore for info this week.

OK, we really do have a bleeding problem.
Turns out, it's increasingly common to see clutch hydraulics sold/serviced as a complete system...master, slave and hose all connected, filled with fluid and bled. Just bolt in the parts and you're done.
Our slave cylinder is from such a system and has no bleed screw on it at all.

The only way to deal with such a setup is to use a vacuum bleeder.

Which we don't have.
Yet.
Hoping Harbor Freight has something cheap.

Passenger side steering rack bushing arrived today.
One down, one to go.

[j2k4]

/The gallery breathes a sigh of relief