Archive for November, 2009

The MAX, it runs!

November 24, 2009

After efforts on Saturday to get it running, my little L38 Daihatsu 360/MAX  wasn’t playing ball.  Something just wasn’t right, I figured I would likely have to remove and rebuild the carb as it appeared to be a fueling issue though I wasn’t sure where exactly.  In an effort to figure out whether the fuel pump was working or not, I moronically broke the fixed line between the pump and the carburettor, not good.  Not quite being able to put my finger on it and the wind and sunshine not working well together, I decided to call it quits for the day.

On Sunday, things went altogether differently.  A little bit of fuel hose stolen from my C110′s fuel rail was clamped in place onto each broken end of the fixed line.  The pump did appear to be working but not at a very impressive level.  Diagnosis continued.  I hoped of course that the fuel pump didn’t have to be replaced, it would be yet another part that would be difficult to find and then buy, many tries of filling the fuel bowl on the carb up only worked until the bowl was empty and then it would putter to a stop.  My brother hung his head under the car to find that there was a small puddle left under the fuel tank.  Curses.  A leak.  I investigated further to find that they were only pinhole types holes and certainly wouldn’t be enough to stop fuel delivery.  Whilst cramming my hands into the small space between the engine and the firewall where the fuel pump resides, I noticed a glint from a drip.  The drip was forming on the lower hose clamp of the fuel filter.  After pulling the filter off, all was revealed.  There was a rust hole in the bottom of said filter and this was not only letting fuel out but drawing air through making fuel delivery to the carburettor sparse at best.  My brother shot off to SuperChump to attain a plastic inline filter to replace it and once that was on, we were in business!  the car fired up and ran on it’s own after we’d adjusted the idle.  Brilliant.  She’s a runner for the first time in 6 years.

Now there’s just the rest of the problems to sort.  Holes in steel remedied, Fix whatever it is in the carb that’s sticking or blocked, get the brakes working, take it for a WoF and then get some registration and BANG.  Should be good!  Though I guarantee there’ll be other issues, they shall all be tackled as they make themselves known.

-Michael

If I were a rich man

November 22, 2009

…I would buy these NOS roof visors (aka monsoons) for the KDR. 30,000 yams (NZ$466) is what they’re going for, which is a bit on the ridiculous side if I’m honest.

Genuine.

But I’m not feeling particularly rich this month having spent quite a bit on the TX3, so I’ll have to pass. Maybe I’ll get lucky and score some 2nd hand ones for a fraction of the cost if they happen to turn up on YAJ.

also spotted this trawl: one genuine brand-new DR30 tail light lens. I didn’t even know you could replace them independently of the tail light housing, but I guess it’s possible with some patience (or if you know a panelbeater willing to undertake the job for you). Start price is 10,000 yen (NZ$156)

I like new old things. Don't you?

Awesome Site

November 20, 2009

Browsing for random things turned up for me the address of a site that I simply had to share with you all, it’s called “Moby’s Site” (the link is now on the right hand side).  I thoroughly recommend checking it out.  Though here’s a few samples to get inspire you further to click the link;

With everything from Brochures, Adverts, Museums, Car Shows, Race Meetings, all manner of cars from all possible destinations.  It’s truly a sweet, sweet site.

Saab V4

Saab V4

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MAX Progress!

November 19, 2009

With much and many thanks to Ewan from Hayatonka.com, I have had the parts to put the engine in the Daihatsu Max back together for a week or two, the only problem is that the weather decided it did not want to assist me with this…                …until yesterday that is!  So with the first sunny day devoid of wind, having the morning off on a Wednesday proved to be ideal.  I dropped my partner off at around half eight in the A.M, came home and got stuck into it;

Step 1:

Step 1: Remove Old Lower Gasket

The gasket came off surprisingly easily.  I thought it would rip like a son of a chicken, thankfully I pulled it off gently and it managed to be extracted in one piece… (more…)

Milestone

November 18, 2009

Having only owned the car for the last 9 days this wasn’t as impressive as it could have been but still given it’s age, it’s pretty cool;

First Time Round

First Time Round

I deliberately flicked the trip-meter to 8888 as well for DRAMATIC EFFECT! Will almost be a shame when it rolls over to zeroes but cars are made to be driven.

-Michael