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  • 1990 Turbo Hardtop project (p.2)
2017/10/16 09:17:27
jaycrab
Minor update - After replacing the thermostat and flushing / bleeding the coolant last week, I thought I'd check the levels again. The car has only been running for 45mins since the flush so I thought it would be fine.
 
I couldn't see any coolant in the filler cap. No big deal, I topped it up again. It took in around 200ml... which was a bit more than expected. I let it get up to temp and shut it off, then noticed a hissing noise from the filler cap which sounded like it was sucking in air, which I thought might explain the coolant loss. Off to repco for a new pressure cap, installed, and hissing stopped. 
 
Now I thought it would would be a good idea to bleed the system again. Started it up, connect clear tubing, opened the bleed nipples, and FUUUUUK!!!. The coolant had a slight milky tinge which I'm guessing is oil.  
 
The car is seeing a mechanic this week for the clutch so I'll have it checked out properly then. I'm trying to stay positive (maybe it's just old gunk in the radiator?) but I have a bad feeling it's a head gasket issue... Not off to a good start so far FML.
 
 
I did however manage to re-position the tacho needle to approx. 900rpm at idle. So I've got that going for me...  
2017/10/16 17:13:29
B24
Well that sux if its the head gasket. Can you do the work? It can be fixed without removing the engine.
2017/10/16 17:46:03
jaycrab
I doubt I could manage a head gasket myself. I don't have much space (or skill) to work with at the moment.
Good to know it doesn't require the engine out though. I'll see if the mechanic can run a compression and leak down test prior to pulling it apart. It makes sense to deal with this whilst the clutch is being replaced. Might save a bit of labor. 
 
Is there anywhere else oil could be mixing with coolant? I'm wondering if there could be a leak at the turbo rather than the head. I didn't see any signs of water in the oil, but it does look like there's oil in the water.
2017/10/31 14:07:25
jaycrab
Do not recommend Rust-Oleum FlexiDip. Sprays on smoothly but then cracks when drying 
This happened after 7 light coats. FlexiDip worked well for the window trim but doesn't seam to like smooth / curved surfaces.
 
I might try a wrinkle or textured finish paint instead. 

 
 
2017/11/17 11:38:05
jaycrab
Minor update.
I received the car back from the clutch job. The Exedy is heavier than expected but a massive improvement over the old slipping clutch. There was some seeping from the master and slave cylinders so replacements have been ordered.  

 
The brown oily coolant was apparently just rust flushing out of the system, which the mechanic believes was caused by water (rather than coolant) sitting for a long period. It's bled and holding coolant so problem solved for now. All hoses are in less than average condition but there's so many there I don't know where to start replacing lol. There's no point doing one or two if they're all in a similar state. Silicon sets online only seam to have 7 or 9 pieces, where as the entire system has 20+. I might look at some diagrams and try to get as many as possible from lithia toyota. Thankfully I don't think I have a head problem which is a slight relief.
 
One unnerving discovery was the complete lack of front engine mount, which explains why the rear was so torn up!
I've now got a kirkosaurus insert in the rear, and the bracket and bolts for the front are on the way. Hopefully it will all bolt up and there's no hidden reason for it being removed in the first place. 
 
The brakes are the next focus. The pads actually had heaps left but it's all looking a bit tired.
 
 

In the process of rebuilding and cleaning up the calipers now. One of the sliding pins was completely seized, and probably now bent after my removal efforts. I've ordered a replacement pin to use if and when I can get the old one out. Maybe I'll get the rears done professionally...
 
Cosmetic issues are mostly on hold whilst dealing with repairs. Whilst I'm waiting for more parts, I'm planning to have a go at touching up the bumpers and mirrors with a colour coded aerosol I got from supercheap. The mirrors are down to primer which isn't a good look. A complete re-spray will have to wait till next year.
 
 
 
2017/11/17 12:06:38
stuka
Working out all the hose part numbers can be a bit of a struggle. I have most of them for a 1990 car, PM me your email address if you need the list
2017/11/17 15:23:03
kojab
With regards your new clutch, did you go for the ceramic 3 puk or the organic disk clutch?
2017/11/17 17:10:26
jaycrab
kojab
With regards your new clutch, did you go for the ceramic 3 puk or the organic disk clutch?

Organic disk. I don't have big power plans so should do just fine. It's still higher rated than OEM. 
2017/11/17 18:48:20
Falcon
Check the threads in the bellhousing for the front engine mount.
They can get ripped out with abuse or neglect. That may be the reason it is missing.
Helicoil can repair if needs be.
2017/11/17 21:44:16
5SGTE
Missing, holy crap.  The thing is going to be a heap nicer to drive once this is fixed.
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