Fun Weekend under the cars...

[FA18C]

I have had a series of mild successes under the cars this weekend. Starting with the 300D whose AC was declared dead by and independent mech (compressor is fried) - before installing the new compressor and R/D, and expansion valve - I evacuated the system with a friend, then pulled a good 29inches vacuum, held for several hours, then added oil, stop leak and charged with Freeze 12. Lo and behold, works and blows cold. I figure if it finally really dies, I now have the components to go after either car. Now I just need to fix the center vent vaccum which worked fine before the repair - odd.

I also used vinyl dye on some areas of my rear seat backs that were really faded. Turned out so good I used the rest of the can on the crivers seat and am going to order more and finish both front seats and the first aid box lid. My wife was immensely impressed.

Next up on the 300D is a single tank WVO prep with an inline glow plug heater, coolant heated water separator/filter, looped return and switches. Plan on running a 85/15 WVO Kero blend and then lean towards straight diesel in the cold weather months. Have a decent source of soy oil, should hav about 50 gallons stocked by the time I complete the mod.

On the SD, managed to crawl under and adjust the AC belt which was making an awful racket - very quiet now - and cold.

The SD now runs great excpet for low end power (below 2K), once the turbo kicks it is fine. Have already changed fuel filters, banjo bolt and line. Thinking to do the EGR valve next and then maybe the ALDA. Feels as if the throttle linkages may need to be adjusted, but I am a bit nervous to tackle that.

I enjoy picking away at tweaking the cars, its gonna be a fun Fall.