aka the wallet diet

…what the UPS man delivered today

September 9th, 2008 Pierre

I got my new fan clutch-I wish there was enought in the budget for a fan delete, but I digress.  Also new subframe bushings from AKG motorsport along with rear shock mount reinforcements.  I’ll post pictures soon, my camera is in my truck.  Lazy.

New rear subframe bushings, fan clutch, and rear shock mount reinforcements:

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Oh, and today I found out I’ll be a dad!  Woohoo.

Alternator freshening and rod bearing redux

September 8th, 2008 Pierre

Tonight’s update is both new and old.  The alternator freshening was done this past weekend along with flushing the coolant.  The old part is the oil pan cleaning which was done a couple of weeks ago.

So I’m glad there weren’t many bolts left over from the rod bearing replacement. 🙂 Jokes aside, there were what seemed like dozens of bolts strewn across my garage floor.  Before they went back, each one was cleaned with Goof Off and wire brushed to remove old gasket sealer.  What a pain.  Reinstalling the oil pans werent’ such a big deal, the oil pump gave me more problems.  Getting the shims just right was a little tedious.   I did away with using the cork gasket and used high temp gasket maker, so far no leaking-that’s a very good thing.

Sludgy oil pan:

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After being cleaned with Simple Green:
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Inside lower oil pan:
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My alternator looked a little sketchy so I pulled it to install the new AKG bushings and new regulator.   When I pulled out the old regulator,  it was obvious the connection between the commutator and commutator contact was almost non existent.   The previous owner had placed a piece of thin oak to keep the cracked regulator straight; but it failed-the commutators were hitting their contact obliquely.  I’m sure this affected the electric load.  Commutator contacts were cleaned and new regulator installed.
Piece of wood:
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After cleaning the commutator contacts with fine grit sandpaper:
997
Old gummy alternator bushings…AKG versions installed in next installment:
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Rod Bearing replacement before and after

September 6th, 2008 Pierre

Video of S14 before new rod bearings and oil pump
NOTE: Notice the rod knock at around 2:33, lower pitched than the clicking.


My BMW S14 before having rod bearings and oil pump changed.

Video after rod bearings and oil pump replacement
Rod knock gone. Rebuilt injectors also smooth out the idle.


Video just after changing rod bearings and oil pump.

Finally got the M3 started again

September 1st, 2008 Pierre

The only things replaced were the rod bearings and oil pump.  Up top, the injectors were rebuilt and the thick throttle body gasket sealed.  Sounds pretty good!  In no way this is a full or even a mild rebuild.  Just a refresher so i can get her back on the road.  My plan is to have everything else fixed or updated before my spare motor gets built to my specs.  Lotta fun!

FYI, here’s a list of recent parts bought:

  • Bilstein Sport shocks/inserts
  • H&R Race Springs
  • AKG Alternator bushings
  • AKG Polyurethane subframe bushings
  • AKG rear shock mount reinforcements
  • AKG delrin shifter housing bushings
  • Ireland Engineering urethane rear trailing arm bushings
  • Brake caliper rebuild kits from bimmerworld with caliper guides
  • New 750il 25mm brake master cylinder
  • Front strut housings
  • Rear shock mounts
  • Mintex “red” brake pads
  • also got myself some Sea Foam to “un carbon” my s14 (I’ll post how I do this)

baby steps…

August 26th, 2008 Pierre

I got myself a set of sport billys and H&R race springs.  With these installed, I’m also going to replace all rubber bushings and links. My projection for this weekend is to reassemble the fuel injectors and rail.  The plan is to get the engine started.  Hopefully the rod knock goes away.

I inquired about an Iigo chip too.  Luis Marques (aka “Marques” on s14.net) still supplies them for about $250 with shipping.  Not too bad.  All I hear is good things about these chips.

wow…long time since last post…but

August 25th, 2008 Pierre

…I’m on my way again.  We are no longer moving (well, for now), so I can catch up on my project.  I got some new parts recently and buttoned up my rod bearings.  A better write-up this weekend.

Main bearing dilemma

March 15th, 2008 Pierre

Today I went down to work on the M for a bit. First on my list was to pull a couple of main bearing caps for inspection. The number 2 bearing shell looked decent, but number 4 was different. It looked like there was copper showing.

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If I really want to change these out, the engine may come out.  Scared.

New parts 3-15-08

March 15th, 2008 Pierre

Here are pictures of my recent new parts:

 

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Ireland Engineering SS brake lines on the left; heater hoses, drain plug, main bearings, fuel pressure regulator, oil pump shims and nut on the right.

Show off to your friends, s14 ringtone

March 9th, 2008 Pierre
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My old tires…

March 9th, 2008 Pierre

Last night I removed my wheels only to find out my tires are from 1994!  I’ll be getting the 16’s on very soon.