Project Overly Ambitious

[jpod999]

I've had some hiccups since my last post. I broke the aluminum shift carrier which required ripping everything underneath the car back apart. This happened on my birthday, Feb. 21, which was also the 2 year anniversary of the M42 getting pulled . When that happened I pulled the exhaust and driveshaft, it only took about an hour so that was nice.

When I pulled the driveshaft I noticed that the shop who shortened it installed the offset CSB backwards. I split the driveshaft and took the back half to a shop to pull the CSB off, flip it around, and press it back on- now my driveshaft is straight. I guess this is one good thing about having to pull everything back apart- the flex disc probably wouldn't have lasted too long.

I talked to Jean about going the modified early model shift console but ended up taking the shift carrier to a machine shop to get welded back up because I didn't want to have to figure out a whole new setup. The dude ended up welding a 1/4" thick aluminum bar to the top of the carrier to strengthen it. I also started comparing the E39 shift lever to the E30 M20 lever (which I had installed before all this mess) and noticed that the part below the pivot ball is a bit longer on the E39 lever. I thought that couldn't hurt so I installed the E39 lever.

In pulling the exhaust, I saw some room for improvement. Eventually, for serviceability, I'll pick up another set of V-Bands and have them welded on. This way I'll have basically a set of removable downpipes and won't have to reach up into the engine bay to pull my exhaust.

Frustratingly, I found that my coolant leak is actually coming from the heater core. This really sucks as I don't want to have to pull it, and if it's the valve it's going to be an expensive fix. For now, to get the car up and running so I can try putting some miles on it, I just looped the heater core hoses. Not ideal, but I'm trying to get the car to Radwood at Hooptiecon on the 24th and cant' deal with a leaking heater core now.

[jpod999]

Im using the normal 5series pump, e36 rack with a custom chase bays HP line. I asked about the stock restrictor in the line, they dont put one in and dont deem it an issue. im guessing its mostly for steering feel.

My thoughts exactly.

Got my reverse switch wired up over the weekend. This coming weekend I may pull my intake manifold to see if I can pinpoint my coolant leak. I really don't want to do that, but I don't really see any other options.

[dasmanschaft012]

Im using the normal 5series pump, e36 rack with a custom chase bays HP line. I asked about the stock restrictor in the line, they dont put one in and dont deem it an issue. im guessing its mostly for steering feel.

[jpod999]

Was the grinding sound in your video above? If so it's that's your power steering pump groaning. Probably trying to work air out of the system.

Yes, it was low on fluid. I filled it up after a few days ago and it was fine. Speaking of power steering- I have an inline restrictor in the high pressure line as well as the restricting banjo bolt on the high pressure inlet on the rack. I did this because the E39 PS pressure is 130 bar whereas the E46 that the rack is from is 110 bar. The E46 then uses an inline restrictor plus the restricted banjo to reduce the pressure even further. I figured my two restrictors would still make the steering more boosted than in the E46, but it would be better than overboosting the rack. Granted, I haven't driven the car much but the steering feels really good and isn't overboosted at all- so, that's a win I guess?

[Mykk540i/6]

...I have some grinding somewhere that I'll have to pinpoint...

Was the grinding sound in your video above? If so it's that's your power steering pump groaning. Probably trying to work air out of the system.

[jpod999]

I changed the oil to 20w-50 on Sunday and it seemed to quiet down a bit so I drove it around the block. I have some grinding somewhere that I'll have to pinpoint, but it drove pretty well other than that. On acceleration the belt squeaks which I'm guessing means the tensioner is bad as it's maxed out.

Also, I'm starting to think the coolant leak is coming from where the coolant tubes enter the crossover pipe- that's going to be fun to fix.

[delamaize]

Mine tapped like that initially, it got quieter after the first few drives, and after the first oil change, it was totally gone. I think mine was sticking lifters. I have a slight exhaust leak I need to address now.

[The Dark Side of Will]

Get a mechanic's stethoscope and determine if it's coming from the pan or a valve cover

[jpod999]

Tapping loudly

https://youtu.be/_yyFvtCDgig

[jpod999]

The car is at the exhaust shop now, I can’t wait to get it back. There seems to be a small coolant leak, I’ll have to track it down when I get the car back.

[Jean]

Congrats man ! That's a great feeling to get to this stage !

[jpod999]

Project Overly Ambitious

Here’s a short video of the thing idling. It’s going to get an exhaust at some point this week. I’m excited as this means that I’ll very soon be able to drive it.

https://youtu.be/wmUDUUYRnzs

[jpod999]

I have the passenger side coolant crossover outlet plumbed to the upper heater core pipe, drivers side to the lower. Expansion tank to third outlet on the water pump.

[Jean]

Nice! How are you routing your coolant and heater core lines ?

I've been thinking of running a 2nd electric water pump on these like the factory cars do is a good idea, I can't seem to burp the air out of my heater core .

[jpod999]

We have cooling!