HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: rick@posms.cactus.org (Rick Kirchhof)
Subject: Re: Check Engine Light on Olds Cutlass Cierra
Organization: Department of Redundancy Dept., Austin
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1992 18:38:45 GMT

In article <1992Dec13.025734.13115@u.washington.edu> olsenc@stein.u.washington.edu (Clint Olsen) writes:
>Hello:
>
>I took my car in to have it scoped at AAA to see if there was anything
>seriously wrong with my car.  I posted previously about my engine
>light problem.
>
>It turns out that when your computer detects an error, it saves the code
>in its memory and will continuously keep the light on until you take it
>into service and have the memory reset.  Whatta way to con the public!  Why
>don't they just put a vending machine inside the hood to turn the light
>off!
>
>Anyway, the guy found a vacuum leak and the error code #53 stored in the
>computer's memory.  I haven't been able to get to an auto parts store to
>buy one of those neat "do it yourself" books.  If anyone knows what that
>code means and/or knows how to reset the computer's memory (yes, I'm tired
>of staring at the f******* light), please send email.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>-Clint

The "Check Engine" light will only be on in a your car if there is a
CURRENT defect that the computer is complaining about.  A code should be
stored about the defect that turned on the light, but if that defect is
not a current problem, the light will go out.  In addition, the code will
erased by the system if it does not reoccur for a given number of key
starts.  Most 50 series codes in GM products indicate problems with the
computer or the PROM that programs it.  All power and ground leads to
the computer system should be checked.  To clear codes in the computer,
disconnect the negative battery cable for at least ten seconds.

The light should be on for a bulb test whenever you turn the ignition 
switch to the run position with the engine stopped.  The bulb test is 
actually a code 12 meaning no ignition reference pulses.  Code 12 will 
not store and the light goes out with a running engine and the reference 
pulses it generates.  It is simply a test to see if the computer can
recognize and complain about problems.  As above, the light being
constantly on means there is a current system problem.

.
-- 
Rick Kirchhof   Austin, Texas                   | Experience is what you
Domain: rick@posms.cactus.org                   | get when you don't
Bang path: ...!cs.utexas.edu!peyote!posms!rick  | get what you want.            
===========================================================================
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
From: mchaffee@ux4.cso.uiuc.edu (Real Life?!?! HA!!)
Subject: Re: Civic drifts
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 05:02:12 GMT

Have you had the shocks replaced recently?  When Mom had the shocks replaced in
her '85 Olds (MacPherson strut; I think the Civic is too), the idiots at Sears
(WARNING: NEVER, EVER have Sears work on your car.  Trust me.  They're crooks
and/or idiots.) roached the bearing at the top of the shock tower.  The result:
When driving along, even with the wheels aligned properly, the car would pull
to whichever side it had last been turned sharply (i.e. parallel parking, U-
turns) because the bearings on the shocks were dragging.  If you've had the
shocks replaced recently, you might bug the folks at the shop about it; Sears
refused to fix the bearings on Mom's car, claiming the pulling would go away in
short order.  It took 12,000 miles.

Good luck!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael T. Chaffee        | mchaffee@ux4.cso.uiuc.edu  |  ______    
                                                       |  \    /   HATE
"I chased a rainbow down a one-way street.  Dead end." |   \  /  is not a
     - S. P. McCall                                    |    \/  FAMILY VALUE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: exuptr@exu.ericsson.se (Patrick Taylor)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: HORRIBLE STALLS (!) in Pontiac Sunbird!
Date: 15 Dec 92 23:09:46 GMT
Organization: Ericsson Network Systems, Inc.
X-Disclaimer: This article was posted by a user at Ericsson.
              Any opinions expressed are strictly those of the
              user and not necessarily those of Ericsson.

In article <28360.9212151549@thor.cf.ac.uk> spe2mje@thor.cf.ac.uk (Michael Evans) writes:
>In article <exuptr.376.724115691@exu.ericsson.se> exuptr@exu.ericsson.se (Patrick Taylor) writes:
>|In article <1992Dec10.223952.61925@cc.usu.edu> slhmz@cc.usu.edu writes:

>|>I am having serious difficulties with my car.
>|>It's a '87 Pontiac Sunbird 2.0L FI OHC SE 'vert.
>|>The car only has 30,000 miles on it.
>|
>|>Faith Gibson
>|
>|Float level too high?
>|
>|Vacuum leak?

Oops, I didn't notice it was FI.
 ----------------------!!! H A P P Y   H O L I D A Y S !!!-------------------
 ObQuotes:
 "Igornance and prejudice, confident their ways are best..."
 "Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand..."

  - Patrick Taylor, Ericsson Network Systems
    exuptr@exu.ericsson.se                    "Don't let the .se fool you"
    Visit the SOUNDING BOARD BBS 214-596-2915, a Wildcat! BBS
From: joe@bulldog.sybase.com (Joseph Weinstein)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Light and LOUD... I want aftermarket horns
Date: 16 Dec 92 20:06:34 GMT
Reply-To: joe@bulldog.sybase.com (Joseph Weinstein)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Sybase, Inc.

Hi.

The horn on my Mustang is way too anemic. I rate horns into three categories:

1 - Polite.	Unconsious reaction:	"Some puny commuter is honking at someone."
		Consious reaction:	"Maybe it's me. I'll investigate it as soon
					 as I've finished this lane change."
		Physical reaction:	None
		Examples:		'86 Mustang

2 - Assertive.	Unconsious reaction:	"Someones honking at me! (some immediate
					 irrational guilt)"
		Consious reaction:	"Am I doing anything wrong? I'm changing
					lanes. Maybe there's someone there?"
		Physical reaction:	Slowing of any act-in-progress, like the
					lane change. Investigation.
		Examples:		Mercedes

3 - Assault.	Unconsious reaction:	"JESUS!! DON'T HIT ME!! I'M SORRY!!!!"
					(Gobs of immediate irrational guilt)
		Consious reaction:	Doesn't matter.
		Physical reaction:	Immediate reversal of any act-in-progress,
					eg. A lane change will be aborted with a
					hard swerve back into the original lane.
		Examples:		Some Italian cars, most Semis.

I want category 3. I know cases where the immediate physical reaction prevented
ugliness that was otherwise unavoidable.

Any suggestions? I'd like them light in weight too, because of where I would mount
them.

--
Joe Weinstein   joe@sybase.com   Sybase 1650 65th st.  Emeryville Ca 94608

NOT A DISCLAIMER!   THIS IS THE OFFICIAL OPINION OF AN IMPORTANT CORPORATE
                    ENTITY (NOT SYBASE).     FOR COMPLETE DETAILS SEND $10
From: ppa@col.hp.com (Paul Austgen)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: Recommendations on Carb Rebuild?
Date: 15 Dec 1992 21:02:53 GMT
Organization: HP Colorado Springs Division
NNTP-Posting-Host: hpcstctb.col.hp.com

I rebuilt an electronic carb on a 82 Buick Century V6, which is
probably similar to yours.  They are "electronic" in the sense
that there is a potentiometer that sends the throttle position,
and the mixture needles are moved by a solenoid.  

They are not that difficult to rebuild, although any carb rebuild
can be frustrating if you make a mistake and don't know what it
is.  You will have to make some of the adjustments without the
tools mentioned in the directions.  You can probably do this by
carefully measuring everything settable on yours before you take
it apart.

Paul

Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
From: thos@suite.sw.oz.au (Thomas Cohen)
Subject: Re: Jaguar XJ-12 is a Dog? Woof!
Organization: Softway Pty Ltd
Date: 16 Dec 92 21:30:21 GMT

In <1992Dec17.004949.1@fennel.cc.uwa.oz.au> justin@fennel.cc.uwa.oz.au writes:

>In article <92349.125018KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu>, Karl Nordstrom <KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu> writes:
>> wb8foz@skybridge.SCL.CWRU.Edu (David Lesher) says:
>>>
>>>The Wall Street Journal had an article about memorable dogs.
>>>As I recall ... the XJ-12.
>> 
>> A dog?  That engine produces more hp and torque than a '84-'9? Corvette!

>Hmmmmmmmmmm. But what about the pre-84 Corvettes eh??? ;()

Well, it produces more Hp and torque than any Corvette after the last
big-block up until the ZR-1.  The car was unreliable, but that wasn't
he motor's fault.
-- 
thos cohen                                     |Softway Pty Ltd
                                               |ACSnet:         thos@softway.oz
 "Lex is a flaky implementation of a bad idea" |UUCP: ...!uunet!softway.oz!thos
                          - Ken Thompson, 1988 |Internet:    thos@softway.oz.au
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
From: justin@fennel.cc.uwa.oz.au
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: MSD ignitions,,Whats the story?
Date: 19 Dec 92 15:19:01 +0800
Organization: University of Western Australia
NNTP-Posting-Host: fennel.wt.uwa.edu.au



 Call for net advice!!

   I am currentally contemplating a modification of a GM HEI dizzy to
 some sort of MSD(Multiple Spark Discharge) system,,MSD Company sell
systems such as a 4AL (fires for 12 degrees of crank multiple sparks)
,,,but these systems are in the range of $500 ^ !!! without a coil pack.

 Just wanted to know of anyone doing(done or using) such a system ,what 
they used(MSD,other) what coil pack , and what benfits..

I have read articles which state 20bhp increases in high RPM range on 
hipo motors,better fuel economy ,,,,and the main reason i any intrested
in is smooother running with high compression and high duration cams.

Thanks in advance.
Justin...

Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
From: frankb@sad.hp.com (Frank Ball)
Subject: Re: Did Datsun A14 motors have brass valve seats?
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 00:01:12 GMT
Organization: HewlettPackardSantaRosaSystmsDiv,RohnertParkCA
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1.4 PL6]

John J. Stankus (stankus@d31mf2.Stanford.EDU) wrote:
& I'm helping a friend who is replacing a head gasket on a 1979 Datsun A14
& engine.  When he talked to the machine shop he is going to have check the 
& head for flatness and dip it, they mentioned that this engine had for some
& of the years it was manufactured came with brass valve seats, that had a
& tendency to come out.  Can anyone confirm or deny this?  If so what years
& had them.  Any other wisdom about the idiosyncrasies of this engine would
& be appreciated.

Datsun did use brass valve seats on some engines, such as the L16 
used in the PL510s from '69 to '72.  I don't know about your engine.  
I never heard of them coming loose.
--
Frank Ball   1UR-M          frankb@sad.hp.com    (707) 794-4168 work,
Hewlett Packard             (707) 794-3844 fax,  (707) 538-3693 home
1212 Valley House Drive     IT175, XT350, Seca 750, '62 F-100, PL510
Rohnert Park CA 94928-4999  KC6WUG, LAW, AMA, Dod #7566, I'm the NRA.
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
From: bpita@ctp.com (Bob Pitas)
Subject: Re: Jaguar XJ-12 is a Dog?
Organization: Cambridge Technology Partners
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 18:46:09 GMT

In article <92349.125018KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu> Karl Nordstrom <KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu> writes:
>wb8foz@skybridge.SCL.CWRU.Edu (David Lesher) says:
>>
>>The Wall Street Journal had an article about memorable dogs.
>>As I recall ... the XJ-12.
>
>A dog?  That engine produces more hp and torque than a '84-'9? Corvette!

But how much does it weigh?  I bet it ways alot more than a 'Vette.  
From: Frank.Mallory@f417.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Frank Mallory)
Sender: Uucp@blkcat.UUCP
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: The case of the exploding distributor cap.  Need help.
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1992 08:21:29 -0500

 SM> i was driving down I78 from Pittsburgh to NY on a business trip in my
 SM> Buick Century.  It was 1:30 in the morning and I was around Allentown.
 SM> The rotor exploded and took entire distributor cap with it.  
 SM> At the same time, it set the distributor cap on fire right under the
 SM> coil.  I put out the fire but could not see the extent of the damage.

My hypothesis is that the explosion was caused by ignition of gas fumes from the
fuel tank vapor recovery system. If so, this would indicate that the fuel vapor
recovery system cannister and/or the PCV valve require service/replacement.
Possibly this was exacerbated by a worn distributor shaft.Unless you take care
of these, you can expect another explosion to occur with the new (used)
distributor.

Without going into detail, I don't think you have any reason for action against
the mechanic in this case.
From: exuptr@exu.ericsson.se (Patrick Taylor)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: Timing Belt on Civic Si.
Date: 17 Dec 92 00:31:43 GMT
Organization: Ericsson Network Systems, Inc.
X-Disclaimer: This article was posted by a user at Ericsson.
              Any opinions expressed are strictly those of the
              user and not necessarily those of Ericsson.

In article <1992Dec16.162730.2867@mtu.edu> vetter@mtu.edu (STEVEN J. VETTER) writes:

>  When the timing belt breaks, the valves currently open will stay open, and 
>  will then have the crap banged out of them as the piston comes to top dead
>  center.  This is very bad :)  

Indeed.

>  If you have a manual tranny, you can engage the 
>  clutch quickly and reduce the beating the valves and piston`s take, if it's 
>  an automatic, it will take you longer to take it out of gear and the damage
>  will most likely be greater.  

I would think the thing to do would be to shut the engine OFF immediately
(AND disengage the clutch if manual).


 ----------------------!!! H A P P Y   H O L I D A Y S !!!-------------------
 ObQuotes:
 "Ignornance and prejudice, confident their ways are best..."
 "Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand..."

  - Patrick Taylor, Ericsson Network Systems
    exuptr@exu.ericsson.se                    "Don't let the .se fool you"
    Visit the SOUNDING BOARD BBS 214-596-2915, a Wildcat! BBS
Organization: Fifth yr. senior, Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 11:52:54 -0500 
From: Christopher Bradley Devlin <cd1i+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Help w/ talking car

Hi,
    My girlfriend has a mid-eighties Chrystler E-class and yes, it talks
("Your door is ajar.  Please fasten your seatbelts.")  There's a very
good reason they don't make these anymore (or do they?)  it's so
annoying!
    Anyway, I'm planning on removing the problem.  Has anyone done this
before?  I figure I have two choices, 1) Go around and jump all the
sensors (in the doors, the seatbelts, the brake, the washerfluid (for
Christ's sake), etc.).  The only problems I see here is that it will be
time consuming and then I may diconnect the only warning sensors.  I
don't know if the brake warning light will still work, for instance. 
Also, I don't know where the computer is hooked into the engine to give
the 'oil engine pressure is low' warning.
    Or, I can just rip out the damned thing.  I think this is the
logical way to go.  Anyone know where it is or how to find it?  I'm
going to try and find a manual with wiring diagrams, that should help.
    Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks in a lot.

Chris
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
From: "mike knox" <mike.knox@canrem.com>
Subject: gm truck status?
Reply-To: "mike knox" <mike.knox@canrem.com>
Organization: Canada Remote Systems
Distribution: rec
Date: 14 Dec 92 22:42:18 EST

 
In Message-ID: <jimd.724275781@sfu.ca>, jimd@fraser.sfu.ca (Jim Davies)
writes:
 
>Sounds plausible. Another thing to keep in mind is that Nader discussed
>long out of date vehicles in his book, Unsafe at Any Speed. In fact, I
>always wondered exactly how the 'vair wound up as thesole villain from
>that book. Of course, EVERYONE that comments on safety issues HAS read
>the book, right? Anyway, the precedent is there. I guess the solution
>to the GM truck problem is simple-- dont become involved in a collision
>that may damage your fuel tank ;-)
 
Or that may cause a rollover (the roof may collapse); or that involves
a collision to the side door (no steel beam); or get hit from behind (no
head restraints - whiplash) etc. etc.
 
Note: I am a truck owner and accept these risks. I just find it funny how
some of my friends talk about "feeling safer" in their trucks when, in
fact, the opposite is true.
 
I recall that the many auto safety requirements brought into law as a
result of Nader were *supposed* to be applied to light trucks as well, but
the the manufacturers swung some kind of an excemption. With the rise in
mini-van and sport utility popularity, many manufacturers are starting to
"voluntarily" build in many safety features, but they don't have to by law
so some of the "features" may not be present. Chrysler is to be commended
for starting the safety trend in "trucks", but it is curious that head
restraints (manditory in cars) were optional for so long in the mini vans.
 
The Corvair ended up as the villain because IMHO, it *was* the villain!
The car really was "Unsafe at Any Speed". I had an uncle and cousin who
were very seriously injured in a Corvair accident which, in just about any
other car, would have been only minor.
 
Sorry if I'm preaching here! I believe that most important safety feature
in a vehicle is, as they say, "the nut that holds the steering wheel", but
there should still be some responsibility on the manufacturers to build
vehicles that are as safe as practicle. Trucks obviously can't pass
automotive requirements regarding rollover in skids because of their
higher center of gravity, but they *can* have roofs that'll support the
vehicle's weight if it does flip over! They can also have head rests,
steel beams in the doors and CHMSL's like cars.
 
Regards,
 
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Mike Knox                  |     Fido: 1:229/15
    Brampton, Ontario          | Internet: mike.knox@canrem.com
    CANADA                     | RelayNet: ->CRS  (Public Key: 22319)
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 * DeLuxe2/386 1.25 #4782 * 
--
Canada Remote Systems  - Toronto, Ontario
World's Largest PCBOARD System - 416-629-7000/629-7044
From: dhepner@cup.hp.com (Dan Hepner)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Cummins
Date: 18 Dec 92 20:02:07 GMT
Article-I.D.: cup.BzH0zJ.2rL
Organization: Hewlett-Packard
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1scd1 PL4


From: jskean@unlinfo.unl.edu (jonathan skean)

>>> . . .  359cid of Cummins produces 400lb-ft of
>>> torque at 1700rpm, pulls 11,400lbs of trailer *and* delivers 20mpg.
>
>    I'll give you "pulls trailer" *OR* "20mpg".  "And"?  Very doubtful.

People pulling 10k pound 5th wheel trailers get 15MPG.  Running
65 empty you can get 24 MPG.  Interpolate as seems appropriate.

>>	Aren't diesel engines more durable than gas engines?   
>
>    The Cummins/Dodge is great if you can afford it.

Recent comparison:

1992 Ford F150 4X4, 302 V8, 5-spd, fully loaded: $19.2k
1992 Dodge W250 4X4, Cummins, 5-spd, fully loaded: $21.0k
(both plus tax & registration)

The Dodge Cummins 4X4 option costs about $4-5K, but that also includes:
- a heavier duty transmission
- upgrade of both differentials 
- front sway bar
- engine heater
- a cooling package which exceeds on all counts the "towing package"
- Michelin XCH4 load range E tires (5)

>My guess is that something approaching 90% of pickups have empty beds
>90% of the time and they usually get traded because the original owner
>thinks it's ugly or something long before the engine gets very worn.
>Jonathan Skean                     usenet: JSKEAN@UNL.EDU

Well, Cummins owners I know tend to put a lot of miles on their
rigs.  I also suspect that as a group, we're far more likely to
own the same vehicle for a long time (few kids buy them, conclude
as appropriate).  Beyond that, there's value in:

-mileage twice that of a gas engine with similar specs (the truck 454)
-700+ miles of range
-great low end torque
-well behaved at high altitide

Dan Hepner
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
From: hhelanto@vipunen.hut.fi (Henri R Helanto)
Subject: Re: Help w/ talking car
Organization: Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
Date: 17 Dec 92 03:05:09 GMT

In <wf=Upai00WBL4303ha@andrew.cmu.edu> Christopher Bradley Devlin <cd1i+@andrew.cmu.edu> writes:

>before?  I figure I have two choices, 1) Go around and jump all the
>sensors (in the doors, the seatbelts, the brake, the washerfluid (for
>Christ's sake), etc.).  The only problems I see here is that it will be
>time consuming and then I may diconnect the only warning sensors.  I

	Why don't you just cut the speaker cables and presto - you
	have a mute car again...

-Henri

-- 
Henri Helanto - SysOp
hhelanto@vipunen.hut.fi m40176m@puukko.hut.fi
Call MyBBS (+358-0-485067/485068/485968/485918/488139, 24h) !
From: derx@vax5.cit.cornell.edu
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Help!Static Charge Shock--Civic
Date: 17 Dec 92 17:04:54 EST
Distribution: rec
Organization: Cornell University

Hi, netters. Happy holidays!!
My wife has a Honda Civic 89'. The car seems to accumulate static charge in
the body in running or parked. So each time you touch the body or use key to
open the doors, you get shocked. Though it does not knock you off, it is 
quite unpleasant experience. :-(  Is it because of the battery is leaking
some current somewhere or a "designed feature" of Civic? All advice wanted. 

By the way, I want to thank you who responded to "damp starting problem" of 
my 82' Toyota. I fixed it by cleaning wires with lacquer thinner ($4). Thank 
you all, especially the one who advised lacquer thinner.

Linming Shen
From: tgl@slee01.srl.ford.com (Tom Leone)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: Help with engine diagnosis
Date: 18 Dec 1992 19:43:48 GMT
Organization: Ford Motor Company Research Laboratory
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: slee02.srl.ford.com
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5

: In article <BzEuA1.1B6@nic.umass.edu>, rzottola@umassmed.UMMED.EDU (Ralph Zottola) writes:
: > I need help diagnosing an engine problem.  I have a 1987 Chrysler
: > LeBaron with a 2.2L turbo engine.  When the engine is hot, it hesitates
: > badly with normal acceleration.  It is fine cold, at idle hot or cold,
: > with heavy acceleration, or at speeds above 55mph.  It seems as if it
: > cuts out to shift when rpm is below 2500.  It does this in neutral as
: > well if I race the engine.  I had the fuel pump and filter replaced one
: > month ago.  The timing was also done at that time.
: > 
: > Any suggestions as to where I should begin to look?
: > --ralph

Try asking the computer for error codes.  On my 1988 Plymouth
Sundance with the 2.2L turbo, you just click the ignition key
ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON, and it flashes the "check engine" light at you
in code.  Count the flashes; you are looking for two-digit code
numbers, with a short wait in between digits and a longer wait
between codes.

Look up the error codes in a service manual.  The computer is
smart enough to diagnose short circuits, open circuits, and
unexpected responses from almost all of its sensors, and some of
its actuators.

Tom Leone <tgl@slee01.srl.ford.com>
Newsgroups: rec.autos.tech