HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: cid@athena.mit.edu (Derek H Cedillo)
Subject: Diesel Engines ('79 VW Rabbit)
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1992 23:02:43 GMT


Hi, 
I was interested in buying an old ('79) Rabbit 
for occasional trasportation in NE and
trips home (1000 mi)
I had some general questions about Diesel engines.
I understand they are utterly dependable,
needing only oil changes for regular maintainence,
and the milage is supposed to be good (38 mpg)
I also hear about problems with fuel sludging up.
This can be stopped by a heating unit,
but I imagine this would run off the battery.
What do you do, if you only drive once or twice a month?
Are there any problems generally associated with these engines?
How many miles could you typically expect from an engine?
Are they more duarable than gas burners?

Thanks for any info!


Derek


P.S.  Are there any things I should look for under the hood
that would represent a problem?  Thanks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
"He lived a life of going-to-do, 
   and died with nothing done"	       
		-J. Albery	     

In other words---JUST DO IT!
From: blu@cellar.org (Dan Reed)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Rotary vs. Piston Engines
Date: 5 Nov 92 13:42:37 GMT
Organization: The Cellar BBS and public access system

KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu (Karl Nordstrom) writes:

> mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Mike Mshar) says:
> 
> >Someone recently asked why rotary engines are not used very often,
> >especially when you consider that they tend to be more efficient than
> >piston/cylinder engines.
> 
> >Firstly, I remember reading somewhere that rotary engines tend to produce
> >more harmful emmsions than a piston engine.
> 
> How is the rotory lubricated?  Does oil get into the fuel?


Spray injection pump.

--
Dan Reed AKA Blu Max - blu@cellar.org - AnalCADGeek! - Industrial Music Maker
    68' Cougar XR-7, 89' VW Golf, 74' Honda CL360t, Vextrex Unit Lover
-Legal in California only for racing use, never to be used on a highway.-
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: philip@mentorg.com (Philip Peake)
Subject: Raising the limit
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 23:01:34 GMT
Organization: Mentor Graphics
Keywords: 
Followup-To: 

Many (most ?) people posting to this group seem convinced
that the speed limits are too low (I happen to agree, having
spent most of my life in Europe).

So, why don't those of you who both pay taxes and are allowed
to vote introduce some ballot measures of your own, to get the
speed raised to ... well ... say 90 m.p.h. on Interstates and
70 m.p.h. on restricted access divided highways ?

If "everyone" agrees, the measures will pass - if they don't pass,
then some of us will just have to re-think out attitudes to
speed limits.

Philip

-----------
No taxation without representation !
(Someone seems to have forgotten the trouble that this can cause ...
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Mike Mshar)
Subject: Re: Rotary vs. Piston Engines ????
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
Distribution: austin
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1992 04:33:16 GMT

>In article <1992Oct28.232933.14591@bnr.ca>  (Eric Youngblood) writes:
>> Mazda's latest implementation of rotary technology has a few distinctive
>> advantages over camparable v8/v6 setups.
>......
>> 3. Each rotation of the rotor results in 3 power phases vs 1 out of 4 for
>>    a typical 4 stroke piston engine.

Well, that is not entirely true. For a good ol` V-8 engine, there will be 
four power strokes for every crank revolution. In other words, four of the
eight cylinders will go through their power stroke for every revolution of
the crank. During this same time period, 4 cylinders will go through their
exhaust cycle, four will go through their intake cycle, and four will go
through their compression cycle. So, the ratio is 1-1-1-1 per crank
revolution, so to speak. 

Well, for a rotary, there will be three power cycles per crank revolution,
but the will also be three compression cycles, three exhaaust cycles, and
three intake cycles. So again we have that 1-1-1-1 ratio per crank
revolution. Granted, the rotary is more mechanically efficient because
there is no reciprocation. But, as others have pointed out, there are other
areas where the rotary is not as efficient as the piston-cylinder engine.

So there   :-)

Mike
-- 
|       Michael G. Mshar        | My Life-Long Goal: To keep common sense    |
|   mmshar@mn.ecn.purdue.edu    | alive and keep the idiots from taking over.|
|  mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu   |     \\President, Nice Guys Anonymous//     |
|____>>> United States Steel, Mechanical Engineer, Technical Services <<<____|
From: mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Mike Mshar)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Underdrive pullys - Any experiences?
Date: 13 Nov 92 15:52:43 GMT
Article-I.D.: mentor.Bxnw3x.K7C
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center

In article <15440@auspex-gw.auspex.com> tpickett@auspex.com (Tom Pickett) writes:
>In article <184231@pyramid.pyramid.com>, lstowell@pyrnova.mis.pyramid.com 
>(Lon Stowell) writes:
>>   An amazing decision.  Like most theoretical ones, it was wrong.
>>   Obviously the "off-line" deciders can't read the other postings
>>   from folks who've used underdrive pulleys and has all sorts of
>>   trouble with dead batteries.  [Of course the fix is that nice
>>   big Caddy alternator which DOES have high output at fairly low
>>   rpm...to match the typical Caddy driver's style...]
>
>What kind of cars were these?  Perhaps the alternator provided is the
>problem and perhaps it wouldn't be a problem with a different car?
>
>The context of the "decision" was a discussion about the fact that
>i fly airplanes and noticed that the same voltage and load was
>occuring with idle and cruise power.  In view of that, we theorized 
>that at low RPM the alternator still put out sufficient power.

There is a very good reason for this. If I remember correctly, you fly a
single engine airplane. If this is the case, the operating range of the
engine varies from about 600 rpm to about 2500 rpm. Therfore, the
alternator can be made to turn at a fast rate at idle speeds and still not
be turning so fast that arcing and other problems occur at cruise speed. 

Now, a car engine has an operating range of someting on the order of 600
rpm up to 4500-6500 rpm, depending on the engine. So, if the designers
designed a car alternator like an aircraft alternator, the alternator would
spin too fast at the high end of enigne speeds. This can lead to arcing in
the alternator, mechanical failure, and other problems. So, the alternator
must be made to turn slower at idle speed. This is why car alternators
(like mine) do not put out much power at idle speeds, especially if any
accessories are being used (rear defroster, A/C, etc). 

Mike

-- 
|       Michael G. Mshar        | My Life-Long Goal: To keep common sense    |
|   mmshar@mn.ecn.purdue.edu    | alive and keep the idiots from taking over.|
|  mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu   |     \\President, Nice Guys Anonymous//     |
|____>>> United States Steel, Mechanical Engineer, Technical Services <<<____|
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: jcyuhn@crchh574.BNR.CA (James Yuhn)
Subject: Re: OPINION WANTED: Z-24
Reply-To: jcyuhn@crchh574.BNR.CA (James Yuhn)
Organization: Bell-Northern Research Ltd.
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 06 Nov 1992 16:18:55 GMT

In article <1992Nov6.040911.5024@meaddata.com>, dlovely@meaddata.com (David
Lovely) writes:
|>My girlfriend's car (a Chevette, pronounced "SHOVE-IT") died last
|>week (thrown rod).  She is considering an 86 or 87 Cavalier Z-24.
|>Since we are considering marriage, I think it would be a good
|>companion car to my not-as-practical 87 VW Cabriolet.
|>
|>Does anyone have any experience with this model (2.8 V6 & auto
|>tranny)?  I'm looking for the good, bad, & ugly.
|>
|>Also, what is a good price for one (I am thinking that 5k is the max).

  I'd be a bit wary. I once had the misfortune of owning an '86 Z24
  convertible. I purchased it used on December 88 for $7100 with about
  35K miles on it. Among the problems: Burned exhaust valve at 45K, 
  cruise control never worked, taking the lockup torque converter with
  it. The car got about 15 MPG around town. If you topped off the fuel
  tank, the garage would smell like gasoline for a few days. If you've
  been following wreck.autos for a while, you'll know that 86 and maybe
  87 model years are equipped with "the V6 from hell." Mine certainly 
  ran that way - rough idle, and liked to stall a few times first thing
  in the morning. I finally got frustrated and sold the car in 
  December 89. The only saving grace was that I got $7500 for it :)

  I did like the car, when it wasn't broken. Nothing like having the 
  top down and listening to that raspy V6 burble trail out behind you...

  As a counterpoint, a friend of mine just traded his 88 (or 89) Z24.
  It ran almost flawlessly for the 110K miles he owned it. I'd recommend
  you look for an 88, as many improvements were made that year, including
  significant redesign to the 2.8 V6.
 
  Jim
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Toyota V8 (was:..real japanees car market numbers...)
From: Karl Nordstrom <KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 11:02:02 EST
Organization: Penn State University

kimata@convex.com (Hiroki Kimata) says:

>Crown had been the most luxurious car by Toyota until Lexas LS400, which is
>called Celsio in Japan, came out.  The latest model of Crown has the same V8,
>4L engine as LS400, I believe.

Which was the first Toyota with a V8?  When and where did it come out?
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: damong@planet10.WPI.EDU (Damon Francis Gentile)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Flashing Fog Light humor
Date: 9 Nov 92 21:52:31 GMT
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
NNTP-Posting-Host: planet10.wpi.edu

In article <3930140@hpnmdla.sr.hp.com> roger@hpnmdla.sr.hp.com (Roger Petersen) writes:
>
>This one made me laugh...
>
>I saw a car last night with the fog lights wired to the turn signals!
>
>When the driver signalled to turn left, the fog lights came on
>and flashed out of sync with the turn signals.
>
>Innovative!
>I pictured the driver bragging proudly, "Yep, I wired 'em myself!"


If may car wasn't stuck in reverse I'd say that you saw mine.....
....of course it is a Fiat, and is therefor obligated to be ludicrous.

Damon
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: tim@erin.JSC.NASA.GOV (Tim Sullivan)
Subject: Bell 966 Wideband Radar: Comments
Organization: IGOAL
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1992 15:31:51 GMT


Interested in hearing how owners of the Bell 966 wideband radar detector
like it.  It came in second in the report by Car & Driver in October,
but it is MUCH less expensive than the Valentine, $120(at SAMS) vs. $300
for the Valentine.  Therefore, I would much rather get the Bell if
people like it. 

Look forward to hearing your comments!

Tim Sullivan
From: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Rotary vs. Piston Engines
Date: 5 Nov 1992 22:38:23 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: aas7@po.CWRU.Edu (Andrew A. Spencer)
NNTP-Posting-Host: slc5.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Mike Mshar) says:

>>lstowell@pyrnova.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell) writes:
>>> mshar@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Mike Mshar) writes:
>>>> Karl Nordstrom <KXN2@psuvm.psu.edu> writes:
>>>>How is the rotory lubricated?  Does oil get into the fuel?
>>>
>>>That`s a damned good question. Without the reciprocation, how is the oil
>>>kept from getting into the combustion area and burning with the rest of the
>>>fuel??
>>>
>>>Hmmmmmm...
>>>
>>>Anybody with a rotary want to take this??
>>>
>>    Well, considering that on a reciprocating engine, SOME oil DOES
>>    get into the combustion chamber and gets burned with the fuel.
>>
>>    And as the rings wear, more and more oil makes its way into the
>>    combustion chamber.
>>
>>    On the rotary, the tips of the rotor seals are lubricated with
>>    oil....rather like the rings on a piston engine.
>
>Well, that still doesn`t answer my question. In a reciprocating engine, the
>piston moves upward in the cylinder, spreading a film of oil as it goes.
>Once the piston reaches TDC, it starts travelling downward, taking most of
>the oil with it, because of the rings. Now, I realize that a small amount
>of oil remains on the cylinder wall, because piston rings are not perfect.
>
>Now, with a rotary, what part of the engine pushes the film of oil back
>away from the combustion chamber?? This is what I am asking. 

consider the simplest of two stroke piston motors.  they mix fuel with oil
this is how the motor recieves it's lubrication, by the oil and fuel coating
the wall before it is burned and expelled. this is also how the seals are 
lubed in the rotary, the oil is inhaled with the air/fuel/whatever, and 
lubes the lobes/tips just before being burned and expelled.  Thus, higher
emmissions, etc.  however, the tips of the seals are all that are being
(or in need of) lubed.  thus, the rotary uses less oil to complete the
job, which then enables them to use virtually the same technology, only
less oil. does this answer it?..the lubrictiing oil is burned and exhausted.
DREW
-- 
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????-----whatever!
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: peterco@eff.org (Peter Cohen)
Subject: Buying A Late Model 'Stang...
Originator: peterco@eff.org
Organization: The Electronic Frontier Foundation
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1992 03:03:04 GMT

A friend has offered an '81 that started life as a Turbo 2.3 to me.  Since
he bought it, he's put in a 302 and mated it to a C-6.  He's modded it in
weird and  unholy ways: installing the leather-clad auto seats from a
Lincoln LSC and putting in the wheel from an Escort GT.  The car is really
nice, but I'd like to ask those in the know: for $1,500, would you buy
this car?

It's from Texas, and with a new coat of paint, about $500 in interior
work, and a new transmission, it could be a show-quality pony (the C-6 has
bitten the dust, BTW).  Should I get it from him?  It's hard to find a
rustless Mustang of this age in New England.  It's never been in accident.
Other than the tranny, the car's mechanically meticulous, albeit weird.

Should I inherit this?  If you were me, what would you do?

Also, could someone tell me what the Mustang mailing list is?  I
unsubscribed a while ago, and would like to resub.

Peter
-- 
+-----------------+------------------------------------------------+
| Peter A. Cohen  |   No, I don't reflect my employer's opinions.  |
| peterco@eff.org | Heck!  My employer doesn't even know I'm here! |
+-----------------+------------------------------------------------+
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: rg9538@ehsn2.cen.uiuc.edu (Ronald E Garnett)
Subject: Re: the eternal head gasket story -- need some advice..
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1992 20:43:33 GMT

malc9336@miller.cs.uwm.edu (Brian Malcolm) writes:

>In article <BxDJ63.n2A@cs.psu.edu> kalin@math.psu.edu ( kalin ) writes:
>>Well, here's the scoop. I blew the head gasket two months ago.
>>
>>I decided to do it myself.  Need any advice as to what to look out
>>for and what not to do. Car is a Mazda 626, carburated.


MAZDA 626?  Is it an '82 model?  I used to have one (gave it to my
girlfiend), and had to replace it twice.  I had it done professionally
both times.  The first time happened at around 88000 miles  and the next
about 25,000 later.  

If it's an '82 model, and you have a choice of different parts from the
store, pick carefully.  1982 models have a history of blowing gaskets.  From
what I understand, the 2000 cc engine is just a bored out version of the 
previous year's block.  The space between cylinders and other holes was 
fairly small, and the original gasket was not strong enough.  They later changedthe gasket to a stronger model.  After market versions, therefore, may not be 
created equally!


Good luck!


Ron "I'm glad I got rid of it" Garnett
From: drew@tcom.stc.co.uk (Scooby Doo)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Analog Brake Light
Date: 10 Nov 1992 09:14:26 GMT
Organization: BNR Europe, New Southgate, London N11 1HB.
NNTP-Posting-Host: bnsgs200.bnr.co.uk
Keywords: brake light deceleration

In article <4467@news.chips.com> deanf@chips.com (Dean Frazier) writes:
>Has anyone seen or heard of a brake light system that indicates the degree
>of deceleration of the vehicle?   Maybe a different number of lights, or
>increasing light intensity, or flashing lights, etc.
>
>It sure would be nice to have such a device during rush-hour traffic!
>
>If you've heard of anything like this please e-mail me (or post if you
>think others would be interested...)
>
>Thanks,
>Dean

I havent heard of a analog brake light system, but over here in Britain
whenever there is a major traffic jam on the motorway (causing braking
from 70 mph to crawling within a short time) people have developed
the practice of flashing their hazard warning lights to indicate
a problem ahead to those drivers behind. I think it works quite well
(our hazard lights are amber of course). I think maybe flashing 
brakelights (flashing more rapidly for harsher braking?) would
probably be a good idea.

Next person please.

Drew.

--
	UK : (081) 945 3726		| The car in front is a Toyota...
Drew	ESN : 6 730 3726	    	| But not for long!! 
Wagar	US : +44 81 945 3726	    	| 
	Internet : drew@bnr.co.uk	| GTi drivers do it faster!
From: carl@Cayman.COM (Carl Heinzl)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Info wanted on leasing vs buying
Date: 11 Nov 92 01:22:09 GMT
	<1992Nov5.233217.16133@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
Organization: Cayman Systems Inc., Cambridge, MA
In-reply-to: jsmigels@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu's message of 5 Nov 92 23:32:17 GMT
bcc: carl


>This is where you are wrong.  If you decide to purchase the car for the 
>residual at the end of the lease you don't pay sales tax on the residual, you
>pay it on the original purchase price.  This is what most finance people at 
>dealerships don't like to tell you, because it is a big negative.

You better check again because I am *** 100% *** sure that here in
Massachusetts you *ONLY* pay sales tax on the residual amount,
PERIOD!!!

>Leases are usually only good if you trade in your car every couple or
>so years, where if you financed you would be "upside down" on a
>traditional purchase loan.  Also, leases can be good if you use the
>car for your business and then you can write-off some or all of the
>monthly payment.

Here's where your naivety shows up.  It is clear that you adhere to
the traditional American value that owning is good and renting or
leasing is bad.  

If I can lease a car at a low enough interest rate (such as one poster
mentioned with his 1.9% rate) I can actually end up pay LESS dollars
out of pocket in the long run if I decide to buy out the lease!!!

-Carl-
--
From: dkh@hpdmd48.boi.hp.com (Doug Howell)
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1992 01:34:14 GMT
Subject: Re: Ford keys was Re: Why American cars have two keys ?
Organization: Hewlett Packard - Boise, ID
Newsgroups: rec.autos


No reason I can think of for having different door and ignition keys.

However, I can think of a couple very good reasons for having a 
different key for the (trunk+glovebox) than for the (door+ignition).
In particular, the need for protecting the contents of your trunk
(luggage, Christmas gifts, dead bodies in transport) and of your glovebox
(vehicle registration, garage door opener, handguns) from possibly 
dishonest parking lot attendants, auto shop personel, and others who
may be temporarily entrusted with your vehicle. 

So there IS a good reason to have two different keys. 

However, The Question remains: Which ones and why.

-Doug Howell
 Boise, Idaho (a Very Low Crime Part of the United States of Larceny)

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: bpita@ctp.com (Bob Pitas)
Subject: Re: Corvette Turbo
Organization: Cambridge Technology Partners
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1992 00:06:53 GMT

In article <1992Nov7.070750.10546@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> ctoth@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Christopher M Toth) writes:
>	Do Corvette's come in Turbo form? I was wondering if I could
>get a Corvette Turbo. Have they ever come with a Turbo?
>
>Thanks!
>
>
>-- 
>Christopher M. Toth                   "With an Iron fist in a velvet glove
>The Ohio State University              We are sheltered under the gun
>Columbus State                         In the glory game on the power train
>CIS/History Major                      Thy's kingdom's will be done."-Rush

As far as I know, the Callaway Turbo was a factory option from GM up until
recently.  I seem to remember someone saying that Reeves Callaway was done
modifying Corvettes, though...  Can anyone verify this?  I think it was on
a recent 'Motorweek Magazine' or somesuch.
Anyway, the Callaway could be had with either single or twin turbochargers,
and had a fairly extensive nose and tail treatment.  Nice looking car.  I
don't think it had many handling mods, but the engine sounds like it'd be
sweet.  I've never seen one personally...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ___          
       / _ \                 '85 Mustang GT                        Bob Pitas
      /    /USH              14.13 @ 99.8                      bpita@ctp.com
     / /| \                  Up at NED, Epping, NH           (Cambridge, MA)

           "Laughed at by time, tricked by circumstances" -Peart
Disclaimer: These opinions are mine, obviously, since they end with my .sig!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: rat@erg.sri.com (Ray Trent)
Subject: Re: Quick radar question about traffic ticket
Reply-To: rat@erg.sri.com (Ray Trent)
Organization: SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 92 22:48:11 GMT

In the referenced article, jgd@dixie.com (John De Armond) writes:
>A quarter wavelength at 24 ghz is 34 mm.  Anything that large or larger that 
>is even somewhat conductive will reflect the radar.  This should give you
>an idea of the task at hand in shielding a car from police radar.  The
>microwave absorbing bras are a joke.  When every metal surface, including

Yes, well, as one hiker said to the other as he strapped on his
running shoes: I don't have to outrun the bear, I only have to outrun
*you*.

-- 
"When you're down, it's a long way up
 When you're up, it's a long way down
 It's all the same thing
 And it's no new tale to tell"                      ../ray\..
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: James Edward Burns <ddujeb@arco.com>
Subject: ****'75 Stingray 4 sale ****
X-Xxdate: Thu, 12 Nov 92 00:09:45 GMT
Organization: ARCO Long Beach Inc.
X-Useragent: Nuntius v1.1.1d9
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1992 00:09:49 GMT

1975 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

350 engine
auto transmission
new 3K pearl white paint
looks flawless
t-tops 
$7,500 obo will consider trade

located in L.A. 
(310) 983-3357 leave a message
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mark@wdcwdc.sps.mot.com (Mark Shaw)
Subject: Re: Ethanol blended gasoline
Organization: Motorola Western MCU Design Center, Chandler Arizona
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 23:50:36 GMT

In article <73921@hydra.gatech.EDU>, ph279sw@prism.gatech.EDU (FR SIGING WEI) writes:
|> 
|> My concern is about the Nitrogen in the ..nol's, all those
|> product are from Grains (like corns or other stuff). And 
|> after teh combustion, the N -> N0_2, or NO, which is not measured
|> as "emission, but really bad for living things!
|> 
|> Unless there are more studies, I think we(or rather they) are
|> substuting one bad thing by another (maybe worse).
|> 
|> Anybody out there know any details?

I think you are referring to the aldehydes which have been known to be
carcinagens.  There is currently no standard or limit for measuring these.
Discussion is underway to include these in EPA tests, especially with
the coming of Variable Fuel Vehicles which a supposed to run on anything
from M00 (no alcohol) to M100 (all alcohol).

Mark