It's alive!! [4ksq]

[Bob H.]

Thanks to everyone for their help, both with the strut replacement and the
problems starting.

I really don't know what the problem was for sure but ... I followed Huw's
guide on cleaning the electrical connectors under the hood.  The one that
appears to have fixed the problem (I tried starting between each
connector) was the temperature sensor.  I know a lister had suggested that
sensor specifically, so thanks to you for a correct diagnosis.

In any case, she's back on the road now, just in time for winter.  The new
struts (KYB's all around) are leaps and bounds beyond what was on there
(Boge's, likely OE, with 170k miles or so on them).  Two of the four
cartridges would not push back out to fully extended after I compressed
them (easily, by hand).  And, since both front strut bearings were shot
(the driver's side came out in pieces), it's nice to actually get the
benefit of power steering again!

Oh, and to give an idea of just how tight the caps on the strut housings
were ... I split my 4.5" Craftsman bench vise in half trying to break one
free.  I had a BAPW* with a 4' section of cheater pipe on the handle.
Once that vise was broken, I replaced it with a 6" Craftsman bench vise.
And, I managed to crack one of the jaws on that one breaking the last
housing free.  And, that's with soaking them with Liquid Wrench every day
for a week, and using a propane torch!  Good thing this last one is still
under warranty!

Anyway, thanks again to all involved.  I've learned my lesson, Bentley's
on the way.  Hopefully I'll be able to solve some problems for myself in
the future!

Regards,
-Bob
'86 4ksq beater - back on the road again finally!!!

* BAPW = Big @$$ Pipe Wrench (2.5' handle)

=====
Racing makes heroin addiction seem like a vague wish for something salty.

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/