Weird problem, 88 90Q with Clifford alarm

[Vincent Gelinas]

On 11/14/2010 8:15 PM, Huw Powell wrote:
>
>
>
>>> > In other news, my car died the other night and cranks over rarely
>>> > and you can hear the fuel pump whining, so I'm replacing it with a
>>> > Bosch part (only 150 including 1 day shipping on Amazon). When she
>>> > /did/ crank over after I did an oil change and tried to fire up to
>>> > check for leaks from the filter and plug, my fiancee reported a
>>> > plume of white smoke from my tailpipe when I revved the engine. Is
>>> > that water/coolant burning and signifying a head gasket?
>>>
>>> I hope not.
>>>
>>> PS, I have a spare engine if you need it. Heck, I have 2 3/4 spare
>>> 90Qs here...
>>>
>>
>> /So have you taken it apart and cleaned it yet?/
>>
>> It's the battery terminal connector on the flat, braided ground strap.
>> Though I have cleaned it with a toothbrush and
>> baking soda water. How's that 2AWG one from Wally World holding up?
>
> Spend four bucks on a terminal/connector cleaner thing.  Scrapes the 
> surface and makes the lead shiny.  The Wally unit is just fine.
>
>> /PS, I have a spare engine if you need it./
>>
>> A new engine that I know things are correct on would certainly fix a
>> load of my problems, but most likely out of my
>> price range. I have noticed lately a fair amount of knocking, almost
>> like a diesel would sound. Could this be attributed
>> to the oil? I used Rotella T6 5w-40 oil with a Mobil 1 filter (the only
>> one Autozone had with an anti-drainback valve.
>> I went with Rotella because it's the only 5w-40 oil I could find that
>> was decently cheap
>> (almost $8 a quart for M1 where I am!).
>
> Yeah, I changed the oil on my new buggy firs thing, was shocked at 
> what M1 costs these days.
>
> Knocking?  That's not good.  I doubt my old engine would cost you a 
> lot, but would involve a lot of your time.  And I'd be keeping all the 
> pretty powder coated parts!  I can borrow and engine hoist from next 
> door, and lend you an engine stand if it comes down to it.
>
> It does sound a bit to me like you should run away from this car 
> rather than pouring more cash into it.  Perhaps I should drive up 
> there rather than vice versa, and give you my unvarnished opinion of 
> the new ride?
>
The connector isn't the wicked dirty part lol.  the screw that holds the 
connector closed is failing, so it loosens up and causes the connector 
to slide loose.

If you want to drive up here, you're more than welcome.  I have been 
thinking of getting a different car for my DD (like biting the bullet 
and keeping on paying on my Jetta), but keeping this one for a project 
car.  I don't want to scrap it because they are too rare to just send to 
the junkyard.  I love the car and the way it drives and feels, but I 
can't keep having my main ride die on me.  I also have oil leaks etc.  
In short, this car was neglected to hell before I bought it and I want 
to give it a new life.  Would any of your cars be for sale? (/mostly 
rhetorical... I'm sure the answer is no lol.)

How much time is involved in an engine swap?  It shouldn't be too tricky 
mechanically, just time-consuming.

V