[Vwdiesel] More Quantum Questions

[William J Toensing]

Starting problem solved. The Quantum now starts. The problem was, as near as I can gather was a poor connection that failed to provide enough current to the IP on/off solenoid. I had made a "Y" at the connector so I could run an electric fuel pump to assist the IP. The electric fuel pump has been disconnected.

Don't recall if I told you but a deer ran in front of my 2001 Focus & totaled it. I bought the car back from my insurance company, GMAC/Good Sam as it appears only the right front fender,hood, R headlight, & grill were damaged but the insurance company priced the damage based on the price of NEW parts. I found out that luckily, vehicle/animal collisions are considered a comprehensive loss, not a collision loss. Also, I felt GMAC was very fair in what they allowed me for my Focus. What they did was to find what 4 Focus' in similar condition sold for at retail & then average the cost. I was afraid they would only allow the wholesale or trade in value for the car. I bought used parts at a junkyard for around $400 & matching automotive paint from a local auto paint supply house & had them load the paint into aerosol cans at a cost of around $250. The first pint of paint it self  cost $40 bought in December & for January 2011 the price jumped to $58.Moral:if you live in an area where deer collisions are possible, keep your comprehensive coverage.

With the insurance proceeds I was able to buy a mint 1983 Mercedes 300SD with only 126,000 miles on it. The Benz looked like it has been garaged all its life as it has its shiny original black paint & no cracks in the dash or leather seats. My only concern is that when the automatic transmission shifts from second to third, the transmission slips a bit when cold but shifts OK when warm. I have been told this can be adjusted. Will now have to find someone I can trust that can adjust it as this is probably over my head.

I was finally able to get my other '83 300 SD with 346,000 miles on it, started but found it had a blown head gasket so I think I will sell it cheap as is, since its cosmetic condition is such that it wouldn't pay to fix it up. It was converted to run on waste vegetable oil on a single tank system & the WVO seems to have created the starting problem.