Re: '86 4000SCq...some tech questions

["Pat Martin" <mardkins@email.msn.com>]

>1: When travaling, and the shifter is in either 1st, 3rd or fifth gears, I
>hear a slight whine noise which sounds to be coming from the shifter area.
>But, when the shifter is located in either 2nd, 4th or neutral, I do not
hear
>this sound.  Is anybody familliar with this or may be able to off me some
>advice as to what it may be?


I have heard it in 1 other car.  You may try changing the fluid out of the
tranny and make sure the shift linkage is not riding on something.



>2: This dealing w/the hvac system...no matter what setting I have the flap
>control set at...wheather it be to have warm air at my feet, going at the
>windshield, etc, I allways get cold air coming out the center dash vent.
Is
>it supposed to be that way?  If not, how may I fix this?

It is supposed to be that way.  Huw Powell has the steps to "fix" this on
his web page.  I like it that way.

>3: Lastly, how easy/difficult is it to change the rear suspensionon this
>vehicle?  I just ordered/recieved a set of Bilstein HD shocks and struts,
>Intrax springs, and all upper strut mounts, shock boots and bump stops.  I
>have access to a lift (I work for a Saturn retailer in the service
department)
>and an alignment machine.

Ouch.  I hope you live on glass roads because that is one stiff setup.  Wear
a mouth piece to alleviate the broken teeth.  To Chang the rears you just
have to remove them just like the fronts.  The only difference is getting to
the rear top nuts.  This is not hard you just need to remove the rear shelf
to get at them.   You will probably find the a-arm bushings to be soft.  The
tie rods in the rear will probably be frozen and the fronts might be due for
replacement.

>Is there anything with this particular vehicle I should look out for, and
>should expect to have to fix at approx. 160,000 miles?

Just keep $3-400 for emergency repairs.  CV joints, wheel bearings, and many
other things can reach out and grab you at this mileage. Make sure you check
the timing belt
as it can brake and cost big$.    This is a cheap and easy fix if you do it
yourself.

Pat Martin
864000csq turbo, 2 1/2 cat back, H&R-Boge, MC and loving it.  Drilled and
stopping it. Koenig Cobra 16x7 with Yokohama A520's turning it,  K&N and
uh..., Soon: Hella's lighting it.
84 4000sq  AKA: The beater.
95 subaru legacy
Bothell, Wa