Houston, we have ignition... (Rolled 91 200q Avant)

[Ed Kellock <EKELLOCK@ECS-INC.com>]

It runs!

I went up to my mechanic's shop last night after work since he would be
working into the evening.  He had previously reported that when he tried to
turn the engine by hand, it would turn but stop.  He was concerned about one
or more cylinders being hydro-locked by oil or gas, or that a piece of the
t-belt cover that cracked off in the accident was jamming in the belt.  

I pulled the plugs and t-belt cover and inspected everything very carefully
and then tried to turn it again by hand.  It would go around without any
problem at all.  So the plugs went back in and we cranked it up.  It was
nice to hear it run again.  Tonight, we're going to see if we can get the
right rear wheel alignment straitened out.  Then I'm going to drive it home
under cover of darkness.  Then I can eliminate any concern about storage
fees or pissing off my mechanic's boss by leaving it there indefinitely.

This partially confirms the viability of the mechanicals which will directly
impact my decision to keep it and see that the parts go to a good home.  I
expect the trip home tonight to finalize the question of viability of the
rest of the drivetrain.

BTW has anyone put a 3B in a 4kq or 90q?   ;-)

Ed
Greenville, SC
91 200q Avant  showing signs of life
87 CGT  

PS. On the way home (in the CGT), I played a little tag with a BMW.  We
dodged a little through some light traffic on the street, then I was in
front at the cloverleaf on-ramp to the Interstate.  Just as I was entering,
I remember my track worn tire on the left rear and realized that it would be
most prudent to NOT try to impress him.  I thought this would certainly piss
him off, which was not my intent.  As the on-ramp straightened out I
downshifted to 2nd to merge, not knowing what kind of BMW I was dealing with
and seeing other traffic merging just ahead at the other on-ramp.  I
actually got a little chirp in my 2-3 shift (nice new motor mounts) and when
I looked in my side view mirrors, I saw a quick flash of the high beams from
the Beemer to signal that he was letting me over to the fast lane.  That was
a refreshing.  As traffic sorted out, I pulled right and slowed up a little
to let him pass, wanting to see what model it was.  It was a late '80's
535i.  I think he could have easily blown past me when we were merging.
I'll look for him in the future.  I'd like to acknowledge his good spirit
with a wave or a nod.

All in all it was a really good night.  Even my dog seemed to be especially
chipper.