2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission I'm back in a 12-valve!!!! (Maybe)

[mwilson]

Good Morning All,

I have purchased a '97 12-valve for commuting, winter beating, dump run vehicle, etc. as my trusty Eldorado has blown a head gasket and at 252,000 miles is simply not worth fixing. Makes me sad, I love the car but even if I do all the work myself it will cost at least $1500. 00 so will pass.



The truck will only start with starting fluid, I suspect a bad fuel solenoid or lift pump. At the worst it may be fuel lines or fuel tubes rotted out on top of the tank.



I am going after it either tomorrow or Tuesday so will let you guys know if I can get it running after I trailer it home or have purchased a "Pig in a Poke"... ... . :-laf



It is a 2500 4X4 with the Automatic. Just a regular cab.



I don't how many of you are hunting for cheap vehicles but I am here to tell ya' that they are some kinda' scarce right now at least in the Northeast.



I hope that it will become my 130 mile a day vehicle as I had to dig out the Mega Cab when the car failed last week and I am almost hyperventilating looking out the window and seeing the coating of snow, ice and calcium chloride all over it. . Yuck:{:{

 

[The patriot]

Welcome back.

Check the fuel solenoid first. Not much can kill these, think simple first.

If that truck is the one that was in uncle henrys it's been for sale a while.

 

[mwilson]

Patriot,

It is most likely the same one. I had just about given up on finding something priced within reason.



Glad to see that you are thinking it is a simple problem as well.



My son and I really think it can't be a big issue, both my bank account and wife hope I am not wrong... ... ... .



She is a good woman. Oo.



Wilson.

 

[The patriot]

My brother drives a cadillac sts IIRC. It has 145 K miles and the head gasket is setting off the dashboard light. Not sucking AF, just a little. He tried the miracle in a bottle stuff but it still leaks. It's been as good car and he has driven it a bunch of miles. I told him to get a lower press radiator cap, it may delay the problem a little.



The 2nd gen that was in UH was located in NH IIRC. Dad was going to look at it over this summer, but changed his mind.

Cheap way to check fuel lines.

Put 10 PSi of air to the fuel tank. If there are any holes, they'll leak.

Start thinking brake lines too. They rot at a ridiculous rate on these trucks. #@$%!

I'm going through that right now. #@$%!#@$%!

 

[mwilson]

If he wants to save the Caddy the only sure cure is the head stud kit from Northstar Performance. His STS has the same powertrain as my Eldo and the engine/transmission must come out from underneath as a unit. Sounds bad, but really isn't.



I hate cars as a rule, but I do love that Caddy. Best car for winter driving that I have ever owned.



Just can't tackle that big a job in the wintertime but may do it in the spring.



This truck is in Mass, sitting at an auction lot. I just picked the rental trailer up and will head out early AM.

Will take and post pictures of my "Prize"..... :-laf



Are you using Copper/Nickel Alloy for your brake lines??? It is great stuff and easy to work with.



Wilson.

 

[MCharlebois]

welcome back,just picked up a 12vr myself



really love the fact that it can only be a few things to check when she is not running



keep smiling



marcel

 

[The patriot]

.



Are you using Copper/Nickle Alloy for your brake lines??? It is great stuff and easy to work with.



Wilson.

He's not interested in taking on such a project.

He's going to squeeze the winter out of it and pick up a rice burner next year. #@$%!



I'll have to look into this. Thanks!

 

[mwilson]

NAPA and Carquest both stock it up here. It is far easier to double flare and can be bent without a tubing bender, will not kink. If you misjudge a bend you can straighten it out and do it over. Can't do that with the steel line.

Most of the shops up here have changed over to it.

3/16" is Part # 641-3347 at NAPA. 25' roll costs about $35. 00



A little more money, but well worth it. Do it once, it's done for good.



I am a fan.

 

[The patriot]

25' roll is $45 in advanced, gotta check the other guys.

Do you happen to remember if the nuts are metric or SAE?

It could save me an extra trip to the parts place.

Thanks

 

[mwilson]

I think the pick-ups are SAE tubing nuts.



I have Metric bubble flares on the Caddy and the Chrysler Mini-Vans but am 99% that the 2nd gens are SAE all the way.

 

[The patriot]

COOL!

Thanks!

 

[Missouri Mule]

If it keeps running after it starts(using starting fluid) look at the large relay (fuel shutoff solenoid relay)on the edge of the cowl above intake a manifold The fuel shutoff solenoid has to two coils one to pull it up (start) and one to keep it up (run).

Air being sucked into fuel lines will keep it from starting.

Lift/tranfer pump fuel pressure test after filter (no less thant 20 psi pressure should rise when engine is revved). Lift pump could have bad check valves in it which would allow the fuel to drain back to the tank.

 

[mwilson]

We got it home last night!!!



Fuel Shutoff was the issue, removed it and flipped the pump lever by hand. Took a bit to get things filled up with fuel but it finally started and ran.

Once all the air worked itself out it runs like a champ. No smoke, nice motor.



Whew!!!!



I will post some pics and a better story later on but have to catch up on paperwork right now. Taking a day off in the middle of the week results in two days of catching up... .....



Mike.

 

[The patriot]

Got lucky!

When you have a chance, can you suggest a good flaring tool. US made if possible, and not the $200 + model. :-laf

 

[mwilson]

Sears / Craftsman has a nice double flare kit for about $65. 00 if I remember correctly.

Do you have a Sears fairly close to you??

Plus will be warranteed for life.

Not sure where it is made.

 

[The patriot]

Yea, I do. Thanks.

I've been reading horror stories about the parts store flaring tools.

Others are pushing the $200 ++ tools as the bees knees.

I cant justify $200 for a tool I might use once every 5 years.

 

[The patriot]

.

3/16" is Part # 641-3347 at NAPA. 25' roll costs about $35. 00



A little more money, but well worth it. Do it once, it's done for good.



I am a fan.

$61. 25 + tax at the local NAPA. Sheesh, you could make a good living trucking parts from there to here & reselling them. #@$%!

Got to check the other guys out. :{

 

[mwilson]

That must be straight list!!!!!



Are you friends with anyone that operates a repair shop??? They will get jobber pricing unlike what you are being quoted.

Even if they simply allow you to purchase under their name but still pay cash.

Worth a try if you know someone... ... ...

 

[The patriot]

Found another NAPA nearby and they were $40. That's more like it.

I have a "retail tax certificate" and old letter head, but I really dont want to go through all that for such a small item. For a $500 part I'll do it though. :-laf

I hope I get a break in the weather sometime soon. :{

Thanks for the help!

 

[DSeamans]

Polyarmor

If polyarmor is the stuff you are talking about it is pricey out there! I paid $19 at Oreillys for a 25' roll of 3/16! As for the flaring tool, I really like the RIGID. I don't remember how much it was, but it was less than $100 for the kit. The dbl flare "buttons" can be purchased separately. It really works nice and has held up through a lot.



Dave