[DML] Question for owners with issues.

["therealdmcvegas" <dmcvegas@xxxxxxxxx>]

Let me start off by saying that I am not intending for this post to be
a flame. It's not an attack, just an honest question for people.

I've been pretty dormant on this, and other lists for a while now, but
I have been reading some of the topics that have recently been
discussed. Two in particular are regarding "valleyrat's" failed smog
test, and Scott's Hot-Start issue. And I honestly have to ask this:

Do any of you own a Workshop Manual?

Allot of questions that I'm seeing on here are uber-simple ones that
should already have been obvious with a workshop manual, and a little
automotive know how.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say that everyone here
should be at the level of an ASE mechanic. After all, this is a forum
for DIY'ers seeking help. But if you're asking about an engine running
lean, and you've not yet hit it with a timing light, then let's take a
step back, and even ask how to do that, before tearing your exhaust
system apart to shine a light into the Catalytic Convertor.

Hot Start problems are NOT normal on the DeLorean, or any car that
uses a K-Jetronic fuel injection system. I've seen DeLoreans fire-up
in triple digit heat, and have only taken about a second-long turn of
the key to do so. For a beater Volvo that ends up on some
"Buy-Here/Pay-Here" car lot in the middle of the ghetto, yes, the
Hot-Start relay is needed, because it's assumed that people will NOT
properly maintain these cars in the long run. For a high-end car such
as the DeLorean, it's assumed that proper maintenance will negate the
installation of a band-aid remedy.

Now I know that sounds a bit harsh. And I wouldn't normally be so
frank in my words for someone who is still getting familiar with their
car. But 10 YEARS and you still have this issue?    Even if you're not
handy with a wrench, I can understand. But at the very least, be more
aggressive with your mechanic and demand that the issue you paid for
to be resolved, gets properly taken care of. Especially if you're
already armed with the knowlege of how the affected system(s) function.

Like I say, I've seen DeLoreans fire up in all sorts of weather, and
not have an issue. So this is NOT a "design flaw" with the DeLorean
car itself. If there is any flaw in this case, it's flawed diagnotic
procedure that's been performed on your car by both your mechanic, AND
by you (that "design flaw" statement is insulting to me, and other
owners who's cars operate properly). It's a machine, not a deity.
Money means nothing to it. So throwing cash at the car's issue(s) will
not appease the gremlins inside, and make the issue magicly go away.

You've got two potential issues: 1. Electrical, or 2. Fuel Pressure.
And if it is Fuel Pressure related (as it typicly is), you need to
perform the proper diagnotic procedure to determine it as such. THEN
determine what has to be replaced, and start the diagnosis procedure
over again if it's still not resolved.

I don't care if you buy *new* stuff from John Hervey, or 25 year old
*NOS* parts from DMCH. Age has nothing to do with the fact that some
parts may leave the factory defective. So just because it was replaced
once, doesn't mean that the new part is any better off than the
*defective* one you replaced. Assuming of course that proper
troubleshooting is what determined it to be bad in the first place.

You have 5 components of the Fuel Injection system that are
responsible for maintaining fuel pressure while the system is at rest.
Performing the reccomending system test will help you determine which,
if any, of these components are at fault.

Now I know that this post has sounded a bit mean, but believe me, it's
more of a "tough love" message here. My solution for you isn't to take
the car into a vendor to get the issue fixed. No, I think that it's
high time you hunker down, and bust a few knuckles fixing the issue
yourself. Unless someone doesn't have a cost-prohibative tool (ie.
alignment rack, exhaust gas analyser), or they lack valuable
experience in a particular area (ie. MVAC, or electronics repair) that
requires the use of a vendors services, there is no reason that people
shouldn't be working on their cars themselves. Even if you're tight on
workspace where you can tear the car apart, you need to at least be
able to partially diagnose the issue yourself, and talk it over with
your mechanic.

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"








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