First time in a week that I have been able to work the Scorpio. On my to do list is to wrap up the inspection / testing of the cooling system. I had already drained and filled the radiator, installed a new thermostat, inspected and tested the clutch fan, and swapped out the coolant temp gauge sending unit. The only thing left was to verify the operation of the electric fan in front of the radiator.
On the Scorpio there are two fans in operation. The clutch fan driven by belts, and an electric fan in front of the radiator which is controlled by a thermostat in the radiator. On this early model Scorpio the fan actually has two speeds. On later models they did away with the low speed and just had an on/off switch.
Testing should have been simple. Jumper the thermostat switch so that the fan will come on. I did that 1st thing this morning and no dice. I then got out my handy dandy shop manual and electric and vacuum troubleshooting guide to diagnose the issue.
Problem #1: Even though the shop manual is for the 88 model year, it already had the switch to a single speed fan in the literature.
Problem #2: The electrical and vacuum troubleshooting manual shows correct wiring schematics but has no troubleshooting steps for the fan. It simply states refer to shop manual for diagnosis. Great.
I spent most of the morning going through the steps trying to diagnose why the fan wouldn't come on. At first I thought it was a relay issue. Found out I was testing it incorrectly. I had at one point or another disconnected and reconnected every part of the circuit for the cooling fan to operate. The best I could come up with, was a bad connection between the relay and the thermostat switch. At the end of the day I decided to test again in the fuse / relay box. I tested between fuse #8 and the fan relay for continuity and it was fine. I made a leap of logic that since the shop manual only tested for continuity for the troubleshooting maybe I should check for voltage also. This is where I found my problem. The wiring diagram shows that fuse #11 has power all of the time for the fan to work, but fuse #8 which is for the coil side of the relay only has power when the "car is in the run" position. When I turned the key to run and tested fuse #8, no power.
At this point I am starting to wonder if there was problem in the wiring for fuse #8 and what in the heck was I going to do about it. Almost as an after thought I decided to start the car and test for voltage again.
You guessed it, 12v at fuse #8 when "the car is running". I guess the manual was a little vague about this and I made an assumption that when the key was in the "run" position the fan would turn on if told to do so.
Nope,
I jumpered the switch and started the car. The electric fan came right on. Wow what a long day for a small payoff :) Anyway, the fan was a bit loud, so i will take it apart and lube it up, but it should be good to go!
Next up, speed sensor.
Later,
Darren
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Where has October Gone!
I can't believe that 1/2 of this month is gone. Next week we will be celebrating our two Daughters birthday's. Both McKenzie & Abbie have the same birthdate, just 6 years apart. McKenzie will be eleven, and Abbie will be five.
I haven't had much time to spend on the Scorp of late, but I did get a few things done this morning. I removed the Fuel Mileage computer from the parts car and installed it into the Black Scorp. I now have the new dash installed along with the cluster bezel and vent bezel. Sorry no pictures right now. The Black Scorp being an early model, didn't have the fuel computer as standard equipment, but the wiring harness is there, so it is just a plug and play install.
I also got the rear view mirror re-attached to the glass. I used some good foam mounting tape, I guess using the glue products to re-attach the mirror can lead to cracking the glass.
Next on the list is installing the rear map light, and then off to the DMV to get the car registered in Kansas.
I may end up working a double today, my night manager has been sick the past couple of days. Hopefully not.
All I know is tomorrow my wife and I are headed down to Norman Oklahoma to see a concert. U2 and opening for them are the Black Eyed Peas. Should be an awesome time!
Later,
Darren
I haven't had much time to spend on the Scorp of late, but I did get a few things done this morning. I removed the Fuel Mileage computer from the parts car and installed it into the Black Scorp. I now have the new dash installed along with the cluster bezel and vent bezel. Sorry no pictures right now. The Black Scorp being an early model, didn't have the fuel computer as standard equipment, but the wiring harness is there, so it is just a plug and play install.
I also got the rear view mirror re-attached to the glass. I used some good foam mounting tape, I guess using the glue products to re-attach the mirror can lead to cracking the glass.
Next on the list is installing the rear map light, and then off to the DMV to get the car registered in Kansas.
I may end up working a double today, my night manager has been sick the past couple of days. Hopefully not.
All I know is tomorrow my wife and I are headed down to Norman Oklahoma to see a concert. U2 and opening for them are the Black Eyed Peas. Should be an awesome time!
Later,
Darren
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sorry, been to busy to post lately
Man, work has been kicking my butt lately! I have found time to get some things done on the Scorpio. I will detail what I have done along with pictures where possible.
#1: I think I have resurrected the moonroof. It was DOA when I got the car. The seal around the glass is dry rotted and the motor couldn't move the track mechanism at all. I took out the glass and cleaned out the area as best I could.
With the glass out I was able to get the moonroof motor to break loose the mechanism and get the track to move a little. At this point I started applying a dupont product to the track.
The track mechanism is a flexible cable system that kind of looks like pipe cleaner material. I soaked both sides, a lot, and gradually the track loosened up. I applied more of the lubricant as more of the track was exposed. The liquid would turn brown instantly so I started using my shop vac to suck up the excess until the liquid stayed clear. I used the entire can of lubricant and I now have an operational moonroof. I hope this continues to work as replacement moonroof tracks for the Scorpio would be impossible to find.
I took the moonroof out of my donor Scorpio, which is in much better shape and the one I replaced.
#2 Dash replacement: The original dash is in horrible shape. Taking it out is kind of a pain. Here is a picture of the two dashes.
#3: Instrument cluster repair: The original cluster had several issues. A lot of bulbs burned out, the tach didn't work, the temp and fuel gauge were erractic. Basically typical for a Scorpio of this age. The cluster out of my donor car was in much better shape. The main issue was that I needed the speedometer out of the black scorpio to stay, but replace everything else. The letters on the speedometer of the black scorpio were flaking off, probably from extended stays in the heat. The solution was a third speedometer that I had acquired last spring. It had a good face, but the mechanism was faulty. I carefully peeled the face off of it and prepped the good speedometer for the "face transplant" Picture below.
I used elmers glue and some clamps to attach the face to the speedometer. I figured the glue would dry clear so any light from behind wouldn't show the glue. So far, so good.
#4 Install driver's side door panel:
I took the donor out of the blue scorpio and moved it to the black scorpio. The first picture is half way through the project, didn't think to take a picture at the beginning.
Finished product:
#5: Replacement of front speakers: I purchased a set of Blaupunkt 5 1/4 component speakers to replace the front 20 year old paper cone speakers that were in the Scorpio. I only received the woofers and after a conversation with the seller, I got a partial refund. Anyway I got the speakers installed today. I also purchased a set of 3 1/2 inch Soundstream 2 way speakers to replace the dash speakers. They should be here shortly. Here are a few pictures. They sound great.
I used 3/4 inch adhesive door trim insulation to adapt the larger size speaker to the door. The 5 1/4 almost fit perfect and the insulation makes sure they are snug to the door.
I will update after I get the 3 1/2 speakers and I will update on my long range goals.
Darren
#1: I think I have resurrected the moonroof. It was DOA when I got the car. The seal around the glass is dry rotted and the motor couldn't move the track mechanism at all. I took out the glass and cleaned out the area as best I could.
With the glass out I was able to get the moonroof motor to break loose the mechanism and get the track to move a little. At this point I started applying a dupont product to the track.
The track mechanism is a flexible cable system that kind of looks like pipe cleaner material. I soaked both sides, a lot, and gradually the track loosened up. I applied more of the lubricant as more of the track was exposed. The liquid would turn brown instantly so I started using my shop vac to suck up the excess until the liquid stayed clear. I used the entire can of lubricant and I now have an operational moonroof. I hope this continues to work as replacement moonroof tracks for the Scorpio would be impossible to find.
I took the moonroof out of my donor Scorpio, which is in much better shape and the one I replaced.
#2 Dash replacement: The original dash is in horrible shape. Taking it out is kind of a pain. Here is a picture of the two dashes.
#3: Instrument cluster repair: The original cluster had several issues. A lot of bulbs burned out, the tach didn't work, the temp and fuel gauge were erractic. Basically typical for a Scorpio of this age. The cluster out of my donor car was in much better shape. The main issue was that I needed the speedometer out of the black scorpio to stay, but replace everything else. The letters on the speedometer of the black scorpio were flaking off, probably from extended stays in the heat. The solution was a third speedometer that I had acquired last spring. It had a good face, but the mechanism was faulty. I carefully peeled the face off of it and prepped the good speedometer for the "face transplant" Picture below.
I used elmers glue and some clamps to attach the face to the speedometer. I figured the glue would dry clear so any light from behind wouldn't show the glue. So far, so good.
#4 Install driver's side door panel:
I took the donor out of the blue scorpio and moved it to the black scorpio. The first picture is half way through the project, didn't think to take a picture at the beginning.
Finished product:
#5: Replacement of front speakers: I purchased a set of Blaupunkt 5 1/4 component speakers to replace the front 20 year old paper cone speakers that were in the Scorpio. I only received the woofers and after a conversation with the seller, I got a partial refund. Anyway I got the speakers installed today. I also purchased a set of 3 1/2 inch Soundstream 2 way speakers to replace the dash speakers. They should be here shortly. Here are a few pictures. They sound great.
I used 3/4 inch adhesive door trim insulation to adapt the larger size speaker to the door. The 5 1/4 almost fit perfect and the insulation makes sure they are snug to the door.
I will update after I get the 3 1/2 speakers and I will update on my long range goals.
Darren
Monday, September 7, 2009
Success!
Waiting for me in the mail on Saturday was the title for the Scorpio! After a two month process I officially own it!
With that issue solved, I can proceed with repairs and updates. I plan on getting it registered here in Kansas by the end of this month.
I started the repair work on the cluster today, I will take pictures and post them soon.
Later,
Darren
With that issue solved, I can proceed with repairs and updates. I plan on getting it registered here in Kansas by the end of this month.
I started the repair work on the cluster today, I will take pictures and post them soon.
Later,
Darren
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Removed the really cracked dash last night
I got some free time on Tuesday night, so I spent it working on the Scorpio. My objective was to remove the horribly cracked dash out of the Scorp and get the instrument cluster removed so I can R&R it.
Here is a picture of the dash, it is trashed:
I've never seen this before, but apparently someone used "Great Stuff" foam sealant to attach the instrument cluster bezel to the dash. Needless to say it was a one way approach. I had to destroy the bezel to get it unattached. Luckily I have a spare :)
Next up, replace dash speakers, fix the instrument cluster, take another look at those darn dash motor vents. I swear I am going to find a way to fix them.
Later,
Darren
Monday, August 31, 2009
Couldn't Resist
So we got back from my In-laws house yesterday afternoon and I had some free time. I couldn't resist the opportunity to get some maintanence done on the Scorpio.
One of the first things on my list was to check the cooling system for fitness and to replace the temp sending unit. (I had already performed a drain and fill to get rid of old antifreeze and any sediment build up)
The sending units are notorious for going bad with age and this one was no different. I had already purchased a sending unit for the other Scorpio and I had a new thermostat waiting to be installed. I had noticed that the bypass hose from the thermostat housing to the coolant bottle always had coolant flowing through it. I figured either the thermostat was gone or just weak.
In order to get to the thermostat and the temp sending unit I needed to take apart the throttle body assembly so it seemed like a good time to clean it up also. These are also known to cause driveablitity issues when dirty and coched up with carbon build up. This Scorpio had idling issues. It started right up but never has idled very smooth.
Unfortunately I didn't think about taking any before and after pictures, I have to get better about that.
The whole process took about two hours. This included removing the temp sending unit from my spare Scorpio since it had the "good" sending unit installed in it. After I got it all put back together I topped off the coolant tank and started her up.
She started right up and had a much improved idle. I let the car warm up enough to have the thermostat cycle to make sure it was going to work correctly. The temp gauge worked reading in between the "n" & "o" in the normal range. I will call it a success!
Next up is to R & R the instrument cluster. The tachometer is non-funcitonal, a lot of lights out, and the gas gauge is erratic. In addition to these items the entire cluster face is flaking off. I assume from exposure to sun or heat. I have two spare clusters so I plan on replacing both the tach and the temp/gas cluster and pull the face off of the speedometer and re-attach a "good" face to it. I think it will look fine.
I promise to take pictures next time.
Later,
Darren
One of the first things on my list was to check the cooling system for fitness and to replace the temp sending unit. (I had already performed a drain and fill to get rid of old antifreeze and any sediment build up)
The sending units are notorious for going bad with age and this one was no different. I had already purchased a sending unit for the other Scorpio and I had a new thermostat waiting to be installed. I had noticed that the bypass hose from the thermostat housing to the coolant bottle always had coolant flowing through it. I figured either the thermostat was gone or just weak.
In order to get to the thermostat and the temp sending unit I needed to take apart the throttle body assembly so it seemed like a good time to clean it up also. These are also known to cause driveablitity issues when dirty and coched up with carbon build up. This Scorpio had idling issues. It started right up but never has idled very smooth.
Unfortunately I didn't think about taking any before and after pictures, I have to get better about that.
The whole process took about two hours. This included removing the temp sending unit from my spare Scorpio since it had the "good" sending unit installed in it. After I got it all put back together I topped off the coolant tank and started her up.
She started right up and had a much improved idle. I let the car warm up enough to have the thermostat cycle to make sure it was going to work correctly. The temp gauge worked reading in between the "n" & "o" in the normal range. I will call it a success!
Next up is to R & R the instrument cluster. The tachometer is non-funcitonal, a lot of lights out, and the gas gauge is erratic. In addition to these items the entire cluster face is flaking off. I assume from exposure to sun or heat. I have two spare clusters so I plan on replacing both the tach and the temp/gas cluster and pull the face off of the speedometer and re-attach a "good" face to it. I think it will look fine.
I promise to take pictures next time.
Later,
Darren
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Progress
A couple of good things happened this week! I went ahead and replaced the rear transmission mount on the Scorpio. I will post pics soon, the old mount was totally trashed and in two pieces. The bad vibration I felt in the car is totally gone. I believe the car is able to drive without tearing up the driveline. Next up is to R & R the instrument cluster and check the cooling system out. I already drained and refilled the radiator, but I think the thermostat is either stuck open or gone.
*Edit* Here is a pic of the old and new transmission mount:
The other good thing that happened this week is I received some info back on the Title process for the car. I got a receipt from the Texas Dept. of Transportation showing I had applied for the bonded title. I had applied for the "suretey bond" with a title company in Texas. After I signed the paperwork and sent it back they applied for the title for me. This is great because I thought I was waiting for them to just send me the bond and then I would have to apply for it. I hope this will shorten the time for me to get the title.
Keep your fingers crossed!
Later,
Darren
*Edit* Here is a pic of the old and new transmission mount:
The other good thing that happened this week is I received some info back on the Title process for the car. I got a receipt from the Texas Dept. of Transportation showing I had applied for the bonded title. I had applied for the "suretey bond" with a title company in Texas. After I signed the paperwork and sent it back they applied for the title for me. This is great because I thought I was waiting for them to just send me the bond and then I would have to apply for it. I hope this will shorten the time for me to get the title.
Keep your fingers crossed!
Later,
Darren
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