first time on forums 1986 VL Calais

[pricey3682]

I'd be able to pull the box out but I would like to send it to a specialist. I'm looking to rebuild it in the future aswell.

So if I unplug the solenoid and the shudder is still there the converter is my problem. If it is gone then its the solenoid. Correct?

Cheers for all your help mate

 

[detox_nath83]

no if u unplug the solenoid and the shudder is still there its not the converter or solenoid. if the shudder dissapears its ur converter so leave it unplugged.

the impeller and turbine are locked together when cruising speeds are reached and minimal throttle is used it provides a 1 to 1 drive from the engine to the transmission input shaft a provides no slippage between components basically dropping ur engine revs 200-400 rpm so unplugged is nothing major

 

[pricey3682]

Okay, so one of the 2 plugs that are together run to that solenoid, so I have to unplug the one running to the solenoid? I don't see how it disconnects from the solenoid apart from the plug?

 

[*uwishn*]

put some more pictures up dude,looks like a goody.

 

[detox_nath83]

unplug it.. wherever the wires run as long as u disconnect that solenoid...

 

[pricey3682]

Okay, will do that tomorrow. Cheers nath.

Yeah I'm quite happy with it, all the mechanical is nearly done, will be in a fortnight. Just the exterior is the worst part, getting the rust around the front screen done inna month and a few other spots touch up. Needs a respray eventually which will be the most costly part of the build as I'll be doing all the mechanical myself.

Photos tommorow, plan on doing the radiator and replacing all the brittle heater, radiator and transmission hoses, then to tackle the factory stereo and power windows. also looking at polishing up the Calais wheels.

Any tips and/or advice welcomed

Cheers James

 

[pricey3682]

Nath, I unplugged that solenoid and it seems to have got rid of the shudder, getting to 90-100 with no problems.

Today after work I replaced top and bottom radiator hoses and flushed the cooling system. Looked like chocolate milk.

 

[pricey3682]

Update:

replaced my rocker cover gasket and bolt seals today and also got quotes on my springs and shocks.

Have also been looking into getting an LE kit in the future

 

[detox_nath83]

knew it would be the lockup converter...

yuk that is not good seeing that as ur cooling system water... definitely use some coolant and use good stuff not that watered down ****.... make sure it is the dark fluroish green and not the light stuff. when u dropped the water did u do ur thermostat?and did u bleed the system of air?
Vls having an alloy head higher than the radiator u get air trapped. so u must bleed this properly if u dont u get hot spots and eventually crack ur head

 

[pricey3682]

no i didnt replace the thermostat and i used a 50:50 ratio of coolant to water.

yes bled it properly with the heater on and with a funnel above the heater. I had a temperature gun on the hoses and they only got to around 50 degrees each and the gauge only read about 1/4. Might have a sticky thermostat?

In other news, i planned to replace the drivers door lock (previous owner had it broken into), but discovered the security plate, which wasnt on my last VL. Whilst the door trim was off we decide to check out the power window motor and see what was happening. Turns out the switch is sending power to the motor but the motor isnt working(possibly jammed). I plan to remove the motor and reg as the lock has to be replaced and the security plate removed, strip the motor and see what the problem is and if it can be repaired. The passengers side is working as i can hear the motor operating and i think its just come out of the channel. If worse come to worse, is it possible to change the internals of the working motor on the n/s to the drivers window? assuming the internals are the same. I have had a look at the link on calaisturbo about reconditiong the power window motors and will update tommorrow. If unable to be rebuilt, does anyone know or have working motors and where to get them?

i also got quoted on my lowered springs and shocks which will be in in a few months. Have also been looking at getting all the rust fixed and the possibility of getting a respray.
Tossing up wether to keep it white over silver or possibly silverslate on the calais as well.

thoughts/ comments?

Cheers James