[DeTomaso] 3 newbie questions

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/01/07 6:00:46 AM, mgreene at hiwaay.net writes:

<< 1. Why does it seem nearly all cars for sale need "air conditioner 
recharged"? Are they that poorly designed? Leaky?

The original A/C compressors were York, from the dawn of the industrial age, 
and tend to leak around the shaft seal. Plus, the Pantera with its 
rear-mounted condenser has some 20 feet of rubber hose connecting the various parts. 
Rubber deteriorates with time & heat, allowing freon to leak, Finally, with the 
near-universal substitution of R-134a which is a physically smaller molecule, 
the original flanged hose connections also leak even when in good condition, as 
Ford & GM found. The solution to #1 is a modern rotary compressor such as 
Sankyo or Sanden. Routing the new hoses well away from the mid engine exhaust heat 
fixes most of #2, and #3 is fixed by using modern o-ring type hoses, dryer 
and evaporator valve specified for R-134a in any case. 

2. What is the problem with the windshield wiper system? Seems lots do not 
work and often have the wiper arms completely removed.

The wiper system is borrowed from Jaguar and is cable-driven. Over several 
decades of zero maintenence, they indeeed can stick. Usually, greasing helps. 
Much of the wiring is sourced from Lucas and is composed of un-plated electrical 
contracts- fixed by plating, replacement or simple yearly preventive 
maintenence with Radio Shack contact cleaner. 

3. How do you access the front of the engine (to check timing, etc.)? Is 
there access from the cockpit area? >>

The upholstered bulkhead panel behind the seats is removeable, and a steel 
door in the rear firewall gives access to the front of the engine. Many Panteras 
have had the upholstered panel split so only the portion covering the steel 
door need be removed, which simplifies access. Most such mainenence, including 
timing chain & cam swaps can be done while seated in the drivers seat. 
Feel free to ask anything- remember, the only stupid question is the one not 
asked!  Cheers- J DeRyke<BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> 
See what's free at http://www.aol.com.</HTML>