[DeTomaso] leaking mystery

[Christopher Kimball]

It just burns a lot of oil, and since Vegas is a long, hot drive, I left it in Medford since I didn't want to risk getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.  Driving home from Medford it drank a quart every 100 to 150 miles, but other than that it ran great; no overheating problems, the air conditioning worked great, etc.  

I will rebuild the engine this winter (if the funds become available) but in the meantime, it works fine around town and for short trips.  I just have to keep an eye on the oil level and change the plug closest to rear of the engine on the passenger side fairly frequently--after a while it starts running on seven cylinders.  Plus, I try to drive like a little old lady so as not to risk breaking something (the car creaks  quite loudly when cornering or going over bumps--someone said "bushings"...)

Thanks for your help--it was good to finally meet you, even if my silly little rental car couldn't keep up with your Pantera!

Sincerely,

Chris
#3846



From: MikeLDrew at aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 18:41:59 -0400
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] leaking mystery
To: chrisvkimball at msn.com; detomaso at realbig.com



In a message dated 5/25/08 14 27 33, chrisvkimball at msn.com writes:





PS:  When sitting at a stop light (or in a parade) with many short stops following, is it better to leave the car in gear with the clutch depressed, or is it better to shift into neutral at each stop and then shift back into first gear each time I move forward?  I'm not sure which is harder on the clutch.





Keeping it in gear with your foot on the clutch is both harder on the throwout bearing, and on you.



I'm curious though--what are you doing driving your car anyway?   After all, it pooped out in Medford due to a terminal engine problem, and you were supposed to limp it home and then rebuild the motor?



Mike


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