[DeTomaso] Things to do while the engine is out?

[David in Durango]

Will, if I don't do it, who will???

Mike,
Thanks for the note.  About the first thing I learned is no two Panteras are exactly alike . . . . .

Hopefully, my list will be a good one and nothing will be overlooked - thanks for the pointers.

Two important things I have already learned?  Don't take anyone's word for anything; and just because it looks good doesn't mean it IS good!

Lloyd has the ZF already (mainly for the 3.2 ring & pinion I have long wanted) , we both experienced a time fart (thought there was another week of work before Daytona) so my info is incomplete.  Lloyd did say all the bearings were good and the ring gear was tight.  The last question will be the second gear synchro (most wear and thus the most suspect) but that hasn't been inspected yet.

Thanks to all that have sent private little notes, too.

Complete report for all as I get closer . . . .

David
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: MikeLDrew at aol.com 
  To: adin at frontier.net ; detomaso at realbig.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 6:30 PM
  Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Things to do while the engine is out?



  In a message dated 1/24/12 15 36 24, adin at frontier.net writes:



    Are there other things I should peek at ????



  My gearbox has a big leak from the left side plate, so I need to address that before my engine goes back in.

  My water pump was corroded internally so it's getting replaced.

  Think about cleaning up any wiring rats nests (mine are terrible!)

  Now is a good time to install a chassis stiffening kit (doesn't your car already have it?)

  Stainless steel firewall and gas tank covers look spiffy, but also reflect heat.  Putting insulation between them and the steel panels underneath helps keep the interior and gasoline cooler too.

  You'll never find an easier time to install a third brake light on the underside of the roof.

  Replace shift linkage trunnion bearing?  Lubricate linkage, replace rubber bellows where it enters the car.

  Speedo cable/throttle cable lubricate and/or replacement.

  Brake line/clutch line replacement (memo to self--need to phone vendors and order new brake and clutch hard lines in the morning!)

  Clutch master/slave replacement (since you need to fill/bleed them anyway, if they are at all suspect, might as well do it now)

  Water bottle upgrade (if you still have the stock bottles, now is the time to ditch them).

  Water pipe/hose replacement (if your pipes are original, replace them.  If your hoses are at all suspect or of unknown vintage, replace them even if the pipes are stainless steel replacements)

  As you can see, there's a lot more to putting an engine back in a car than meets the eye.  I failed to do most of these things when I R&Red my engine last April; now fate has given me a second chance.

  Oh joy....:>)

  Mike



__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 6824 (20120124) __________

The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.

http://www.eset.com