Minnesota Drive?

n8marx · n8marx's Garage

Any Minnesota Pelicans interested in an impromptu drive this Saturday, 10/25? I hear it may snow next week. Could this be our last weekend?

The cool air will ensure our cars will run well.

Come on, I'll be driving anyway since my mother-in-law will be in town.

MRM · 10-23-2003, 06:57 PM

Hay Nate. I suspect this is the last hurrah for the season too. Tomorrow I have to go all the way down to Chaska (1 hour from where I am) and I am taking the P car regardless of the weather.

I'm probably out for Saturday but I think it's a great idea. I will have to work some Saturday morning (near I-94 and 280). Maybe we could meet for a bit somewhere near there and take a spirited run from Minneapolis to St. Paul and back. The Minneapolis end of 94 is usually pretty safe; St. Paul patrols more.

Post a note here Friday and we'll see how Saturday shapes up.

Mike

85eurocarrera · 85eurocarrera's Garage

Sounds like a good idea. I also have to work Saturday, but could use a little drive to break things up. Lets decide time so I can get my saturday schedual figured out. I am open for morning or afternoon.

Maybe a quick zip down towards welch or something, that might work to stay on the east side of things for MRM?

Joe

cyprusx · 10-24-2003, 04:14 AM

Where is the meeting place and the time? I just might make it...

n8marx · n8marx's Garage

I am available basically all day. I like Joe's idea of heading south toward Welch. Some nice roads can be found down that way. But I'll do anything.

As far as a meeting place goes, something over toward the east side for MRM? Cottage Grove? Then head down 61 toward Welch?

Cypruzx, where are you located?

cyprusx · 10-24-2003, 06:37 AM

I am in Cottage Grove... Right on the way...

n8marx · n8marx's Garage

Perfect. Can you think of a good meeting place for us? I only know the area from passing through. If you could arrange a meeting place where we can safely park and shoot the breeze for a while that would be great.

MRM, what time will you be in Chaska? I only live a few miles from there.

cyprusx · 10-24-2003, 07:15 AM

Lots of places to meet. We could meet at Caribou Coffee for a quick caffine jolt or one of the numerous parks. To get to the Coffee shop, just take the 80th street exit off of 61 and take a left. After crossing the bridge, take a right at Walgreens and you should see the complex. What time is good for everyone?

n8marx · n8marx's Garage

Caribou sounds great. How far east of 494 on 61 is 80th street?

How's 9 am for everyone? Too early?

cyprusx · 10-24-2003, 08:31 AM

I would say 4-6 miles south of 494. 9:00 sounds good to me... Should be a good day for a run...

n8marx · n8marx's Garage

I'll be there at 9. Who else is in?

limble · 10-24-2003, 11:09 AM

Hmmm, visiting with in-laws or driving the P-car?
Will you guys help me decide?

cyprusx · 10-24-2003, 11:14 AM

Sure... You have all winter to visit with the in-laws.. You are therefore in... See you at 9:00...

85eurocarrera · 85eurocarrera's Garage

9 am at Caribou in Cottage Grove. I shall be there!
Joe

n8marx · n8marx's Garage

Mike (aka limble)

Are you in yet?

limble · 10-24-2003, 01:19 PM

My arm is sore from all of the twisting.
Better give it some twistie therapy.
See you guys at nine.
Sarah you haven't chimed in yet.

MRM · 10-24-2003, 06:32 PM

I have a great idea. Why don't we meet for a pre-drive tech session at the parking garage of Court International, 2550 University Avenue (I-90 and University). A lovely 84 Euro Carrera Cab is sitting there waiting to come back to life.

Ok, so it's my car. It pooped out this afternoon for the second time this season after three completely trouble free years. Here's what happened.

I drove my car to work this morning. About a half hour, nice mix of highway and city driving. No problem. Drove it to and from Chaska, almost all highway, about an hour each way. No problem. At 5 pm I got in and tried to start it. The car was still warm. No go. It turns over and cranks perfectly, fuel pump hums with the key turned, but it just won't start. I didn't have the time or inclination to mess with it then, so I called my wife and had her get me. It's safe there for at least the weekend, so I can leave it there while I decide what to do.

I suspect an electrical gremlin. Does this sound like a bad relay? Plug wires seemed clean and tight but I didn't really mess with them. Anyone have any other ideas?

cyprusx · 10-24-2003, 08:00 PM

Sorry to hear this.... Does it have spark? Could be a relay. Carousel is close by... What happened the last time, same symptom as this time?

MRM · 10-25-2003, 04:33 AM

Last time the alternator went out as I was driving and I just slowly ran out of juice before I realized it was happening. This time was different. It has been running a little rough, but nothing serious. Sounds like a vacuum leak somewhere. We thought there was a leak in the intake manifold gasket so I had it replaced in the spring. That didn't didn't really do much so there must be a leak somewhere else.

Anyway, this time, other than the rough idle I haven't noticed any problems. When I got in to drive home last night it just wouldn't start. Battery is strong. I didn't spend any time checking into things, but it sounded like I was getting no spark.

I'm thinking this sounds like a bad DME relay. Well, it's safe where it is. I have at least the weekend to do something with it. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

If anyone would like to stop by and eyeball it with, I'd be very appreciative. I'm pretty much all thumbs but I am capable of buying a serious lunch. The Egg and I is in my building and Keys is just around the corner on Raymond. My cel number is (651) 603-1510 and my home number is (651) 636-9378 if anyone is thinking about stopping by.

Mike

n8marx · n8marx's Garage

MRM,

I have written down your numbers and plan to take them with me on this morning's drive. When we get back in town I'll give you a call. If you-re interested in trying it out I have a brand new spare DME relay in my glove box. You're welcome to "try before you buy" if you like. I'll call you later and we can check it out.