Crate Engine Question

[Birmingham Bill]

Hopefully, I am a few years away from needing one, but how affordable are 911 crate engines (I have a 1990)? Would it be better to simply re-build? If so, how dependable is a re-built engine? So far, I have had lots of small problems out of my car (since October) and am afraid to drive it very far. I have been stranded once and almost three other times. I love the car and consider it my favorite - I just wish it was more dependable. Any advice?

[edevinney]

What kind of reliability problems are you seeing that a new or rebuilt engine would cure? Usually reliability issues are from the rest of the car or the engine's ancillary systems, which wouldn't be replaced in an engine rebuild.

[Birmingham Bill]

I see your point and I am sure you are right. So far, it seems to be more electrical than anything else. The car has left me stranded once and almost a few others. I had to replace my clock and stereo which were both pulling down my battery. I am now on my third battery. I just had my alternator replaced due to spikes in the amps, etc. I am really tired of all the problems and the fear of being stranded again. Too bad I don't have the money to just replace everything. I sure love the car. Too bad I have a $24k car that I can only drive around the house.

[tjn]

bb, sounds like you have a problem that drains your battery, sitting or driving? if your alternator checks out ok then something is probably dragging the battery down while parked. you could try taking each fuse out, one at a time, placing a voltmeter across both terminals to see if you get a reading, engine off. vk

[Birmingham Bill]

Actually, we finally solved the battery problem (I think). It appeared that the clock and stereo was pulling it down. It has been much better since then. When the car started spiking, and the car let me down, we decided it best to put in a new alternator. After running terribly in the rain today, I am not sure everything was to blame on the alternator. I got a fair deal on the car ($20,000) and have already spent another $4 (clutch, etc.). I know most 1990's in this area sell for around $24-25 k, but I am hoping the trend doesn't continue.

[tjn]

bb, you must let your car sit extended time with a battery that is several years old. if so, you can "drop a cell" and the battery is garbage! you may wish to purchase a cigar lighter battery charger, available for +/- $20-50 us. vk

[Kevin Stewart]

reality is you have a 16 year old car, ****z happens, if its running poorly in the rain the distributor cap may be getting wet, when is the last time you replaced the distributor caps or even looked, when its dry run a hose over the engine lid and see where its getting wet, could be plug wires? are they oe, a good mechanic can check them out, but hold on to your chair, they are like 400 dollars for wires, there are a couple places that sell a cheaper set and they probably work just as good if you need them, i know the purist will freak on it but heck somewhere we have to be able to afford them, Kevin

[Motorhead-45]

Both your clock and stereo will draw energy from the battery even when the car is turned off. This is normal and in both cases the draw is normally minimal. What convinced you that the draw from these two was outside of norms? To be honest, I'm skeptical that this was the source of your low battery problem. Have you had the battery checked to determine it's condition? I weak battery is easily killed. A common "battery killer" on these cars is the light in the trunk that automatically turns itself on and off when you raise and lower the trunk. If it fails to turn itself off then even a good battery will be dead within a few days....a weak older battery will die in a much shorter period. An easy test is to simply pull the bulb from the socket....it's virtually useless anyhow.

As for lousy running in the rain....as was mentioned above, plug wires and distributor cap should be your first suspect.

[Buffjamr]

I had the same problem with an RX-7 once and after much investigation and hand wringing it turned out to be a relay that was stuck open. I'm not sure if the relays are the same but a good electrical shop should be able to diagnose the problem.