Questions raised after basic maintenance...
 

I've been performing some basic maintenance and working on things that came up during my PPI (1980 SC). So far I've replaced the cap and rotor, paid for a valve adjustment, replaced plugs, fuel filter and brake pads. It took me almost two hours to replace the pads on the front right wheel. The pistons were almost impossible to get pushed back. I was worried about damaging the rubber boot, so I really took my time. I noticed the brakes grabbing a little before I removed the wheel. I began to think that if every wheel was going to take this long, perhaps my mechanic was worth all that money for the estimate. Anyway, turns out the other wheels took me about ten minutes each. My question is, do I need to rebuild the front right caliper?

When I started the car, I heard a nasty sound above 1000rpm. It sounded like a plastic comb being pulled over the corner of a piece of wood. I turned the car off and got my stethoscope to get a better "hear". When I turned the car on again, the noise was gone. I listened with the scope all around the engine and everything sounded fine. It was a horrible noise and I don't want to hear it again! Any idea what is was?

Thanks!

They say that a failed chain tensioner sounds like a chain being dragged across a metal garbage can. But I've not heard of a tensioner failing, then working okay. It's not a bad idea to get a rebuild kit for your calipers, all four, and rebuild them when it is convenient. The hardest part is getting the pistons to come out. Compressed air is usually used, but a clever person can use the power of the brake pedal, just takes a bit longer. C-clamp vise grips are almost a necessity for this.

Superman,

I thought about the tensioners, but the noise seemed to be coming from further back in the engine. I do have the oil fed tenioners, so hopefully this isn't the issue. Thanks for the idea though.

Did you calipers leak after the rebuild? I've heard of some people having problems with leakage.

Pryord,

I have pressure-fed tensioners on my 80SC as well, however, the oil feed line was clogged with sludge and did not keep the tensioner pumped up. I fear I may have major engine damage now due to slack in the chain, even though it did not come off the sprockets. The car goes to my mechanic on Wed for diagnosis :(

As far as leaking calipers, mostly happens if you split them.

cheers
-Brad
80SC

How much pressure would there be in the tensioners right at startup? I am sure the pressure builds quickly, but my understanding is that the pressure rises with RPMs.

FWIW, my old Carrera 3.2 used to make a similar startup noise every once in a while. It's been sold for 2.5 years and the buyer is still driving it all the time with no trouble.

Good luck,

David