NV Zeno

OK, my '83 needs new calipers (front). I've looked around online, and am seeing calipers listed as "loaded", "semi-loaded", and "unloaded". Does "loaded" mean the calipers come with everything, no need to buy pads and other hardware separately? Seems like that's the way to go. Opinions, explanations? Thanks.

My car could always use some "extra set of hands" work...(Brakes, axle, etc., etc.,) And hangin with the fellas is extra bonus, too :grin: .

Ken's Tire Center has the best snow tire prices in South Lake Tahoe. Allied Tire in Carson City has good deals too. If you need to have a shop look at and service your car, Norm's Auto Center (in SLT) is the absolute BEST in town:headbang: .

New senders are available at your dealer, about 50 bucks IIRC. I've got the same symptoms as you. I'm just going to get a used one that's got way less than 315,000 miles .

OK guys..before the snow and ice piles up too high to work outside on our cars, how about we get together for a wrenchfest/BBQ sometime soon? (Just planting a seed here )

Don't forget the Trabant... :-p

Unless that replacement ignition switch was brand new, I wouldn't rule it out. My 2 bucks

I'm kind of agreeing with trying the easiest stuff first. Since the starter is so easy to remove, it might be worth your while to take it to a local auto parts store (around here it's Kragen) that will bench test your starter for free. It could very well find that the solenoid as mentioned above is faulty. In that case, it's a snap to install a new starter. Sometimes this might seem unrelated, considering the starter works when "hot wired", but you might want to double-check your battery terminals. Take each one of them off, clean the posts and the insides of the terminals, and reinstall tight. Worth a try. Just my 2 bucks

There ya go...'nuff said. :grin:

Well Dalton, you've seen firsthand what a stock EA81 can do...

You're always welcome over here Mike , it'll be good to have ya back:lol: . My Subaru driving season is starting soon, I might have a shot at catching your GL's mileage this year:rolleyes: .

This may be only slightly relevant... On my way to WCSS earlier this year, I noticed my oil pressure gage read nearly zero at freeway speed. I got off the freeway, shut down, and took some deep breaths (and a leak at the Qwik-E-Mart). Upon starting back up, or at idle, the reading was normal for that RPM. No unusual noises, and my level was correct. Back on the freeway, reading almost zero. My car is an '83 EA81, 312,000 miles(at that time), replaced the oil pump a while back, but not the sensor. I've taken really good care of this engine, but you wouldn't suspect that when looking at my "custom" bodywork:lol: . I'm SURE it's the sensor that's faulty. BTW, I made the 800+ mile trip back home to Nevada without any trouble. As of now, I'm just waiting for the temperature in my garage to be comfortable enough to swap the sensor and solve this issue. (Maybe a week or two:-\ ) I'm going to post some questions/requests about my particular needs elsewhere, so as not to hijack here. Conclusion/educated guess/my opinion: Pressure sensor. Just my 2 bucks

Ah...'68 Firebird with what I believe is the 400 V8 option. One of my best buds in High school had one of those back when '68 was considered "recent":lol: :lol: . Very nice Mick .

Before going to drastic measures suggested above, why not try restoring your system to the original and complete configuration. Get the missing parts installed, do a minor tuneup, set the timing correct, do an oil change, then retest. The results, if failed, would be a HUGE help in determining where to begin looking to correct the problem. Who knows, it may even pass after trying the simple stuff. My 2 bucks

I drive many different types of cars every day. The Cobalt is pretty much a slightly improved Cavalier. What I mean is, instead of a new Cavalier feeling like a brand-new 1972 Pinto, the new Cobalts (and HHR) feel a little more refined and modern than before...but just a little. That's when they're new. There has been no improvement in the GM products as they age, especially the bottom feeders like Cobalts, Malibus, and all the Saturns (this includes some Pontiacs, Buicks and even some lower Cadillacs). The same large amount of things either fall or break off, like door handles and switches for example, as before..no real improvement. You could do worse...PT Cruiser=voted "Worst POS" Just my 2 bucks

Yeah, his place is kinda way out there, but it's in a beautiful setting..past all the desert so common in that area, and up a cool canyon a little way. Actually very nice (good thing I brought the Impala, my Acura would not have liked that road:rolleyes:). We accomplished a lot, got farther along than I figured we would. There's still a lot to do, though. Had a good day wrenchin', despite the stubborn knuckles:banghead: . Dalton, please thank your parents again for me for the lunch..good stuff:headbang: . The covered work area: extra bonus:clap: ! All in all, a good day.

I'll try and contact Jeremy so we can ride out there together. You'll be still sleeping after 10:00 in the morning? You must be having one heckuva wingding tonight:lol: !

My right side axle has been doing that since the day I installed it, probably 3 years/30K miles ago. Very annoying, but serviceable. What BRAND is the axle? I've had terrible quality issues with ARI axles, I've seen them on the backroom shelves at NAPA and others. By far, ARI is the worst quality axle I've seen/had in my life:mad: .

It was a few years back, but I remember seeing an EA82 3-door that had the rear hatch removed and a canvas "cover" in it's place. It looked like a good custom job (from the pix), IIRC it had a plastic window similar to some covertibles. I'll see if I can find the pictures. (PNW old-timers, I think this was "Ross In Idaho"'s car, maybe you have better recollection than I :lol: )

Great pix Ted...thanks!

WalMart is not the only place of business in Nevada. There are plenty of retailers that carry Duplicolor near you. IIRC, Kragen has Duplicolor (or was it Lowes? :lol: ).

When the temperature is above what my comfort level happens to be that day, the minimal dollar costs or power loss (if there actually are any) by running the A/C simply do not outweigh being comfortable. Ever. My 2 bucks

Thanks PK, I didn't know my '83 cable was different than the '82. Another bit of info to file away into the "gray matter", thus giving up more hair to make space for it :lol: .

Hey Brian, is the engine still in that car?

Yeah, I agree with the clutch cable diagnosis (at least try that first). I've got a good used one from my wagon, changed it at WCSS (thanks again, Renaissance Man). You can have it, we just need to meet up soon and maybe do a little horse tradin' . This is for down the road, but if the cable doesn't help, you clutch could need replacing. When my clutches start getting that stiff, the pressure plate springs become worn and actually stiffen and are harder to flex, causing you to exert more pressure to move the clutch back. First things first, try the cable first. It's yours if you want it. If you're set on getting a new one, I can probably get you a new one from my supplier in Tahoe (at my cost of course:cool: )..let me know. /D