KiwiGL

Well, took her out for a couple of drives with the temp sensor installed. Works a treat, now have an accurate digital readout of the top rad hose temp. However, last time I took her out, it sat at 40 (minimum readout) for ages, and then spiked to 90 very suddenly. It then proceeded to sit in the mid 90s for the rest of the drive, spiking to 107 (!!!!!!!) at one point for a couple of seconds at rest, before cooling off. Switching on the e fan manually (which is definitely working) helped a bit. Diagnosis IMO is bad thermostat. I was intending on replacing it anyway. Have ordered a 160 C thermostat, gaskets etc. I have also done the twin e fan mod ( ) on Gertie (my wagon) and I will be replacing the temp switch with the Hyundai part when I do the thermostat on the sedan. I have also ordered a new radiator as I suspect the current one is a bit blocked from when I did the system flush. $200, cheap insurance. I think the thermo fan hub is ok, as it spins when cold and locks up when the engine is hot. If replacing the thermostat, radiator, and fan switch doesn't help temps then I may have blown the HG when it spiked... Really hoping not. I've also ordered a new temp sender so will see if that helps the factory gauge read properly. Should I replace the water pump? Seems to pump ok at the moment, but while I'm in there... May as well rip it out and fit an EJ257!

It seems the temp sender on my series 1 3 rd gen JDM sedan is bad. It only works intermittently and jumps up and down. Does anyone know if the temp sender for a digi dash (orange) is a unique part? It has this unusual looking black box on top of the thermostat housing that my later model analogue dash Omega doesn't have. I suspect this may be the sender for the digi dash. I have fitted an aftermarket digital temp gauge to keep an eye on proceedings, so it's not critical, but would be nice to get it working. Cheers guys.

Yes, forgot to mention that but I do intend to clean the grounds. Made a big difference on my old Forester. I was informed by the PO that he ran green coolant in the radiator and red in the WAIC to ID which was leaking, if that were to occur.

Have now installed an aftermarket digital temp gauge. The one on the digi dash only works about 50% of the time and seems to jump around randomly a bit. Numbers seem sensible on the digi one, sits around 85-90 in all driving. Also did a full coolant flush - the colour could best be described as rust. Took 15 litres of distilled water and about 3 hours of repeated flushing to get that out of it... Now pristine green. I also have a idler bearing on its way out. I suspect it's the aircon. Which is a pain. General maintenance wise, it needs a few belts and seals replaced. That's a longer term thing to do though. Also want to do the trans and diff oils after seeing the coolant... Wasn't flash. And lastly, the electric fan wiring is definitely a little dodgy. Doesn't come on with the switch on the dash anymore. Need to take a look at that. But she drives beautifully. I've got a few Subaru nut friends and they all can't believe how good it is.

Thanks Jez. Might try get a photo for you. I've just been reading your thread on the electric dual fan swap. Have ordered the Hyundai temp switches off rockauto and have a cheap 12" thermo fan plus relays and fuses coming. Will do the install on my omega first as that's currently just running a single electric fan and no mechanical fan. Gets a little warm at times at the lights... If it works well (which I imagine it will) I will also do the same on the Leone for more power and more coolness.

Sure is, built 1984. Build number in the 3000s if I'm reading the plate right!

Took Gertie for an easy wee 4wd trip up the Huntsbury track for dinner last week. New brakes are fantastic. She's running really sweetly.

Here's the next set of photos I promised: Enjoy!

Thank you! Yes, 6 months is a bit excessive given she's only going to do a couple of thousand kms a year, if that.

The dash controls are quite a different layout to my later model NZ new Omega. Left of headlights is he height control button (removed so doesn't work). Haven't looked at warning lights in enough detail, will review.

Well, she passed the WOF with a clean check sheet! I have now taken possession. Here are a few more teaser shots. I'll take some more tomorrow after a good wash. Not a bad pairing! Povo spec later model carbie touring wagon and a top spec early model JDM sedan.

Warrant of fitness. Vehicle safety check. Required every 6 months for vehicles manufactured before 2000 in NZ.

Thanks guys. It's going for a WOF tomorrow so all going well will collect it Friday or Saturday. Looking forward to it!

Interesting, after new wheels, tyres, front suspension bushes and joints I'm still chasing a shake in my wagon. One of the outer CVs was rebooted. Wonder if the joint is actually bad. I have a spare brand new aftermarket axle so might try swapping it in?

This is an epic build! Good work on keeping going

Thanks guys! Yes first one I've seen in NZ with cruise! Will post more pics once I take possession this week.

Yup have been following yours! An extensive project. This will be kept pretty much as purchased as I suspect it is only going to appreciate in value. Definitely a Sunday car!

Have just spent a few $$ chasing down a wheel wobble and getting the brakes completely rebuilt front and rear. 454,000 kms and counting! Next stage will be lift, Torqlocker, and 195r14 muddies on (probably) some Speedy 14" wheels. At this stage I'm planning on holding out for the yet-to-be-released Subarino 2" kit. I may also have a lead on a cheap EJ22, so as it'll need cert for lift and tyres, might as well go the whole hog... This will be a good few months in the making however. At this rate I'll be able to sell my gas guzzler Pathfinder and buy a Leaf to daily! Just need to fit some front recovery points to Gertie and get the Land Rover club safety officer to sign her off... We'll see how we go haha

Well, I have just test driven, and agreed to purchase, this fine example of an early 1984 build 3ed gen JDM Leone sedan. It is the top spec trim, and has digital dash, trip meter, cruise control, air con, and was fitted with the height adjustable suspension (now removed). Trans is 3at auto with part time 4wd. It also has a sweet water to air intercooler setup fitted by the current owner. Drives very well. Pulls harder than my old turbo wagon, with the intercooler. All the electrics work. Best bit? Only 129,000 kms since new. Only issue is leaky sump gasket. Hopefully will collect next week once WOF and rego done. Here's a teaser pic... And yes, I will be keeping Gertie... Keep your eyes peeled for the next stage of her build (she's going up in the world!)

Nice!

Gotta keep going Bennie! Have always loved Ruby Scoo, same colour combo (blue with white wheels) as my wagon! I know your feels though, trying to fix a front end shimmy at the moment... hard keeping up with the maintenance at 453,000 kms!

New wheels

Have fitted up a set of Ward minilite replicas. Looking good!