Syonyk

Well, hopefully in the next day or two I'm pulling apart the engine in my 88 DL Wagon (EA82). I know I need to replace the cam cover seals, and I'm planning to replace the timing belts (the previous owner didn't replace them and doesn't know when they were last replaced, so I'm assuming they're overdue). Quick question or two: I know the oil passage seals with an o-ring. Is there anything else I need to get the cam covers back on and sealed? RTV? Or is there a reusable gasket that handles it? Also, is there anything else I should do while the front half of the engine is in pieces? I was thinking oil pump seal, but when there's enough oil in the engine (rare, given the cam cover seal right now) the lifters don't tick, so I suspect it's generating enough pressure. -=Russ=-

Eh, that's why I'll probably use the RX-7. I've already done brake work on it, and it puts out something like twice the power of the wagon. I'm not planning to use a method that puts much weight on the back of the tow vehicle. 100 lbs tongue weight, max. I'll either tow flat, or with a tow dolly. -=Russ=-

I'm thinking of towing various RX-7s (project cars/parts cars). They're around 3000 lbs with engine. Talking to some people on the RX-7 forum, the RX-7s are more than capable of towing other '7s, as long as there's no significant tongue weight (flat tow with a tow bar, or use a tow dolly or such). I'll probably tow with that one instead. -=Russ=-

I have a 1988 DL Wagon, 5 speed, FWD, 1.8L motor. I could use a vehicle that can tow other ~3000 lb vehicles, probably on a trailer. Will my wagon handle this without blowing up, or should I look for something else? -=Russ=-

Neat. Those are fun engines (my other car is a RX-7). I'm not sure I'd want one on an AWD vehicle that spent a lot of time crawling in the mud/snow. They really don't have much torque down low. Related, it snowed in Chicagoland today. Silly me, I made the run from Iowa to Missouri to Illinois (picking up my brother) in the RX-7, leaving the Subaru in Iowa. Should have taken that one... the '7 in the snow was *not* fun. -=Russ=-

Picked up a "new" DL wagon last night, spent today working on it, and I have a few questions. 1. Where does one find cheap rear brake drums? Mine are shot, and none of the local parts stores had any. They could order some for $65/ea (combined, more than I paid for the car), but if I can get 'em cheaper online, I will. 2. How is the clutch cable supposed to sit in the clutch fork? I had to replace the clutch cable, and it's not quite right. If I put it how it seems to make sense, the end of the adjustment rod (that the nut rides on) hits the carrier for the anti-rollback system cable. I can get a picture if this doesn't make any sense. I have it rigged creatively right now, and it works, but I'd prefer to do it the "right" way. 3. Where do I find a dipstick? My engine has none... which is very strange. At least, I assume the open hole on the front of the engine that looks like a dipstick should slide down it is the oil dipstick port... 4. It leaks oil. I understand that this is most often caused by the cam cover seals getting old. The lifters are also tapping. I'm planning to follow the directions outlined at http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~camncath/ea82_hydraulic_lifter_fix.htm when I get some time. How long does this take for someone who is half-competent with engines? I've rebuilt a rotary engine, and done a lot of general maintenance, but haven't had to deal with piston engines much. 5. How does one reduce shifter slop with the EA82? I found a lot of detailed information on fixing it with the EA81 engine, but not much for the EA82. It's pretty bad... still drives fine, but other people who aren't familiar with it might have some issues with it. Thanks in advance for the help! Looks like it'll be a good car. -=Russ=-