The Brat is going again

[81EA81]

Ive been too busy getting familiar with the EA82 and Im happy to say it should finally be ready for the winter.

The whole time I felt so bad just letting the Brat sit and gather dust. Last it was driven the High beams dropped out of nowhere with the oil pressure gauge and smoke would rise from the steering column as you activate the switch. I had cleaned the grounds about 2 months ago to no avail. So yesterday I popped the hood and cleaned every ground wire I could see. For now all the problems went away!!

It fired right up and I took it for a 6 mile drive and it was ************IN awsome!!!!

It seems to run o.k. it crapped out for a minute or two but only at idle

I recently replaced both fuel filter so I doubt its that.

 

After being used to the way the EA82 drives the first thing I want to do is the sloppy shifter fix. I tried before to get the second roll pin out but I didnt have enough swinging room with my 2lb hammer. and IIRC I was using a 1/4 drill bit. the 3/16 punch worked good for the first roll pin. any tips for this job?

 

Next up is the exhaust. It might sound cool but it ends right after the catt under the cab which is not safe when it comes to carbon monoxide gathering in the air I breath.

 

I pulled the exhaust off my 1981 wagon and I noticed the heat shield under the tranny. Is that needed on the Brat?

Also the catt on the 81 has an O2 sensor and the Brat dosent. I assume to just leave it unplugged?

 

Thanks