Hydratech®
06-10-2012, 03:07 PM
I finally decided to take some “me time” yesterday… (always working 70-80+ hours a week with Hydratech). Some might put life on HOLD to go fishing / couch time / whatever - not me LOL.
After recently installing the new three row AWESOME mega aluminum radiator three weeks ago (that now keeps this rascal as cool as a cucumber under all circumstances), the Olds was needing further attention. I got tired of the check engine light popping on and off in the 442, so I extensively rebuilt the PITA electronic carb while installing the new throttle position sensor (which was causing all kinds of drivability issues and trans torque convertor lockup malfunctions). After that extensive foray, I then also painstakingly peeled the passenger fender just about completely off and installed the power antenna assembly I thoroughly rebuilt with a new mast assembly – what a total beeyatch that was! In the time and hassle / effort / energy that took to accomplish, I could have completely removed and replaced the transmission or rear axle with time and hassle to spare!!! I have also been experiencing an annoying tell tale driveshaft vibe at speeds in excess of 80 MPH. I pulled the driveshaft out, installed new heavy duty AC Delco professional high strength heat treated long life U-joints, scrubbed and painted the driveshaft / transmission slip yoke, and then installed a new output shaft bushing and rear seal in the trans (as the driveshaft yoke was somewhat orbitally loose in the back of the trans)(side to side / left right up down). One of the (factory spot welded on) driveshaft weights decided to strikingly pop off while I was wrestling around with the U-joints – DOH! I am actually glad it decided to do this in front of me, as opposed to simply slinging off at some point while rolling down the road (as I would have never been able to figure out how much weight was gone). I took and gas welded all the weights down very thoroughly onto the driveshaft (instead of MIG welding), as this is the only way to do it as you absolutely cannot add / subtract any weight from a rotating mass without affecting balance – especially with a 3.73 gear ratio as the driveshaft speeds get much higher than say a regular car with a 2.73-3.08 (so gas welding / TIG involves very carefully melting the corners of the driveshaft weights down to the driveshaft, as this does not add or subtract any weight). I was then getting ready to go for a test drive and cranked the engine over and very surprisingly heard the classic death rattle noise that a broken flywheel makes – WTF? Yanked the trans inspection cover down and found that the three torque converter bolts had somehow come loose. To my relief, the bolts where indeed loose and did tighten back up appropriately to conclusively cure the death rattle (thankfully not finding the flywheel in need of replacement…).
What is most interesting is that I actually enjoyed the hell of out of being able to put *LIFE* on hold for a moment and let the wrenches fly! I am comforted with a considerable sense of accomplishment, even though I am now unfortunately WAY too tired to face the hellish Monday that awaits me ;)~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5lNicZS-L4&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=daaTT2Igrus
:cheers:
After recently installing the new three row AWESOME mega aluminum radiator three weeks ago (that now keeps this rascal as cool as a cucumber under all circumstances), the Olds was needing further attention. I got tired of the check engine light popping on and off in the 442, so I extensively rebuilt the PITA electronic carb while installing the new throttle position sensor (which was causing all kinds of drivability issues and trans torque convertor lockup malfunctions). After that extensive foray, I then also painstakingly peeled the passenger fender just about completely off and installed the power antenna assembly I thoroughly rebuilt with a new mast assembly – what a total beeyatch that was! In the time and hassle / effort / energy that took to accomplish, I could have completely removed and replaced the transmission or rear axle with time and hassle to spare!!! I have also been experiencing an annoying tell tale driveshaft vibe at speeds in excess of 80 MPH. I pulled the driveshaft out, installed new heavy duty AC Delco professional high strength heat treated long life U-joints, scrubbed and painted the driveshaft / transmission slip yoke, and then installed a new output shaft bushing and rear seal in the trans (as the driveshaft yoke was somewhat orbitally loose in the back of the trans)(side to side / left right up down). One of the (factory spot welded on) driveshaft weights decided to strikingly pop off while I was wrestling around with the U-joints – DOH! I am actually glad it decided to do this in front of me, as opposed to simply slinging off at some point while rolling down the road (as I would have never been able to figure out how much weight was gone). I took and gas welded all the weights down very thoroughly onto the driveshaft (instead of MIG welding), as this is the only way to do it as you absolutely cannot add / subtract any weight from a rotating mass without affecting balance – especially with a 3.73 gear ratio as the driveshaft speeds get much higher than say a regular car with a 2.73-3.08 (so gas welding / TIG involves very carefully melting the corners of the driveshaft weights down to the driveshaft, as this does not add or subtract any weight). I was then getting ready to go for a test drive and cranked the engine over and very surprisingly heard the classic death rattle noise that a broken flywheel makes – WTF? Yanked the trans inspection cover down and found that the three torque converter bolts had somehow come loose. To my relief, the bolts where indeed loose and did tighten back up appropriately to conclusively cure the death rattle (thankfully not finding the flywheel in need of replacement…).
What is most interesting is that I actually enjoyed the hell of out of being able to put *LIFE* on hold for a moment and let the wrenches fly! I am comforted with a considerable sense of accomplishment, even though I am now unfortunately WAY too tired to face the hellish Monday that awaits me ;)~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5lNicZS-L4&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=daaTT2Igrus
:cheers: