Well friends, 1697 is now safely and legally in the hands of Erik and Fred Geerdink. Whether they let her live in parts alone and help other DeLoreans, or restore her to her former glory - she's in good hands (albeit injured hands - Erik) So I'm deep into fixing up 4009. She was GREAT GREAT GREAT cosmetic condition. She has a custom exhuast, cd player, and alarm I wasn't aware of until I saw her first. But I've never been one for originality - she has ground effects for heavens sakes! But I'm replacing most of the fuel system now, And giving her a tune up. While I have intake manifold off I'm going to replace the water pump and hoses around there (the rest look ok). And do some detailing/cleaning up. I just used some intake man. cleaner on the fuel distrib. and both halves of throttle body/plate/air meter thingy. and on the air horn and intake manifold itself. I have a few bits of advice to ask of the member who have done such things before: 1. How can I better clean the inside of the intake manifold. 2. How can clean the head without getting all that dirt/creatures/anti-freeze in the intake ports. 3. How can I clean the valves/valve stems (they are NASTY) without all that crap going down further into the ports/cylinders - or will it hurt the engine THAT much to have all the crap go into the ports (obviously some of the valves are closed-- but the ones that are open would get a nasty dose of black nasty stuff) 4. On the other side of the car - I just fueled up the tank... (stupid me) and now I need it empty to clean it out. I can work inside the tank fine with the gas there (replacing baffle/hoses with Herv's new metal baffle)... but it is filled with disintegrated hose bits, and rusty residue stuff. How the hell can drain the tank efficently without removing it (not really D specific - just looking for ideas). As ever, I'd appreciate any advice you veterans (not that all the DML are veterans :P) have! -James LaLonde 4009 (new vin sign off...)