[DML] Re: DeLorean died while driving (RPM relay)

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sounds like Fuse #1 is loose or blown. That could be the extent of
your difficulties. 

THAT'S why you don't make a rash decision, especially in the heat of
frustration, that you'll regret later. In the early 90's I sold a 1976
Civic (not in frustration -- just thought I didn't need it anymore).
Was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I still miss that car
terribly. Wouldn't you feel silly selling your DeLorean over a blown fuse.

If Fuse #1 is OK, you'll need to dig a little deeper.

An older mechanic once told me that 9 of 10 vehicle running problems
were electrical, not fuel delivery. Back in those days all fuel
delivery was mechanical, so the ratio has changed somewhat, but the
general philosophy still holds: don't automatically assume that an
engine that won't start isn't getting fuel.

BTW: A simple can of starting fluid will diagnose such. If the engine
starts with it sprayed down the intake, your problem is fuel delivery.
If it won't, start looking at the ignition system.

If Fuse #1 is OK, check for 10-12v at the coil. If you've got juice
there, clip a timing light on one of the plug wires to see if normal
spark is going to the plugs. If spark is normal at the wires, pull the
plugs. I had a vacuum leak once under the console that melted the
electrodes off my driver's side plugs.

If it makes you feel any better, a couple of months ago one of my
Lincolns wouldn't start. I narrowed the problem down to the hall
effect sensor wire. Was grounding to the frame. Where that wiring
passes under the A/C compressor (remember: we're talking about a Ford
400 here) it had rubbed a hole in the insulation and was touching the
compressor body. Rewrapped the harness in new electrical tape and
voila -- engine started.

These are the kinds of problems that can crop up on 30 year old
automobiles. But don't think that new vehicles are immune from them
either. I looked over at my next door neighbor's house once to see a
roll back pulling up his 2000 something Toyota. The car reappeared
later under its own power, so whatever was wrong wan't catastrophic.
But it sure wasn't fixed in his own driveway.

Do some diagnosing and post your results. The List should be able to
help you from there.

Bill Robertson
#5939

>--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Andrew" <andrewjlemke@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Group,
> 
> I was driving my DeLorean today, and everything was going fine, so I 
> thought...As I made a left hand turn the car died and would not 
> restart.  At first I thought the problem was the fuel pump (as the 
> pump was not running at all) however after towing it home I jumped 
> the fuel pump and it worked, but the car still wouldn't start.  I 
> don't hear the normal buzzing of the frequency valve either.  
> Needless to say this problem is very troubling.  Could this be a 
> symptom of a bad RPM relay? 
> 
> Furthermore, want to try swapping out the RPM relay, however I don't 
> have my shop manual here in Michigan, as my DMC manuals are back at 
> my parents house in IL. Could somebody tell me which relay is the 
> RPM relay?
> 
> I'm hoping to get this fixed ASAP since I need to have my D out of 
> its current garage by the end of next month.  If this is something 
> major I may just need to put the car on e-bay. I would hate to sell 
> it, but after 9 years of dealing with DMC issues my patience is 
> wearing out and this one might be the final straw.
> 
> Andrew
> 4194
> Lansing MI
>




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