Before posting messages or replies, see the posting policy rules at:
www.dmcnews.com/Admin/rules.html
To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderator@xxxxxxxxxxx
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are 6 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. Re: Re: door locks
From: Mike Substelny <msubstel@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
2. Re: Delorean fires...
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
3. Re: Re: Door adjustment Tech Tip
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
4. Re: she ran out of juice
From: "Robert Rooney" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
5. Shimmy in Tires
From: dandollars@xxxxxxx
6. RE: DeLorean fires...
From: "Jack & Virginia Stiefel" <stiefel@xxxxxxxxxxx>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 11:58:11 -0500
From: Mike Substelny <msubstel@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Re: door locks
Wayne asked:
> Does that mean that if you suffer from
> "Johnny Carson syndrome" you can
> disconnect the battery to enable the
> doors to be manually unlocked?
If your power locks are holding the locks closed then yes, disconnecting
the battery will allow the solenoids to let go.
I am not convinced that this is the whole story to the problem you aptly
call "Johnny Carson Syndrom." My DeLorean's VIN is close to Johnny's, and
it has trapped me (and all previous owners) many times, even thought the
locks and solenoids were fine.
The problem was that some early DeLoreans never got the door guide update.
With no door guides, or improperly installed door guides, a DeLorean door
can jam closed. The door may appear to be closed normally, but instead of
being held shut by the latches, the door is actually wedged tightly
against
the fiberglass doorframe.
If this happens, disconnecting the power and fiddling with the locks will
not get the doors open. With luck and strong thighs, a person trapped in
this situation can kick his/her way out without damaging the DeLorean.
Without luck, someone may need to rescue the victim with a metal grinder.
I hope this never happens to anyone!
Perhaps Johnny Carson got trapped in his DeLorean due to a lock module
failure. But his early '81 car might just as easily have trapped him with
jammed doors.
As I recall, Johnny Carson also had trouble with his alternator. How do
we
know about this? He didn't complain about it on his show, did he?
Does anyone know a good source for details on Johnny's DeLorean
adventures?
- Mike Substelny
VIN 01280, 7 years
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 12:41:52 -0500
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Delorean fires...
My comments are not based on theory they are based on statistics and
personal experience. We have been keeping records on DeLorean component
and
system failures since 1984. To date we have no records of electrical fires
either in the dashboard area or electrical compartment of any non-modified
DeLoreans. Lots of melted fuses, but no fires.
The only fires we have on record, or that I'm personally familiar with,
were
fuel related. Most of the fuel related fires were the result of improper
service procedures or parts.
I'm not disbelieving the validity of your dash fire, it is just the first
I
have ever heard of and I will consider it in future related incidents.
In conclusion, my comments are only to prevent negative roomers from
influencing future prospective buyers and insurance companies who will use
these negative comments to raise our already high rates.
DMC Joe
"We're here to help you"
Seasons Greetings!
DMC Help / De Lorean Services / <dmchelp@xxxxxxx>
Web Site: (TEMPORARY)<www.geocities.com/dmcjoe>
----- Original Message -----
From: Nathan E. Green <gzen21@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2000 9:59 PM
Subject: [DML] Delorean fires...
> I disagree. An automobile with more "electrical problems" has a greater
> chance of catching fire than one that is more reliable. Assuming a
standard
> ratio, a Delorean has more of a chance of catching fire as a car with
very
> few electrical problems.(But not more than one with the same weaknesses
in
> its electrical system). I assume we all agree there is a higher # of
> problems in the Delorean than other cars this same age? Sorry I didn't
make
> my point clearer.
> Well, now you have one. I can assure you the switch was wired correctly
and
> the fuse DID NOT do it's job as it did not blow in this incident.
>
> All I am saying is the Delorean has a tendency towards electrical
problems,
> whether due to bad design or bad components. The POS headlight switch is
an
> excellent example. Therefore, one can make a logical conclusion that a
> Delorean has a greater chance of fire than say a recongnized reliable
> auto.(i.e.--Japanese makes)
>
> Sorry if I confused you.
>
> Nathan E. Green
> gzen21@xxxxxxxxxx
>
> "If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88mph you're gonna'
see
> some serious s--t"
> -Doc Brown: "Back to the Future"
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 12:44:48 -0500
From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Re: Door adjustment Tech Tip
To All,
David's comments are "dead on"; shadetree mechanic's take note.
"We're here to help you"
Seasons Greetings!
DMC Help / De Lorean Services / <dmchelp@xxxxxxx>
Web Site: (TEMPORARY)<www.geocities.com/dmcjoe>
----- Original Message -----
From: <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2000 6:17 PM
Subject: [DML] Re: Door adjustment Tech Tip
> I agree that you should always warn people about the dangers of any
> procedure and propping the door open is required. I do disagree with
> the manner you suggest. I recommend that the prop is placed between
> the door sill and the open door as in a door adjustment. There are
> two
> reasons for this, 1 if the car should move the prop would still hold
> the door and 2 there is less chance of hitting it with your foot as
> you move around the car. For all readers of this list any procedures
> or modifactions, tips, repairs et al require the reader to take all
> common sense precautions and more. Many of the suggestions assume a
> competancy that may be above many of the readers. An experieced
> mechanic would be familiar with the dangers where a novice would not.
> The door system with the torsion bars is one of the potentially most
> dangerous things to work on. The same with the springs in the
> suspension. It is not intuitivly obvious how much power is locked up
> in these systems and without the proper precautions there is a HIGH
> risk of serious injury. As with all things in life "If you don't
> know,
> ask". If any of these tips are above your level it is always better
> to
> seek advice before you get in over your head.Watch an experienced
> person and they make it look easy but you don't know all of the
> thinking and skills behind it. Working on your own car can be an
> enjoyable thing to do, no one wants to hear of anyone getting hurt so
> use common sense and don't take chances with your car or your
> anatomy.
> David Teitelbaum
> vin 10757
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 21:11:53 -0000
From: "Robert Rooney" <DMCVegas@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: she ran out of juice
--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx, brownalizat@xxxx wrote:
<SNIP>
[by the way do you realize how
> humiliating it is to jump a Delorean with a minivan??]
<SNIP>
It can't be any worse then having to get a jump start from a Hyundai!
-Robert
vin 6585 (The DeLorean from hell)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 16:16:21 EST
From: dandollars@xxxxxxx
Subject: Shimmy in Tires
Hello,
I own VIN 6391 and I have the shimmy in the wheel but no alignment
problem.
Dos this relate to the posting in DML 325? And can I take the delorean in
to
just any place that aligns and get someone who knows what they are doing?
Dan
6391
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2000 23:33:24 -0500
From: "Jack & Virginia Stiefel" <stiefel@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: DeLorean fires...
Wow this is the first time an owner has gone against one of about 10
people
in the world to know as much about this car possible. I nominate Nate for
the DMC Tech of the year!!! lol
Just kidding Nate, no truth can ever come out without a little good
debates
to clear the air.
P.S. Joe, if you are ever in Northern New York State you are welcome
anytime
for a good rest at my place.
Jack & Virginia Stiefel
'81 DeLorean Vin 03461 August 1981 Build NYS Lic: 1981 DMC
'97 Red BMW Z3 Convertible 2.8 6 Cyl -- not the baby 4
'98 Red Dodge Ram Quad Cab Lariat
'01 Black PT Cruiser Limited w/ Flames
Visit us at www.sacketmansion.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Nathan E. Green [mailto:gzen21@xxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2000 9:59 PM
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [DML] Delorean fires...
> Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2000 16:18:17 -0500
> From: "DMC Joe" <dmcjoe@xxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: A frightning experience(Part 1)
>
> Nathian,
> I would like to correct two of your comments in defense of the DeLorean
> electrical system.
> You said: "A fire can start so quickly...esp. in DeLoreans".
> The DeLorean electrical system is no more prone to catching fire as any
> other automobile.
I disagree. An automobile with more "electrical problems" has a greater
chance of catching fire than one that is more reliable. Assuming a
standard
ratio, a Delorean has more of a chance of catching fire as a car with very
few electrical problems.(But not more than one with the same weaknesses in
its electrical system). I assume we all agree there is a higher # of
problems in the Delorean than other cars this same age? Sorry I didn't
make
my point clearer.
> You also said: "This story is dedicated to the wonderful Lucas
Electronics".
> With the exception of a couple of Lucas installed components, Lucas was
not
> involved with the design or construction of the DeLorean electrical
system.
Well, in a way it is. I am incorrect if the headlight switch is a
"non-Lucas" part. But in essence, isn't the fuses/relays Lucas components?
THen I feel they are as much at fault...aren't fuses there to prevent a
short and/or fire?
> Concerning your dash fire; we have no reports or experiences of
DeLorean
> dash related fires. All of the dash circuits have factory installed
fuse
> protection. However I have seen many DeLoreans, that have un-fused
> additional wiring installed by owners for additional dash installed
> accessories.
Well, now you have one. I can assure you the switch was wired correctly
and
the fuse DID NOT do it's job as it did not blow in this incident.
All I am saying is the Delorean has a tendency towards electrical
problems,
whether due to bad design or bad components. The POS headlight switch is
an
excellent example. Therefore, one can make a logical conclusion that a
Delorean has a greater chance of fire than say a recongnized reliable
auto.(i.e.--Japanese makes)
Sorry if I confused you.
Nathan E. Green
gzen21@xxxxxxxxxx
"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88mph you're gonna'
see
some serious s--t"
-Doc Brown: "Back to the Future"
Before posting messages or replies, see the posting policy rules at:
www.dmcnews.com/Admin/rules.html
To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderator@xxxxxxxxxxx
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
Back to the Home of PROJECT VIXEN