MF, that was 84-85 JD with EFI. 84kw and 140 odd nm. They went very well apparently. 1986 unleaded, they went to single point injection and lost 20kw overnight.
The JB had a 2 barrel variable jet carby - 64kw and 125 nm through a 3 speed auto isn't much, but enough. Hills need a run up though haha
I have an 89 KE Laser Ghia sedan with the up specced EFI 1.6 with optional overdrive auto. It has good low down torque but not much up top.
My friend used to have two KEs, one a 1.6 carburettor with three speed auto wagon and a "bubble hatch" with the same drive train. They both went really quick off the mark, much better than mine does. I can sometimes feel mine wanting to go harder, but then it gets a mild flat spot and feels it's usual sluggish self (compared to those two). I can't work out why. I have changed the fuel filter a while ago and now use 15w 40 oil instead of 20w 50 with only slight improvement to throttle response. Now the rear end is making a strange noise when I brake, as though the rear cross member the independent suspension arms bolt to, has come slightly loose. I had a manual KE years ago and had to replace that cross member for some reason I forget and now this one may need it too.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
A mate has a 1990 KE model, the Carla Zampatti edition. I don't reckon he noticed before he bought it.
I remember with fords of that era, something about the backing plates in the drum brakes start rattling/jolting as they age. Also remember something in the KE Gregory's manual about the flat spot. Will go have a look.
Was the overdrive in those overdrive or direct. What I mean is, cars like the magna had the 0.75:1 ratio with the 4th gear (lockup converter), but some smaller engined cars that were crippled by unleaded petrol (including the 1986 Camira), all the 1-3 ratios were lowered and 4th lockup was 1:1. Meant the lack of power was a bit less noticeable. At least by 89, most had sorted out their unleaded problems.
Was the overdrive in those overdrive or direct. What I mean is, cars like the magna had the 0.75:1 ratio with the 4th gear (lockup converter), but some smaller engined cars that were crippled by unleaded petrol (including the 1986 Camira), all the 1-3 ratios were lowered and 4th lockup was 1:1. Meant the lack of power was a bit less noticeable. At least by 89, most had sorted out their unleaded problems. [/quote]
Yeah, It's definitely overdrive (forget the ratio) with lockup that activates at 70km/h (feels like a fifth gear). 3rd is 1:1. First and second ratios are practically identical to the three speed unit, according to the user manual in the glove box. The gear changes are somewhat rough by todays standards, they thump slightly sometimes, especially first into second. The engine braking effect is very good though, keeping the car in control at all times, especially if you disengage overdrive down a long hill. Helps engine cooling too. I'd appreciate any info that may help me to make my little steed that bit more zippy. It's thirsty around town considering it's a 1.6 with EFI. It took 28 litres for 206km for my last fill. I've pumped the tyres up to 40 psi to try and arrest this. It helped last time but the ride was HARD! It seems more compliant this time, with the new tyres it received recently.
PS: my one has four wheel disc brakes (wouldn't know it though!!).
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Turns out I actually have the factory KE laser service manual and the gregory's. Long story, but a couple of years ago I ended up with a lot of repair manuals very cheaply (no they didn't fall off the back of a truck haha).
I'am not sure if you've seen the pages of it, but I will scan in the relavant pages (will open a new thread in off topics as this one started with zip ties, so probably shouldn't end up with repair manual scans haha) tomorrow sometime.
They are basically saying things along the line of Voltage on control unit signal from air flow meter, temp sensor, water temp sensor, then the fuel pressure, a dud injector or the control unit. The suspension diagnosis page is pretty stock standard stuff, but I will scan that to.
Let me know if there are any other sections of the manual you would like me to scan. It's no trouble as the new HP printer scans in a flash. Previous one decided to stop working and with all the clips and tamper proof screws, I haven't opened it up to investigate.
Which links back to CyberJack's statement about the state of the world - pretty sad that I was able to buy the entire HP all in one (printer scanner fax and copier) for $89 after HP cashback, etc, yet a set of printer cartridges cost $120 at officeworks.
As Ted Bullpitt of Kingswood Country would say, 'No wonder the bloody country's in a mess'
13.5 odd litres is a little bit on the high side, the Camira manages around that (probably a bit more) in a lot of suburban driving.
First to second always seems a bit harder in cars of this era, I often shift like a manual - letting off the accelerator as I feel its about to shift. Engine braking is really good - I accidentally selected second not drive when leaving the shops earlier in the year, and was wondering why the car was engine braking approaching a round about. I was too busy trying to clear the fog of the windscreen (winter and no a/c), and get through the roundabout.
No tach on it by the way, but a Vacuum Economy Gauge was standard.
That would be good Tyler to see those particular pages you are talking about. I have the thick factory manual too but would like to see those pages shown here all the same, as it's a massive book and you already know the relevant sections. I apparently have a bad earth somewhere according to my mechanic. Blinkers make the headlights dim slightly which is a sign he says.I recently obtained a decent enough multimeter. Can you or anybody give me the rundown on how to test for a good or bad earth using the ohlm function. I am a complete novice to auto electricals and don't even have the most basic concept of how they work. I just know there is negative and positive terminals and that voltage is like the speed of the water through a pipe and amps are the quantity of water (electricity)?
PS: here's a couple of recent pics. Ignore date on photos. It reset when I installed new battery..
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Yes MF, its definitely a huge book - light red colour cover.
Its funny, the Camira has a bad earth as well - every 10 minutes of driving, the fuel and temp gauges start failing, but putting the indicator on for 2 seconds turns them good for another 10 minutes. I can't work out the problem yet.
I am a complete novice in auto electrics as well - getting 240v a couple of times means I am not that keen on electrics. haha
Its been nice talking to you about some car stuff as well as mowers Have a good night.
