General Safety Checks / Daily Maintenance

[SIMid]

Hi everyone,

I've been on this forum since its commencement and also on the old forum, but I haven't noticed a topic like this.

What I am asking is since Deloreans are a bit unique in operation, what are things to look out for to stop it from going "boing"?

We all do the usual tyre pressure checks, taillights and indicators. But what I have noticed for examply on my D, is the locating pin on the passenger door hinge towards the back has a tendancy to come loose and protude gradually. I gather if the pin comes out, then a massive headache would be the next hurdle. Are there certain checks that owners would recommend?

Probably be a good "sticky" subject for all owners to add and update gradually.

[Jonathan]

Engine oil
ATF and/or final drive oil
Brake fluid
Coolant
Windshield wiper fluid
Blinker fluid
Brake lights, running lights, signals and hazards, reversing lights, headlights & high beams
Horn
Alternator & A/C compressor belts
Double checking your backup hood release cable is still adequately attached
Tire pressure including spare
Voltage meter, coolant temp, oil pressure & fuel
Interior and cluster light bulbs
Parking brake engagement

[dvonk]

...Blinker fluid...

you forgot to mention torsion bar fluid. :lol:

[David T]

You got most of the usual, owner maintenance kind of stuff but there are some things peculiar to a Delorean and are checked at a service once a year. For instance underneath:

C/V boots
Trailing arm bolts and shims
Coolant leaks
Brake fluid leaks
Steering column bushing
Damage to the lower control arms
Seals in the front suspension

Engine bay:

Broken muffler bracket
Throttle linkage
Interference between the vee belt and the left hose
Idler pulley bearings
Oil leaks (oil sender L side and idler bearing cover)

Relay & Fuseblock:

Overheated connections
Hot start relay plug
Central door locking system
Fan fail Bypass, and relays and circuit breaker

Doors:

Leaking or worn-out struts
Difficulty in opening, closing or locking the doors
Damaged weatherstripping

Of course since you are driving the car all of the time you will notice any changes in it's condition such as pulling, hard starting, fuel economy, vibrations, noises, etc. Take them as warning signals to investigate further.

David Teitelbaum

[Jonathan]

You got most of the usual, owner maintenance kind of stuff but there are some things peculiar to a Delorean and are checked at a service once a year. For instance underneath:

...Engine bay:

Broken muffler bracket...

Excellent list David. And this one in particular. We had 13 DeLorean's at a BBQ 2 weekends ago and while I didn't see everyone's engine bay, I walked by 4-5 cars and at least 3 of them had the same bracket broken or missing on their car. It is the one you can see from above, right side, top of the muffler and sort of above and to the side of the alternator. You're right, other "regular" cars you might not look for this stuff, but on the DMC it is different.

I'll see if I can get one of the ODOC guys with the broken bracket to post a picture for everyone else...

EDIT: It's the one labelled #26 on this diagram:

http://www.delorean.com/store/c-271-1-5-0-exhaust-systemmufflerheatshields.aspx

SKU:108200

BRKT, MUFFLER UPR

[micmak]

Excellent list David. And this one in particular. We had 13 DeLorean's at a BBQ 2 weekends ago and while I didn't see everyone's engine bay, I walked by 4-5 cars and at least 3 of them had the same bracket broken or missing on their car. It is the one you can see from above, right side, top of the muffler and sort of above and to the side of the alternator. You're right, other "regular" cars you might not look for this stuff, but on the DMC it is different.

I'll see if I can get one of the ODOC guys with the broken bracket to post a picture for everyone else...

EDIT: It's the one labelled #26 on this diagram:

http://www.delorean.com/store/c-271-1-5-0-exhaust-systemmufflerheatshields.aspx

SKU:108200

BRKT, MUFFLER UPR


Mine was one of those cars WITHOUT that bracket, Jonathan. In my case, it is not broken; it is gone!!! It should go from the "hook" on the RHS of the muffler to the upper bolt of the alternator. I have pulled and prodded the muffler and it seems quite solid and secure without this bracket. I am not losing any sleep over not having it.

......Mike.......

[David T]

That bracket helps set the angle of the exhaust tips. Very commonly broken because of it's design and where the stresses concentrate. It can be repaired but the better choice is to buy an improved bracket from one of the vendors. All too often an owner will have his car serviced by a neighborhood garage. As competent as they may be they are not familiar with the way a Delorean should be and what commonly goes wrong.
David Teitelbaum

[micmak]

That bracket helps set the angle of the exhaust tips. Very commonly broken because of it's design and where the stresses concentrate. It can be repaired but the better choice is to buy an improved bracket from one of the vendors. All too often an owner will have his car serviced by a neighborhood garage. As competent as they may be they are not familiar with the way a Delorean should be and what commonly goes wrong.
David Teitelbaum

I don’t doubt your comment for a moment, David. Sounds logical to me. But at the same time, I don’t think my car is suffering without that bracket. The muffler is perfectly straight and the exhaust tips are looking exactly as they should. Nothing moves or vibrates without it.

......Mike.......