Is driving a DeLorean cross country a bad idea?

[Time Machine]

I am a new owner and I've heard the tales that these cars are finicky and have lots of little problems. We're talking about Driving 2,500 miles from Montana to Florida.

[Michael]

I am assuming you just bought a car and are planning on getting it home.

You are going to hear stories of success and failure from others who have done the same thing. The successful journeys will be quick to chime in, the unsuccessful ones will be giving you words of caution. I don't care what the personal history is of each DeLorean owner is.... Driving ANY car that you have not had checked out or personally inspected across the country is a bad idea...especially a 30 yr old used car that was quirky at it's best.

That doesn't mean you are guaranteed failure, just that you are rolling the dice. I rolled the dice with a 1,000 mile journey and did ok but I took precautions(and bought a almost new refurb). Has you car been driven daily or has it sat for 5 years? Have you inspected it or had someone else look it over? Would it be just as easy to rent a trailer or pay to have it shipped?

If you do plan on driving it, do a search for essentials to take, like fuses, jumpers, alt. belt, what kind of tools. I keep a spare RPM relay in my box as well as a all in one roadside emergency kit w/tools. Not that I have ever needed it, just nice to have especially on trips. In 6 years I have had to have 2 tows, one over a flywheel bolt backing out and the other an alternator belt broke and I didn't want to fix it on the side of the road (free towing with my insurance so why not?)
This is really just common sense here, use some and you will be fine.

Welcome

[sdg3205]

I also have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 210k miles and a 1991 Miata with 175k miles. I trust them about as much as my Delorean. Age and mileage will always be factors. Hell, I had a 1 year old oil filter with less than 1500 miles on it blow up last week so anything is possible.

It's a gamble, but plan carefully, roll the dice and take a chance. I would.

[davidc89]

You never know until you try!

[DMCMW Dave]

I'd say not a bad idea if you know the service history. We have them leave here on cross-country trips all the time.

BUT on one you are just picking up, with no history of what's been done other than what the seller tells you verbally? I'd be really cautious unless you have lots of time and very good AAA plan.

A few sample questions - how old are the tires/belts/hoses/brake fluid? When was the last major (tune-up)? When was the last time it was driven more than 50 miles on one start?

Also - being form Florida - have you ever driven in the northern part of the country in the winter time?

[kajcienski]

Made 2 trips to Florida and back to NY two consecutive winters. Purred like a kitten :) An absolute blast - engine loved a steady 75mph. It was a DMCMW car when I bought it, PJGrady maintained, so felt confident ;)

[Gregadeth]

Hell, I had a 1 year old oil filter with less than 1500 miles on it blow up last week so anything is possibleJust curious, how did this happen?

[SS Spoiler]

What part of Montana?

[88KPH]

Just curious, how did this happen?


Its in another thread. Pin-hole damage, probably stone, lost 2 litres before noticing it.

[88KPH]

Drove mine 3500 miles after getting it.
I'd driven it locally & had it MOT'd (Road safety test).
My reckoning is..... If it can do 50 miles it can do 5000!!
Go for it.

[Michael]

My reckoning is..... If it can do 50 miles it can do 5000!!
Go for it.

Not sure I follow your logic on that one.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Unless the car has been inspected by someone who knows Deloreans and given a green light it is truly a crap-shoot to gamble on a drive that long. A properly maintained example would have no problem but do you know its history?
Rob

[sdg3205]

I guess the OP needs to clarify the situation here; is he going to pick the car up? Did he buy it at dmcfl and is going to Montana for Xmas? Details would help.

[Jonathan]

Depends somewhat on the driver and not just the car.

There are a lot of considerations for the condition of the car, as others have mentioned, and it applies to more than just DeLoreans. Could be your DD or a rental car or a friend's car.

Would YOU be comfortable driving cross country? What COULD go wrong and then what would YOU do about it?

The reason I mention it, and why I think who the driver is factors in, is because the more familiar you are with DeLoreans or seasoned with driving them, the better prepared you are for mishaps. If you are just getting into a DeLorean for the first time, you might not be ready for how they drive or how the people around you drive when you're beside them. Not to mention the rear wheel drive car with 2/3rds weight in the back and winter weather to deal with. And if you are just getting into THIS particular DeLorean for the first time (not to mention any DeLorean) you're not very well equipped to hear or see or feel something not quite right that's telling you about an imminent problem.

What could go wrong? Anything from the car just not starting while parked at a hotel to something catastrophic failing on the interstate and you plowing into oncoming traffic. Is that likely? Probably not. Not with a car you're familiar with anyway (DD, friend's car, rental cars for the most part if they're new). More likely with an unknown condition 34 year old DeLorean? Yea, more likely to some degree, maybe not enough to get all panicked about it though.

As mentioned, you'll likely hear from a few people that this kind of trip went just fine. Cory did a very similar trip when he got his and drove it home from Montana to Ontario. He talks about it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k15XmFRMMGc). I doubt you'll hear too many horror stories, either because they never happened or people don't share them, or they turned into stories that were once pretty scary and years later are ones to laugh about.

Things have a funny habit of doing that... where if enough time passes since that crappy event, it doesn't seem so bad when you talk about it later on. I wanted to cry at the end of my driveway when I got my car for not realizing the mess I had just gotten into. It all turned out fine and I can laugh about it now, but it didn't feel that way when it was happening. I can't imagine dealing with that stuck on the side of a highway instead of at home in my driveway.

Is it a bad idea?

If it were me, yea, I'd consider it a bad idea. That's just my personal feeling about it if I were to try and put myself in your shoes with a new car and unknown condition and unknown knowledge or experience with these cars. Would that kind of trip end tragically? Probably not. Expensive maybe, likely not tragically. If you decide to make the journey, have some contingency plans thought through and in place, like how you would get it towed or serviced, by yourself or at a local place. Any of those things you encounter after you've started the trip are going to be a fair bit more expensive than doing them in more planned conditions.

That's just my 2 cents. Which, with the exchange rate the way it is, is worth even less.

[88KPH]

Not sure I follow your logic on that one.

Don't worry, you're not the first to struggle with my logic!! :lol:

If there is something majorly wrong with a car, it will show up within 50 miles.
If a car can do 50 miles & nothing major has raised its ugly head...... It'll be fine!* :wink:



*baring something snapping/breaking/blowing which can happen to any old car at anytime.

[Michael]

Don't worry, you're not the first to struggle with my logic!! :lol:

If there is something majorly wrong with a car, it will show up within 50 miles.
If a car can do 50 miles & nothing major has raised its ugly head...... It'll be fine!* :wink:



*baring something snapping/breaking/blowing which can happen to any old car at anytime.

LOL In other words, it will be fine .....unless something happens.

[Dangermouse]

I think it would be a fantastic idea, but only if you post your progress on here :)

Frankly, I have heard more success stories than abject failures, but possibly for the reasons mentioned above.

As well as the condition of the car, what about you - are you mechanically inclined, able to bring a tool kit or support car?

Also, does your name imply that this is a BTTF replica that you will be driving? If so, I would think that would add an extra element in terms of maintenance access.

One aside, if you are possibly European and are driving it to FL to ship it home, then I would say definitely do it - trip of the lifetime, and all that. However, I would certainly get it professionally checked out before you set off.

[88KPH]

Unless the car has been inspected by someone who knows Deloreans and given a green light

You make it sound like a special magical dark art, really its an old fashioned car with old fashioned engine, brakes, steering, electrics.

To OP, if you don't know the car, use your own common sense.
If seller(?) has told you its in good running order (which he must have or you wouldn't be talking about driving it back across country)
Give it a nice long test drive before finalising sale, if you have any mechanical knowledge/sense you'll know if there is a major problem fairly quickly, if it runs sweet, join the AAA and have an adventure!
Otherwise pay to have it put on a trailer, its safe, boring & will probably cost the same.
Your question on here means you'd like to do it. I can't think of anything better than cruising across the states in a D. As my daughter would say......YOLO! :thumbup:

[David T]

Driving an unfamiliar car in unknown condition on a long trip is risky at best. Getting stuck and having to be towed out in the middle of nowhere is going to be VERY expensive, much more than if you pre-arranged to have it transported in the first place. If you insist on doing it first try some short trips if possible to see if any problems develop. Have a back up plan prearranged like an AAA card but be aware cell phone service is not perfect or complete everywhere. Do some simple checks like fluid levels, tire pressures, checking lights, and such. Don't trust the fuel gauge till you know it works. Make sure all of your paperwork is in order, your registration, plates, and insurance. Have enough funds available in case you need it for towing or repairs. A better strategy would be to rent a trailer and tow it home.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

You make it sound like a special magical dark art, really its an old fashioned car with old fashioned engine, brakes, steering, electrics.

To OP, if you don't know the car, use your own common sense.
If seller(?) has told you its in good running order (which he must have or you wouldn't be talking about driving it back across country)
Give it a nice long test drive before finalising sale, if you have any mechanical knowledge/sense you'll know if there is a major problem fairly quickly, if it runs sweet, join the AAA and have an adventure!
Otherwise pay to have it put on a trailer, its safe, boring & will probably cost the same.
Your question on here means you'd like to do it. I can't think of anything better than cruising across the states in a D. As my daughter would say......YOLO! :thumbup:

I stand by my statement. You are misinterpreting it. Frankly I find your statement that any problem will show in 50 miles statement extremely presumptive but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It is not and "old fashioned car" either if a person isn't familiar with European cars.
Rob

[88KPH]

I stand by my statement. You are misinterpreting it. Frankly I find your statement that any problem will show in 50 miles statement extremely presumptive but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It is not and "old fashioned car" either if a person isn't familiar with European cars.
Rob


Its not a hard and fast rule, Rob. But IMO a good guide.
As we all know an un-known/newly bought car could run sweet and blow a hose at 55 miles but then the same can be said for a car that's had a full 18month strip down and rebuild restoration by a Delorean specialist and lasted 90 miles before it needed attention.
At 50 miles everything is up to temperature, coolant system working, oil pressures, steering & brake feel etc etc, if you've got an ear/feel for these things, you'll have a very good idea if its going to get you another 1000 miles.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Its not a hard and fast rule, Rob. But IMO a good guide.
As we all know an un-known/newly bought car could run sweet and blow a hose at 55 miles but then the same can be said for a car that's had a full 18month strip down and rebuild restoration by a Delorean specialist and lasted 90 miles before it needed attention.
At 50 miles everything is up to temperature, coolant system working, oil pressures, steering & brake feel etc etc, if you've got an ear/feel for these things, you'll have a very good idea if its going to get you another 1000 miles.

I agree that the probability of trouble recedes after the first miles of a trip in a (new to you) old car recedes the further you get down the road. I bought a '95 S4S in Florida and promptly drove it home after a pit-stop in Myrtle Beach S.C.
I am familiar with Lotus however and I did a thorough inspection at a shop. After correcting loose bolts on the steering wheel hub (Momo wheel) it was good to go and I had no trouble except a delay prompted by a very friendly unmarked detective who objected to my enthusiastic driving. In the end he understood so did not impound the car and lock me up which was his first inclination.
Rob

[SS Spoiler]

Made many trips from Minnesota over 27 years. Las vegas [3], Missouri, Montana, Colorado, Gettysburg, Pigeon Forge, Lexington TN,
Houston, Chicago, Black Hills and Evansdale Ill. Traveling with a group of DeLoreans is much safer. Some things that happened are
blown water hose, lost steering at 70 mph, broke three and a half wheel studs, blown head gasket. You just have to roll with whatever
happens and deal with it. Like they say a DeLorean will teach you more about mechanics than you wanted to know.....go for it!

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Made many trips from Minnesota over 27 years. Las vegas [3], Missouri, Montana, Colorado, Gettysburg, Pigeon Forge, Lexington TN,
Houston, Chicago, Black Hills and Evansdale Ill. Traveling with a group of DeLoreans is much safer. Some things that happened are
blown water hose, lost steering at 70 mph, broke three and a half wheel studs, blown head gasket. You just have to roll with whatever
happens and deal with it. Like they say a DeLorean will teach you more about mechanics than you wanted to know.....go for it!

FWIW I just noticed I have service files on 2692 & 2693! I was eyeballing your VIN and thought it sounded familiar so I checked my files.
Rob

[TTait]

Having a AAA card with the best towing option is a must, anything can happen.

Besides that, there is lots of good advice hare about tools and what to check, but I'd like to touch briefly on one other point - driving this car is not going to be the same as driving an older chevy or something...

The car is certainly comfortable - but its very low - that can make some hazzards hard to see, and it makes you harder to see as well. I was rear ended recently by a tractor trailer in stop and go traffic - maybe he was texting, but part of it may have been he has a long hood, may have had a bug deflector above that - or whatever - but I was certainly not as easy for him to see as an F250 would be. You have to take a lot more responsibility for yourself in this car and undoubtedly on a trip of that length will need some defensive driving skills.

At the other end of the spectrum, once another driver does see you - you must almost expect him to whip out his iphone and shoot video of you while he is driving. He will drive too fast or too slow to do so, every one of us here has had this happen. People speed up to see you, drive close, don't pay attention, all of the above. Expect someone to roll their window down to say something to you at least once an hour - are they just saying cool car, making a BTTF joke, or that something is wrong with the car? You will wonder every time on a trip of this length.

Finally, its a quirky older car;
the windows can get stuck up or down, especially with a new driver inadvertently resting his elbow on the window switches and overheating them
your door lock module can malfunction and lock you out of the car
the stereo, if original, may be unusable
An aftermarket exhaust can be VERY loud on some cars
A rear engine rear wheel drive car can get squirrely, especially on when roads
You will be worried about taking care of your baby, and if you get behind a salt truck or whatever, it may stress you out
The car may leak, especially in heavy rain
the lighter plug may not charge your phone, and so on.

Certainly not all of this will happen, but with a car you don't know expect some inconveniences and getting a lot of attention. The fun of Delorean ownership can drain if you are stuck at a McDonalds parking lot locked out of your car while 20 people stand around and watch and make cocaine jokes, or if you get stuck with the window down and can't get it up. Expect challenges, expect its not going to be the same as driving a new car across country, and expect a lot of attention, even when you don't want it.

Without question it will be an adventure, approach it as such and expect some unexpected turns - with that attitude you will have some good stories to tell. If you are type A - consider shipping it and getting to know the car a little more slowly.

Regardless, congratulations! Despite the doom and gloom - they are fantastic cars to own and drive. Let us know how you progress.

Tom

[Timebender]

I consider my DeLorean like it's the Millennium Falcon - it may have it's quirks - recent one is the engine just shutting off for no reason- could be the original pump as I replaced the RPM relay, but she's got it where it counts and is a blast to drive.

Plus I can do the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs in it...

[Timebender]

lost steering at 70 mph

WHAT??? How and what did you do to keep it on the road??

[PJ Grady Inc.]

I consider my DeLorean like it's the Millennium Falcon - it may have it's quirks - recent one is the engine just shutting off for no reason- could be the original pump as I replaced the RPM relay, but she's got it where it counts and is a blast to drive.

Plus I can do the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs in it...

Next time it happens check for spark. The pickup coil can heat up cut the spark until it cools down. Not a fun job but not that bad either. Just confirm with a ohmmeter before ripping it down.
Rob

[PJ Grady Inc.]

WHAT??? How and what did you do to keep it on the road??

I thought the same thing! Also what was the cause?

[Timebender]

Next time it happens check for spark. The pickup coil can heat up cut the spark until it cools down. Not a fun job but not that bad either. Just confirm with a ohmmeter before ripping it down.
Rob

I have a new coil I put in back during the summer (HEI coil and distributor on a Chevy 350), but it could be that. I can literally shut off the key and fire it back up when this happens. I did get a new RPM relay from Bitsyncmaster, and I noticed it gets pretty hot at the base. David mentioned it could be either a bad ground, or the pump is drawing more than 10 amps. As my car has two pumps - don't ask... but I plan on changing that eventually, although this is something new happening recently so up till now the 2 pump thing worked - and pump #2 is powered through the same relay I discovered. If I take out the RPM relay, it doesn't come on with ignition, and if I jumper the relay, with no key in the car, pump #2 comes on.

So could be both pumps are drawing way too much, and my original pump just might be finally giving out.

I could check for spark, but it happens in the blink of an eye, then goes back to normal.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

I have a new coil I put in back during the summer (HEI coil and distributor on a Chevy 350), but it could be that. I can literally shut off the key and fire it back up when this happens. I did get a new RPM relay from Bitsyncmaster, and I noticed it gets pretty hot at the base. David mentioned it could be either a bad ground, or the pump is drawing more than 10 amps. As my car has two pumps - don't ask... but I plan on changing that eventually, although this is something new happening recently so up till now the 2 pump thing worked - and pump #2 is powered through the same relay I discovered. If I take out the RPM relay, it doesn't come on with ignition, and if I jumper the relay, with no key in the car, pump #2 comes on.

So could be both pumps are drawing way too much, and my original pump just might be finally giving out.

I could check for spark, but it happens in the blink of an eye, then goes back to normal.

Damn...a Delorean double pumper! Who'd a thunk. My guess is your problem is one pump or the other so perhaps consolidation is in order. And in respect to your request I won't ask ....why?

Maybe it's time for the no steering story.

Rob

[Timebender]

Damn...a Delorean double pumper! Who'd a thunk. My guess is your problem is one pump or the other so perhaps consolidation is in order. And in respect to your request I won't ask ....why?

Maybe it's time for the no steering story.

Rob
Somebody 30 years ago in the Chicago area who did the conversion thought it was a good idea. But it's not as if I'm getting the benefits of two pumps. It's plumbed from the in-tank pump to the second one, then off to engine.
Before putting in David's RPM relay, there was a constant faster, or higher pitched buzz from it, and after the swap to the solid state relay, it now starts out high, then after a half second, goes to a lower pitch. Everyone's guess on another thread is it was there to deal with the higher pressure from the in-tank pump.

Supposedly if I take the second one out and go with the all-in-one that might do it, as it's a lower pressure pump.

[88KPH]

I consider my DeLorean like it's the Millennium Falcon - it may have it's quirks - recent one is the engine just shutting off for no reason- could be the original pump as I replaced the RPM relay, but she's got it where it counts and is a blast to drive.

Plus I can do the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs in it...


Millennium Falcon my arse!! That was parked up in the open for 30 years, started right up & was doing light-speed within 10 minutes.
Every D I've ever seen would require a complete strip-down, tank out, lots of ball-ache & head scratching, and mouse clearing! :lol:

[SS Spoiler]

After dropping my grand daughter off in Aberdeen SD I felt adventurist and took some backroads
heading home to the twin cities MN. Tooling along at around 70 the steering suddenly wasn't working!
The only thing I could do was hit the brakes. I ended up in the ditch on the edge of a swampy wet spot
pushing over a bunch of cattails. After restarting my HEART I tried the steering wheel, it just spun.
Getting out my tool box [always carry some] I opened up the access panels in the trunk and saw the
universal joint had fallen off the end of the splined shaft. THREE YEARS AGO I had replaced the double
jointed shaft. Remembering how easy the job was to slide the new parts in place got me thinking that the
steering column just slid up and I missed putting the pinch bolt in the groove. The bolt was actually in
front of the shaft. For three years the joint was held in place by 3/8", essentially by friction. All the miles
I put on since the "repair" included a trip to Vegas through the mountains. After thanking GOD for my
safety it was a challenge to reassemble the parts. Blasting out of the ditch I motored on home with the
steering wheel off by 90 degrees. You can be sure I'm more careful doing repairs!......

[mr_maxime]

I drove mine around after getting it back from DMCMW for a little while before I took my 800 mile trip from Wisconsin down to Georgia. The Oreilly belt I had put in it burnt off and I replaced it with the DMC one. I made a pit stop back at DMCMW on my way down. They checked fluids for me before I left. On the trip, my power antenna gave out. The side spoiler clips broke and then it scraped the ground for a while. I filled the gas too fast and it spilled out making the car reek of gas. Finally, I saw another delorean on the road in Tennessee, first delorean I had ever seen on the road other than mine. I only felt "comfortable" because it had been looked over by DMCMW. I would have never driven it if it hadnt been looked at by experts.

[Time Machine]

My reckoning is..... If it can do 50 miles it can do 5000!!
Go for it.
I use similar logic.

Originally, I was going to have it shipped, but but the sketchy shipping brokers burned me. Then it clicked: "Why not go on journey in a DeLorean? That could be fun!"

And I've done crazier journeys. I drove an air-cooled Porsche from Los Angeles to Miami and rode a Vespa from Minneapolis to New Orleans lol. But it was always in good weather. I never had to deal with snow and whatnot. :/

[Time Machine]

Unless the car has been inspected by someone who knows Deloreans and given a green light it is truly a crap-shoot to gamble on a drive that long. A properly maintained example would have no problem but do you know its history?
Rob

He's a good DeLorean owner. In fact, this is his "other" DeLorean. This is the car in question: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DeLorean-DMC-12-Base-Coupe-2-Door-/121833862844?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c5ddd36bc:g:6LEAAOSw7FRWZIzq&item=121833862844

38738

[Dangermouse]

Is your new one, this red one?

[SamHill]

He's a good DeLorean owner. In fact, this is his "other" DeLorean. This is the car in question: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DeLorean-DMC-12-Base-Coupe-2-Door-/121833862844?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c5ddd36bc:g:6LEAAOSw7FRWZIzq&item=121833862844

38738

What constitutes a good Delorean owner?

[Time Machine]

Is your new one, this red one?

Yes, indeed.

[Ryan S.]

My $0.02. Based on that eBay description and knowing what I know about D, I wouldn't drive it cross country.
It might be cheaper and safer to get it shipped. Another idea is to get it shipped to DMCMW and get it checked then drive.

[AirmanPika]

This seller SEEMS to actually be decent.

As a fellow Painted Red DeLorean eBay sight unseen purchaser...


http://reimuchan.com/delorean2/thumbnails/DSC06957_JPG.jpg (http://reimuchan.com/delorean2/images/DSC06957_JPG.jpg)

your milage may vary as mentioned.

Mine was drivable but the clutch was shot and went up in a cloud of smoke on my first attempt to take the car a long distance. Luckily I never made it out of the local area so I was able to get it somewhere to get a new clutch and be able to go back home in the meantime.

My seller wasn't intentionally selling me a junker...and at the same time I only paid $9100 so I expected issues. Even after drastic work I still had problems crop up over the years. Several years ago I moved the car from DC to Ohio because I was deploying. After a while I realized that the more I drove the car the harder it was to start after each rest stop. Ultimately it just stopped starting when warm. Ended up being the fuel accumulator and the known warm start problem. I did the little jumper trick to get it started and managed to get it to the end point.

As a new owner these kinds of quirks could leave you stranded tho. Personal recommendation is a transport.

[ccurzio]

Michael's first reply, Johnathan's subsequent reply and the similar messages peppered throughout the thread are spot-on. It wholly depends on the car and its condition. Some will have no problems. Some will break down. It's impossible to predict, because every car is different.

Me, I took my car to Nashville not long after I bought it. The angle drive failed on the way, and on the way back the fuel pump shit itself and I ended up on a flatbed 88 miles from home. Fixed it and then drove it to Florida months later, only to have the clutch slave cylinder fail on the last mile of interstate outside of Orlando. Spent a weekend pulling apart the top half of the engine to replace it.

This, and the numerous other incidents that happened during long drives in their cars are countered by the numerous drives taken by owners where nothing happened at all. Many, many owners have driven their cars thousands of miles in one trip with zero problems.

Anecdotes aren't an accurate predictor of how your car will fare on a long trip. The only thing you can do is expect the best and prepare for the worst. Evaluate the service history, keep spare parts on hand, and if you personally feel that it's feasible, go for it.

If you're successful, great. If the car breaks down, you learn something and it gets fixed. It doesn't seem like a win-win, but it is.

[Dangermouse]

He's a good DeLorean owner. In fact, this is his "other" DeLorean. This is the car in question: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DeLorean-DMC-12-Base-Coupe-2-Door-/121833862844?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1c5ddd36bc:g:6LEAAOSw7FRWZIzq&item=121833862844

38738

Well, in that case, I personally wouldn't drive it across the country. The seller has only owned it for a month and it wouldn't appear to have been driven much since 2002.

Based on this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1982-DeLorean-/281850617697?ru=http%3A+www.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.htm l%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D281850617697 %26_rdc%3D1&nma=true&si=Ehr7yKeFdDIl5eoFuTPE%252FvzOies%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557), he had shipped it to MT last month, repaired the existing problems and then listed it. I have no reason to suspect that the repair work isn't first rate, and don't mean to malign the seller, but the car falls under the "don't know it's history" category. The autocheck report in that listing showed that it had reached 45k miles in 1996 and it is now at ~47k

[Andrew]

I've made a number of 500+ round trips in both of my DeLoreans over the years. In addition to the usual precautions such as checking the belts, tires and hoses I would also recommend carrying tools and some spare DMC specific parts. In my stock D, I carry a spare alternator and belt, RPM relay and fuel pump. I also carry a cheap Harbor Freight multimeter along with fuses, wire, a connector / crimp assortment and a wire stripper. I also carry a small floor jack and a tire plugging kit. Remember it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it! :-)

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

[DMCVegas]

It's a 30 year old used car. Treat it as such upon inspection as well as testing and see where it goes from there. The fact that it's a DeLorean isn't germane to the situation at all. Get what type of car it is out of your head so that it doesn't cloud your judgement either way when inspecting and making a decision.

I will however add one small recommendation that will give you HUGE insight into the car. Driving is fine, but idle the car until it heats up and the fans come on and make sure they kick off. And do this WITHOUT the A/C running. If the car is really up to snuff as much as the owner says, they're not going to object at all. After all, gas is cheap, and if you buy the car it's just gonna be your fuel you're burning anyway. But if they do object, and/or act REALLY nervous while you sit there watch the temp gauge not only go up, but you wait for it to go back down once the fans kick on (if they do at all), there's a good chance that things aren't what they seem.

Keep an eye out for overheating, as well as leaking fluids. Because it's better that it happens in this person's car than YOUR car if you bought it.

Idle testing ANY car is the quickest way to ferret out bad cars (or at least hard negotiate prices down), and will help you determine immediate road worthiness.

[DMCVegas]

Somebody 30 years ago in the Chicago area who did the conversion thought it was a good idea. But it's not as if I'm getting the benefits of two pumps. It's plumbed from the in-tank pump to the second one, then off to engine.
Before putting in David's RPM relay, there was a constant faster, or higher pitched buzz from it, and after the swap to the solid state relay, it now starts out high, then after a half second, goes to a lower pitch. Everyone's guess on another thread is it was there to deal with the higher pressure from the in-tank pump.

Supposedly if I take the second one out and go with the all-in-one that might do it, as it's a lower pressure pump.

That's a Volvo thing on some old 4-bangers. A primary, low-pressure pre-fuel pump exists inside of the fuel tank, and then you have a secondary, high-pressure main pump to deliver increased PSI for the fuel injectors. It would literally be like you moving the current fuel pump into place where the Accumulator is, with it's check valve taking the accumulator's place, and then installing a secondary pump back into the tank to simply prime the lower lines.

http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0900c152/80/08/c6/68/large/0900c1528008c668.gif

And it is stupid as all hell. Volvo later just went with the single-pump system that all cars use.

If I were to guess, the PO didn't understand squat about K-Jetronic problems, which is a common thing with older shadetrees and many old mechanics. Decades ago you use to simply have mechanical fuel pumps on the sides of engines that would PULL fuel out of the tanks and down the line to the engine. Now when you place a liquid under vacuum you run the risk of it boiling and atomizing into it's steam form at a much lower temperature. This is how you of course purge water vapor from A/C lines before you fill them. But when this happens on a car, it starves the carburetor of fuel, and is a condition know as Vapor Lock. This will happen if there aren't proper check valves (and some old cars didn't have them), the car gets too hot and boils the gasoline in the lines while parked, and the suction on the pump vaporizes the rest of the fuel, and thus the engine starves until it's cooled down.

To overcome this issue, long, long ago car manufacturers got away from just relying upon a mechanical pump to PULL fuel out of the tank, and switched to electrical pumps to PUSH the fuel out. Now since they're under pressure instead of vacuum, this eliminates the problems with Vapor Lock. But as with any vehicle, be it carburetor or any flavor of fuel injections, you can still loose pressure in the lines, and will have to wait for the pump to build the operating pressure back up. 8 or so PSI is nothing for a carb. 30 or so for EFI takes a bit longer, but still not as bad. But when we're talking about high 70's for K-Jetronic coupled with a leaking accumulator, it's gonna take a little time to get it back up and running. In any case, that's a hot-start issue.


To uneducated eyes, Vapor Lock looks like the exact same thing as Hot Start issue, which it is not. But I remember back on the DML when there were lots of old school carb guys rattling on about this. And that was in the late 90's, so I imagine this kind of misinformation was much, MUCH more rampant back in the 80's. Which is where so many of these wacky PO stories came from.

If I were you, I'd ditch this cattywampus-ass setup, and simplify by going back to stock. You're taxing your electrical system WAY more than you need to.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

That is what I was thinking! I've always visibly double checked those pinch bolt connections because the consequences of failure to securing the shoulder can be so devastating to you and anything in your path at the time.
Rob

[opethmike]

Rob,

As an FYI, the K-Jetronic Esprits (like mine) also have the dual pump setup.

-Mike

[dodint]

Yes, indeed.

Congrats. I was watching that car and really like the sellers candor and the description. Though I was surprised he wouldn't fix the windshield given that it was the cars most glaring defect, they're not terribly expensive. Heck, Safelite says they'll do it for $280 or so (though I'd rather go through a vendor for a collectible car).

I haven't purchased my first DMC yet. I won't do it until spring 2017. I really liked that car, though. I'm just not sure I want to go with a painted car for my first one.

I'm really interested to hear how the trip goes, please do send updates. If you want a place to stay the night near the WI/MN border I have a spare room in Sparta, WI about a mile from I-90. I'll even give you my spot in the garage for the night. ;)

When I do buy my car I plan to make a long road trip out of it, part of the experience. If 'the worst' happens I'll have my insurance company tow it to a rental truck agency and I'll rent a small truck and trailer, then drop it off at DMCMW on my way through. If I can afford a plane ticket and a $30K+ car, I can spring for a rental truck.

Congrats again.

[DMCVegas]

Rob,

As an FYI, the K-Jetronic Esprits (like mine) also have the dual pump setup.

-Mike

Interesting... I wonder if part of that that might just be a holdover from the carbureted Esprits? Doing a quick search it also looks like some VW Cabriolets also had the two pumps as well. And that is when I noticed something rather peculiar...

Neither system uses an in-tank baffle. The VW & Volvo just lets the pickup pump starve when the tank gets low and the driver turns corners (but you'd never notice it thanks to the already filled fuel line feeding the primary pump), and the Esprit (if I am reading this right, and please correct me if I'm wrong) taps into a single hose that connects both side tanks. Which makes sense why damn Volvo always had this long, narrow pickup filter instead of a circular one that the DMC-12 has.

I'm honestly wondering of this was perhaps done as a band-aid from BOSCH to address hot-start issues, as well as to simplify assembly and future repairs where tank pump access was difficult. That way they wouldn't have to align with the fuel baffles. Because compared to the DeLorean fuel tank, access is rather easy, and the opening for the tank is cavernous in comparison. Wide opening, and in the large trunk instead of inside of a crampt passenger compartment, under a seat that had to be removed. Plus an uncontrolled Hot Start Relay would potentially have increased emissions...

[David T]

Interesting... I wonder if part of that that might just be a holdover from the carbureted Esprits? Doing a quick search it also looks like some VW Cabriolets also had the two pumps as well. And that is when I noticed something rather peculiar...

Neither system uses an in-tank baffle. The VW & Volvo just lets the pickup pump starve when the tank gets low and the driver turns corners (but you'd never notice it thanks to the already filled fuel line feeding the primary pump), and the Esprit (if I am reading this right, and please correct me if I'm wrong) taps into a single hose that connects both side tanks. Which makes sense why damn Volvo always had this long, narrow pickup filter instead of a circular one that the DMC-12 has.

I'm honestly wondering of this was perhaps done as a band-aid from BOSCH to address hot-start issues, as well as to simplify assembly and future repairs where tank pump access was difficult. That way they wouldn't have to align with the fuel baffles. Because compared to the DeLorean fuel tank, access is rather easy, and the opening for the tank is cavernous in comparison. Wide opening, and in the large trunk instead of inside of a crampt passenger compartment, under a seat that had to be removed. Plus an uncontrolled Hot Start Relay would potentially have increased emissions...


A few other cars also have the Bosch K-Jet in them but to say they are the same as a Delorean is misleading. In each car the K-Jet is set up differently and the parts are not interchangeable. Yes, the basic system is similar but, for instance, the Lotus has a special Decel valve, no idle system, it is a 4 cyl, and so on. As for talking someone out of taking his recently bought, unfamiliar OLD car on a cross-country drive, If he has to ask, he has already made up his mind. It is a bad idea but the question to ask is "Do you feel LUCKY today"?

[DMC 2692]

FWIW I just noticed I have service files on 2692 & 2693! I was eyeballing your VIN and thought it sounded familiar so I checked my files.
Rob
I now have 2692!!! Just bought it 2 weeks ago!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[88KPH]

It is a bad idea but the question to ask is "Do you feel LUCKY today"?

Disagree, (This car is obviously a runner and I assume road legal) I think the question is "Are you prepared, prepared for a breakdown, prepared for an adventure?"
Of course, its safer/easier to pay a transport company but hell, it would be easier and safer not to buy a 35 year old car in the first place.
Stick to a 2 year old Honda civic. Its cheaper and safer and easier.

[Time Machine]

Disagree, (This car is obviously a runner and I assume road legal) I think the question is "Are you prepared, prepared for a breakdown, prepared for an adventure?"
Of course, its safer/easier to pay a transport company but hell, it would be easier and safer not to buy a 35 year old car in the first place.
Stick to a 2 year old Honda civic. Its cheaper and safer and easier.

I find transport companies to be really difficult to deal with.
They bombard you with calls and make you all these promises but when you Google them, they have hundreds of complaints on Yelp and RipoffReport. You hear these stories about bait and switch and how cars are sitting in a warehouse for months. In my opinion, the transport industry is broken and it should be more regulated.

[DMCVegas]

A few other cars also have the Bosch K-Jet in them but to say they are the same as a Delorean is misleading. In each car the K-Jet is set up differently and the parts are not interchangeable. Yes, the basic system is similar but, for instance, the Lotus has a special Decel valve, no idle system, it is a 4 cyl, and so on. As for talking someone out of taking his recently bought, unfamiliar OLD car on a cross-country drive, If he has to ask, he has already made up his mind. It is a bad idea but the question to ask is "Do you feel LUCKY today"?

I'm not sure where you're getting that from that I just assumed that all K-Jet CIS systems are the exact same... Obviously, no, different cars will use different variations of K-Jetronic. This not only covers the basics of how many cylinders that have to be supplied with fuel, but also the individual aspects of the particular engine such as power curves that would dictate what the fuel supply to the engine is based upon relative RPM, etc. Even though common components are used, they are not interchangeable for components of different vehicles because each piece is built to accommodate a specific calibration to work with a particular engine. But even the Idle System itself is something that functions completely independent of K-Jetronic. The best example being between the B27F and B28F PRV V6 engines. The former uses the 3 set screws and a balancing tube to set the idle speed and mixture, with a sliding valve to compensate for fast idle and A/C use. The B28F like we have abandoned all of that and introduced a rotary valve instead to control Idle Speeds. Which again, K-Jetronic has nothing at all to do with, and is interchangeable with either type of Idle Speed Circuit.

Even with my speculation regarding the dual-pump implementation though, we still have a function of an accumulator.

As for the original question, oh yeah, that person already has their mind made up and is just fishing for support/justification.

[David T]

I find transport companies to be really difficult to deal with.
They bombard you with calls and make you all these promises but when you Google them, they have hundreds of complaints on Yelp and RipoffReport. You hear these stories about bait and switch and how cars are sitting in a warehouse for months. In my opinion, the transport industry is broken and it should be more regulated.

All this is true if you try to use the ones with the lowest price. If you use the top tier, more reputable ones, that actually transport the car, (not car brokers who only take your money and then put your job out to bid) you will be happier. Among the top guys are Horseless Carriage, Passport, and Escort to name a few. Always have the car insured with your own company also. Take pictures. The good ones will have websites where you can track the car's progress. I agree that the best option is to trailer it yourself if you have the time and the equipment. That way you can see the car before you buy it and move it. If you want to pick a car transporter go to the big auctions and you will see all of the better guys there with the big trailers moving the expensive cars. The good ones only use enclosed trailers, the cheaper guys use open trailers. I have used H/C several times and although they were not cheap the car was picked up and delivered as promised in perfect condition (except for a LOT of dust!). BTW, they charge a LOT more if the car doesn't run.

[Time Machine]

All this is true if you try to use the ones with the lowest price. If you use the top tier, more reputable ones, that actually transport the car, (not car brokers who only take your money and then put your job out to bid) you will be happier. Among the top guys are Horseless Carriage, Passport, and Escort to name a few. Always have the car insured with your own company also. Take pictures. The good ones will have websites where you can track the car's progress. I agree that the best option is to trailer it yourself if you have the time and the equipment. That way you can see the car before you buy it and move it. If you want to pick a car transporter go to the big auctions and you will see all of the better guys there with the big trailers moving the expensive cars. The good ones only use enclosed trailers, the cheaper guys use open trailers. I have used H/C several times and although they were not cheap the car was picked up and delivered as promised in perfect condition (except for a LOT of dust!). BTW, they charge a LOT more if the car doesn't run.

What would be a reasonable price to ship a car from Missoula Montanna to New Orleans? I wonder if renting a truck with a car trailer is an option.

[88KPH]

What would be a reasonable price to ship a car from Missoula Montanna to New Orleans? I wonder if renting a truck with a car trailer is an option.

Wow what a trip! You could do the Rocky route, Always wanted to do that in a big old Winnebago. You guys are so darn lucky!
I might fly out and drive with you! :wave:

JFYI, I paid $2000 to get a car from Vermont to Torquay, UK. I wonder how that compares?

[David T]

What would be a reasonable price to ship a car from Missoula Montanna to New Orleans? I wonder if renting a truck with a car trailer is an option.


The price depends a lot on where you are going in relation to the heavily traveled routes. An example would be NY to CA or NY to FL. For example if you needed to go from NJ to MD you would get a good price since a lot of carriers are going that way anyway. The way to know if you are getting a good price is to call several carriers and compare the prices. Just be aware that transporting a car is not all about price. There are other things to consider like enclosed vs open, moving the car from trailer to trailer, having it sit in a terminal waiting for another truck vs direct, if it is running or not (non-runners cost a lot more to move) if they pick up and deliver curb to curb or you have to go to a terminal to drop off and pick up, the schedule, when they can pick it up and how long they will take, etc. As for what it would cost to rent, there are plenty of companies that can rent you a truck and trailer but you need to give them plenty of advance notice. One way is more expensive than round trip (per mile), they usually add a drop off charge. Don't forget to factor in tolls, gas, lodging, and food to decide whether to have it transported or to move it yourself. If you are also buying the car being there gives you a lot more flexibility and you may be able to negotiate a better deal (of decide it isn't a good deal and walk away!). Another big factor is is you have the time necessary to actually do it yourself.

[Time Machine]

I'm sorry to disappoint, but I put it on a trailer. I was 2 inches away from driving it cross country but Trevor from Hoven Transportation (https://www.facebook.com/hoventransportation/timeline) called today and said he'd do it for $1,100, which is a really good price. Let's hope it makes it safely to New Orleans so I can write him a good review.

38820

[Time Machine]

I think it would be a fantastic idea, but only if you post your progress on here :)

I still plan to drive her cross country, but I need to get to know the car first, which is why I'm doing a test run from NOLA to Tampa on the 10th of Jan. And I will post my progress. ;)

[88KPH]

You chicken McFly? :wink:

Good luck mate.

[Jonathan]

I'm sorry to disappoint, but I put it on a trailer. I was 2 inches away from driving it cross country but Trevor from Hoven Transportation (https://www.facebook.com/hoventransportation/timeline) called today and said he'd do it for $1,100, which is a really good price. Let's hope it makes it safely to New Orleans so I can write him a good review.

38820

No one here is disappointed. You've got the only opinion that matters and the only one that gets a vote. If you feel this was best overall, then it was. (I agree with your decision though).


I still plan to drive her cross country, but I need to get to know the car first, which is why I'm doing a test run from NOLA to Tampa on the 10th of Jan. And I will post my progress. ;)

Sounds like a great idea! Will be looking forward to hearing about your first impressions of the car and how your "education" on it goes.


You chicken McFly? :wink:

Good luck mate.

Why don't you make like a tree...

[Rad Dad]

What constitutes a good Delorean owner?

Actually, Sam, it is one who drives his car!


Dick Ryan, The Rad Dad
vin16867 with over 160,000 miles on it. And, it has gone "coast to coast" several times.

[88KPH]

Mine's gone coast to coast a couple of times aswell.
Devon, the only county in England with two coast lines!!












About 100 miles apart!

[88KPH]

Why don't you make like a tree...


I'm outta here!

[dodint]

Given the snow that has blown through the upper Midwest (8" here today) that is probably the best course of action. I've noticed a ton of D's not sell on eBay recently, winter must be a buyers market. I was really impressed with 4467 which went unsold yesterday with a BIN at $33K, but I'm just not in the position to buy for a bit longer. And I want to go to DCS first and see some things for myself before I commit to a car.

Congrats again, looking forward to hearing about it when it turns up.

[David T]

Given the snow that has blown through the upper Midwest (8" here today) that is probably the best course of action. I've noticed a ton of D's not sell on eBay recently, winter must be a buyers market. I was really impressed with 4467 which went unsold yesterday with a BIN at $33K, but I'm just not in the position to buy for a bit longer. And I want to go to DCS first and see some things for myself before I commit to a car.

Congrats again, looking forward to hearing about it when it turns up.

Yes, on a long trip you always have to be concerned that the weather will go bad, just another good reason to plan on trailering the car. Bad enough driving an unfamiliar car, you really don't want to do that in the snow too!

[bfloyd]

Dilemma here...

I bought 3294 back in November of 2014, and have done extensive repairs and replacements to it. Did the whole replace every belt, hose, clamp, etc. Did the "replace the fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, accumulator, etc." We've replaced the water pump, radiator, tune up kit, (plugs, wires, distributor rotor and cap), coolant reservoir, auto bleeders on front and rear, new master cylinder, new brake calipers, pads, etc, new tires all the way around, and will finish up with the new R134a air conditioning system tonight. There are a couple of things that I want done at a Delorean service center like getting rid of the only small dent on the whole entire car, and fixing my drivers side door so that it actually shuts all the way (inner door seal gasket issue).

I live in middle Tennessee (Nashville area) and have driven it mostly to car shows and once or twice on 80-90 mile round trips. Nothing beyond that. My wife and I will be celebrating our 19 year wedding anniversary coming up in September, and she's always wanted to go to Chicago. Seriously considering driving the Delorean to DMC Midwest, dropping it off for a day or so to get the kinks worked out, and renting a car while we're there to explore Chicago. I also have the option of renting a trailer and towing the car up there behind my truck, dropping the trailer at a Uhaul dealer in the area and one of us drive the truck home while the other drives the Delorean home.

Opinions??

[DMCMW Dave]

Dile

I live in middle Tennessee (Nashville area) and have driven it mostly to car shows and once or twice on 80-90 mile round trips. Nothing beyond that. My wife and I will be celebrating our 19 year wedding anniversary coming up in September, and she's always wanted to go to Chicago. Seriously considering driving the Delorean to DMC Midwest, dropping it off for a day or so to get the kinks worked out, and renting a car while we're there to explore Chicago. I also have the option of renting a trailer and towing the car up there behind my truck, dropping the trailer at a Uhaul dealer in the area and one of us drive the truck home while the other drives the Delorean home.

Opinions??

If you've driven the car a few hundred miles locally, it's probably safe to drive here. I get nervous when the first time someone drives a recently back-from -the dead car is on a 300 mile trip, so much is untested and it's painful ($$$) to emergency tow a car hundreds of miles. We've had many customers drive cars out of here for considerable distances, with no real issues.

Is the cooling system, hydraulics, fuel system, and electrics all freshened up? Have you driven the car continuously for at least 2 hours (i.e. 100 miles one way)? Including some stop and go traffic?

It really depends on how much you trust it, and what you've done. If the cooling system hoses and tires are original, I'd be scared to drive around the block. But once you've replaced all the common failure stuff that will take the car off the road, and built up some confidence by driving a few good heat cycles, you'll feel better about it.

[content22207_2]

renting a car while we're there to explore Chicago

Take the train into the city. A bazillion times easier than driving/parking. Cheaper too. Metra stop is an easy walk from motels Dave and Julee typically use. Once in the city, Chicago's subway isn't as comprehensive as New York's, but it can get you within walking distance of most tourist attractions. One nuance: there are no direct connections between Metra and CTA (ie: no CTA stations attached to Metra stations -- CTA stations are next to, or behind, Metra stations, but you have to physically walk out onto the street to go between them).

Bill Robertson
#5939

[SamHill]

I have a metra card that I think has some money on it. PM me if you want it. It's definitely cheap at any rate. Much cheaper than DC's system.

[DMCMW Dave]

Take the train into the city. A bazillion times easier than driving/parking. Cheaper too. Metra stop is an easy walk from motels Dave and Julee typically use. Once in the city, Chicago's subway isn't as comprehensive as New York's, but it can get you within walking distance of most tourist attractions. One nuance: there are no direct connections between Metra and CTA (ie: no CTA stations attached to Metra stations -- CTA stations are next to, or behind, Metra stations, but you have to physically walk out onto the street to go between them).

Bill Robertson
#5939

The other thing nobody has mentioned is that parking a car anywhere IN Chicago is about 4x the train fare, and unless you are calling it a Vacation, the hotels in Crystal Lake are probably half price of Downtown Chicago hotels. And you can drink on the train if you like!

(I feel like a travel agent today!).

[content22207_2]

Note: Crystal Lake motels are at the Pingree Road station, not the Crystal Lake proper station (one stop before).

Bill Robertson
#5939

[DMCMW Dave]

Note: Crystal Lake motels are at the Pingree Road station, not the Crystal Lake proper station (one stop before).

Bill Robertson
#5939

But all the bars and the brewery are at the Crystal Lake stop. Never thought about it but you can take the train from the downtown area to the hotel area (one stop, about a mile).

[content22207_2]

You can drive the rental car to Crystal Lake eateries -- they have free parking lots.

Pingree Road Metra station is for excursions into the city. Leave the rental car in the motel parking lot and walk to the train station.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[content22207_2]

Nobody's mentioned this yet: if you can, get your hands on an EZ Pass transponder. In the Chicago area you pay a hefty surcharge for cash tolls. Toll booths are *VERY* close together (like every 5 miles). You will almost double your toll expense paying cash. Also, many of the exit ramps (like the one leading to Dave's shop) are exact change only -- without EZ Pass you'll need several dollars in coins.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[DMCVegas]

If you've driven the car a few hundred miles locally, it's probably safe to drive here. I get nervous when the first time someone drives a recently back-from -the dead car is on a 300 mile trip, so much is untested and it's painful ($$$) to emergency tow a car hundreds of miles. We've had many customers drive cars out of here for considerable distances, with no real issues.

Truthfully though, that's not just a concern about DeLoreans, it's a concern about ANY car you've just purchased. Hell, even my in-laws purchased a brand new GMC Acadia last month, and with only about 300 miles on the odometer the thing blew it's transmission.

Doesn't matter if it's a brand new car or not, but especially a used one which all DeLoreans are, if it's new to you it's best to not just jump into a long road trip right away until you get to know the vehicle.

[bfloyd]

Have you driven the car continuously for at least 2 hours (i.e. 100 miles one way)? Including some stop and go traffic?

Our trip to Chicago and DMC Midwest is just 12 days away. Took the car out tonight for its first ever "long distance" run. 228 miles round trip in about 3-4 hours time. Everything performed almost flawlessly. About 30 miles from home (on the way back) the Fan Fail light lit up and would stay on for a few seconds and then turn back off. (AC was running). I turned the AC off and just ran the mode switch on vent the rest of the way home.
When I got off the interstate and back into town, the Fan Fail light came on again. Nothing was overheating, and the car was running fine. Got back to the house and checked the fan operation in the driveway. Right side fan was running, left side fan was not.
Got my infrared thermometer out of the garage and shot the temps on the coolant hoses on the left and right sides of the water pump. 176 degrees on the right and 196 degrees on the left. After almost 4 hours of continuous driving, I was pleased with the results.

What to look for on the fan situation? Yes, it still has the original fan fail module. Do I need to remove it and replace it with the yellow jumper wire s from DMC?

[David T]

Yes, you need to remove the Fan Fail Relay and install a jumper. You also need to figure out why one fan isn't working. You should check that you have the "Relay Upgrade Kit" installed with the uprated relays and circuit breakers. Keep a few extra fuses by the fuse block just in case. Examine each fuse and make sure it is the correct size for it's position.

[Ryan King]

I tried once....didn't make it out of the state.

[DaraSue]

Bring every spare part you think you could possibly need. You will then guarantee that things will only go wrong with the parts you didn't bring spares of ... :wink:

[steve]

Yes bad Idea. You will DIE. :evilgrin:

[DMCMW Dave]

Bring every spare part you think you could possibly need. You will then guarantee that things will only go wrong with the parts you didn't bring spares of ... :wink:

Suzy told me she was pretty amazed a how much road trip prep stuff you put in the car. Of course a thermostat wasn't in that pile of stuff.

[DMC02566]

I guess the OP needs to clarify the situation here; is he going to pick the car up? Did he buy it at dmcfl and is going to Montana for Xmas? Details would help.





Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dodint]

OP's car ended up catching fire and burning down so...

[Andrew]

I would drive my carbed DeLorean from coast to coast without hesitation. I wouldn't do the same with my K-Jet car. However, I have also replaced all the brake hydraulics, fuel and coolant hoses along with the belts. I've also added a few upgrades including Byrne's LCA's and a Delco alternator. I always carry tools and an extra set of belts in any car that I drive. Furthermore, when driving the DeLorean I carry a number of DeLorean specific parts including a spare alternator, water pump, fuel pump, distributor and radiator.

Contrary to popular belief in an era of disposable items, a car's age and its reliability are not necessarily an inverse relationship. My newest car, and daily driver is a 1985 Olds Toronado. I rely on that car to get me from point A to point B in my job as an attorney in rain or shine, ice/snow or 103 degree weather. Modern vehicles are arguably less reliable than a 30 year old car, as modern cars are at the mercy of a multiple sensors required for the car's operation. To verify this simply unplug the crankshaft position sensor in any modern car and see how far you get! The key to reliability in anything proper maintenance.

Andrew
4194
5052

[DaraSue]

Suzy told me she was pretty amazed a how much road trip prep stuff you put in the car. Of course a thermostat wasn't in that pile of stuff.

Haha... well, at least all that stuff I loaded into the trunk was still cheaper than lowering the suspension :tongue2:

[sdg3205]

I would drive my carbed DeLorean from coast to coast without hesitation. I wouldn't do the same with my K-Jet car.
Andrew
4194
5052

Why is that, Andrew? K-jet isn't going to go out of tune like a piano if you hit some bumps. Are you running factory fuel lines? Afraid of developing a hot/cold start issue? Fire? Genuinely curious.

[Patrick C]

OP's car ended up catching fire and burning down so...

True story.

[bfloyd]

Very pleased to say that my wife and I drove 3294 today from Nashville Tennessee to Crystal Lake, Illinois. Took almost 10 hours due to construction on the interstates, but we finally made it. Checked in to the Holiday Inn and will be dropping off the car with Dave and the gang at DMC MIDWEST in the morning.

The car performed flawlessly all the way here!

[Lwanmtr]

Bring every spare part you think you could possibly need. You will then guarantee that things will only go wrong with the parts you didn't bring spares of ... :wink:

Sooo...basically pack another delroean into your trunk ala jetsons breifcase?

I'm still dreaming of driving mine to the local supermarket...maybe one day...lol

[DaraSue]

Very pleased to say that my wife and I drove 3294 today from Nashville Tennessee to Crystal Lake, Illinois. Took almost 10 hours due to construction on the interstates, but we finally made it. Checked in to the Holiday Inn and will be dropping off the car with Dave and the gang at DMC MIDWEST in the morning.

The car performed flawlessly all the way here!

:thumbup: Way to go! Glad you had a good trip with no disasters!


Sooo...basically pack another delroean into your trunk ala jetsons breifcase?

I'm still dreaming of driving mine to the local supermarket...maybe one day...lol

Haha... every time something happens I think "Okay, only short trips for a while" and then a week later I'm like "ugh, I gotta hit the road again..." :wink:

[bfloyd]

Our 19 year Wedding Anniversary trip to Chicago / Crystal Lake was a complete success. The car performed "almost" flawlessly on the way up, (Cooling fan failure) but was easily fixed in the parking lot of an Arby's somewhere in BFE Kentucky. Loose / corroded connector at the fan / harness connection. I'll have to admit the money I spent on bitsyncmaster's fused fan fail module was worth every penny. If it wasn't for that module restoring the fan fail light on the dash, I would have never known the fan was out.
http://i.imgur.com/zX4hH9Om.jpg
Dropped the car off at DMC-Midwest on Tuesday morning and Mike, Dave and Suzy were absolutely fantastic. Mike went to work on the dent on my left front fender, and Dave went through my car with a fine toothed comb. Very impressed with the work Mike did on the fender.
http://i.imgur.com/xKH9AQPl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/XAD4Wcgl.jpg
Fender BEFORE
http://i.imgur.com/Vdk3x68l.jpg
Fender AFTER
http://i.imgur.com/9v0npuil.jpg
Played for two days and nights in downtown Chicago and did just about all of the typical touristy stuff.

Picked up the car from DMC-Midwest on Thursday afternoon, loaded up the trunk full of more parts and pieces to install once we got home. Long drive down through the corn fields of Illinois, and stopped off on a spontaneous detour to Gibson City to visit a drive-in movie theatre owned by some friends of ours.
http://i.imgur.com/qhDr82pl.jpg

Finally back to middle Tennessee by 12:45 a.m.

http://i.imgur.com/txYYyWJl.jpg