My '87 442

[Oldsie]

As I stated in the new members forum, I'm a very proud owner of an 87 442. Apologies if the post is too long.

Here's a few pics:

Taken the day I brought it home on a flatbed:



Interior shot...kinda dirty and faded (used flash when I shouldn't have).



I was amazed that the interior was still in good shape, with only some fading from the sunlight. When I opened the trunk, I found a large section of cloth for the interior...the matching upholstery, brand new:



Yes, that is a t-top bag underneath...don't think they were used much.



Even the carpet was in good shape:



The car was purchased new in '87. It's a one-owner car, and still has the owners manual with it. I found this in the glove box:



Going to look for the build sheet when I get time. Going to try to get it running soon. This is a fun project, and I can't wait to hear it run. What's amazing is that I've had people already ask if it was for sale...absolutely not Saw a guy in an '80's Z-28 almost break his neck looking one day

I'll post more pics when I can, and give an update on the progress. It's fun to own a piece of automotive history.

[dr78442]

welcome !!! good luck

[88hurstolds]

Very cool, :icon14:
I'm doing a frame off on an 87 442 myself.
Let me know if you have any questions, I'll be sure to help.

[Oldsie]

Thanks! Would love to do a frame-off, but don't have a building big enough for it (yet). I appreciate the help...I'm sure I'll have questions during the process.

[Oldsie]

Got some questions, but since they're lengthy and technical, I'll post them in the electrical section.

[Fader]

how is 2011 treating your 87' 442 project????....I just came up to Indiana to snag my 85' 442 last month....

[Oldsie]

Pretty good, I have the electrical issues fixed, and am working on the fuel system and brakes. Hope to have it running soon.Thanks for asking.

[Oldsie]

I finally got the car running this past Sunday (4-1 - no, this is no joke!). It's been a slow process...sometimes, just not enough money and time. I made a new fuel line from the fuel pump to the carb last summer...that was a job. Took several attempts, but I got one bent that was pretty close:





Didn't get much more done until early spring this year. Got the correct bushings and spacers for the AC compressor and the smog pump installed, then started on the fuel tank. The lines were in pretty bad shape:



Bent new lines, and replaced the tank (with new sending unit installed), and new hoses. Replaced the wheel cylinders and lines on the rear brakes...I hate those wheel cylinders, although I now know a good way to remove and install them...I'll post that in another place. I noticed that the brake line attached to the brake hose was rusty. Planned to replace it later, but when we bled the brakes, it started leaking. I told my sons, heck with it, chock the wheels, we're going to start it.

I turned it over a few times to get some gas up to the carb. After about the 3rd or 4th time, checked to see if it had fuel...didn't seen any. As they are talking, I hit the key, and it fired! I shut it off so they could get the camera ready. Here's the videos:

http://s238.photobucket.com/albums/ff279/_AH_Olds/?action=view&current=101_0830.mp4

http://s238.photobucket.com/albums/ff279/_AH_Olds/?action=view&current=101_0831.mp4

http://s238.photobucket.com/albums/ff279/_AH_Olds/?action=view&current=Video04011625.mp4

No lifter clatter, but the carb needs some adjustments, and need to find some trouble codes. Oil pressure read 60 psi...not sure if the gauge is accurate, but I don't hear any banging or knocking, so it's probably close. Pretty good, considering the car hasn't been started in 12 or 13 years.

Feels really good to finally get this running Going to get the codes this weekend, and see if I can get the carb set. Once the brakes are finished, I can see if the trans works. I'll keep you posted.

[88hurstolds]

Sweet, cool to see that it started right up like that.
I hate those wheel cylinders, Ive fought with those a few times...
Carb probably could use a rebuild, these cars are pretty sensitive to a gummed up carb.
Id replace the O2 sensor and ignition module too, those can cause headaches as well, especially after sitting for a really long time.

[Oldsie]

Rebuilt the carb a few months after I got the car...probably just needs some adjustments. As for the codes, I checked the SES light tonight, and according to the test, it should have flashed code 12 when I grounded the B terminal...it did not. Light stays on when I do that. I traced it back, and it looks like it may have something to do with the Remote Lamp Driver, which, if I remember right, is just behind the dash. Not sure if it has a bad board, or just a loose connection. I'm going to look at it more tomorrow.

[88hurstolds]

You need to jump the A and B terminals together.

[Oldsie]

Ok, tried that, ignition on, engine not running...no flash. Traced the circuits back to the ECM, and had power at all terminals relating to the SES. I tried another board in the light driver, no change. Could it possibly be the switch in the ECM circuit? I'd have to replace the ECM if it was. The car starts fine, and runs fine, other than needing the carb set (rich). May just have to live with it while I get other things fixed.

Speaking of other things...think I have a bad doughnut gasket, rh side. I should have a new one stored in the trunk. Also, I noticed that when the engine is running, and you turn on the turn signal, the tach needle jumps in time with the signal. I've also noticed that the voltage is not very high...less than 12V, instead of 13.8v. Maybe problems with the voltage regulator, or just the alternator being dirty from sitting all these years? The car starts fine, haven't had to charge it since I first started it.

Thanks for your help in getting the bugs worked out of this...it takes a little while, but when it's finally done, it'll be worth it.

[88hurstolds]

The carb should not need setting, the computer controls the mixture as well as the O2 sensor.
Sounds like either the fuse for the ECM is bad or the ECM itself.
I would not tamper with the factory idle setting screws, they do not change much like older Qjets.
The mixture solinoid does all that.
You may have a bad ground in the cluster or crossed wires, the bulb socket in the cluster for the turn signal might be causing the issue.

[Oldsie]

The two things I'm concerned with setting on the carb are the float, which I may not have set correctly, and the idle air bleed screw, which is supposed to be set at a specific height. I do have an issue with the rf turn signal socket. When I turn on the lights, the indicator on the instrument panel comes on...I think it's in the wiring for the socket itself. It was working at one time.

If I do have a bad ECM, where would I get one? Seems like it would be difficult to find one for that particular VIN.

[88hurstolds]

The ECM is the same for 86-87 VIN Y and VIN 9 I believe, I'll have to check my parts manual.
Do not get one from an 88, they're different.