Vic, as for problem number 2, I think your guess at the u-joint was
correct. Those don't always clunk when they go bad. Mine had the same
symptoms as yours but it threw me off because it did not match the typical
problems.
Patrick
At 01:44 PM 3/27/99 -0600, Victor B. Michael wrote:
>
>Greetings Lists,
>
>Well, thanks to the help of a friend and the purchase of a parts car,
>I've got my Spit running again. I have a few questions, though.
>
>1) A strange problem with restarting the engine after driving for a bit.
>Simply put, after driving for more than 5 or 10 minutes, stopping the
>car, going into a store, returning to head home, while trying to restart
>the car, it's just a bear to start. I usually have to wait about 3
>minutes before it will actually kick over and run. There is a hint of
>some blue smoke, not much at all, really. One thought comes to mind as I
>write this is vapor lock...maybe? What are other things I should check?
>
>2) What I thought might be u-joint or a weak rear spring turns out to
>still be a puzzle for me. The rear end is now making a squeaking noise
>(we've dubbed it the "monkey")... It sounds as if each rotation of the
>driveshaft or axles is making contact with some metal, letting out a
>screach, squeal or low pitched chirp. Sounds to be metal on metal. It
>only happens during accellaration or when the weight is transferred to
>the rear of the car. Any ideas?
>
>3) (and last) My Spit was in a front end accident which mangled the
>front chassis/bumber cross member. I would like to use the one off the
>new parts car and weld it on to my [soon to be] driver. This will allow
>all the front end parts to fit properly, unlike now. New bumper, bonnet,
>etc... How difficult is this? How much might I expect to pay for the
>welding? I would prep both cars for the welding work (removing all
>parts, etc)...
>
>Thanks for any and all input!
>
>Vic
>
Patrick Bowen
'79 Spitfire
Jacksonville FL
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