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Down To Two "issues' Can Sure Use Some Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter mysd455
  • Start date Start date May 21, 2015
M

mysd455

New Member
Dec 1, 2014
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May 21, 2015
#1
  • May 21, 2015
  • #1
I've been in the hobby a long time but can't figure the last two problems out on my 87 "Drop top". I just got it. 1st If I lower the top either at idle or while reving it a the low oil light comes on . But not while going up :LOL And a more important problem is a somewhat rough running engine (I can feel it in the steering wheel) at more or less 1400 rpms. smooth below that and above that . Thanks in advance for any ideas.
 

jrichker

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May 22, 2015
#2
  • May 22, 2015
  • #2
Top problem: I take it that you are not the first owner of this car...
Electrical gremlins from two totally unrelated electrical systems means that you have one of 3 things:
1.) Low voltage due to a power delivery problem to the top.
2.) A bad ground in the top motor circuit - not so likely since it would also show up when raising the top.
3.) A miswire due to the efforts of the previous owner. That's why I asked if you were the original owner.






Vibration problem:
Check the accessory drive belt and pulleys. Start the engine and have someone hold the throttle at the point where it vibrates. Closely examine the belt and pulleys; if you see the belt vibrating, the belt is too long or the tensioner isn't working properly. The tensioner has a mark or pointer on the front which should not point to the extreme end of travel on either side.
Or...
You have an accessory with a bad bearing or internal damage. The smog pump is the first suspect in this scenario since the vanes inside the pump often fail. An automotive stethoscope is an inexpensive tool that can be very useful in diagnosing mysterious noises and vibrations.

Watch the harmonic balancer to be sure that it isn't wobbling. If it is, replace it.
 
M

mysd455

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Dec 1, 2014
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May 22, 2015
#3
  • May 22, 2015
  • #3
Thank you for your help. The last owner seemed short on cash but long on "improvements" over factory design and function......Nothing was as bad as my old 2006 Maserati GS coupe that the PO ungraded with amps and speakers, then removed them before trading it in. I was the next owner. It seemed like each day started with a new short circuit.
 
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