I was told 3 weeks for a new adaptor, and its only been 2 weeks. I must be getting impatient. Meantime, I’ve updated my wiring diagram, and will start the rewiring this weekend (subject to the usual interruptions).
I’m also trying to find some software so I can talk to the motor controller, but that’s a very difficult proposition.
Well, I’m going to use a different machinist to create the motor adaptor. It’s going to be a big project, as the current motor is only 9″ in diameter and the new motor is about 13.5″ in diameter. So we have to move the rear battery pack up 1.5″, and create a new motor mount for the motor – so it will be a squeeze fitting it in.
Plus, we have to mill a brand new motor adaptor – this will mate the motor to the transmission. This adaptor has to be precisely a certain length in order for the clutch to work properly.
Work starts on monday. Will keep you posted on the progress.
When the heat strikes I do to. Once the temp goes above 90, I have difficult leaving the house. This is partly due to living in Santa Cruz for so many years, and personal preference.
Anyways, I got the front wheel bearings tightened up today – they were wobbling a bit and I didn’t know why. After the mechanic stopped laughing at me, it took all of 20 minutes to do. I’m really hoping to start replacing the battery interconnects soon – I want them done before the new motor mount shows up (is taking a while to get a 3d model built up – more money would speed things for sure).
Wow. I was going through the email that my friend in Shenzen was forward to me with some translation, and I FINALLY realized that I could also translate using Google. Well. Color me surprised. Yes, it was literally translated properly, but no, it wasn’t correctly translated. So, I’m trying to use Google Translate to do both english and chinese to the factory to make sure I’ve got it all correct with the controller.
For those following the saga at home, the 16-pin connector has a bunch of extra lines out. Those lines out (9-15) are options that can be programmed at the factory – meaning they do nothing for me. Now I just need to figure out how the potbox connects and whether I really need -12 and +12 or just +12 and ground. Details, details. 🙂
Ok, so the engine is pulled, and gosh, there’s rust! Oh, and the car used to have air conditioning, so it was “fun” pulling the engine around the compressor and hoses. I’ve got a bit of work to remove the rust and glue from the sound insulation (worthless stuff) now.
Of course, these parts are due to arrive when I am out of town. Again. And of course, the installation manual is not part of this package. WHEN is that going to arrive???? ARgh.
On the positive side, at least the brakes are going to be in very good shape. The rear calipers are being rebuilt, and being painted a very spiffy black. 🙂
Hmph. No assembly manual. No charger for the batteries. And a wiring harness is not there.
Nuts.
Oh well, back to taking care of the rust.
While I’m waiting for the electric parts to show up, I’m tacking some rust on the body. Rust is one of the major killers of 914s. There are several areas that are of major concern, one of which is named the “hell hole”, I kid you not. This hole is just under the battery, and is caused by water and battery acid (yikes!). I’m not brave enough to get to that yet, but instead I’m removing the rust around the front trunk.
Oh, and I’m also hoping to get my transmission put back together this week so I can start driving the car. Hope springs eternal and all that.
Wow, waiting for parts is so…..not-exciting.
I was gone for a week on travel (Seoul, South Korea) (hot and muggy – a person from Chicago said it felt like home), and then dealt with a heat-wave over Labor Day weekend (107F and 40% humidity).
Plus, some parts went AWOL. A special ring for the transmission (worth $500) decided to go somewhere other than my house – UPS lost it. At least I got a replacement. And then I found I needed some more synchro rings, and those are still to show up.
And all I’ve received from Electro Automotive is the motor and controller – nothing else. Hrm. I’ll bother them next week to see where everything is.
Brad stopped by on sunday and “helped” me take the transmission out. By helping, I mean I held the light and watched as he did a bunch of wrenching under the car. Good thing, too, because there were some hidden bolts, and I would have forgotten to disconnect the ground strap.
For those of you that have never seen the inside of a transmission, it is a bit daunting, lots of gears and arms, all covered with oil.
It’s just weird stuff. Thank goodness I’ve got Brad to help on this.
Here’s a closeup of the gears.
The underside of the car where the transmission mounts to the engine is just a mess.
Wow…I took the car to AAA to register it with the DMV (MUCH faster and easier than going to the DMV). Of course, it took more $$$ than I wanted to pay, but no choice in the matter, I suppose.
When I came back out I found this on the windshield:
I guess other people like the 914s, too. 😀