Any help from other 405ers?
Regards
angus
At 16:57 5/05/98 PDT, jackmindy wrote:
>A few things I learned over the seven years I had my late, lamented '89
MI16 - traded last October with over 256,000 miles.
>
>Premium unleaded gas is something I ** NEVER ** put in it. NEVER. Not even
mid-grade unleaded. Well, maybe the first week, just for comparison. Notice
that only the manual indicates premium unleaded. The fuel door and the gas
gauge only say "unleaded fuel only". I have even on numerous occasions,
used Sunoco's now-discontinued "Economy" grade (86 octane) with absolutely
NO noticeable difference in performance. Lest there be a chorus of
"But...but...but..." from the technologically inclined, I will bring up the
only "but" that really counts: my '89 went over 256,000 miles on
exclusively 87 octane. It always ran perfect, always beat the other car in
the stoplight grand prix, and did not have one thing done to the engine.
Not a head gasket, nothing.
>
>And my current '91 MI16 is just as happy on cheap ol' 87 octane, too.
>
>
>On to some other things.
>
>Radio antennas: I never had an electirc antenna that lasted more than two
years, no matter how often I cleaned, lubricated, etc. All the way back to
our '85 505 Turbo. Two year lifespan. The Radio Shack electric antenna fits
reasonably well (about $40), although you'll have to cut and solder some
wires because the connector is different. Not all that difficult to the
electrically-inclined.
>
>Radiator fan: If one of yours seizes up, as mine did, try to find one from
a 505 for cheap. The one I got fit the three-bolt mounting with the
addition of some spacers. Only it fit backwards. Reverse the wiring to make
it spin in the correct direction. Danger!!! The 505 fan is now outside the
safety of the shroud. Caution is indicated.
>
>Suspension: Wheel bearings, rubber bushings, etc. lasted over 200,000
miles before requiring replacement.
>
>Shame that the transmission was the downfall of the '89. I couldn't
justify the expense on a car that was finally showing a little wear. I was
aiming for 300,000.
>
>
>