Hello and a couple questions.

SATURN5

SATURN5

Dr. Frankenstang
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First, I'd like to say hello to everyone. Been lurking for a few months while I was searching for a Mark VIII. I finally found a very nice 96 base with 112K miles, with new struts/bags/compressor (Arnott), drilled and slotted brakes, and a upgraded trans with shift kit/stall.

Had it for a couple weeks now and I'm getting the dreaded check air ride when over 60. Searching leads to a stuck vent solenoid as being the likey culprit. I've manually checked the compressor and valve by disconnection them at the 4 pin connector and applying 12Vs to each. The compressor runs, and the valve seemed to open.

I plan to contact americanair for a spider valve setup, however I did notice that the 4 pin connector is corroded somewhat. I cleaned it up (both halves) as best I could, but I would like to replace both halves if someone knows where I can source replacements. If I can't get the original type, I'll go with a high current 4 pin weatherpak.

Second question is the tach is not functioning correctly. The needle turns counterclockwise as rpms rise, then settles ~1K while driving.. Ideas?

Anyways, love the site and all the info... Been keeping me busy reading, just ask my wife... :)

Thanks, Bob
 
SATURN5 said:
First, I'd like to say hello to everyone. Been lurking for a few months while I was searching for a Mark VIII. I finally found a very nice 96 base with 112K miles, with new struts/bags/compressor (Arnott), drilled and slotted brakes, and a upgraded trans with shift kit/stall.

Had it for a couple weeks now and I'm getting the dreaded check air ride when over 60. Searching leads to a stuck vent solenoid as being the likey culprit. I've manually checked the compressor and valve by disconnection them at the 4 pin connector and applying 12Vs to each. The compressor runs, and the valve seemed to open.

I plan to contact americanair for a spider valve setup, however I did notice that the 4 pin connector is corroded somewhat. I cleaned it up (both halves) as best I could, but I would like to replace both halves if someone knows where I can source replacements. If I can't get the original type, I'll go with a high current 4 pin weatherpak.

Second question is the tach is not functioning correctly. The needle turns counterclockwise as rpms rise, then settles ~1K while driving.. Ideas?

Anyways, love the site and all the info... Been keeping me busy reading, just ask my wife... :)

Thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
You could contact Jamie and see if he has any connectors or ask him to save one on his next car he strips, or ask for one in the parts section.
Jamie

As far as the tach the face plate is coming un-glued making the needle rub take it out of the dash and glue it back down.

Welcome to LVC Bob
 
welcome to LVC Bob, and I must say... good job on searching and diagnosing before posting a question.
your post plainly shows you have searched and researched...
GOOD JOB!

now I may be wrong here, but "I THINK" the air compressor plug is the same type style plug as the O2 sensors....you might check that out as a source of replacement if you cant find the correct plug.

I'd think you could get the correct plug from your local salvage yard, any plug from any 93-98 compressor will work.
 
Thanks all.

I'll check with Jamie. I'd ideally like to get two sets of connectors, and use one set to make a splice to go between the car side harness and the compressor and vent solenoid, then add an additoinal 4 conductor wire to run to the inside with a pair of LEDs to indicate when either the compressor or valve has power.

Research and diagnosing/repair is my life.... I repair industrial electronics for a living. Plus my other "toy" is a 84 SVO, Volvo 16V head, custom machined pistons, Holset turbo, Megasquirt.. Just a few hours making things work, that weren't made for each other.. :lol:

Bob
 
SATURN5 said:
Thanks all.

I'll check with Jamie. I'd ideally like to get two sets of connectors, and use one set to make a splice to go between the car side harness and the compressor and vent solenoid, then add an additoinal 4 conductor wire to run to the inside with a pair of LEDs to indicate when either the compressor or valve has power.

Research and diagnosing/repair is my life.... I repair industrial electronics for a living. Plus my other "toy" is a 84 SVO, Volvo 16V head, custom machined pistons, Holset turbo, Megasquirt.. Just a few hours making things work, that weren't made for each other.. :lol:

Bob
Click to expand...


:GotPics: :GotPics: :GotPics: :GotPics: :GotPics: :GotPics:
 
Of the SVO?

P1010063.jpg

P1010071.jpg

Folder...
SVO%20Build


Currently putting T-Tops in...

P1010057.jpg


Folder...
t%20top%20install


Bob
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hmm... My post with pics of the SVO is gone.... Did I bust a rule? If so, sorry..
 
SATURN5 said:
Of the SVO?

P1010063.jpg

P1010071.jpg

Folder...
SVO%20Build


Currently putting T-Tops in...

P1010057.jpg


Folder...
t%20top%20install


Bob
Click to expand...

That is just freakin sick! Great job and sounds like you will be a valued asset here.
That is only the second SVO I have ever seen with that head, just sick.
Very very clean too. Whats the rwhp?
 
I missed that my posts are being moderated, sorry about the repeat post. /goes and sits off in the corner... Durr....
 
I had an 85 once. :D

Mark owners just have good taste and like the idea of a fast car that very few others have yet still blends. Be noticed without standing out. :D
 
SATURN5 said:
I've manually checked the compressor and valve by disconnection them at the 4 pin connector and applying 12Vs to each. The compressor runs, and the valve seemed to open.
Click to expand...

"seemed to open"? just put power and ground to the blue and white wire and you should hear the air come out (it wont be loud) or you could feel it come out. you could pressurize the system first by running the compressor for a sec or two then jump the vent and see it air comes out

edit: nice SVO!
 
kustomizingkid said:
The vent solenoid might be frozen open... if so it is new compressor time...
Click to expand...

Uh, his car isnt slaming itself. Its just not venting (or thinks its not) properly.
I am no air ride guy but read so many threads on them it seems his issue is eaither a bad level sensor or the valve isnt opening when it should.
 
LaserSVT said:
I had an 85 once. :D

Mark owners just have good taste and like the idea of a fast car that very few others have yet still blends. Be noticed without standing out. :D
Click to expand...

OR they have the affliction that I have.

I always seem to buy a obscure vehicle that has ZERO aftermarket support.

Mustang II
SVO mustang
Mark 8
 
I'm not sure if you have figured out your venting problem yet, but I will share with you what I found. I chased this problem for about a week, and it was driving me crazy. I used the NGS here at work and performed the air suspension self test. It walks around the vehicle venting each bag individually. The solenoids would click, but the car wouldnt lower. I removed the air lines from each solenoid(car was on a lift) and the car would vent out of the bottom of the solenoid. So I assumed that the vent solenoid on the compressor maybe wasnt working, it was and wasnt restricted or anything.

Anywho, after lots of screwing round it came to me one day to try something. I removed the accumulator from the compressor, and put my vacuum gauge on the compressor side. I was able to pull a vacuum on the thing, I dont remember what it was, but I had another compressor here and compared the 2. Basically, the accumulator had somehow became restriced and the pump was able to pump air thru it out to the bags, but the bags couldnt push the air thru the accumulator and out the vent solenoid on the compressor. Maybe give that a try. I dont know if anyone has ever seen this before, but let us know if this was the issue. I had another compressor assembly that was shot that I robbed the accumulator off of to fix my car. I suppose you could probably gut that accumulator of its dessacant,but thats just an idea.

Good Luck!
 
SATURN5 said:
I missed that my posts are being moderated, sorry about the repeat post. /goes and sits off in the corner... Durr....
Click to expand...
Not a lot of moderation here, but we do have a Political section just like the Corral:D
 
XLRVIII said:
OR they have the affliction that I have.

I always seem to buy a obscure vehicle that has ZERO aftermarket support.

Mustang II
SVO mustang
Mark 8
Click to expand...

Oh, crap. Is your next car a Catera? LMAO

My Laforza left me with no support. 1 of like 300 in the U.S.
001.jpg
 
Well, finally went and pulled the compressor.

The compressor (Arnott) runs, pumps (not much in my opinion) and the vent solenoid is frozen shut. Yippee.

Tossed it back in for now and flipped the ride switch off. Now to score a new or good used compressor..
 
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