The Official SoCal Chat Thread

[oDereko]

Thanks. So i just bought a 93 mr2 and its in pretty much good shape. There only only a couple minor fixes and one big one. The big one being the rear main seal, but that's besides the point. The answer I am really looking for is about the cluster. This is my first mr2 so I'm not a genius. So I come to you guys for help. My gas gauge does not work and I need to know what could be wrong or if i just need to replace the whole thing. I'm pretty sure I could just mess with it and figure it out or just buy a new one, but I would like to know what you guys think first. Any suggestions would be great, and if you want to through in some thoughts about that rear main seal that would be much appreciated :] Thanks.

[o6spdracer]

^^Of course. Fire away.

Mixxer, I would..I might...ahh you guys suck. We'll see how things go.

Hamid, don't take their word for it, shop around to see if a reputable shop can fix it. There might be other shops that can fix it for you. Try RB Motors, Mag Masters, and Boltons Classic Wheels. Just google them for their info. These are the three that come up most frequently when it comes to rims repair in SoCal.

Congratulations Frankie! Any pics?

[oDereko]

To add to that. I know i could just ignore it and push on, but I'm OCD sometimes...and its a new car

[oDereko]

I need sleep. I hope to wake up to answers :] Thanks again.

[Davis]

Have you tried tapping the cluster? I remember I did that at work and the temp gauge started working again.

After looking at the repair manual, these could be the causes:

- Fuel receiver gauge
- Fuel sender gauge
- Combination meter wiring circuit
- Wiring harness

I bet it's one of the first two.

Also check out Texas MR2 Community lots of friendly people there, maybe they'll help you troubleshoot this. Try switching clusters to see if it fixes the problem.

[o6spdracer]

Regarding the rear main seal, unless you are very mechanically inclined, I would not try to do this yourself. It is basically a full clutch job requiring the removal of the transmission, clutch, and flywheel. This is a good website for the Do it Yourselfers: MR2 Mod Project.

Regarding your gas gauge, do you have any sort of overlay on the gauges; such as the indiglo gauges? Or did the previous owner have those on? that might be affecting the needle's movements and impeding its movements. I would check to see if the needle moves freely (do NOT pull on it) and then what Davis said by checking the sending and receiving units.

[deucegirl03]

yo Frankie congrats on the house!
welcome Derek. yeah Davis is right, it could be one of a few things causing the fuel gauge to not work. when diagnosing, i always use "KISS" "keep it simple stupid". i personally would check the wiring first, see if something has come lose or you have a bad ground...and yes Ji is right too when it comes to that rear main it requires dropping the motor/trans ass'y and that is not something to undertake on ur own, even an experienced mechanic benefits from having someone around to help with a project like that...
yo 1stgen if you are curious as to what may be unique on ur two, why not post up some pics? we'd be able to point out trim mods and things like that that are not stock or are unique...
so i got the top end re-assembled yesterday! yay! today i start the re-assembly of the long block. the last hurdle left to overcome on the motor build is breaking that dayum crank pulley bolt lose so i can remove the pulley and change the timing belt...if anyone has any tips for that let me know...

[honda_bar]

ren, talk to mixxer, he posted some 'tricks' a little while back....

[oDereko]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. I'm pretty sure that the sending unit is good. I was just guessing it was a wiring problem. So I should just check to see if the needle is stuck or if something is preventing it from moving? If that doesn't work then take out the cluster and check the wiring? Should i go as far as buying a new one or is that a last resort?

And about the rear main seal. I do not have half the stuff i need to drop the trans. My dad has a friend at work that is pretty mechanically inclined and he offered to take a stab at it. Is there anything else i should replace while the trans. is dropped other than the seal? Like things that can come up in the future from a problem like this.

thanks thanks thanks :]

[Davis]

^ Hey Derek, once you drop the trans, might as well install a new clutch! and new gear oil, uhh what else is there that you can do...I think that's about it.

I wouldn't go and buy a new cluster if I were you, just get one used on the boards, but first make sure that it's the receiving unit that is broken. Swap clusters with another member in your area to see!

[oDereko]

Well I believe the clutch is fairly new. The engine was totally rebuilt about two years ago and a new Spec Stage 2 Kevlar clutch was put in, and i dont think the leak is that bad to have damaged the clutch.

Alright, ill go play with the cluster a bit and see what i can do. Thanks again.

[Mark_Dorman]

^That's awesome dude...congrats. Definitely check out the texas community. They're pretty cool.

Congrats on the house Frankie!!!!

Originally Posted by datguydeni

im keeping that in mind mixxer. trying to figure what i want to do.. my dad though wants to get me a new car... but love the mr2 too much won't settle for anything but a wrx (just because its awd 4dr). anyway hmm he said he would drive the mr2 as his dd and get me a car but haha i don't know lol..

So what exactly are you trying to figure out? Dude...If my dad would have bought me a $15k car when I was 19 I would have been stoked. If he would have bought me a car period I would have be super excited...

[datguydeni]

budget is like 5k so it's going to be awhile till i find the right priced haha.
probably drive around it like this for a little bit, and slowly start replacing parts hehe.

[mr.asian.m2]

thanks guys. no pics of the house yet. house still need alot of loving. hihih. and yes davis. bring the girls and the room is yours. hahahah....

man, it been so long since i kept track of you guys. i think by the next time i come online. all of you guys will pass me up so much on work on the 2.

to new texas mr2 owner. i would just take out the cluster and check out the harness and wire first before you order a new one. my guess is something not connect well back there....or dirty. we are also having a new mr2 meet next weekend at the steak and snake place. check out Texas MR2 Community for more infor.

reni and mark. do i have some story to tell you guys. tell you all about it when i call. all i can said is... alot of drama.

[oDereko]

Okay, so after messing with the cluster for a few hours i figured out that the gauge just seized up. I just spun it loose and it kind of works. I dont think it reads right but its showing some type of movement. Ill probably have to invest in a new cluster though because it might be the wrong one. The previous owner put it in and i dont think its right b/c the rpm gauge is way off, the speedometer isn't very accurate, and there isn't a spot for a cruise control light. Any good websites for aftermarket clusters or maybe a good stock one? Or are craigslist and eBay my best bet?

[datguydeni]

^just look around in the forums market threads. someone probably parting out their car

[masagsxr]

Ok you guys need to hear it from me... You probably seen it on craigslist. I pulled the trigger and bought it and i'm happy I did. Dream yet fulfilled

Enjoy..... Ok brb.. need to hit the showers.

[deucegirl03]

congrats Mixxer!
dude Frankie when are you coming to Cali???

[datguydeni]

oh my, mixxer haha. v8 damn..... future plans on that thing??? Twin turbo eh eh??

[Mark_Dorman]

Yeah Mixxer!!! Love the car!

Hey Dennis...you interested in a turbo swap for your car??? Got one in your price range if you're interested

Hey Derek...if you need a cluster I have a couple extras. I can sell you one if you need.