New Acquisition: 1983 Imperial

[Mroldart2u]

Made an attempt at starting today. Power on showed that the instrument cluster for the trip computer isn't functioning. Repaired some wires near the relay next to the power booster, power and a ground on the passenger side firewall. When trying to crank over there's, there's no heavy draw power, but it sounds like the bendix in the starter is sticking or there is possibly a bad wire to the starter. The engine did not even try to rotate.

If its a 'light' click i would say its still a bad connection somewhere, If its a heavier more substantial click, could be starter motor itself locked, or the engine is locked/froze. As mentioned I would pull all the plugs and use some sort of lube in cylinders, can be lube of choice and just let it set... (My cleveland motor had sat several years and had done the same... filled the cylinders with atf until it ran out of each. 4-5 days later bumped on starter a couple of times and had an instant oily mess, but I was happy. spun it for 30-45 sec. stuck plugs back in and fired it off)

That was 5-6 years ago, and it will start everytime with no ill effects..

 

[MagnumMaster]

Anything new?

 

[Bryan M.]

Tried again, fresh battery, same response. Jacked up passenger side, found a dangling, chewed ground. Can't get under the car at its current spot. This now starts the hiatus of the Imperial until I return in September.

 

[MiradaMegacab]

Bryan, care to share with us what you coated your headliner backer board with? I remember some kind of fiberglass resin......

 

[Bryan M.]

Yeah, I used a poly-based boat resin, about two gallons worth.

 

[BHA43]

Wow one of the limos. How many of those still kicking around? That a LS behind it?

That is the only 20" stretch that Chry made! Yes that it a rubber nosed Cordoba!

 

[MiradaMegacab]

2 gallons? She was thirsty!

 

[Bryan M.]

2 gallons? She was thirsty!

It acted like a sponge. Have to spread fast in several areas.

 

[Bryan M.]

It's official, I own it outright. I'm working to have it moved to my house.

 

[83Imp]

I have some engine wiring harnesses for sale in the parts section if you think you may need them. I have a the carb conversion set, and a stock FI (not shown) harness I'll let you have pretty cheap (it's dirty) if you need it.

A bunch of other stuff for sale too like the 83 2-volume service manual set.

 

[Bryan M.]

I won't know until I get my hands on it...about late Aug/early Sept

 

[Bryan M.]

Got it home today. Cleaned off the rodent detrius from the engine bay, attempted starting. Nothing. Rechecked wiring, couple of small repairs, nothing. Swapped out the starter relay from my Mirada, nothing. Replaced starter (NASTY.) nothing. Noticed hanging wires on passenger side undercarriage. A foot of wiring from the neutral safety switch had been severed. Repaired, engine turned right over, but no fire. Checked throttle body, blades were varnished shut. Some heavy chemicals later, the blades moved like new. Tried to start it, a quick choke, then nothing. Roped a friend in, blasted chemicals into throttle body, car ran for two minutes on that before we stopped.

Current situation: In-tank pump is certainly dead, and 20-to-1 the inline filters are carmelized with bad fuel. But she spun over, and ran fine...on Brake-kleen.

Notable issue: after repair, when key is on, the shift indicator shows both P and R as selected and the reverse lights are on. Ideas?

83Imp: I have the electrical FSM, do you still have the other book?

 

[83Imp]

I have both books, but I don't want to split them up. I'll go $25 shipped for both.

 

[BHA43]

Remember the car will NOT run without the air cleaner lid securely installed!

 

[Bryan M.]

I have both books, but I don't want to split them up. I'll go $25 shipped for both.

Done. PM me an address, I'll send out a check.

 

[Bryan M.]

Remember the car will NOT run without the air cleaner lid securely installed!

I know, but even with the lid installed, there is absolutely nothing. The lid came off to see if there was any functionality worth mentioning. Luckily, so far it's just the fuel pump.

 

[83Imp]

... so far it's just the fuel pump.

PM Sent.

Remember too Bryan, The fuel pump will not run at all if the ASM on the pass fender is not relaying the signal. Did you go to the Imperialonline website and read up on the system. The ASM typically needs a seperate ground (a fat ground wire from the module case to the heave AC compressor bracket) because it was only grounded to the fender from the factory and rust under the mount removed the ground.

 

[Bryan M.]

I did run a new ground from the ASDM to the passenger-side ground and noticed a vast improvement in the car's cranking. I've been on Imperialonline and Imperial Club digging up info. This is the deepest I've gotten into a car since my 4-spd Diplomat a few years back.

 

[Bryan M.]

Guys, I need wheel/tire combo suggestions. I don't want to reuse the "buckshot" wheels the Mirada has. I'm open to any suggestions other than stock.

 

[jasperjacko]

I think a set of 16x8 and 16x9 wheels from an 88-89 chrysler conquest would look cool. The center of the wheel has the pentastar shape. Not sure, but I think the center register hole may need to be enlarged. You may be able to use bigger brakes also.