jeff968

It was a great weekend. The matador came back to life and what an experience it was. I've been working on cars for 40 years. I've installed numerous new engines or engine swaps over the years but I never brought one back from the dead. The matador hadn't run in over 4 years as per the previous owner. So, once I got things situated I started out to get her going. A new battery was installed and things lit up. I turned her over and she turned strong but no start. I checked a plug wire and she was getting spark. Then undid a fuel line and found no fuel. I swapped the DME from Minty but no difference. So that lead me to the fuel pump which turn out to be bad. I ordered a new one and installed it over the weekend and turned the key again, she turned but nothing. I switched out the DME and tried again and after a few cranks she coughed! Then again, and again, and slowly but surely she came back to life, holding an idle, then continuing to smooth out. It was an incredible experience. I let her run for 15 minutes and she got smoother with every minute. Then started to leak coolant! That's the next problem. She is still on jack stands so I have yet to take her for a drive down the driveway but I have a good clutch and brake pedal so I'm optimistic. Thanks to all my 968 pals for the help along the way!!!

boost feen

Great work I know the feeling, don't forget the h2o pump and belts before you run her anymore! It's good to save a lost soul every once in awhile

thomasmryan

Sweet. Any luck on butt welding the quarter?

jeff968

That is a summer project. First up is getting the car running and moving, then to the body shop in the spring for pulling. Then the quarter panel will go on in the summer.

thomasmryan

Lol..

Jay Wellwood

Great job Jeff.

968gene

coolant leak? Alex, I'll take Plastic Heater valves for $500.

jeff968

Too funny Tom! But that is exactly what I looked like on Saturday!

Gene, I think it is that radiator hose plug that appears to be leaking.

Jeff

Spokayman

Jeff, congratulations on the article about rescuing the Matador in the PCA eBrake News email!
http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/con...ogy-automotive
I've been following your updates and look forward to watching as things progress.

brian0473

Congratulations Jeff.

jeff968

So, an update for those watching at home. After the matador running she properly started leaking coolant. I was happy to see the leak was coming from the radiator and not the engine. I traced the leak to a block off cap on the radiator (this is a modine radiator that has the extra tube for a 944 install) . It had rotted. I order a new cap, replaced it, bled the system, and the big leak went away. I started the car and let it run. It runs great, and for the first time she came up to temp and the heat came on! Nice.

I'm at the crossroads now. I will pull off the rear bumper and have my body guy come over and look at the job. Stay tuned.

Picture is of the parts car I picked up for the quarter panel (ha ha ha )

jeff968

Coupes

jeff968

Running like a top. Got the bumper off and I'm removing parts to make way for repair.

FLT951

Way to go Jeff!
That pic looks like the rear of a 968 I left in Pa after a 4 corner hit on a guardrail on I80.