Took the TGP to a car guy I've never met before and talked with him through all the foibles I've found in the car. The problems with the engine running hot and cranking slowly I talked about last week or so have been dismissed through him as not being actual problems, and that these were likely from the car not being run for two weeks before that time I started the car. :icon_redface: But at least he did find another two at-least mildly significant problems.
The windshield-wiper fluid container is connected at the top by only one bolt, which is towards the posterior of the car, and there is evidence (outline of a previously-installed bracket, holes for fasteners to fit through) that a bracket which held the wiper fluid container up above the battery has vanished. That means that the wiper fluid container is touching the battery, so there is a chance that battery acid that may or may not ever appear could eat through the plastic and make that container leak.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sYYLg0KdZJ4/TMtJV3RqIdI/AAAAAAAAAb0/BSgbSdHlYkw/s640/IMG_0400.JPG)
^ Overall view of the wiper fluid container area
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sYYLg0KdZJ4/TMtJYYyIgkI/AAAAAAAAAcE/2IxN0EplhwE/s640/IMG_04002.jpg)
^ ...And with MSPaint handywork :icon_rolleyes:
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sYYLg0KdZJ4/TMtJWc4eTGI/AAAAAAAAAb4/0ISZHaGNAYA/s640/IMG_0401.JPG)
^ Better view of fresher paint where a bracket probably existed before
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sYYLg0KdZJ4/TMtJXfcjRtI/AAAAAAAAAb8/N6yOhGSNSc4/s640/IMG_0402.JPG)
^ Container touching the battery
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sYYLg0KdZJ4/TMtJX6EsO7I/AAAAAAAAAcA/OE6EBa4CBTA/s640/IMG_0403.JPG)
^ ...And where it should be positioned, about 1/2" - 3/4"
Anyone know what this part is and where I can get one?
Another cause for concern is the automatic safety belt. The guy had a friend, a friend (or wife? I don't remember) of whom's was in an accident in a car with the same sort of door-mounted safety belt; he was in a collision when the door popped loose, and when this happened, the seat belt remained attached to the door and the driver came with it and was killed because of the ejection. Should I be worried about the automatic safety belt in the car, and if I should, is there a known way to retrofit/modify the vehicle to keep a similar ejection from happening should I wind up in a similar situation?
What you are missing is the plastic battery cover in which the washer fluid tab slid under. Discontinued years ago and almost impossible to find at salvage yards.
As for the seat belt, that was a 1 in 100000000 situation. Dont worry.
You need to start realizing your car is 20 years old and will have a lot of character.
OK then. So, is there any way I could just prop it up without the bracket? And I'm asking because the only idea I can think of is a wad of paper towels stuck under the washer fluid container.
Here's a underhood picture for reference to show you the battery cover that you're missing: http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/mfewtrail/1990%20TGP/?action=view¤t=tgp027.jpg
GPChief is right, they're very uncommon to find in junkyards. Most people toss them out as that's just one more thing to remove or reinstall when swapping out a battery. I've been casually looking for one for my red TGP as it was missing when I bought the car. Not having the battery cover there is really going to hurt anything at all. I want to throw one back on simply because it looks nicer under the hood with it on there.
I have a washer reservoir, send me a pm if ya want. :icon_cool:
edit-i think i have 2 or 3 actually if anyone else is missing it.
"You need to start realizing your car is 20 years old and will have a lot of character."
The most perfect way I have ever heard it put. My TGP has more "character" than all my other 3 toys put together. I hated my car for it's character for a long time! But after driving it all year for my commute I am definitely thinking long term with it. Your car is sweet and will show it's character over time. Mine had the shlt beat out of it's caracter when I got it and it needs tons more "counseling". :laugh:
Any PM3 car will have that cover