Our first order of business, a valve adjustment. I have done one other valve adjustment ever, and that was last year with Colin. I knew it was time for another, but I wanted the security blanket of Colin there to make sure I had my process in order. Other than some concern with the #2 intake, everything was within spec with minimal wear. I let him know that I was concerned my engine was running hot. After taking a look at the plugs, he said they looked ok, but your plug boots are shot, that will throw a lot of heat back there.
Up next, I have been attempting to chase down and remedy a pretty horrible shifting experience. I've tried new stop plates, new shifters, new bushings, new cables, new bowden tube, and OCD checking of Free Play, and it always felt terrible. Trouble into First and Second from a stop, a clunk into reverse on occasion. Multiple trips to a local shop to get a fresh set of eyes, feel better for two weeks, then back to the same old. First, we needed more sag in the bowden tube, a couple of properly placed spacers (dremeled into a "d" shape), and that looked better. That is when we noticed the top bolt on the bracket had the beginnings of stripping out. Longer bolt and spacer later, bracket is secure. One of the crankcase studs had also pulled out, so Colin delicately tackled that issue. Checked the other studs were tight (one wasn't), got the free play back into spec. Essentially, everything was so lucy goosey from the bow tube back, that i was getting another inch of free play.
![Image](http://www.scottjun.net/Bus/FrontFloorDriver_Reduced.jpg)
As you can see, my floor is pretty roached. If you look a bit closer, you can see a bit of the madness that is my gas pedal (Yes, that is a cabinet door hinge). Well, I just kind of dealt with it knowing that once i finally find a donor floor, I will be able to do something about it. Colin took one look, and asked if I actually drove this bus like that? I felt shame. Well, 3 dremel bits, and a gradually drilling to attain the proper opening of both the floor and pedal hinge (i believe Colin took some photos of the process), I can say that the pedal is now secure and functioning quite well. Pair that with a throttle cable adjustment so that the pedal actually reaches the floor, its pretty fantastic.
Test drive time!!! Colin took the wheel first, and once again tried to explain to me the subtlety of the double shift. It still baffles the shit out of me, and I just can't seem to grasp why or how. Call me thick or whatever adjective/name you like, i just don't get it.
Also during said test drive, we noticed she was running a bit "nervous", so I drove us back to the house while getting a tutorial on shift points, and to quit giving her gas before full clutch release. I was so mesmerized by the like new feeling shifting and gas pedal response, i just couldn't help it. I tried this same excuse during the ride, and it didn't hold water with Colin either.
Back at the house we checked the timing, Hall Effect threw my brand new gun in a tizzy ( going back to the FLAPS), and Colin grabbed his and we decided the timing was spot on. Tried to adjust idle, to no effect. I will be tracking down a Vacuum Leak this weekend, and replacing some hoses.
Final Breakdown/To-Do List:
Do the valves again this weekend. Slight noise from the 1/2 side that may need attention, just in case.
Vacuum Leak Test
Spark Plug Boots
Check Torque on Shocks
Check snugness on Bowden Tube Bracket and Crankcase
Colin said his farewells around 7:00-7:30. He was heading straight up to Salt Lake City from my place. I truly enjoy his visits and knowledge (VW & Worldly). As long as he is making the rounds, I will reserve a spot on the trip. Last year, I promised myself that I would be infinitely better at taking photos to document things. I didn't take a single photo, not even one of Chloe.
I hope the Eclipse is spectacular, Colin. Safe Travels.