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V8 Chronicles V8 SHO Problems
and Solutions The V8 SHO fleet is just now getting the high miles that allow us as a group to find and recognize some of the long term problems that crop up with ANY car. Cam problems aside, they are well documented elsewhere, we have these tidbits that all V8SHO owners should be aware of: Melted wiring bundle on the back valve cover: Crossing both valve covers on the V8 SHO are rather big wire bundles that include the coil/spark wires, along with a lot of other computer/ignition related wires. On the front, this bundle is covered by the plastic cover. On the back the large air intake surge tank covers this bundle and doesn't leave a lot of room for air to circulate. Thanks to Kirk Doucette from MASS and Camfest fame for telling me about this problem. The wire bundle crossing the back valve cover is held down to the cover by several metal straps, like the front bundle. But the back cover seems to get a LOT hotter and it is now proven that this can MELT the wire protective covering. We have reports of some cars with serious electrical/running problems that have been traced to this bundle melting enough so that the wires inside short out to the cover or each other. SOLUTION: If you are having a 100k tune-up or the cams welded pinned, this bundle is exposed. Check it for damage. If the outer cover has not been breached and the car is running fine, then you can insulate this bundle and solve the problem forever. A good way to do this is to buy header wrap. This is a heat protective wrap used on race car exhaust headers and available for a few bucks from any speed shop and most auto parts stores. Wrap this wire it's full length (one overlapping layer should be plenty) and secure with wire ties.
More later! |
