Hey guys,
(Belated) Diwali Wishes to all of you! Nice to see so many Sierra enthusiasts online at once.
The work on the mechanicals of my Sierra is done, after 18K and a lot of rounds of the garage. The car behaves a lot better now, thanks to the new rubber and the overhauled suspension. Also, the engine feels smoother and refined, specially after I filled up with Xtramile yesterday.
I am now contemplating my next step. One of the things that I would like to do is service the FIP and injectors (as per condor's suggestion). I tried getting it done from the previous place I had been to (Siddharth Motors), but he didn't do it, saying that the FIP was just fine. My guess is that he lacked the expertise to do the job, and so he chose to avoid it altogether. Should I get this job done from an ASC only? Or can it be done outside?
Balaji Motors (another Tata ASC) said the FIP needs to be serviced and "calibrated" (what's this?), for which he quoted 10-12K approx. What other options do I have?
I saw a place yesterday, a few kms away from my house, which sported a "Bosch Service" sign. Any ideas about this? How much do they charge?
Also, the guy at Siddharth Motors said the Turbo does not need to be serviced anytime. It only needs a good clean air filter to function properly at all times. Is this true? Or is there anything I need to take care of in that area?
The power steering of the car is quite vague, and needs getting used to. One thing I noticed is that if I turn the steering wheel in stationary position with the engine running, then the power steering emits a loud grating noise at the extremities. I have noticed this in the morning, when I pull out of the parking lot with a full hard right. I have not caught this noise anytime later while the car is running, even at U-turns.
One more thing I noticed yesterday while waiting in traffic to take a U-turn (full hard right) is that the steering wheel was oscillating slightly back and forth by itself, as if the motor was constantly trying to turn the wheel a little more. Is this normal?
@ Kaustubh:
Read about the A/C upgradation in your car. Do you mean to say that there is now a separate box with vents and an independent rotary switch (like in the picture) under the dashboard?
It rained heavily on Friday, and my car was all fogged up on the inside. That was when I realized (to my horror) that the vent selection switch in my car is broken! I had to manually wipe the windshield with a cloth to see where I was going.
What do I need to do to fix this?
@ All:
What stock compressor does the Sierra Turbo run (model number)? The mechanic told me it is a Subros unit, but he didn't know the model number. Is it the same unit that they put in the Safari, the 10PA17C? If so, it is a 170cc unit, which is more than sufficient for this car. Else, I might consider changing it.
I really need to increase the cooling efficiency, and I am considering the option of installing a roof-mounted dual cooling coil system like the Safari in my car. Can the 10PA17C support it? What components do i need to install/change for this? How much will it cost?
The mechanic suggested upgrading the condensor fan from the current 80W one to a 120W fan. He also suggested fitting an additional Tata Indigo cooling coil (refurbished one costs approx. 5K I guess) under the dashboard for more cooling. Your thoughts?
I am in favour of keeping the looks of the car as stock as possible, and hence I am not very comfortable installing things under the dashboard which will look obviously out of place. Hence, I am thinking about the roof-mounted blower. However, if the cost is prohibitive, I will consider more cost-effective options.
Do come up with some great idea guys. Awaiting your responses. Thanks in advance.
- Bullitt.