Electrical Gremlins and Blitz FATT DCIV

Pic 1: Wiring madness

Darn it .... the ER34 has been acting up lately. Ever since December 2007, the ER34 is sometimes difficult to start/crank up as if power is running really low. It got so bad that at times, the starter can't even get enough power supply to crank the engine up.

Something is definitely really wrong. After consultations with a couple of car freaks and some mechanics, the problem could be either one of the below:-

1) Faulty alternator
2) Battery power running low
3) Need a bigger battery (now on NS40, needs at least NS60)
4) Current/Electricity leakage

Well I've already changed my alternator to a BCNR33 unit in December 2007 and got a new AC Delco NS40 battery in January 2008. So that rules out item 1 and 2. Many have commented that the battery I have on the ER34 is way too small. It's the same sized as those used in Perodua Kancil 660cc Kei-Cars (Kei Jidosha - Japanese for 'light vehicle'). Hmmmmm .... I've been using NS40 sized battery since I got the car and there's no problem so I've ruled that out. I'll will probably change to a bigger NS60 sized battery next time.

So that means there have to be some leakage of current somewhere. My volt meter fluctuates and dips dangerously low on every usage of the flash, signal lights and power windows. The leakage has even claimed the 'life' of my HKS Turbo Timer Type 1. The turbo timer still functions as normal except it is unable to keep the engine running when the ignition is shut. Oh darn, got to spend on a new replacement turbo timer now. :(

Eventhough I like the HKS Turbo Timer Type 1, I've decided against getting the same unit but instead opted for either the Apexi Turbo Timer or the Blitz Full Auto Turbo Timer DCIV. Since the Apexi offering are so common and there even exists an imitation version, I opted for the Blitz FATT DCIV. Never did come across anyone using this though. Great, I love novelty.

Pic 2: The Blitz FATT DCIV

Pic 3: The contents inside the Blitz FATT DCIV box

Pic 4: Blitz FATT DCIV installed on meter console

Anyway, I left the car with my mechanic to iron out the issue. All the wirings have got to be checked. After 5 days of going through the ER34, the car was finally returned back to me all ok. The engine purrs to life within a single or two crank and voltage readings are back to normal. Apparently, some wirings is not done properly and the cable to the positive terminal of the battery isn’t that good.

Boy am I glad that the ER34 is back!!!

Found: ER34 half-cut

Half-cuts of the ER34 are extremely hard to find. The vehicle is still very much popular in Japan and if there's any half-cuts, it'll probably go to Australia, New Zealand or United Kingdom where they can afford to pay higher prices for it.

Well, I chanced upon a unit recently with some nice parts in it. The half-cut I found has:-

1) Aluminium radiator
2) Silicone radiator hoses
3) Nismo radiator cap
4) Apexi bubble tank
5) Blitz oil cooler with oil filter relocation kit
6) Blitz LM intercooler kit
7) Blitz SUS power core type LM air filter
8) Apexi N1 coilovers
9) Nismo tension rods

I am interested in a few of the items but too bad, the owner of the half-cut isn’t particularly interested in taking off parts from the unit. Everything will go as a whole for a cool asking price of RM 15,000 (USD 4,440). :O

Here are some pictures of it....

Pic 1: The ER34 half-cut. It was involved in a front end side collision

Pic 2: Blitz Oil Cooler. Love the side mount. Should have ordered this instead of my GReddy/Trust one.

Pic 3: Blitz LM front mount intercooler. One of the intercooler pipe and silicone hose is torn from the accident.

Pic 4: Engine bay. Note the aluminium radiator, silicone radiator hoses, apexi bubble tank with Nismo radiator cap

Pic 5: Nismo tension rods

Pic 6: Apexi N1 coilovers