Jerry's Eclipse Page
Pocono Trip
Ok...here's the low down...a few friends were heading out to Pocono raceway to do some roadracing and asked if I'd like to go, so I said "sure!!!". I had never road raced my car before and missed the last couple of opportunities so I was definitely in this time. We left on Saturday afternoon and stayed overnight so we could be fresh for the track on Sunday.
Arriving at the Motel on Saturday
On Sunday, we get to the track around 7:30am to register and prep the cars. I register, get my instructor and prep the car. For the first 4 laps, the instructor drives my car to show me the line. I get in and get used to running around the course. Well...I had a few things to learn....luckily my instructor was cool and was telling me where I needed help.
Well, I ran three practice sessions and in the middle of the third session, I overheated the car! Doh! Well, I think the blown turbo gasket had something to do with it.......after the second practice session, I noticed I had an exhaust leak, but didn't know where it was coming from and it didn't sound too bad so I let it go. Turns out the bolts that hold the turbo to the manifold were loose, loosening enough on the third session to blow 1600deg F exhaust gas onto my radiator....therefore, evaporating my coolant. Well, we filled the system with water and tightened the bolts as much as possible so I could get home. At least I got my license and my instructor even told me I was doing pretty good out there....sweeeet.
What was left of the turbo gasket!!!
Well, guess what? Leaving the track wasn't so easy either....I all of a sudden had a strange miss that left the car idling like crap and having no power. So what happens? EVERYBODY jumps in to help...(thanks to all you guys). Figured it was the spark plug wires as they looked like they had arc'd in a few places. Wrap them with electrical tape and get on the road. From PA back to NY, the car seemed fine and even survived a quick full boost blast to catch up with the group. Kinda strange....it just cleared itself up. Well, time to change the plugs and make sure those bolts don't come loose again.....till next time......
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Questions? Comments? Send mail to:jchao@interport.net
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