Dash Rendar

I've also noticed that when the AFRs start to go lean and I'm sat still (e.g. at the lights), the cabin starts to stink of fuel. It doesn't seem to smell while the AFRs are normal. Interesting point about that line being replaced Darryl. It's now top of my todo list! Tricky, everything you said was correct. The problem with the constant vacuum test you suggested is that the FPR/AFR problem does not manifest just on idle. You do have to drive the car first. I guess I can't really do that with constant vacuum signal to the FPR.

Today the car was at Phoenix having some other work done by Mark and Matt Harwood. (I've had some RLTC issues too!) While it was there, the guys did the testing that Ian suggested earlier, i.e. venting the return line direct to a jerry can. This seemed fine, and as far as I'm aware, the fuel pressure before and after was the same. I guess this means the return line is okay. When they started the car up in the evening, a small puddle did form under the exhaust. However, Mark and Matt are both of the opinion that this fairly normal for a Supra. They tested the efflux and tell me there was no coolant in it. They are both convinced there is no head gasket problem or other coolant contamination issue. (This would tend to agree with the fact that my coolant level is pretty constant.) To answer Sean's question, I don't believe the line between the FPR and the rail has been checked, so I'll certainly put that on the list of things to try. Back to the stock FPR issue... the car has now had three Aeromotives fitted, one of them brand new and another a known-good unit from Terry. I can't believe that all three could be at fault!!? We haven't fitted a stock one, because we can't see if the fuel pressure is dropping on it. (No gauge...) Matt did mention that I should keep an eye on the boost gauge to confirm potential vacuum problems. I did notice that when coasting on minimal throttle (e.g. say at 60 in 6th), the boost pressure was reading more vacuum (i.e. more negative on the gauge) than when idle or with the clutch engaged. Is this normal?

What I'm a bit puzzled about is this... Given there was a 'mug full' of water behind the exhaust as Matt (Muffleman) described, how come the coolant level in the expansion tank doesn't appear to be going down at any significant rate? As mentioned, I've only had to top it up once in the last two months or so, and that was only by a couple of inches in the small expansion tank. Could the puddle be anything else but coolant?

A quick update on this. The car spent a couple of weeks at AFR Tuning. Matt had a theory that the symptoms might be caused by a compression problem. So they did a full leak-down test on the engine. Fortunately, it came back fine, so that's a relief. However, they did notice a lot of what appears to be steam coming from the exhaust. I've noticed this before, since a lot more steam seems to come from the exhaust in this car than in my old one. I mentioned it to Mark when I was at Phoenix last time, and he said this was common in Supras, as the long exhaust system leads to a lot of condensation. But I was still a bit puzzled because this happens even after the car is hot, and I would have only expected condenstation while the car is warming up. Matt and another guy at AFR Tuning said that the amount of steam coming from my car was far from normal, and said a small puddle had formed behind the exhaust while they had it on the dyno. They reckon that coolant must be getting into the system; one of the guys there is sure it's the head gasket. They did do a coolant contamination test, and it showed up clean, but he said that's not conclusive at all. I guess it might also be coming from the water cooled turbo. The weird thing is, I very rarely have to top up my coolant... Maybe an inch every couple of months. Could that really account for all the steam? And why would a coolant leak into the engine system cause the fuel pressure to drop so much? I didn't really get that. The car will be going back into AFR Tuning again soon to carry on the diagnosis, but if anyone has any suggestions in the meantime, please let me know.

Well, I don't need anything right now, but there have been plenty of times in the past where this offer would have come in handy. Good on you... That's club spirit in action.

Hi all Just thought I would jump in and add some info, since this was formerly my car!! I'd rather you didn't kill me. It was running fine when I sold, as testified by the test drive. There were no oil leaks apparent either, as we had a good look under the hood after driving down the dual carriageway at 120 leptons on full boost. My new Supra has also given me nowt but trouble (as everyone in this thread already knows!), but it was running fine for the previous owner so I just chalk it up to really bad luck. Well, it was about the right price for a 'decent' BPU at the time. Prices do seem to have dropped a lot in the last few months. (I'm sure you did enough hunting on the likes of Piston Heads, Autotrader and this forum to know that is true.) Glad to hear it. The car used to have an Aeromotive FPR with a gauge. If it still does and you think it's overfueling, you could take a look at the fuel pressure and lower it a bit if it looks high. Also might be worth fitting a wideband sensor. It *does* have hybrid turbos fitted. You even have the yellow slips to prove it. They are only about a year old. I am gutted for you that these things are happening. My conscience is, however, slightly relieved that these problems have developed since you bought the car. If it sometimes boosts past 1 bar (with the baffle out it used to hit about 1.2), but then sometimes only 0.7, it sounds more like a valve or actuator issue. A major point of concern that I certainly can't argue over is who fitted the turbos. Yes, it was done by the infamous three-legged-racehound. You live and you learn... But, in Paul's defence, I never had any troubles with the turbos after they were replaced. (I remember posting on here when he did the BPU work, including the hybrids. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face for weeks!) Suffice it to say, most people weren't so lucky... I hope it turns out to be something less serious than a rebuild. During the limited time we spent together, I immediately came to the conclusion that you were a really decent guy. It seems that good guys get more than their fair share of strife. IMHO, I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that this is just the kind of thing we (Supra owners) have to get used to, when running cars modded beyond spec. Good luck. Hope it's sorted soon.

Swap you a Supra for a nice C5.

I didn't think he'd worked there for a while now.

I'm booked to have some work done by him on Feb 27 at Phoenix. I've been trying to get through to him by PM, email and phone for about a month now, but no luck. No response to phone and PM, and emails are bouncig. Anyone know if he's on holiday or something?

Mine arrived today and I'm very disappointed... Nah, just kidding! They're fab. Much better quality than the DIY jobs and great value for money. Now I just need to buy some speakers...

Well, I was endeavouring to be kind to you by saying "suspects" instead of "suspect"! But you're right... you're on the only one!

And one reply that this is "repost" from the usual suspects!

Better than the coffin... I think!

Oh you git! You've robbed me of valuable life minutes!

Try giving Jezz a shout.

That's genius!!

I'm not sure the waving had anything to do with it.

It did go to Phoenix, but I could only get it booked for the day. I'm now waiting till end of Feb for my next slot, and I'll certainly get everything done that has been suggested, thanks.

I've just had the fuel pulsation dampener bypass fitted. I got charged £65 by the garage, and the bypass itself cost me another £60... so I expecting a nifty bit of kit, not a single piece of braided hose!! Doh! Anyway, the problem still remains. I haven't yet bought the gauges as I'm waiting on a new credit card to arrive to pay for them. When the car goes into Phoenix next, I'll pass on Ian's recommendations for diagnosis. Unfortunately, what with them being so busy, it's going to be quite a few weeks before it goes in again. Bloody car...

Here's some pics of the one that came off my car... http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showpost.php?p=1691426&postcount=18

In my opinion, the BL sounds much nicer than the Nur Spec R. (I've had both.) They're both loud, but the Nur Spec R, while only a bit quieter, is really droney and much more annoying on the motorway. Now I've sold my BL, I'm thinking my TRD exhaust is too quiet!! There's no pleasing some people...

A very sluggish PC! You'd have to have a very old PC to take these!

I have trouble with sticky labels, like the ones they put on apples. Freak me right out! (How's that for an irrational fear?)

I remember going out one evening with some 'mates' from school, some well over 10 years ago. Rather than walking down the road, these t0ssers decided it would be much more enjoyable to walk over all the cars instead. Some people have no regard for other people's property. Needless to say, I never hung out with them again.

Yeah, I've got one. £25 including the postage and it's yours.