1992 Festiva Project Car

[i218127]

Have a 1992 Festiva "L", 5-Spd that runs fairly good. My son and I are working on it togeather. Dents and dings in the body. Poor interior with pounds and pounds of junk. inside. A mechanic had it for transport only.
It has: New plugs, new struts around, new bearings, new batt, new starter.
I've changed oil to 10/30 Valvoline, run fuel injector cleaner thru it, sprayed the throttle body, put in a K&N. Using OEM style 12" front tires filled with Nitrogen.
Problems: 1. High beam headlights will not come on. Low beams work.
2. Main fusable link blew. Replace it with 14 AWG wire (Not happy with this).
3. Other fusable links intact but look old. Would like to replace.

This is a long term project. Unit will be towed behind my old class "A" Motor Home. The unit runs fairly strong now, gives many a small 4-banger a fit from the light. I'm an old "hot rodder" who's been out of the sport for years. Help with parts and advise requested. Oil advise...5/30 at 180K Miles?

"DRIVE ON... ARMY"

[stefan]

Welcome!

Replace those fuse links with cartridge fuses, like this!

[mikec]

good idea....they just plug right into existing box ?...whats that 10 amp fuse i see behind the center one ?.....are they 20-30-20 or ?....and last...did you get them at the boneyard , if so off which vehicle ?

[TominMO]

You said you put in a K&N air filter. Does it replace the stock one in the airbox? I'm trying to find what part # fits. According to K&N's website, there is no stock replacement air filter.

[perucho]

I like that you call the car "the unit". Why put nitrogen in your tires? Air works just as well and it's free. Good luck with your project, I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.

[mikec]

i agree with tom...looked on KN website and they show nothing for air filter....were you referring to the oil filter ?

[JPT]

Welcome!

Replace those fuse links with cartridge fuses, like this!

Those look like 30 - 40 - 30.

I'm running 20 - 30 - 20. I buy them at AutoZone.

BTW, welcome to the site.

[hotfordcat]

Welcome, your location would help. Maybe someone close could help, need be.

[FestYboy]

i run 30-40-30 as well with no issues.

nitrogen is used in hi-po tires that see high temps on a regular basis to combat thermal expantion and give repeatable results (nitrogen is a stable and inert gas)
regular air is over 70% nitrogen, so for us, it works just fine.

[i218127]

I posted a reply earlier, but it doesn't appear. Oh well. Did the fuse swap as listed. 20-30-20. 30 Apm fuse is too tall. Did you file the sides to make it fit. My 30 Amp seems slightly taller than the other two (2). Seems snug in the slot, but tall.

[JPT]

They do come in various sizes, but as long as they fit properly, I wouldn't worry about it.

[i218127]

Earlier I said that Nitrogin is lighter and more stable than Air. Tires run cooler, don't bounce as much and the Nitrogin doesn't leak (Infiltrate) out as quickly. Cornering is improved and tires last longer. The lighter weight allows the engine to rap up faster. I started using it in my MAZDA 6 (V6). One feels the improvement. Even my wife noticed the difference in her Tribute. It's worth the effort if you can find it. (Also, slightly better Gas Mileage)

That K&N part number is 33-2222. I found it on this site. K&N will not acknolwdge it as correct even if you call them. It seems to work. Grease the edges before you put it in. It helps in sealing.

[festivaWES]

Welcome!

Replace those fuse links with cartridge fuses, like this!

You need to put some touch up paint on that chip right above the fuseable link box.

[i218127]

Will start working on the Ignition System Sunday. Wires, Cap and rotor.
Went to 5/30 Valvoline Synthetic today. The 10/30 was a good flush, but I think its too heavy. The 10/30 is strong on the low end, but seems to slow on the top. Oil is only Oil, but some seems to run better in various cars. Will post more later.

Thanks for all the help. Those fuses hit the spot!!

[i218127]

Put in the new Cap and Rotor and tried to replace the Spark Plug wires. The wires didn't fit! The Tower to Cap wire was too short. Had to return the box. Autozone part number 9199. Will try another set later today.

Replace the plugs with Platinums. Old plugs were gapped wrong, but looked OK. I think the other plugs were put in just to pass SMOG ! Runs a little better. More later.