Hello and thanks for allowing me to join. I've been into minitrucks since my teens, all makes and models. Recently bought a 1990 Mighty Max. I have always thought these were good looking trucks. This one came with a long list of maintenance records, and also some shady repairs I noticed after buying it. From what I gather, guy I bought it from was second owner, and first owner used it for a window cleaning business.
When I got it, I found the exhaust manifold to be thoroughly cracked, with what looked like a very haphazard weld repair, and seemed to be leaking exhaust. Head pipe had cracks, and muffler was rotted out. Trans mount was trash as well.
I sourced a used exhaust manifold on ebay ($350- ouch), too bad a header isn't available; welded the cracks in the head pipe, put a new flex connector in the head pipe, new catalytic converter, as original seemed possibly plugged. New freer flowing muffler that I had sitting around, which might be too loud. Now I just hope it will pass a smog check when that time comes, as that is still required.
Still need to figure out a cold start issue, where it will idle low, as though its already warmed up, but is cold. Runs/idles fine when warm. I need to hold the throttle open when cold, or it'll idle rough.
Also recently found it to be still leaking exhaust at the junction between the manifold and head pipe. Was going to try doubling upon the gasket (I know, not recommended, but tightening the junction did no good, worried one or both flanges are warped).
I also recently installed a 2.5"/3" lowering kit. Goals are, after I get the exhaust sorted (a header would be easiest, but CA smog laws don't allow for that) are to fix a leaky rear main seal, put it on air suspension, install a roll pan, and a simple, 90's style paint job.
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