PICS! Econo Car conversion to Kubota Diesel. 1997 Geo Metro, Kubota D1005 3 cylinder

[kimer6]

I couldn't agree more. I'm waiting for the perverts, molesters, illegals and politicians to leave so I can get back to enjoying this scenery. Maybe tomorrow I will fire up my diesel Metro and see if it still runs.

[redneck]

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Anymore progress...???


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[planejob]

Hey guys, sorry for the long delay. I look at my Metro everyday and am eager to see it put to use.

It runs and drives, and it is titled. It is going to need a new home. If you are interested in taking over the vision please let me know. The wiring needs to be sorted. It is not "finished".

My plan as of now is to continue letting it sit, until the heat subsides (Dec 24th), and then complete the wiring and drive it on some long distance runs (would love to drive it to Vegas and back... no particular reason.)

Anyway, if you are interested in taking over this amazing and fun project please contact me to interview for the opportunity.

[kimer6]

December 24! Hahaha. Does it come with snow chains?

[MPGeo]

Originally Posted by planejob

I changed out the final drive from a 4.10 to a more diesel friendly 3.52...

Hello PLANEJOB... I was just wondering? How did you, or where did you come across a 3.52 crown & shaft??? How much??

I've been trying to find those two items for some time without any success. Not really trying to buy a full trany if I can help it, but it looks like I will have too... I just took mine apart and verified it is in fact a 4.10... and want to change it as part of the rebuild before I put it back together. But if I can't find some I will just have to buy another trany and rebuild it.

Any help will be appreciated. thanks.

[planejob]

Originally Posted by MPGeo

Hello PLANEJOB... I was just wondering? How did you, or where did you come across a 3.52 crown & shaft??? How much??

I've been trying to find those two items for some time without any success. Not really trying to buy a full trany if I can help it, but it looks like I will have too... I just took mine apart and verified it is in fact a 4.10... and want to change it as part of the rebuild before I put it back together. But if I can't find some I will just have to buy another trany and rebuild it.

Any help will be appreciated. thanks.

Well, here we are on October 11. The high today was only 90 F. So it's now safe to go out into the garage and do work (son!). I got the 3.52 from a guy on here who happened to have on for sale. He read my plight and contacted me. Keep your eyes open.

So, the Diesel Geo Metro runs, and drives, and the tranny has been rebuilt. The challenge now is to get it licensed, and get it operating off of the key rather than having to reach under the hood and fiddle with the wires.

Well, now that we are down to highs of 90s I'll be working on it again. Expect updates and stuff.

And YES. It is for sale. I just want to drive it to you. This isn't some "for sale and trailer it off" operation. You want it, I'll bring it to you, ok!

[spdfrk]

Would love to know what this setup does for you. My electric setup is very similar power-wise with my ME-1003. But my electric motor is 98% efficient...

[planejob]

Well, I spent some time today studying on the wiring diagram in the service manual. I think I've got it figured out. I found a wire that is Hot in "start" and in "run". I'll use this circuit (airbag) to operate the "hold open" side of the fuel solenoid. I also identified a wire that is hot in "start" only. I'll use this circuit to operate the "initial open" side of the fuel solenoid, and also to control the starter. Bam. This could be key operated soon.

[planejob]

Ok, so I've been studying on the wiring for a few days. I'm unfortunate enough to have the factory shop manuals: they clarify one thing and confuse the next two. But really, they are pretty useful.

When I took the gasoline engine out I refrained from cutting wires. I just unplugged all of the connectors and stashed it out of the way.

I was able to reuse some of the connectors, and pulled power from the correct circuit for the starter. The diesel engine has a fuel shutoff solenoid that is normally off, and requires a "trip open" wire that is powered upon initial start (I put this on with the starter circuit) and a "hold open" wire that draws just enough power to hold the solenoid open while running - I wired this into a wire in the existing harness that is powered on only when the key is in run. perfect.

The third wire on the fuel solenoid is ground. I plan to put a temperature sensor in line here that is normally closed, and opens during an overtemp situation.




I pulled some wiring out. I have a LOT more to pull out. I'm going to finish opening up the harness and take out everything thing that is not necessary... eventually:


And here's a video of it doing it's thing with the KEY. THEY KEY!!
[youtube]https://

[Joggernot]

Ok, I'm impressed. Sounds good; looks good; runs good. I have never been able to read a wiring diagram, so you have me beat by yards. Nice work.