It might be operated by a temperature the light green vacuum valve in your top picture. I am not at all sure about this, but it us only the US cars that have that valve. It has something to do with making cacuum for some butterfly valves for the intake or something. Put on a euro air intake and remove it all... It is a gas guzzler anyways Do you have annual inspections in your area?
No annual inspections, and this equipment is not required where I live. It is illegal to take it off though if it originally came with the car, and it it was originally a California car. It has 4 catalytic converters. The secondary air injection pump is the same as the put on the Corvette that year so I was able to replace that when it went out. It’s reversed though so I had to use a longer hose. I would love to get rid of that stuff. The worst part is that they put those charcoal canisters where the overflow reservoir would normally be. Now if coolant is low and you want to fill it, you have to take off the driver side wheel, then a splash guard, then the tank itself just to see into it. I use a syringe to the tube where it overflows at the radiator cap to save time. ‘Yes, that green thing might send a signal, I’ll have to check it out. I appreciate your input, thank you.
Interesting... The tank you mention is not an overföow tank. It is an expansion tank to compensate for the extra volume that hot coolant take up in the engine and radiator. The radiator shpuöd be completely full of coolant, and the hose to the top of the expansion tank goen in an internal pipe to the bottom of the tank. It shouöd be about 1/3 full and the rest is supposed to be air (so the air compress when engine is hot). There is another tube beside the cap of this tank and that is to route overflow if the pressure is too high and the cap opens to relieve the excessive pressure. Your position of this tank sounds like a total nightmare. Bith my QP 3s had problems with pressure in the system and to keep the tank there wouöd mKe it impossible to diagnose. The expansion tank should always be higher than the engine. (For air to move up). Not easy when the engine is close to the hood. Therefor, the expansion tank is supposed to be lifted out of its bracket when you bleed the system.
It's been so long since I dealt with any of this crappy, vehicle incinerating Maserati emission systems crap. It's the same system you find on the Biturbos pre 1987. If you look at the big service manual for the Biturbos of that vintage it's explained there. The pump is used to extract the gaseous fumes from the air filter box and run them through the carbon canisters once the engine is turned off. Unless you live in California where these cars are impossible to register anyway you don't need this system. I hope the air pump has been disconnected from you car?
I haven’t disconnected it, I replaced it. I’d like to get rid of all of it, but some of it is interdependent so I want to make sure if I do get rid of it all that nothing is effected. I will probably remove all the smog stuff some day and just keep it for if I sell it. Ate you sure about the direction? I was pretty sure it took gas vapor from the canisters and blew it into the intake.
Yes I'm sure. Go read the documentation. The problem is I don't see any online copies of the original 84-85 Biturbo service manual. There's a very nice diagram on pages 10-38-10-40I believe the canisters are connected to the intake via a solenoid valve. That's how they get purged. It's supposed to run after shutdown until a certain coolant temp. The big flap valves on each of the air filter intakes are in a closed position so that none of those nasty gasoline fumes can escape from the stinky Webers. It's a completely electromagnetical & sensor based design.
Greetings folks, As I dig further into my Quattroporte, I am finding more things that need attention. Most are doable (nonfunctioning gauges, etc). However, there are two that have surfaced that are significant. The rear differential is noisy and seems to have a lot of backlash. The pinion seal leaks, so I suspect it has been run low on oil. Next, it appears some of my rear caliper pistons are seized. This means I will have to drop the rear subframe, which does not look too difficult. Most concerning is the differential, as there is a high likelihood the ring and pinion are damaged. The replacements that Eurospares UK gas a 4700$. Ouch! Does anyone have experience or knowledge regarding the rear differential. Are there sources for used ones from scrapped vehicles? Any advice would be appreciated. Marc
Maybe this one?: https://www.ebay.com/itm/314315873821 Alos you may look for Jaguar differentials. Maserati used them at the time
Thanks, after this first post, I went on E bay and found this one and another from the same person who I have purchased from in the past (rezdoc from Oklahoma). I just purchased the one that came from his own 1986 QP3. He stated in the auction add that the diff does not make any noise. As I said, I have purchased stuff from him the past with no issues. 360$ plus 275$ shipping. Feeling much better. Marc
and ypu are sure it is the diff you hear and not the transmission? The Torqueflight tranny does indeed have its own charming "whiiiining" sound. Normally, it follows the gear and not the car's speed itself, where as a doff problem will follow the car's speed.
Started on replacing the diff. Built a cradle to install on my motorcycle jack. Subframe came out pretty easily. Looks like it has been out before. The diff is definitely toast and was actually loose on its mounting brackets. It has about 1 inch of backlash. Rear calipers also partially seized. The replacement diff looks to be in very good condition. Will post more pics as I progress. Will order the rebuild parts for the rear brakes today. Marc Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
New owner of a 1982. Been doing okay and getting to know the car but I need someone to tell me the secret to open the trunk without the button. I see the access hole behind the license plate - but I don't know the trick. I see a latch and a hook, but cannot tell which way to pull it. Anyone know the trick?
IIRC, downward motion opens the latch. Use a flathead screwdriver inserted into the access hole at an upward angle, then use a downward motion to (hopefully) hit the hook and push it down with the tip of the screwdriver. It may take a few tries since you can't see inside the hole. Be careful not to punch through the trunk carpet.
Okay so does anyone else have trouble with their seats not moving? I have all the wiring diagrams so I should be able to figure it out... but yeah I was pretty mad at my self for poking thru the carpet.
And in my own defense, it did not take much pressure to push thru - I think I can stich it up later with some brown thread but yeah I felt pretty dumb also can anyone explain how to reach a timing gun far enough under the car to hit the timing marks on the flywheel? I wanted to check the timing but my wires won't be long enough I don't think...
I use an spare battery to power the timing gun and only have to worry about connecting to the #1 cylinder to trigger the gun. Ivan
I used a flip-up license plate holder to get to the trunk for a few years until I finally got around to fixing it.
Hello everyone and Happy New Year! We are still reviving my 1985 European model QPIII. We have done a lot of work to get it road worthy however the 727 Torqueflight has been removed to replace the ring gear, fluid, filter and gasket change and have the torque convertor rebuilt. In the meantime I am still looking for a front suspension spring for the car. My car is a European model and the spring rate and size is different versus a USA model car. Also need a rear brake caliper rebuild kit. Work done to date: All Carbs rebuilt New Fuel tank New fuel hoses, pipes and clamps New fuel pumps Lots of little electrical gremlins New battery New starter I am also looking for some chrome interior door handles, a tool kit and owners manual pouch for the car. Anyone have anything?? THANK YOU!! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hello Mitch... I may be able to help you with the pouch and slight possibility the spring, but need more information! Please PM me... Mike
Yes, I am sure it is the diff. Opened it up and you can see someone already tried rebuilding it. The yellow gear paste was still there, and the pattern is not correct. The pinion seal was leaking so I suspect it was run dry. Got the replacement installed and rebuilt the brake calipers and installed it all in the car yesterday. I do have one question for the group. Any advice or direction to purchase the socket for the slotted rear wheel hub fastening rings. I think I have one that is not fully tight. Bearings seem fine and there is no play or noise.
Hello all. Not sure if this is the correct spot - forgive me if not and please point me in the correct direction. I am looking for a QUATTROPORTE III, HA prefer RHD (most likely 'dreaming' of finding a good RHD version), but will consider LHD. Need not be a runner. Thanks. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.
You have made a good choice going with a qp3! I do think i have to disappoint you that i think that maserati never made a RHD. The cheapest option is to buy one from the USA and of course through forums or the Facebook group. The most qp3’s are for sale in the Netherlands/Italy/Germany. I suggest looking at the parking.be that site searches many car sale sites. If you ever see one that you are interested in the Netherlands i might be able to take a look for you. Good luck with the search!
I'm selling my '84 QP III soon. Haven't advertised it anywhere yet. It's LHD, and would be quite a job to get it to Australia. The A/C and electric antenna work if that tells you something! It definitely runs. Only has about 28k miles. Email me at [email protected] if you like.
Okay everyone, I have an ‘86 Q3 here and am looking for a parts interchange list. We’re working on the brake system first, and it appears rear calipers are Jag XJ with fronts early BMW or Alfa, among others. Curious as to the master cylinder, booster, and proportioning valve interchange as well, and any other similar parts interchange you can offer—steering rack, radiator, switchgear, etc. Love to know what you guys have found—thanks in advance!
