Cleaning and refreshing parts to go back on continues. I'm also treating some surface rust on the bodywork, only accessible with the tank out. Luckily there is not much there, so better to sort it now.
Progress so far:
Dibs' NOS tank with a spray of Hammerite satin. New sender, new hoses, new screws. new jubilee clamps.
Most of the remaining bits. Most metal parts have been painted with POR-15:
KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
- Casey
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Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
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Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
It was looking very tired, with some surface rust evident to the rear of the fuel tank.
So, a full POR-15 prep treatment and 2 coats of POR-15. I would have liked to have done more (like the axle!) but I know from experience how "job creep" extends the time off the road! This started as a simple, tank out, replace fuel sender, put tank back in. It has already extended well beyond that!
So, a full POR-15 prep treatment and 2 coats of POR-15. I would have liked to have done more (like the axle!) but I know from experience how "job creep" extends the time off the road! This started as a simple, tank out, replace fuel sender, put tank back in. It has already extended well beyond that!
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
- Been thanked: 451 times
Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
Fuel pump assembly fitted back, just the linking pipework to re-connect.
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
- Been thanked: 451 times
Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
I changed the diff oil while convenient, with the car up and tank out of the way. The old oil came out very clean; a distinct, red, transparent colour. Odd though, nearly 2 litres drained out, but the manual states capacity is 1.2 litres? I put in about 1.2-1.3 litres of fresh oil and that came to the fill-plug level.
The drain plug had a few fine metal filings attached, but nothing much. Nicely cleaned up - oh, the simple things
The drain plug had a few fine metal filings attached, but nothing much. Nicely cleaned up - oh, the simple things

KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
- Been thanked: 451 times
Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
Lying on your back, applying POR-15 is a hazardous business, full PPE required
You don't want to be breathing in the fumes from that, or get in in your hair or skin. Despite precautions, some paint managed to drip down my right wrist without me noticing, so I'll be wearing that for a week or two!

You don't want to be breathing in the fumes from that, or get in in your hair or skin. Despite precautions, some paint managed to drip down my right wrist without me noticing, so I'll be wearing that for a week or two!
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KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
- Been thanked: 451 times
Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
Finally finished fitting the tank back and ready for a run out!
Pics along the way:
Pics along the way:
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
- Been thanked: 451 times
Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
I've just been out to fill the tank - not to the brim but where I judged to be between 3/4 and full.
Gauge read 7/8 - yippee, no more guesswork
I drove the car around, did some heavy braking and acceleration, sharp turns, etc. Parked up and no signs of any leaks so all looks good.
I'm planning on attending the Bromley Pageant this coming Sunday (https://www.bromleypageant.com/). Clive on the MRC arranged a stand, so he'll be there with his RX-4, plus Philip, another member, with his RX-3, just the 3 of us I think. I got a stand ticket just before they closed the window. Looks to be a very big event - the show has been going for over 40 years!
If anyone is nearby and at a loose end on Sunday, pop along and say hello
Gauge read 7/8 - yippee, no more guesswork

I drove the car around, did some heavy braking and acceleration, sharp turns, etc. Parked up and no signs of any leaks so all looks good.
I'm planning on attending the Bromley Pageant this coming Sunday (https://www.bromleypageant.com/). Clive on the MRC arranged a stand, so he'll be there with his RX-4, plus Philip, another member, with his RX-3, just the 3 of us I think. I got a stand ticket just before they closed the window. Looks to be a very big event - the show has been going for over 40 years!
If anyone is nearby and at a loose end on Sunday, pop along and say hello

KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
- Been thanked: 451 times
Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
I've just realised, it's exactly 4 years ago today that I bought KIMI 3 - Happy Birthday 

KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
- Been thanked: 451 times
Re: KIMI 3 - 1984 Series 3
Great to have a reliable fuel gauge again
I checked the "failed" sender and, like the sender on KIMI 1, the earth connection from the sender plate to the connector pin is open circuit. An easy fix and I'll then have a spare sender. The ohm readings on full and empty tank are within spec.

I checked the "failed" sender and, like the sender on KIMI 1, the earth connection from the sender plate to the connector pin is open circuit. An easy fix and I'll then have a spare sender. The ohm readings on full and empty tank are within spec.
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8