General Car Info

Hello all,

I'm writing this particular entry as a reference for new and prospective owners who are interested in common issues with these cars. I am assuming stock setup for obvious reasons. I will post another entry getting back to my car's progress soon!

First, I highly recommend prospective owners read James Espy's book: https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Buyers-Guide-DeLorean-Automobiles/dp/B017YCEQJ2

This book had not yet been published when I bought my car; however, I've thumbed through it since and it has a plethora of valuable information. For those who don't know James, he is the second in charge down at DMC Houston (DMCH). He knows these cars inside and out.

The following is a brief list of common issues reported by owners.

• Fuel System
• Hot & cold start issues (could be multiple culprits)
• OEM style fuel pump and setup --> DMCH designed a completely new approach
• Beware of original fuel lines for safety sake!
• System doesn't like to sit for long-ish periods of time
• Electrical
• Cooling fan relays --> factory recall and most owners have after-market setups
• Door lock solenoids --> common failures
• Window motors --> common failures
• Headlight switch --> DMCH designed a new approach here as well
• Alternator --> early cars have a lower output Duclier unit prone to failure
• Misc switches and relays --> Lucas... need I say more?
• Suspension
• TABs --> common failures (critical!)
• LCAs --> common failures (critical!)
• Front-end factory recall
• Everything Else
• Door struts --> consider this a maintenance item
• Auto trans --> fluid leaks & shift computer
• Engine block rot --> top of aluminum block in VOD
• Rear main seal --> common oil leak spot
• Oil senders (light & gauge) --> another common leak spot
• Frame rust --> frames are regular steel and susceptible to rust
• Interior trim --> pricey and some pieces are NLA

Most of the parts are available; however, some you have to really hunt for or find a vendor/source that has made a run of repros at some point. The parts in general are at least 2x if not higher than your average late model domestic part comparable component.