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Zethco
09-11-2009, 07:52 PM
I have just posted this on the other forum, but having been down and gone so long, I thought for all I know most of us come here now. So forgive the double posting please!

Please help initial:

Hello brothers,

It’s been over a year since I’ve been on the board. I am writing up a more detailed explaination of what’s happened to me but it’s taking a bit longer (complicated) and will post that later today.

In the meantime, here’s the short. I’ve been fighting for my life for the last year. Continuing to get worse, but thankfully I’ve had about a week of relief in that I can walk a little now and I can manage the pain enough to function at a basic level for a few mins or a few hours a day.

I’ve become very sick after a simple surgery. Became 90% paralyzed waist down in the beginning (Sept 08), 90% paralyzed entire body (beginning Jan 09). Heart issues, Lung issues, joint/tendons mostly destroyed in some places… etc. As I mentioned, I’ve been writing a more detailed explaination but it’s taking too long and I need to at least get my plea for help up first. So I will continue once I’ve posted this and will create a separate post with more detail by tonight.

I have lost everything due to this. I have been unable to care for my own basic needs like eating, showering, even going to the washroom. Lost my house to foreclosure, ALL my savings, job, cars, perfect credit now destroyed, etc. Lost EVERYTHING. Only left with the ZR1, a huge TV and clothes that no longer fit as I’ve lost about 40lbs of muscle alone. And still very ill, getting worse.

I am in California at the moment. A small, sleepy, harbor town called Dana Point, about 60 miles north of San Diego. The ONLY medical help for me other than the Mayo Clinic is here. My family and home (need to be out in the next month – foreclosed) is in Chicago. In Feb I had the ZR1 shipped here since it was much cheaper than renting a car (no money anyway) to use while I am here seeing the Neurologists and other Dr’s.

I need to and will be back in Cali as soon as possible, my ONLY medical treatment is here. Even Emergency Rooms in Chicago cannot help me, but more on that later. I will need a minor miracle to get my family and I moved here, as again, I’ve lost everything. AND am a pseudo-cripple. But I will hopefully find a way, I need to. Only a matter of weeks before I and my family are evicted from the home I built with my own 2 hands.

I need to get home to Chicago so I can sell what little I have left (TV, misc clothes, misc junk) before I go back to the Mayo Clinic on 25 Sept. I need to have the Z with me for a number of reasons, but transportation to the Mayo Clinic is just one of them.

I was last in Cali Feb/March, just before my first Mayo Clinic stay. After the Mayo Clinic visit (17 March – 25 March) I became gravely ill and hadn’t returned to Cali until mid August. My ZR1 was with a friend here in Dana Point while I was gone, but that friend had sadly passed away 2days before I returned. When I was here last, I bought replacement injectors (Thanks John!) but was too sick to do it and soon after I left Cali for the Mayo Clinic.

What was a small issue with sticking/leaking injectors has quickly become a major issue. The car had 4k miles with I bought it from Kevin in 2006. Put 4k miles on it here in Cali, mostly driving between SoCal/Palo Alto – Stanford/ San Francisco – UCSF. The Cali gas quickly finished off the original Multec’s and I cannot make it to Chicago without swapping them out.

I have the new injectors with me, gaskets (thanks Jerry!) will be here tomorrow morning. I have most of the tools I need, but I haven’t yet pulled the plenum myself and most of all, I’m not healthy enough anymore to do it myself. Not to mention, if I’m about to drive across country I need to be certain it’s done right. If I get stuck because I missed something, it could be life-threatening for me.

In short: Are there any of my Brothers here in SoCal who can and might be willing to lend a hand in changing my injectors? The car is drivable for a short distance. I’m confident I can drive an hour or so if need be to reach you.

I just really need help, and those who know me would tell you I’m the one who always helps. But somehow asking for help like this is one of the harder things I’ve done in a long time. Stupid, probably. But I’m just not wired to ask for help and I really need to get over that. Because I am now in desperate need of as much help as I can get. Not just with the injectors, but with so much else.

I will continue to write the more detailed explaination for post later today. Please know though, while this sounds terrible and it IS, I'm coping with it and I'm still me. I'm in unusually good spirits and am the happiest I've ever been. But all the happiness in the world won't make this go away enough. That said, I have not and will not let this or the medical establishment beat me. Even though I've lost EVERYTHING, I learned what's important in life. And that, I already have. My beautiful 2 year old Son, Aedan... He gives me all the strength I need. I promised him DaDa will walk and he'll get to ride on my shoulders again soon. I intend to keep my promise, but I need help from my friends and brothers.

Really, thank you in advance for any help you might be.

Michael

Zethco
09-11-2009, 07:59 PM
Speaking of being thankful:

I want to publicly thank Jerry Downey of Jerry's Gaskets. Having lost everything and having spent literally my last dollar to pay for the Neurologists visit at Stanford (have to pay cash up front, insurance companies destroyed health care), my mother had FedEx'd me her credit card so I can get home. Which I might add doesn't lend well to a Man's pride.

Jerry's Gaskets isn't yet setup to take credit cards. Jerry insisted on sending these anyway, on faith and trust. Moreover, he also fronted the $70 FedEx shipping cost for Saturday Delivery. Out of kindness, trust and faith. He said not to worry, just send him a check when I get back to Chicago. Which I most certainly will.

Thank you Jerry for your kindness. I didn't ask, didn't at all even think of it and was ready to simply say thank you anyway and try to find alternate means. You insisted on helping, not even knowing much of the reason I was in need. Really, thank you.

Michael

tccrab
09-11-2009, 08:07 PM
Micheal:

Would love to help you out, but am 600 miles north of you.
Wish you were closer, I'd do it for you.

Don't give up the faith, one of the Brothers closer to you will chime in soon.

As far as your illness, don't quit fighting.
It's always darkest before the dawn.

TomC
"Crabs"

bdw18_123
09-11-2009, 09:14 PM
I sent you a PM on the "other" forum. I'm in central cali, but I would not mind the drive, and would like to help you out.

Z Factor
09-11-2009, 09:35 PM
I am very sorry to hear about your medical problems Michael. Needless to say if you were in Florida I would help you out, so I am sure there will be someone out there that can assist you.
Keep us informed whenever you get a chance and feel up to it.

Zethco
09-11-2009, 11:26 PM
Thanks Ben, I replied but will also post here as a pseudo update. An AB Brother David out East is working to make some calls to the local SoCal guys and hopefully there will be someone closer to the San Diego or LA area - I'm smack dab between them on Pacific Coast Hwy.

Nothing for sure as of yet, but I will of course keep posting updates.

I'd just hate to have someone drive that far if it might be done closer in a garage. But as I said in the PM just knowing people are genuinely willing to go that far to help means a lot.

So thank you all. By the responses here from those who remember me and wish me well, I am confident the Brotherhood will be able to lend a hand. And that's an amazing feeling. Really is. :cheers:

Pete
09-12-2009, 12:53 AM
If anybody can help Mike he and i would really apreciate it.
Mike is a very good guy.

Hope all goes well.

Wish the car was closer or here you know i'd jump on it like it was Pamela Anderson.:)

Mike,i'm a phone call away if you have any questions.

Hope to see you soon.
Pete

ZZZZZR1
09-12-2009, 01:02 AM
Looks like we are set....


Brent has offered his garage in Redondo Beach and another member Ted is helping out as well!


Have to love this community.

:thumbsup:


David

jonszr1
09-12-2009, 01:15 AM
i live a couple hundred miles away but would be more than happy to do this for you . dont know iff you remember me .i bought the borla exhaust . i also have alot of extra gaskets o ring secondary stuff that i will donate to you if needed . just let me know if there is something you need .

Zethco
09-12-2009, 01:37 AM
If anybody can help Mike he and i would really apreciate it.
Mike is a very good guy.

Hope all goes well.

Wish the car was closer or here you know i'd jump on it like it was Pamela Anderson.:)

Mike,i'm a phone call away if you have any questions.

Hope to see you soon.
Pete

Thank you Pete and tell the Green Beast we'll see it soon. It's a beautiful color and all, but not exactly Pamela Anderson. At least what's under it's hood is REAL ya know:jawdrop:

I was just about to post the update but clearly I was slow. Thank you all so far and I've decided to finally create the website I set up months ago for this. It's just been something I haven't talked much about, ignoring it as best I could was how I was able to cope. But now I need far too much help, and I know there's others out there like me. So finally putting up the site/blog/etc will help others tremendously when they need it the most. The will needed to keep fighting to even be heard (much less helped) for this long is beyond description.

Add the surrounding devestation this caused the rest of my life and I can say without my Son, I can't say I would have been able to survive this. Amazing what having a Son does to a Man. And wouldn't you know it, it was you, Pete who promised me this boy would forever change me and make me the man I became.

JAX S50
09-12-2009, 02:10 AM
well I could take the M3 to work to make room in the garage and you could bring it here for me to work on as Iam not too far from you Iam doing the same thing to my 90 so very familiar with the process still fresh. how soon do you need it back?

JAX S50
09-12-2009, 02:14 AM
I also have a tow dolly to lend out if that would help get it somewhere?

A26B
09-12-2009, 02:16 AM
Looks like we are set....

Brent has offered his garage in Redondo Beach and another member Ted is helping out as well!

Have to love this community.

:thumbsup:

David

WTG David. You have really stepped forward for the ZR-1 community. I want to personally thank you for all you have done and continue to do.
:cheers: Here's to you kemo sabe'

A26B
09-12-2009, 02:18 AM
Mike,
Everything was shipped today, should be there by 1:30 Sat afternoon. I know the guys will take care of you.
Let us know when you head for Chi town.

JAX S50
09-12-2009, 02:30 AM
Oh and one more thing, I bought a set of jerry's gaskets about a month ago and if for some reason his dont show up tomorrow you guys are welcome to my set

JAX S50
09-12-2009, 02:55 AM
Going to bed but here is my email if i can help euromcars@gmail.com

Z51JEFF
09-12-2009, 02:58 AM
WTG David. You have really stepped forward for the ZR-1 community. I want to personally thank you for all you have done and continue to do.
:cheers: Here's to you kemo sabe'

Two thumbs up Dave,you made it happen.

Pete
09-12-2009, 04:13 AM
Thanks Dave i owe you man.:thumbsup:
I met Dave and he is one of the great ones.

Also a BIG THANKS to the the guys who are helping.

Mike i told you Jerry is a First Class gentlemen,i never met him but i hear things. :)

Brad,your the man.

Pete

secondchance
09-12-2009, 09:37 AM
Dave also makes killer hamburgers as we found out at Carlisle.

Thanks Dave!:thumbsup:

Zethco
09-12-2009, 02:38 PM
Dave also makes killer hamburgers as we found out at Carlisle.

Oh yea? Well I make the most amazing Ribs, and with any luck I can grill some up for y'all at a gathering sometime very very soon:thumbsup:

Oh and one more thing, I bought a set of jerry's gaskets about a month ago and if for some reason his dont show up tomorrow you guys are welcome to my set

See, this is the kind of stuff I'm talking about. What an amazing band of brothers we really are.:cheers:

Thank you. Thanks for the Dolly offer too, but luckily it's still drivable. If you're in the area, hopefully I'll get to see ya soon. If not, I'll be back in Cali in roughly 4 weeks for more Dr appts.

Mike,
Everything was shipped today, should be there by 1:30 Sat afternoon. I know the guys will take care of you.
Let us know when you head for Chi town.

Sir Jerry. Thank you for your kindness. And I have altered my route to take me through OK City just to stop by to see you. It only adds another 30 miles or so by taking the southern route and I'd rather come by to thank you in person. Oh, and to see your LPE Bodied Z that I've drooled over much longer than I have the Atomic (also amazing).

I will see you soon my friend. Camera in hand.

Michael

And Pete, you have my back as always. Even if you inisist on making more power than I do:icon_scra.

I hope

ZZZZZR1
09-12-2009, 05:53 PM
Hey Members,


I just asked Michael if I could post his info for "donations". He hasn't asked for anything except some "manual" labor, but if anyone can spare some help..... Please do. I know the NE region will be happy to help!

Please send any donations directly to Michael @ (Michael is WELL known in the Chicago area and anyone from the area can vouch for him)

Michael Kaferly *
1736 S. Meacham
Palatine, IL 60067
415.845.8893

Glad you decided to post up and ask for help my friend... Look forward to that book you are making.

Cheers

David

*this is his Chicago address and I'm guessing it forwards to his Cali address

Zethco
09-12-2009, 08:49 PM
Oh and one more thing, I bought a set of jerry's gaskets about a month ago and if for some reason his dont show up tomorrow you guys are welcome to my set

JAX,

I just might need to take you up on your offer. They haven't been delivered yet to the Hotel, and I believe Saturday Delivery is by 1:30?

I've sent word to Jerry about this just now asking for tracking info so I can find them. Once I get the tracking info, I'll post back.

I'll also email this to the address you provided. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

Thanks for your help. If I do end up needed to borrow yours, I'll make sure the set Jerry sent ends up in your spare bin!

Michael

jonszr1
09-12-2009, 10:47 PM
i have a set also you can use if you need them planing on comming down tomarrow but so far no directions .if you guys have a full house no bigge.just need directions from the 91 if youd still like help .:thumbsup:

Zethco
09-21-2009, 01:45 PM
I was well enough to leave SoCal on Friday morning. Made it home around Midnight on Saturday. For those keeping score, yep. I drove straight thru. Since my illness also causes insomnia, I figured I should take advantage of it eh?:thumbsup:

First, let me again thank all those who helped me get home.

1. Jerry - Thank you kind Sir for your generous help on the best gaskets a Blue monster could ever ask for. When he learned I had to borrow Ted's set, Jerry actually sent Ted replacements. Even though my original set would be delivered soon. Wow.

2. Ted (Jax S50) - Thank you for lending me your gaskets. ** Ted drove an HOUR, ONE WAY after working the graveyard shift to get his set of gaskets to me in time for Sundays Plenum Pull. Seriously, you're insane - but an amazing act of Brotherhood.

3. Brent - Thank you for your willingness to open your home to two strangers and lend a hand. Your work was methodical and your love for the car was/is apparent. Please also thank your wonderful and kind wife for the coffee (rocket fuel) and snacks. She's clearly amazing and tolerant:cheers:

4. Dr. Ted - Thank you as well for having driven down to help a stranger in need. You are a compassionate and caring man who made the time fly with humor. You Sir, ROCK. ** If anyone gets the chance, check out his Red PC'd motor. Looks great against the Black exterior. Well done:thumbsup:

5. David - My AB Brother, thank you three times. Without your having taken it upon yourself to find and coordinate the help of the two awesome guys with tools, I'm not sure this would have been possible. :handshak:

I cannot thank all those involved enough. I was better enough to walk a bit, but not enough to be of much help. You guys really helped a Brother out when he needed it the most. And I will never forget your kindness:icon_thum

I will see you all soon and, if well enough, I will be grilling up my famous ribs for y'all.

Michael

Zethco
09-21-2009, 01:58 PM
Wow. I was completely surprised by the massive difference in drivability. The improvement was almost beyond belief. It immediately ran substantially smoother and pulled like a beast. I had NO idea how bad the car was running until the swap. Great engineering to compensate for bum injectors - true. But WOW.

I did start to get code 55 also though on the way back that day. But a quick Fuel Filter change took care of that. My filter was a bit clogged. Not terrible, but enough to make a difference.

The Injectors & FF were a MAJOR part of my initial problem. But not all of it. The car threw 64's again about 100 miles into my trip home to Chicago, but was able to limp home. I'm certain it's something easy and simple at this point. So I'm not worried as I'm confident that between the Chicago crew and I, we'll get'r done.

I saved the original injectors and I hope to send them off soon to John for testing. This will show us all for sure if the '94-'95 Z's faired any better from the factory in terms of Injectors. I am not sure, as my car had only a few thousand miles when the symptoms first started. If nothing else, it's a good chance to learn something about our later model Z's I think:thumbsup:

Thank you all once again. The improvement in drivability alone made me fall in love with the car all over again (insert sappy love song here...)

Your friend and Brother,

Michael

LT-5 Music
09-21-2009, 07:27 PM
Great update. :thumbsup:

Congratulations Michael on a successful trip home.

Faith moves mountains! :)

secondchance
09-21-2009, 09:02 PM
The Injectors & FF were a MAJOR part of my initial problem. But not all of it. The car threw 64's again about 100 miles into my trip home to Chicago, but was able to limp home. I'm certain it's something easy and simple at this point. So I'm not worried as I'm confident that between the Chicago crew and I, we'll get'r done.


Code 64 indicates your right bank O2 sensor reading lean condition.
Per FSM possibilities are;
1. Check O2 sensor wires.
2. Check for intermittent grounding in wire between sensor and connector.
3. Poor grounding of O2 sensor.
4. Lean injector (hope not...).
5. Fuel contamination.
6. Fuel pressure.
7. Exhaust leak before O2 sensor.
8. AIR system.
9. If all checks out O2 sensor failure.

Good luck!

Pete
09-21-2009, 11:34 PM
Micheal glad to hear you made it back safe.

On your code
You had mentioned you bought injectors from FIC.
If so there was issues with those injectors -=Jeff=- had to replace them like 4 or 5 times .

I would've suggested Accels.

You save on price of injectors but will spend more in labor and gaskets ask Jeff.

Pete

VetteMed
09-22-2009, 12:55 AM
Micheal glad to hear you made it back safe.

On your code
You had mentioned you bought injectors from FIC.
If so there was issues with those injectors -=Jeff=- had to replace them like 4 or 5 times .

I would've suggested Accels.

You save on price of injectors but will spend more in labor and gaskets ask Jeff.

Pete

Some of us have had very good results from the FIC injectors, FWIW..

-=Jeff=-
09-22-2009, 01:11 AM
Some of us have had very good results from the FIC injectors, FWIW..

Yes, I have had my set from FIC for a summer with no issues..

secondchance
09-22-2009, 11:36 AM
Some of us have had very good results from the FIC injectors, FWIW..

Mine worked out great! Also, if there are any issues you can expect to get hold of Jon and sort it out.