In reply to Jehannum :
Yep, just seats an o-ring. I've pulled the plugs and the o rings look fine. They're only a month or so old, and were the recommended viton seals from EFI express. Torque value's 37 ft-lb, but I can't get there without the socket slipping out, so I resorted to the BFH and a screwdriver. And then when I got really frustrated, I might have used the airhammer lol
Turns out, when you want to remove the piston from your PS pump, it helps if you remove the entire piston. That was probably my issue. As has been the case with so many things lately, I'm the source of this car's problems. It's tough to be patient when the end's in sight.
Anyway, I found these hex plugs to replace the X-plugs on the brake stage. The stock plugs have a recess on the bottom side to allow for the piston to travel. Since those are gone, I can get away with a normal plug. Threads are M18x1.5, and the part number's below. As a bonus, these come with a viton O-ring, which should handle the hydraulic fluid just fine. Torqued to 37 ft-lb without issue. Hopefully I'll be able to install the pump and test everything later this week.
Nice find on the hex plug, Turbine... I may eventually use some of these myself.
I hope the leaks are resolved going forward!
One last drive before the new year to test the PS system, and I'm happy to say that it was leak free!
I've traveled 30.8 miles in this car over the course of my ownership. All this year. It's not much, but it's a start.
That being said, there are still plenty of issues to sort out.
1) Shifter still needs aligned. No surprise here.
2) Car needs an alignment. Bad.
3) I’m only getting WG pressure. About 8-10ish psi of boost if my gauge can be trusted. Definitely feels down on power
4) I hit fuel cut (or is it boost cut? I’m not smart) a few times around 7-8 psi at 4k rpm. Probably related to the boost issue above?
5) The oil pressure autocheck indicator came on at the end of the drive as it idled in my garage cooling down. I shut the car down immediately, but I saw the gauge hit the lower tic mark on the gauge (slightly less than 2 bar indicated). Hopefully something benign like the fact that the oil pressure sender has been doused in PS fluid multiple times at this point, but we’ll see. There's also an oil pressure switch beneath the sender that could be suspect. The switch is cheap, so I'll probably start there after verifying oil level and other basic stuff like that.
So other than sorting out the above, what's next?
First, a thorough wash and detail. I've never been big into detailing, but I'm looking forward to developing some skills as I bring the paint, trim, and interior on this thing back to life. Any resources or product/tool recommendations are appreciated!
Next, style. I'm building a set of coilovers using the large chassis DIY guide on The Project Pad. I'd like to bring the front down a little and, more importantly, get the front caster back under control.
I'd also like to figure out the AC. The original components are all there, but they're completely uncharged, and being an R12 system, I'm out of luck as far as recharging it conventionally goes. Gotta look into this more.
Finally, put miles on the thing. Or, if the oil pressure issue turns out to be more major, it's onto phase two-building the bottom end. Stay tuned. Or don't, up to you lol
I'd also like to figure out the AC. The original components are all there, but they're completely uncharged, and being an R12 system, I'm out of luck as far as recharging it conventionally goes. Gotta look into this more.
Mine was r134a converted before I got it. I believe it is just swapping out the O-rings and receiver tube (which is only a couple bucks). I have now replaced the compressor and also flushed the lines. I am convinced it is incredibly efficient (compared to the S6 wagon) due to the R12 condenser. It blows COLD! 
In reply to steve_3b :
Nice, that's encouraging to hear! So you're still using the original lines? I figured they'd need changed out, but again, I know nothing about HVAC lol
Man, my car doesn't even get respect from the scammers!
Got a message today that somebody was using pictures from this thread in a scam. I'd say I'm flattered, but looks like they're trying to part it out lol. I'm not a member of that group, but thankfully a couple people that know me and the car called the guy out.
Visha, if you're reading this, thank you!
Bonus pic of the car in the snow
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