Pulled out my engine today

[Cobbler]

Just seen the new copy of Practical Classics, quite a good write up in there of your car.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Just seen the new copy of Practical Classics, quite a good write up in there of your car.

What! I've not seen it yet!!! Can you let me know what issue it is in please?

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

When brushing lechler epoxy how long would you give it before giving it a second coat of it?

Your a bit off topics in this thread, but I give it ~10 minutes in reasonable weather between coats when I spray it, brushing will go on thicker so give it a bit longer.

 

[Cobbler]

What! I've not seen it yet!!! Can you let me know what issue it is in please?

May issue, came this morning

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Thanks, I guess it will be in the shops in a few days, they took the pics in early July last year.

 

[MG David]

I was interested that the car took a little while to start. Could it be that the cold start enrichment uses a coolant temperature sensor to action it and that was corrupted by the lack of coolant?

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

The cold start valve only fires for about 1 second even when it is cold, since there was no fuel in the system (fuel distributer), the valve would have been closed by the time fuel got to it.

 

[matty86]

Your a bit off topics in this thread, but I give it ~10 minutes in reasonable weather between coats when I spray it, brushing will go on thicker so give it a bit longer.

Sorry didn't actually to ask that question in this thread but thanks for answering

 

[Melvyn Best]

One small criticism , the clamp on the balance pipe doesn't meet your usual standard

 

[Matchless]

One small criticism , the clamp on the balance pipe doesn't meet your usual standard

I would turn all the exhaust clamps up and out of the way, they are the first thing to catch a speed hump or car park toothy thing etc. and could rip the system apart! do not ask how I know this..........................

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

One small criticism , the clamp on the balance pipe doesn't meet your usual standard

True.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

I would turn all the exhaust clamps up and out of the way, they are the first thing to catch a speed hump or car park toothy thing etc. and could rip the system apart! do not ask how I know this..........................

Good point!

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

This morning I.........

Fitted heat shrink tubing to the left bank of spark plug cables.

Fitted the new lower mounts for the engine shocks.

Filled the engine with coolant.

Then restarted the engine and watched for leaks, there were three, bottom of the oil cooler, niped up, coolant feed hose to radiator, nipped up and this fuel line on the warm up regulator also nipped up.

Next I added a further 4.5l of tranmission fluid to the transmission then checked the ignition timing. It was pretty close due to the old witness marks.

I then went out for a short drive, 200m up and down my street, I couldn't go too far as neither the bonnet or front bumper were fitted. All went well, no problems at all.

Last of all I touched up a couple of small paint chips, some 2k clear with a bit of base coat mixed in.

Tomorrow I'll refit the bonnet and bumper but I can't go for a proper drive yet as all the main roads near me are completely covered in salt, we have had about 10 nights below freezing and virtually no rain, just a few snow flurries. The local council salts the roads here every time sub zero temps are forecast and this weather is due to go on for another week or so.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

I fitted the lower grill this morning.

Then the spoiler.

I couldn't refit the air filter box in this state.

Stripped.

Primed.

Ahhhh. not enough paint left, I ordered more that should arrive tomorrow.

Bonnet fitted.

Bumper and grill tomorrow.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

More activity today...

Fitted the grill.

Time for a tidy up.

Keep or sell........

That's better.

I need to find a space for the old transmission, I can't bring myself to get rid of it.

Getting ready to fit the bumper.

Bumper and fog lights fitted.

Air filer box painted.

Four of the central 3mm pegs went missing, will these be nylon or pvc, if I can find a 3mm rod I'll cut it up, Merc charge about £5 per rivet.

Plenum grills fitted.

Chrome windscreen trim fitted.

Just the air filer box, glove box and passenger kick panel to fit tommorow and that will be the job done.

 

[Seadog]

Push-in rivet - snap is one description that appears frequently.

You could try here - https://www.essentracomponents.com/en-gb/p/push-in-rivets-snap

Or here - https://www.vehicleclips.co.uk/seat-8mm-plastic-rivet-trim-clips-n0385491/

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

I took the car out for a shake down test drive, 10 miles or so of mixed driving but no WOT yet. Stopped at the local news agent and picked up a classic car magazine. May edition of "Practical Classics".

(Mods, please delete the picture if you feel it violates any copyright laws)

 

[Migmac]

Car looks stunning. You should be well pleased with yourself

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Just when I thought the job was over, I found that the drivers window switch was totally frozen, ~£30 for a second hand one.

Then took off the rear wheels of my 6 year old Golf to get new tyres fitted. It took a sledge hammer to get the wheels off, they were stuck to the hubs with corossion. The rears were still the original tyres and have never been off before.

What a state for a six year old car.

Look at the brake hose banjo bolt!!!

Sorting out this mess will be my next job.

 

[dobbslc]

Don't build em like they used too!