The great Herald / Rover 75 adventure......

[M'coli]

That's what I was thinking - bleed them, pop each drum off in turn to make sure all the cylinders are moving, job done - press really hard. Our last family Herald was a late (H-reg) 1200 with drums, and - in 1981, probably - some arsehole in a Marina van brake-tested Dad when we were all in the car just after a full brake re-build - it stopped us, we didn't hit the van, but the brakes didn't lock either.

[barefoot]

My adventures with un-servoed drums, have generally involved them pulling viciously to one side or the other!

[dollywobbler]

My adventures with un-servoed drums, have generally involved them pulling viciously to one side or the other!

 

That'll be either jammed wheel cylinders or poor adjustment. My Westy had servoless drums, as did the H van. Both stopped pretty well and in a straight line. Problem with the H van is that if you braked really hard, the back end would lock up...

[Minimad5]

Do excuse the quality (or lack of) of the pictures.

 

Old Gearbox mounts:

Didn't take a picture of the new ones, as we all know what they look like..

 

Old brake flexi:

Mhhmm, lovely condition.

 

New and old:

 

 

Another blurry shot of a wee few parts ....

 

Can't find camera cable at the moment, but will upload slightly more exciting pictures as and when i do

And do ignore the lack of white moccasins

[Rocket88]

From what I can remember, all cylinders and shoes were re- newed. Might be worth pressure bleeding the system

[Minimad5]

Small update -

 

Mot was planned for beginning of April, but may have to be pushed back depending on how soon parts arrive.

 

Anyway, have some pictures ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let the work begin ....

[dollywobbler]

Blimey. Looks like a large spell of wire brush is needed!

[jonathan_dyane]

And a large reel of wire for the mig

[Minimad5]

Been busy wire-brushing the underneath of HAROLD.

So far, not so good ...

Rear boot outrigger

 

Leaky exhaust

 

Other boot 'rigger

 

Autoshite exhaust hanger, this may also be the cause of many vibrations

 

Queue a dollywobbler comedy exhaust moment ..

 

Should be attached to this -

 

Doesn't look so bad in this picture, but it is peppered with holes (boot rigger o/s)

 

Quick question, the picture below shows the N/S central rail (runs from front to back) with an extra piece welded in, yet the new replacements don't have this, don't know if i should copy this to the new pieces ??

 

Rear outrigger end, still not too sure if i'm gonna replace or repair this piece ..

 

New Brake line that requires P-clips

[Pete-M]

Wow. That's an impressive collection of rust you've got there.

[Minimad5]

Another wee update !

 

After waiting just 7 days for my full Stainless steel exhaust system to arrive, i set about fitting it.

But things didn't go smoothly !

(hint)

 

Yep all three bolts that hold the downpipe on, snapped and are now stuck in the arse end of the manifold.

I shall try drilling them out carefully but ideally i would like a new manifold, as i have found a very small crack on it.

Nothing too serious yet, but if anyone has one knocking about in the shed - Please PM me (Either a single carb inlet manifold or exhaust manifold for twin carbs ... as i have a set to go on)

Anyway, with that nicely broken and awaiting replacement / repairing i decided to replace the rather worn radiator hoses :

 

mhhm looks interesting ..

Some sort of sandy solid stuff, could be rad weld ??

 

Just how far has this stuff got i wondered, whilst i was here i remember the water pump giving a "lovely noise"

off with that ...

I don't know if it is clear, but what is with the metal inserts in the water ways ?

Glad i removed the water pump and housing now, as a quick spin of the pump by hand revealed - BORKED bearings.

 

Another possibly stupid question, this silty / rock-hard mixture of crap that was found blocking the radiator and assorted water ways. What would be the best way to completely clear the head and bottom end ?

Don't want to use any harsh chemicals, but glad to take on suggestions.

 

Random pictures:

 

And a quick investigation also found the following in the head

First picture shows metal wool type "stuff", normally found as gauge in the oil fill cap - but today was found laying on pushrod number 4

Second picture shows slight emulsification of oil at the base of nearly every spring - Headgasket time ?

 

So April MOT is well out the window, and there is a huge chance that i will be missing Cholmondeley classic car show - BUMMER

[Angrydicky]

The mayonnaise will probably just be from short runs, I wouldn't have thought it's anything to worry about.

 

It all looks pretty standard stuff to do on an old car that's been laid up for a while. I'd remove and replace the core plugs, there will be loads of crud behind them as that block is clearly very silted up. You could scrape out as much as you can with a screwdriver before getting the hose in there and getting the water jacket cleared out properly!

 

The thermostat housing looks like it could do with replacing as well.

[Cavcraft]

The most worrying thing there seems to be the dildo you found in the head!

 

Another sterling job you're doing there mate, a lot of people would have just sacked it off. Keep the faith brother!

[purplebargeken]

Shove a jetwash probe in there, that would flush it out quite well (stuff the hosepipe ban). That is a lot of work!

 

Head covering off to you for doing it. The little Triumph engines are pretty tough. Try Mick Dolphin for parts too. Lovely guy and pretty cheap too.

 

Ken

[Pete-M]

"It'll pass an mot, no problem"...

[Guest]

"It'll pass an mot, no problem"...

 

Indeed. Better put some flavouring on the windows for when I come round next.

[jonathan_dyane]

You're making progress!

 

I don't know if it is clear, but what is with the metal inserts in the water ways ?

 

It's a metal tube which directs the water to specific points within the head. They can be replaced if they're rotten, but it's best not to get into it if you can avoid.

 

To clean the shite out I have previously used the stuff from a plumbers merchant to clean out heating systems. Reassemble system and run to temperature with plain water and the additive, then flush and flush and flush

[Minimad5]

Thanks Jonathan !

I shall look into the plumming "stuff" that you recommend, just hope its' able to shift very hard crud

[vulgalour]

how unpleasant... I have faith that with perseverance you'll have it better than new in no time.

[purplebargeken]

I was serious about the jet wash lance. It can make a difference.

[Minimad5]

I was serious about the jet wash lance. It can make a difference.

 

I'll certainly give it a go before assembling everything, as the engine is thick with grease and sh*te anyway

[Minimad5]

Another small update, i shall let the pictures do the 'talking'

 

 

OM NOM NOM, front outrigger hole..

 

New parts arrived, starting with Alloy water pump housing, and heavy cast pump

Stainless steel water pipe, steering gaitors (gaiters ?) and a kick-panel

HAWT stainless steel exhaust

Sneek-peak at my 'revived' dash

 

Have more pictures to upload, as soon as i can find them !

[Minimad5]

More !

 

Remember this hole ....

 

Yes ??

I give you, structural sandpaper and filler :

... Basically thats' what fell out when i poked it

 

 

And finally

Clean and nearly finished side. (Thats pain run on the front outrigger, i assure you )

Not so clean side, still awaiting attention

 

That is all for today, i shall attack HAROLD more tomorrow, comments welcome

[retrogeezer]

Good work, did the books arrive o.k Mark?

[Minimad5]

Good work, did the books arrive o.k Mark?

 

Yeah mate, sorry forgot to send you a message !

Thanks very much, i shall be passing you the pennies at Chumley.

Already got grubby finger marks on a wee few pages, just need to persuade the head to come off, then it's off for a skim and new hard valve seats

[dollywobbler]

Nice one Mark. Great to see this getting the attention it clearly needs! (it's gaiters BTW).

[Cavcraft]

Nice one Mini Mark-os, more top work old lad. Have you tried using 'proper' degreasing fluid on the engine bits? Stiff brush, some decent degreaser then a thorough jet washing out to sort that out.

[Minimad5]

Nice one Mini Mark-os, more top work old lad. Have you tried using 'proper' degreasing fluid on the engine bits? Stiff brush, some decent degreaser then a thorough jet washing out to sort that out.

 

Not yet, as i'm struggling to get the head off !

Tried everything, but nothing will dislodge it. I might have to resort to removing the studs

[Conrad D. Conelrad]

Nice one Mini Mark-os, more top work old lad. Have you tried using 'proper' degreasing fluid on the engine bits? Stiff brush, some decent degreaser then a thorough jet washing out to sort that out.

 

Not yet, as i'm struggling to get the head off !

Tried everything, but nothing will dislodge it. I might have to resort to removing the studs

 

I attached an engine hoist to mine, it lifted both front wheels clean off the ground and held for 30 seconds before letting go. Made one hell of a noise, which made me regret doing it at 2am.

[Minimad5]

I attached an engine hoist to mine, it lifted both front wheels clean off the ground and held for 30 seconds before letting go. Made one hell of a noise, which made me regret doing it at 2am.

 

Bet your neighbours love you

If i can loan the use of one local, i shall give it a good go, did you attach a bar or something to the rocker-cover studs, and from this the engine lift / hoist ?