Project What has two seats, a mid-mounted 6 cylinder engine, and a turbo? Road trip!

[mat_the_cat]

Just realised that I'd missed the 'money shot' with this job! There is about 1 degree difference between hitting the bottom of the screen or spurting over the roof, so adjustment took a while.

But eventually got there!

The downside is that it drains the already undersized reservoir more quickly - I actually used half a tank just doing the adjustments...

 

[High Jetter]

I use a safety pin as adjuster tool for mingebag h2o consumption

[mat_the_cat]

Yeah, I know how to adjust them - it's just that with the jets being in the same plane as the screen, any adjustment is more sensitive than if they were bonnet mounted aiming at a screen at a different angle.

On the subject of angles, I'm reminded not to leave the roof vent open when under cover, and then drive off before closing it...

At least replacements are available, and easily fitted.

It hit a bit of a milestone on Friday, and finally clicked over 300k miles.

There's a few things which are showing signs of wear, but on the whole it's held up well.

Almost got driven into today, obviously I must have been in their blind spot.

 

[Talbot]

On 03/08/2024 at 23:47, mat_the_cat said:

There is about 1 degree difference between hitting the bottom of the screen or spurting over the roof

A worthwhile upgrade might be wiper-arm mounted sprayers.  Not dis-similar to your BX, or 405s of the same era, although there are now "better" systems used on things like sprinters and other vehicles with limited locations for fixed spray nozzles.

You go through a lot less screenwash with that sort of system.

[mat_the_cat]

I'm embarrassed to say I didn't even think of that, as it's a better system IMO. There's quite a few neat little engineering touches on the BX (and some dubious ones also!)

[mat_the_cat]

Can't remember if I mentioned this before, but it suffered water pump failure on the way down to Shitefest. There was an awful screeching sound, and no water being pumped. Had to resort to the manual foot pump in order to make a morning cuppa

Bizarrely though, it started working again as normal, so I suspect the impeller was spinning on the shaft. It was taken straight from the early '80s donor caravan, so it's lasted pretty well! I bought a replacement which had the advantage of being self-priming, meaning I could do away with the foot pump.

The new pump seems more solidly made, and spares are available for it - although given how well the flimsy original one lasted, I doubt I'll be wearing it out any time soon. It's also a fair bit bigger, but I'm not really short of space in the undersink cupboard.

Job done, and quieter to boot.

[mat_the_cat]

Bit of a last minute holiday, as we looked at a map of France and put my thumb on an area we've not explored before. Tunnel booked a couple of days prior to crossing, and hit the road! (Via the best overnight spot in all of Buckinghamshire...)

Doing a spot of cycling, running, and drinking - not necessarily in that order of priority.

As ever France doesn't disappoint with scenery:

Also spotted another LT friend lurking in the background!

[mat_the_cat]

We're almost into Switzerland now, and the weather has turned so we may drop down from the mountains tomorrow.

Couple of minor niggles, as the front wishbone bushes have started to squeak *again*! Originals lasted 220k miles, replacements have needed doing twice in the 80k miles since...

Also the fridge has stopped working on 12V whilst travelling. Not had chance to investigate fully, as I've just run it on mains via the inverter on the move (which is actually handier when we're regularly stopping, as short stops fine without the need to light it on gas). 

[mat_the_cat]

2000 miles later, with zero traffic jams whilst in France, we crossed the tunnel and got 27 miles before this.

This was the first of 7 significant delays in the 300 mile journey home - being away just really brings it home to how crowded this country feels. As usual though, we brought some wine back with us to keep the holiday memories alive.

Chosen purely on vintage and ageing qualities, and nothing whatsoever to do with the name.

On 22/09/2024 at 22:11, mat_the_cat said:

Also the fridge has stopped working on 12V whilst travelling. Not had chance to investigate fully

 

Finally got round to taking a look, and yes, no multimeter needed to diagnose this one!

Where I've mounted the relays is a bit awkward, and this was not visible until it was removed. I have a plan to redo the 'house' electrics, so hopefully will be able to resite the relay bank somewhere more accessible.