Project Dollywobbler's Rover 45 - STOP - Carry on.

[Guest Slongchod]

Those spark plugs look as though they have a crush washer?

 

If so they should be nipped up and then turned a further ninety degrees.

 

I think you may have left them too loose?

[SiC]

Quite possibly. Many Laguna (and 406 V6 with the same engine) were not bothered to have the back bank changed because of the extra work. I had a coil pack go and it was on the back bank (typically) and only the dead one was changed. It would have been ok if it wasn't for the fact that the previous owner had paid Kwikfuck to change all 3 when one failed.

[SiC]

Inlet manifold off on the Lag. Have to be blimming careful you don't drop stuff down those holes! Notice the torch. That's because I was changing the coil packs in the winter at night for work the next day...

 

One thing about V6 engines is that if you loose a cylinder, most have more than enough power left in the other cylinders to allow you to keep motoring on.

 

Back bank.

 

Front bank.

 

Tbh I'm not sure if I'm a fan of transverse V-engines. Not only a pain to work on but you also loose the character of torque twisting when giving it beans when stationary. The Jag does the nod and so did my old MX5. Plus the bonnets are a fair bit shorter and exhaust more complex so can loose a bit of power.

[Lacquer Peel]

The civic was available with the l series diesel but don’t know if the aerodeck was or not

 

Yes! The 98-on Accord was available with the L series too, but not for UK buyers.

[Noel Tidybeard]

the vicar of lonbridge has/had one or two

[twosmoke300]

So we got the 5dr L series civic but not the aerodeck . Wankers

[dollywobbler]

Rapidly approaching 3000 miles covered in this old thing, and growing fonder of it with every mile. I mean, sure, the wind noise is a bit annoying, but then not as annoying as it was in the Lexus. I took it home.

 

Then to London, which was horrible. This is Kensington, which is about 8 miles from where I was meant to be.

 

I was glad to get back to Wales.

 

Still running well, air con still cold, suspension still comfortable. Lovely!

[Asimo]

Those Rovers do have a lovely supple ride for a coil-spring "modern".

Honda really went to town on that sophisticated rear suspension and Rover tweaked it just right for the character of the car.

[dollywobbler]

I'm not paying attention. I'm now some way over 3000 miles covered, in eight weeks. Not bad.

[Jewel25]

This might be of interest...

[dollywobbler]

Excellent. Always liked Mr Cropley.

[Jewel25]

I've been following your 45 videos with great interest.

 

As for wind noise , where the front windows sit at the top of the door frame us an issue. Dropping the window slightly can reduce it. Padding out the seals on the door car with adhesive felt helps too . You can also place some additional material in the seals extrusions . The sealing is pretty poor in comparison to the R8. The sun roof frame corrodes causing the seal to buldge. For quiet crusing it's best to shut the shade and perhaps tape over the vents in the shade to block out wind noise. I've extensively soundproofed my 45 over the years and yes it's looking lovely up to around 60/70 mph but always feels flustered above that.

[Jewel25]

My 45 is a 1.8 and has covered around 125,000. Currently off the road due to brake failure . Corrosion is taking hold behind the sill covers , its already had a few patches on the inner arches. It could go on to do another 20,000 - 30,000 but it's going to need welding , brake overhaul , cambelt , CV gaiter , rear silencer and tyres all round . Im still undecided about what to do.

 

I love it though , classy , compact, comfortable, frugal luxury . I can't think of anything else with that combination.

[dollywobbler]

WOOD.

[Fumbler]

Yes but is it genuine real Rover factory floorboards wood?

[dollywobbler]

Another 220 miles covered yesterday. I really need a new windscreen for it. It's a tough windscreen though, as I watched a drink can fly through the air on the M6 and land smack in the middle of the Rover's! Shrugged it off. Was quite scary though.

[dollywobbler]

I've gone mad and booked the Rover in for some TLC with the chap currently fettling the Matiz. Makes it easy, as I just drive over and swap cars. Must remember to tax the Matiz...

 

He's going to change ATF, brake fluid and PAS fluid to save me getting that merry cocktail all over my driveway. Which would otherwise be entirely inevitable. I may get the windscreen replaced while it's with him. It also stops me putting more miles on it.

[SierraMikeHotel]

Did they do these as an estate? I can't seem to picture it.

 

My next car will have decent ride quality...

[dollywobbler]

Did they do these as an estate? I can't seem to picture it.

 

My next car will have decent ride quality...

 

No, but there was a Civic Shuttle. A few people have built their own estates.

 

Not Shuttle. Aerodeck!

[ProgRocker]

 

Not Shuttle. Aerodeck!

 

Good recovery!

[dollywobbler]

Remember this?

 

It's basking in the sun in Sussex this morning, having covered 310 miles yesterday, which took it to 4000 miles in my ownership since mid-July. Last tank delivered 31mpg, possibly a little better than normal as Mrs DW drove for a stint yesterday. She has a very gentle right foot.

 

It's great driving around London, which we did some of yesterday. First gear is seriously low, so it gets off the line very briskly, with a lovely growl. But it also sits at motorway speeds very nicely, albeit with rather a lot of wind noise. The air con is still working nicely and the only other thing that irritates is that the steering wheel is not quite straight.

 

I like it so much that I might have to give it another wash. 

[Noel Tidybeard]

how does Mrs Hubnut like this then as its more or less the polar opposite of her wants list of "things fitted to an car"?

[GeordieInExile]

WOOD.

And GOLD. Handsome.

[dollywobbler]

how does Mrs Hubnut like this then as its more or less the polar opposite of her wants list of "things fitted to an car"?

 

'It's alright."

[dollywobbler]

In other news, after I battled with the rear bank of spark plugs, someone told me that the bonnet does this.

 

Did you know this Mr Boll? If so, I should have looked more closely at your thread...

[gadgetgricey]

In other news, after I battled with the rear bank of spark plugs, someone told me that the bonnet does this.

 

Did you know this Mr Boll? If so, I should have looked more closely at your thread...

 

The problem is that's now hiding a massive crack in the windscreen.

[Noel Tidybeard]

'It's alright."

 

 

praise indeed! :mrgreen:

[Fumbler]

Oh hello. Seems the HubNut family decided to park up in a place near me. You never know. I might have seen a Rover 45 go past my door.

[dollywobbler]

An update. Contains nice noises. And me talking rather a lot. But also nice noises.

[clayts450]

Great video mate, and lovely to see you're getting along with it.

 

I love my V6 too and agree it is a superb if rather expensive wafter for motorways (wind noise aside) if you want to make good progress. 

 

I take it you always knock it into Sport mode to get that luscious noise from a standing start ?

 

If there was a bit more low-down torque this'd be a monster but you're right - it's a dignified motor that doesn't befit such hooliganism

 

Is your sunroof broken, Ian, as mine does tilt and also fully slides back ?

 

Perhaps we can compare notes at the next Cannock if you're bringing yours. Bet yours hasn't got a lovely dent in it. Or mismatched door handles (assuming I crack that job !). And do you bang your head when getting in - I still keep doing that !