Hedgehog Motors - The ̶L̶e̶x̶ Rex Files

[davehedgehog31]

Here's a lesson in cold starting from the 205 this morning, it was proper brass monkeys too! 

[chaseracer]

21 hours ago, cms206 said:

I have for many years nursed a 607 fetish and Wednesday night didn't fucking help it.

 

21 hours ago, Supernaut said:

I remember the massive grin on your face when you pulled back into the car park, and your missus shouting "No! Noooo! No! Stop it!"

Has Andy bought it yet?  Take that how you will...

[davehedgehog31]

Further to last nights investigations, some progress was made tonight. First of all, someone left me a message;

So basically I've set up a laptop with the Peugeot Planet 2000 diagnostic software and acquired the usb to OBD interface required to use it. It's a pretty powerful package by the looks of things. I've been using it to read error codes, clear them and look at different vehicle parameters to try and see what the matter is. 

To recap, the car would not start at all, without easystart spray. When it did start it would run in a restricted power mode with EML lit. Last night it was showing a persistent error code about the camshaft sensor which returned after clearing, upon cranking the engine again. 

I'm keen to not throw money at it willy nilly, but given the Bosch camshaft sensor was £15, I thought I'd pick one up. I fitted it tonight. It looks like this;

Notice the little tooth on the end, on the one I removed this was smoothed off. I don't know if it's there to be sacrificial. As you can also see the hole for the screw is elongated so it's basically align-able, it doesn't fit in a set position. When I fitted the new sensor I was getting a code about "no reading from camshaft sensor". Not that it wasn't present, just that it wasn't receiving a signal from it. 

I guessed this was probably because I had positioned it conservatively so as not to damage it. Thought I'd test with the old one and try inserting it a bit further and trying to line it up properly, if it was damaged it wouldn't be too much of a concern. Done this and got in the car, cleared the codes. Cranked it and it started after minimal cranking... sat and idled fine. No EML and no codes.  It couldn't be that easy? Or could it? 

It sat there idling for about ten minutes while I watched the various parameters, no issues at all. 

Crucially, there's a parameter for "Cam/Crank Sync" and this showed Yes throughout, so seems like the theory of it having slipped a tooth is out. 

Took it out a bimble round the extensive* private* grounds of my stately* home, not on the Queen's Highway obvs, as the cunt is neither taxed nor insured. Gave it a wee razz up a hill and it pulled strongly, no signs of limp mode. 

Got back, shut it off and started again as below;

So a fair bit more cranking than you'd like, but it started and then ran fine again, repeated once again. 

However, at the third attempt progress was dashed somewhat, it wouldn't start and just cranked. Battery was only reading 11.7v. Will try it with a known good battery tomorrow morning and see. 

So to sum up, definite progress. It's definitely one problem less than was there last night and it's good to know that the engine is fundamentally capable of starting and running under it's own steam. Worst case, I may just have tidied up a residual issue and now have a platform to get to the root of the actual issue. Best case, I wang a good battery on it and it works. We can but hope...

[davehedgehog31]

Long overdue update. Haven't been on the forum very much at all since last update in November. Hoping to contribute a bit more regularly again!

Abridged fleet status update between now and last post;

607 - Sacked off. Couldn't get to the bottom of it and was going to become a bit of a case of blindly spending money on expensive parts with no real certainty of fixing anything. Just felt like a bit of a weight, so it had to go.

405 - Came out of winter storage just last month. MOT'd etc but really needs a bit of attention to bring it right up to scratch. Needs new exhaust back box, rear dampers and a tyre or two. Won't be much work.

205 - MOT expired, but needs a windscreen. What I really need is a windscreen lying about my flat to focus my mind.

406 Coupe - Continues to fulfil daily driving duties without issue. Bit uninspiring, but adequate. 

I had been half considering replacing the 406 coupe. Maybe something diesel, back doors, practical and economical really the main buzzwords. So of course I bought something wildly inappropriate with no test.

Idly browsing Gumtree I came across a 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 with no MOT but competitively priced, with less than 100k on the clock. It looked clean from the pictures and the guy selling could compose a decent ad. 

After initial contact was made I had a long wait, before he replied offering first refusal. I went to view on Sunday night, rendezvousing with  4x4 and yankshite tickler @dome.  Some initial underbody prodding was followed by a brief test drive which was all A-OK. Dome had a good look over and we agreed there was no particular cause for alarm. A few wee points were noted, mainly regards exhaust, leaf springs which had appeared on previous MOTs. 

It had been keenly priced, so virtual reddies were exchanged and I was on my way home a short while later

It gives the impression of being a well maintained vehicle. Underside condition was pleasant enough and the bodywork is straight, paint is good.  Matching recent tyres etc.

Booked test for today (Tuesday). Only potential issue I could do anything about in the short term was the exhaust, so got underneath and patched the real silencer up in two places. Another very minor blow from around a clamp I couldn't do much about. The exhaust is the worst part of the car.

Stopped on the way to the test for a final check round.

Awaited my fate....

We got the result we wanted with a few advisories that I will actually endeavour to rectify. 

Nipped into @320touring towers for a very quick socially distant coffee. Parked in the Doom Blue corner of win.

So a landed, sub 100k 4.0 Cherokee with a years test at a very reasonable price - happy with that.

[big_al_granvia]

nice motor, wont smell like a chip shop tho

 

[hairnet]

theres an abandoned 205 in i think cumbernauld right @davidfowler2000

screen right their

doom blue corner - looks like @snagglepuss'es abandonment corner

 

[Jim Bell]

Absolutely tree menders man. What a Bobby Dazzler. I love that the spare is mounted in the loadspace on these, this knocking a third off your loadspace. 

[Robson3022]

6 minutes ago, Jim Bell said:

Absolutely tree menders man. What a Bobby Dazzler. I love that the spare is mounted in the loadspace on these, this knocking a third off your loadspace. 

They do this in the grand Cherokee too. Dead dead useful ??

[320touring]

Davehedgehog approved!

320touring approved too. It's like the ideal spec Jaaag, tweed seats, biggest engine..

In this picture are 3 4x4 from 3 manufacturers all in about the same shade of blue.

[SRi05]

4 hours ago, davehedgehog31 said:

Long overdue update. Haven't been on the forum very much at all since last update in November. Hoping to contribute a bit more regularly again!

Abridged fleet status update between now and last post;

607 - Sacked off. Couldn't get to the bottom of it and was going to become a bit of a case of blindly spending money on expensive parts with no real certainty of fixing anything. Just felt like a bit of a weight, so it had to go.

405 - Came out of winter storage just last month. MOT'd etc but really needs a bit of attention to bring it right up to scratch. Needs new exhaust back box, rear dampers and a tyre or two. Won't be much work.

205 - MOT expired, but needs a windscreen. What I really need is a windscreen lying about my flat to focus my mind.

406 Coupe - Continues to fulfil daily driving duties without issue. Bit uninspiring, but adequate. 

I had been half considering replacing the 406 coupe. Maybe something diesel, back doors, practical and economical really the main buzzwords. So of course I bought something wildly inappropriate with no test.

Idly browsing Gumtree I came across a 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 with no MOT but competitively priced, with less than 100k on the clock. It looked clean from the pictures and the guy selling could compose a decent ad. 

After initial contact was made I had a long wait, before he replied offering first refusal. I went to view on Sunday night, rendezvousing with  4x4 and yankshite tickler @dome.  Some initial underbody prodding was followed by a brief test drive which was all A-OK. Dome had a good look over and we agreed there was no particular cause for alarm. A few wee points were noted, mainly regards exhaust, leaf springs which had appeared on previous MOTs. 

It had been keenly priced, so virtual reddies were exchanged and I was on my way home a short while later

It gives the impression of being a well maintained vehicle. Underside condition was pleasant enough and the bodywork is straight, paint is good.  Matching recent tyres etc.

Booked test for today (Tuesday). Only potential issue I could do anything about in the short term was the exhaust, so got underneath and patched the real silencer up in two places. Another very minor blow from around a clamp I couldn't do much about. The exhaust is the worst part of the car.

Stopped on the way to the test for a final check round.

Awaited my fate....

We got the result we wanted with a few advisories that I will actually endeavour to rectify. 

Nipped into @320touring towers for a very quick socially distant coffee. Parked in the Doom Blue corner of win.

So a landed, sub 100k 4.0 Cherokee with a years test at a very reasonable price - happy with that.

Phwoaarrr etc, looks a cracking big beast 

[davehedgehog31]

406 got an oil and filter change ahead of fleet departure



Then set to work on the 405. Backbox and rear shocks up. Didn't have a 24mm deep well socket, or appropriate hex key for shocks, but did manage to get the back box off at least and a replacement ordered. Think it might have been blowing from here;



Chods in a row;



Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

[loserone]

Have you a buyer lined up for the 406, or am I asking for a random?

[blackboilersuit]

That Jeep is so full of win I've gone all weak at the knees ?. A mate had one 15 years ago which had been well cared for but still wasn't in nearly as nice condition as yours looks. It must have had a really sheltered life up to now. I've always liked them but been put off by OMGMPG's . Having said that all things are relative and my old 200tdi Disco while doing 25mpg had zero refinement/comfort/power compared to a Jeep.

I think I can speak for many people by saying you are absolutely not allowed to sell this before lockdown is lifted enough for the next Scotoshite meet to happen. We need to be able to admire this beauty in the flesh!

[davehedgehog31]

So the Heep has been pressed into service and been stellar so far. 

Was in need of new front brakes and a service for my own peace of mind. Servicewas no bother. Brakes turned into an utter ordeal.

It all came apart no bother and was looking like an easy job. First issue, pads I had bought were wrong. No worries, ECP had the right ones in nearby. 

All reassembled with new discs and pads, wheel locked solid.... Assumed stuck piston so disassembled and exercised it a bit, all seemed to be working fine. Got onto all sorts of head scratching about bent caliper mounts, disc out of true etc. 

Turns out there are two types of discs, all dimensions the same except the face that mounts over the hub which is 3.5mm taller on some pre 98 cars. Bastard. 

 

Anyway, discs ordered. Could get new sliders and boots next day too so done a thorough job and changed those too.

Job jobbed in an hour, easy and satisfying with the right bits.

[davehedgehog31]

[320touring]

Just now, davehedgehog31 said:

That's fine:)

[davehedgehog31]

Also got the 406 up for sale on Gumtree (pics courtesy of @SRi05 ownership) which has attracted the usual.

[big_al_granvia]

steph is clearly a (ph)fanie

[loserone]

You could have taken some pictures in the daylight, it's a nice car but you can't tell with those pictures

[SRi05]

32 minutes ago, loserone said:

You could have taken some pictures in the daylight, it's a nice car but you can't tell with those pictures

Good enough for Gumtree scumbags 

[davehedgehog31]

Heep continues to Heep. Got 20mpg last tank, not ideal but I don't do as much driving anymore.

Thankfully the 405 is a less thirsty stablemate. Currently undergoing some work, which has been slow progress.

Got new back box on tonight which wasn't too bad to maneuver into place.



Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

[big_al_granvia]

nice work mate

[davehedgehog31]

Cheers Al 

[Jim Bell]

Pipe.  

[davehedgehog31]

25 minutes ago, Jim Bell said:

Pipe.  

Yes

[somewhatfoolish]

On 6/19/2020 at 7:58 PM, davehedgehog31 said:

Also got the 406 up for sale on Gumtree (pics courtesy of @SRi05 ownership) which has attracted the usual.

Ever considered a career in diplomacy? 

[Jim Bell]

I think he did well not offer to rearrange a second rear pipe after such an insulting offer.  

[Spiny Norman]

Liking the big Jeep, and liking that 406 coop even more. One of the most beautiful looking 'normal' cars ever I reckon.

Did I miss the 4 Sail ad on here for it?

[loserone]

Only because it's not on here.

Not hard to find though

https://www.gumtree.com/p/peugeot/peugeot-406-coupe-2.0/1375900757

[davehedgehog31]

Time has been very pressed of late with competing priorities. Managed to dedicate a good few hours over the last week though.

Heep got a quick wash. Always think a wash and dry is when you really get an idea for the overall state of bodywork, this thing is nice and straight, very presentable indeed.

Had a new back box for the 405 cluttering up the flat, so it had to go on. Zipped the old clamp off with an angle grinder and with a gentle blow with a lump hammer the old back box was jettisoned spectacularly. One of the two mounts was formerly here;

New box on, wasn't too bad to line up the flanges with some gentle trolley jack manoeuvring. Much quieter.

This afternoon I tackled the rear shocks on the 405. Hydraulic nut breaking assistance was required but did all come apart fine. Requires a 14mm hex key socket and a brace of 24mm sockets, one deep, for future reference;

Old vs new, look a bit different but same dimensions.

Had both sides in place and all done up in no time. 

The MOT will be extended until 10th of December, but I've little motivation to be tackling work in the depths of winter, so will be going in either July or August. I've discovered a few bits to tend to anyway;

Luckily in both instances this is post prodding and is back at strong metal, so won't need to cut back too much and doesn't look like anything too awkward to fabricate. @320touring has offered hot metal gluing facilities so will get this fixed forthwith.  Slathered both areas with Vactan in the meantime.

In both instances, particularly the second image, this was entirely hidden behind that thick rubber underseal stuff on Pugs of the era. My feeling is that galvanisation and this underseal means the cars are less susceptible to corrosion issues than some of their contemporaries, but the underseal often allows it to proceed unnoticed. In this case the underseal had split and water had penetrated. On the whole this is an extremely clean car and as far as I can see it's confined to almost the same spot on both sides. 

Finally, the 205 has been sitting looking sorry for itself. MOT ran out, but it has a cracked windscreen which needs replaced, which has rather left me in limbo and unmotivated with it. I really need a windscreen lying about to force my hand. Anyway, it has a leaky CV boot on the NS. Jacked it up and ran it in gear and watched for grease escaping. Think I pinpointed the leak. Looks like nothing but fair came flying out;

Cleaned up the area and Sikaflexed it up, ran a bead round the edge of the clamp for belt and braces;

That's all for today.