Dollywobbler's Consolidated Tat Thread

[LightBulbFun]

13 minutes ago, dollywobbler said:

Thought I'd celebrate by taking the Invacar out for a run, but only got halfway to the road before the throttle cable snapped. At least it did it there! Had to limp back on choke, then operate the throttle in the engine bay to coax her back into the unit. Quality.

Tbf im surprised it never happened sooner! they are very much known for doing it and I dont think its been touched since she was dragged out of the field?

now you can Join me and @Zelandeth in the Joys of Model 70 throttle cables!

 

glad it happened close to home and you where able to limp back!

 

whatever you do dont lose track of how the throttle cable is routed throughout the chassis, im still battling that with REV LOL

if you get it wrong then you get a very stiff throttle that likes to Jam on every now and then, which is fun in a car with a centrifugal clutch...

[dollywobbler]

Cheers. Just need to get a cable now. Any idea who might have some? Alan H advertised a load of parts the other day, but isn't responding to messages...

TWC has done very well. I've been cursing myself for not ordering one, despite the known weakness. 4000 miles since the field!

[LightBulbFun]

8 minutes ago, dollywobbler said:

Cheers. Just need to get a cable now. Any idea who might have some? Alan H advertised a load of parts the other day, but isn't responding to messages...

TWC has done very well. I've been cursing myself for not ordering one, despite the known weakness. 4000 miles since the field!

I think your best bet is to just order up a Length of cable and make your own

@Zelandeth recently did so for TPA, you can find the bits he ordered here

https://autoshite.com/topic/29443-zels-motoring-adventuresjag-citroens-mercedes-ac-model-70-0405-self-repairing-faults/page/117/?tab=comments#comment-2253935

(and if you go back a page you can find the twist grips he ordered as well if your curious)

 

amusingly for how small a Model 70 is compared to a lot of cars, they have one of the longest throttle cables!

so I dont think theres anything much off the shelf unless you have a rear engined Skoda or something!

its probably also worth making sure the throttle outer is also in good shape so it does not immediately eat your new inner cable

[dollywobbler]

Cheers LBF. As it happens, I was just exchanging emails with Zel too, so you've both helped me order what I need!

[dollywobbler]

In C5 news, I'm worried that the clutch might be getting a bit end of life. Hillstarts, even on gentle slopes, generate a fair dose of vibration and not as much acceleration as you'd hope. This at least means I can tell Miss Wobbler that a caravan would be a very bad idea.

[SiC]

On 5/15/2021 at 3:42 PM, dollywobbler said:

Thought I'd celebrate by taking the Invacar out for a run, but only got halfway to the road before the throttle cable snapped.

🙋‍♂️

I only got half way down the test strip at the FoD before my fun ended. The cable route was quite specific iirc to make it move freely without snagging. 

[LightBulbFun]

On 15/05/2021 at 17:51, dollywobbler said:

Cheers LBF. As it happens, I was just exchanging emails with Zel too, so you've both helped me order what I need!

glad I have been able to help someone else fix their Invacar  even if Im fairly useless when it comes to my own!

1 hour ago, SiC said:

🙋‍♂️

I only got half way down the test strip at the FoD before my fun ended. The cable route was quite specific iirc to make it move freely without snagging. 

Yeah! I was getting flashbacks to that! even now the throttle cable is still not quite right, we noticed it would Jam on when the handle bars turned as it pulled and pushed the entire throttle cable outer in and out of the cabin

so we bodged/secured the Outer cable to the cabin entry point and that solved the jamming on problem, but its still far too stiff, later Zel noticed It had far too much slack dangling about in the cabin (something I had wondered myself every-time I tripped myself up on it LOL)

probably does not help the twist grip itself on REV is also completely knackered,

so I do wonder if its a routing problem or if the cable just needs trimming or such (perhaps the new throttle cable inner we fitted is meant to be trimmed slightly still and is supplied over length to account for any control layout variations?)

regardless hopefully it can be sorted for good now finally!  

 

 

speaking of I feel like this video should of been titled "Man takes invacar for a walk" because it very much looks/sounds like it

also please never do that again without someone at the err "wheel"! If the throttle Jammed on for whatever reason then you would of been in a world of pain!

granted "man chases runaway Invacar round a farm" with the benny hill theme tune playing in the background probably would net you a fair amount of views! LOL

(although being a Handle bar Model 70 the whole setup is self centring so she would of just shot off in a straight line until she hit something solid!)

[maxxo]

10 hours ago, dollywobbler said:

In C5 news, I'm worried that the clutch might be getting a bit end of life. Hillstarts, even on gentle slopes, generate a fair dose of vibration and not as much acceleration as you'd hope. This at least means I can tell Miss Wobbler that a caravan would be a very bad idea.

i believe the 110 has a dual mass flywheel (why i went for an auto)

 

[dollywobbler]

1 hour ago, maxxo said:

i believe the 110 has a dual mass flywheel (why i went for an auto)

 

Yeah, it'll be a big old bill. Let's see how it goes though. It might be worth it if it continues to serve us well.

Here is the C5 basking in the sun like a beached whale. 

I really am growing very fond of the styling. It works on the estate. It is balanced in a way the hatchback is not.

Got the 2CV finished. From this angle, the paintwork on the rear quarter looks fine. Getting the little side window back in was a bit of a game, but got there at the second attempt.

Went home in the 2CV at lunchtime to celebrate. This car always lifts my spirits. C5 into the unit for a stint.

Have since swapped the 2CV for the GSA as I'm off for a visit to Chevronics tomorrow. The GSA needs a proper fettling from folk that actually know what they're doing.

In theory, we're going away in the 2CV this weekend, but I suspect the GSA will get the nod as we are a family of four, with two dogs...

[Mrcento]

Fwiw, i'd get the clutch/flywheel job on the C5 done.

It's pretty much close to a perfect car on your fleet in terms of both being that AN car in terms of practicality, comfort, economy and general all round day to day use-ability  but still being that bit different (And undesirable to the many in the Audi obsessed world).

Just having that car around you can throw all manner of odd shaped crap in and drive any distance needed in pretty much any weather is worth its weight in gold. Especially when many other alternatives available on your fleet are higher maintenance.

[Talbot]

7 hours ago, LightBulbFun said:

also please never do that again without someone at the err "wheel"! If the throttle Jammed on for whatever reason then you would of been in a world of pain!

Given that 99% of stuck throttles are actually a jammed cable, and Ian was actuating the lever on the carburettor, I think there's more likelihood of being hit from above by an errant aircraft than the throttle sticking on that short maneuver.

#RiskAssessment

 

[Cord Fourteener]

Heck, I'm behind on the videos so not sure if I ought to read this all just yet.

I have rhubarb gin to mix and bottle later so I'll catch up with the videos.

From what I read just though, I have come to like the C5 looks over the last couple of years. 

They definitely look practical, but somehow hide the rectangular shape needed to be properly practical. 

[Cord Fourteener]

36 minutes ago, Talbot said:

Given that 99% of stuck throttles are actually a jammed cable, and Ian was actuating the lever on the carburettor, I think there's more likelihood of being hit from above by an errant aircraft than the throttle sticking on that short maneuver.

#RiskAssessment

 

The remaining cases of 'stuck throttle' are apparently driver error, in cars that are either new or hire cars and trying to use the accelerator as a brake pedal in a panic.

There was a class action law suit against Toyota over this and Toyota admitted guilt and settled, though it since emerged the cases were driver error.

#oops

[Spurious]

8 minutes ago, Tim_E said:

The remaining cases of 'stuck throttle' are apparently driver error, in cars that are either new or hire cars and trying to use the accelerator as a brake pedal in a panic.

There was a class action law suit against Toyota over this and Toyota admitted guilt and settled, though it since emerged the cases were driver error.

#oops

The Audi 100/200 got wrongly maligned by this unintended acceleration nonsense in America especially after a hatchet job by CBS. Sound familiar, a non-american car manufacturer getting slated by the Media? Same happened to the Suzuki Jimny/Samurai which would "roll-over", again fabricated bollocks pushed by failing American manufacturers. 

Dopey drivers used to the big wide brake pedal on American tanks would get the pedals mixed up and hey presto "unintended acceleration".  Strange a car with 4 wheel discs and big calipers up front couldn't stop a 135bhp motor. 

[Magic]

23 minutes ago, Tim_E said:

The remaining cases of 'stuck throttle' are apparently driver error, in cars that are either new or hire cars and trying to use the accelerator as a brake pedal in a panic.

There was a class action law suit against Toyota over this and Toyota admitted guilt and settled, though it since emerged the cases were driver error.

#oops

Toyota's seem to work in such as way that it cannot possibly happen now. There was a post on the Owners Forum sometime last year, where a RAV4 Hybrid (therefore an automatic) did a couple of full on emergency stops in the middle of the road with what seemed no sensible reason. Dashcam footage from it was posted too. Went into Toyota, they investigated ... data logs were sent off and they found the owners wife (who was used to a manual) had pressed the brake pedal with her left foot, so the car just went into failsafe seeing both pedals pressed. She was suitably embarrassed apparently. I'm guessing she must be someone who rests the left foot on the clutch pedal.

[maxxo]

2 hours ago, dollywobbler said:

Yeah, it'll be a big old bill. Let's see how it goes though. It might be worth it if it continues to serve us well.

you like it don't you lol

mines got under my skin already, just proving to be quite simply excellent

[bobdisk]

22 hours ago, dollywobbler said:

In C5 news, I'm worried that the clutch might be getting a bit end of life. Hillstarts, even on gentle slopes, generate a fair dose of vibration and not as much acceleration as you'd hope. This at least means I can tell Miss Wobbler that a caravan would be a very bad idea.

The C5 has a dual mass flywheel, this could be your problem.  My BMW E46 has one, which is generally not liked, there is a solid flywheel available for it. There is also one for the C5, would be better for towing? 

https://frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64261

[jamescarruthers]

There is solid flywheel conversion on my sister’s C5 2.2 installed by the previous owner. It makes setting off in first gear an art form, the clutch is very snatchy. 
 

I would strongly advise against a comfortable C5 having its DMF changed for a standard solid one. 
 

The original had made it to something like 150,000-180,000 miles I think which isn’t a bad life. 

[Talbot]

2 hours ago, jamescarruthers said:

There is solid flywheel conversion on my sister’s C5 2.2 installed by the previous owner. It makes setting off in first gear an art form, the clutch is very snatchy. 

Did they do it correctly though?  With a SMF conversion, the clutch friction plate should be changed for one with a cushion hub (the 4/6 springs in the hub of a conventional clutch friction plate).  The clutch friction plate from a DMF setup has no cushion springs, as the DMF performs that function.  I have seen people put the clutch from a DMF setup onto a SMF and then wallop it all together, meaning there is now absolutely no cushioning whatsoever between the engine and the gearbox while slipping the clutch, and it makes for a very digital experience.

A SMF conversion *done correctly* should be just as driveable as any SMF-fron-factory car.  The only drawback might possibly be a little more engine nose/vibration at idle, which is a commonly reported side-effect after conversion.

You also have to consider that DMF's are no-where near the cost they used to be.  I recall when they were a new thing and just beginning to require service replacement in the mid-(20)00s, a DMF, clutch plate and cover could be £500 for the parts alone.  These days the entire setup might be £300, which allowing for inflation means they're less than half the price they used to be, and garages are now "used" to fitting them.  The garage I frequent just recently did a clutch and DMF on a MK5(?) Golf TDI (2001 model) and changing the flywheel took barely 5 minutes more than if it hadn't been changed.  The car went from driving in to driving out in about 3 hrs, which allowing for the fact that it was a 6-speed gearbox (and hence quite a bit more awkward than a 5-speed) I thought was quite telling of how they're just not an issue any more.

[jamescarruthers]

1 hour ago, Talbot said:

Did they do it correctly though?  With a SMF conversion, the clutch friction plate should be changed for one with a cushion hub (the 4/6 springs in the hub of a conventional clutch friction plate).  The clutch friction plate from a DMF setup has no cushion springs, as the DMF performs that function.  I have seen people put the clutch from a DMF setup onto a SMF and then wallop it all together, meaning there is now absolutely no cushioning whatsoever between the engine and the gearbox while slipping the clutch, and it makes for a very digital experience.

A SMF conversion *done correctly* should be just as driveable as any SMF-fron-factory car.  The only drawback might possibly be a little more engine nose/vibration at idle, which is a commonly reported side-effect after conversion.

You also have to consider that DMF's are no-where near the cost they used to be.  I recall when they were a new thing and just beginning to require service replacement in the mid-(20)00s, a DMF, clutch plate and cover could be £500 for the parts alone.  These days the entire setup might be £300, which allowing for inflation means they're less than half the price they used to be, and garages are now "used" to fitting them.  The garage I frequent just recently did a clutch and DMF on a MK5(?) Golf TDI (2001 model) and changing the flywheel took barely 5 minutes more than if it hadn't been changed.  The car went from driving in to driving out in about 3 hrs, which allowing for the fact that it was a 6-speed gearbox (and hence quite a bit more awkward than a 5-speed) I thought was quite telling of how they're just not an issue any more.

Hmmm food for thought there, thank you. 

[Remspoor]

I have had the duel mass flywheel changed on the 2.0 HDi 307. I  have not notice the difference in vibrations or clutch bite. It is a lot cheaper to purchase. It was a Valeo kit.

 

[dollywobbler]

GSA on the ramp, and in good company. A BX TZD Turbo on the correct wheel trims! 

Drove over from home this morning. Left at 7am and arrived a gnat's arse away from lunchtime. GSA was utterly superb on the 230-mile drive. The chap assessing it came up with a goodly list of less-than-perfect things, several of which were MOT advisories, and work has been progressing. More on that soon. I think it's always a good sign when you service includes things like pulling the brake pads out. It's far more thorough than one of my services... (ie oil change). 

More work (and the bill) tomorrow, before I drive all the way back home again.

[Talbot]

2 hours ago, dollywobbler said:

pulling the brake pads out.

Have you seen the for sale / free listing I've got up for a set of brake pads for this at the moment?

[Cord Fourteener]

17 hours ago, bobdisk said:

The C5 has a dual mass flywheel, this could be your problem.  My BMW E46 has one, which is generally not liked, there is a solid flywheel available for it. There is also one for the C5, would be better for towing? 

https://frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64261

If it helps, I towed with an E46 estate with whatever flywheel was present. It was 2.5 petrol, I6 M54 engine.

It wasn't like perfect tractability at low revs with a heavy load. Without load it did seem to want quick clutch release, if you rev it a bit there's no problem. But I quite like to not use the old right foot unless I'm burning off tractors or boy racers so in that respect the tractors and boy racers were fine but with a lot of weight on the tow hitch you did need to use a few revs. But really, even with the original equipment flywheel it was OK, all six cylinders did a brilliant job of delivering power smoothly at all rpms you are likely to want to pull a load. 

I have a Vagshite tdi now and as long as you keep it above 1500rpm it will pull anything anywhere. Not sure what type of flywheel or how it compares with a HDI though. But if you are on original equipment then it ought to pull loads ok.

[Spurious]

I used to tow 1500kg-2000kg of logs in the C5 back in Ireland on a few occasions. 

Wouldn't want to do hill starts or lots of slow manoeuvres about the yard (we had a little Kabota for that) but it was fine on the road, once you kept the turbo on boil. The self leveling suspension and the little hight adjust made it simple to attach. 

[dollywobbler]

7 hours ago, Talbot said:

Have you seen the for sale / free listing I've got up for a set of brake pads for this at the moment?

I have not, as I consider the For Sale section too dangerous to even look at. Consider me interested.

[GrumpiusMaximus]

@Tim_E I'd be very surprised if your Passat didn't have a DMF.

[Talbot]

1 hour ago, dollywobbler said:

I have not, as I consider the For Sale section too dangerous to even look at. Consider me interested.

 

[dollywobbler]

Yes, I'll take those then. Hoping to achieve Field of Dreams at some point but can pay postage if easier. 

[dollywobbler]

Oh and in other news, this was 2pm this afternoon. GSA still on the ramp as the nearside rear suspension unit kept leaking. A replacement sphere seal didn't cure it, but a second replacement sphere seal did! Amazing to watch the chap whip the entire unit out in mere moments. The driveshaft seal was a right pig of a job, and took up much of the morning. Very glad I didn't attempt that at home! It passes through the subframe, and there's just enough room to get it out - as long as you remove the inboard brake caliper. Oh, and there's only really enough space if the suspension wishbones aren't in place. Which they were. Very Citroen. Then there was the brake pipe that goes into said caliper, and came out showing a mangled thread. That caused some nervous moments while a replacement union was encouraged to fit. Thankfully it did. 

Along with a very comprehensive  service, there was a fairly hefty bill. More than I usually spend buying a car, though to be fair, that isn't much. But the attention should serve the car well in future as frankly a HubNut service amount to little more than oil and filters. You certainly don't find me removing the rear pads to make sure they're free and working correctly... I'm far too much of a 'meh, it'll be reet.' Then I wonder why things break...

After all that, the car was handed back to me at about half three and I got back home at 9pm, 290 miles later. 

I'm bloody knackered.  It's a shame paradise is so far away from everywhere else. Oh and I had to fill it up in Letchworth, and again a few miles from home. 40mpg, even when being hammered along the M4 at legal-ish pace.