Cookiesouwest Posted May 29, 2020 Author Share Posted May 29, 2020 The 200 mile report. Ginger has not been used much, covid, lockdown etc Been giving her a 10 mile lap of local villages every few days. Brakes ok now, nice clean brake fluid. She still runs a bit rough when under load, particularly up hills. Selling a set of alloys for one of the old MGs tomorrow, so will have some spare cash to splash on parts. Gonna try new plugs and coil pack first, cause the rough running feels electrical in nature. Maybe a fuelling issue, but sort the electrical bits first I think. Oh and buy her a new thermostat, cause she runs luke warm. I will do all that myself. She is booked in garage on 11th, for oil change and fuel filter, cause I don't want the mess and local tip is shut, so cant get rid of the waste. She had her first wash and polish today. Happy to report her roof does not leak She scrubs up ok timolloyd, andyberg, The Moog and 5 others 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted May 30, 2020 Author Share Posted May 30, 2020 The paint really pops in the sunlight, after a polish paulplom, BL Bloke, scdan4 and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 1, 2020 Author Share Posted June 1, 2020 Advice needed. Took Shirley out for a 20 mile drive. Did drive quite 'briskly'. When I got out of car and was walking past rear offside wheel, I felt a lot of heat. Wheel was too hot to touch. Sticking caliper? Wheel bearing? Car drove and braked fine. The other wheels were warm, but not melt your fingertips warm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New POD Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Does sound like a sticky caliper. Cookiesouwest 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Split_Pin Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Likely sticking caliper from lack of use. I had to replace one on the Mini because of exactly this. You will need a wind back tool to wind the piston in, not dear from eBay I don't think. If you try and push the piston in you will ruin it. There are 2 types of caliper. Helpfully I cannot remember the name of each nor the visual differences which are supposed to be quite clear from memory. I think one type has a finned surface but I could be wrong. Cookiesouwest 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 Parts have started to arrive Thermostat Plugs Coil pack Outside temperature sensor Window switch Still to arrive Bonnet lifters - ok not OE but I like them Rear discs, pads and calipers Split_Pin, timolloyd and Tickman 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 6, 2020 Author Share Posted June 6, 2020 Most parts have arrived. Just waiting for rear calipers and a spark plug socket, because I'm a dick and lost mine. First up - bonnet lifters. Not actually needed, but I like them. Takes me back to my yoof and max power days Next up - outside temp sensor The current sensor shows a temp of between 50 and 73c. I know it's been hot lately but not that bloody hot. The old one, located on rear of front bumper Easy to replace - thankfully - unplug the loom and pull out the old sensor. As HBOL says fitting is a reverse of removal. And now, I know what the real temperature is. Once Amazon turn up with my spark plug socket, Shirley can have her new plugs and coil pack. scdan4, Tickman, Split_Pin and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 All parts now received. Time to give Shirley, some attention. Remove engine cover. Nice and easy, as I ain't no mechanic lol Unplug coil pack from loom and remove. Took a bit of effort, it was on very snugly Then remove the plugs. I wont bore you with pics of all 4. They all looked like this. Not as bad as I was expecting tbh New plugs put in and replacement (used) coil pack attached. Then on to the throttle body. It was a bit manky. Didn't have any brake cleaner, so used WD40 Then took Shirley for a spin. The flat spot at 3k has gone but now has a very big flat spot at 4.5k. Either I've not cleaned the throttle body well enough or I have another issue (possibly fuelling). Car is off to garage on Thursday for fuel filter and oil change. So I will see how she runs after that. Then engine cover off again, to tackle the thermostat. The old one still had movement, so I can only assume the reason for cold running was the sensor. Put the new GM one in, as it comes with a new sensor. Topped up coolant. Took her for a thrash, then topped up coolant again - Vauxhall's self bleed which is good. Also looked at exhaust and most of it seems quite new, which was a pleasant surprise. It is blowing slightly near the front. Garage can investigate on Thursday. andyberg, BL Bloke, scdan4 and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyberg Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 If you need some (socially distanced) help just shout, I'm no mechanic either but sometimes another pair of hands is good. Cookiesouwest 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 26 minutes ago, andyberg said: If you need some (socially distanced) help just shout, I'm no mechanic either but sometimes another pair of hands is good. Thanks. Might be doing rear brakes very shortly, calipers, discs, pads. May need help with bleeding the brakes. Will shout if I do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyberg Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 OK, I'm still furloughed/redundant? so free most of the time. I have a couple of axle stands if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 10, 2020 Author Share Posted June 10, 2020 Def redundant at end of furlough ? Sorry to hear that. Hope things pick up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyberg Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 80% sure of it. If schools don't go back properly basically we are buggered, there is no other work. But hey, I have an Alfa Romeo so life is not all bad ?? do give me a shout though Cookie, more than happy to help out if I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 11, 2020 Author Share Posted June 11, 2020 Dropped Shirley off at Angry Parrot (yes that is the name of the garage), this morning (along with the Vectra for MOT). Shes booked in for oil change and fuel filter, plus inspect aux belt (it looks a bit ropey) and investigate blowing exhaust. Garage just phoned, aux belt is a bit ropey but could last. Told them to change it. Exhaust blow is due to a knackered clamp at front. 38 quid for the aux belt, clamp free if he has the right one lying around, 75 quid for oil and filter change. Could have done myself, but I don't have to worry about the mess or disposing of old oil, which is difficult as local tip is closed. Also saw a black 03 plate coupe tucked away on my walk back this morning. It looks a little worse for wear, checked mot, over 200k on clock and a boat load of advisories on last ticket Sept 19. Serious consideration is now being given to leaving a note on windscreen, as I'm mental. Tickman, scdan4 and Split_Pin 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Split_Pin Posted June 11, 2020 Share Posted June 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Cookiesouwest said: Dropped Shirley off at Angry Parrot (yes that is the name of the garage), this morning (along with the Vectra for MOT). Shes booked in for oil change and fuel filter, plus inspect aux belt (it looks a bit ropey) and investigate blowing exhaust. Garage just phoned, aux belt is a bit ropey but could last. Told them to change it. Exhaust blow is due to a knackered clamp at front. 38 quid for the aux belt, clamp free if he has the right one lying around, 75 quid for oil and filter change. Could have done myself, but I don't have to worry about the mess or disposing of old oil, which is difficult as local tip is closed. Also saw a black 03 plate coupe tucked away on my walk back this morning. It looks a little worse for wear, checked mot, over 200k on clock and a boat load of advisories on last ticket Sept 19. Serious consideration is now being given to leaving a note on windscreen, as I'm mental. I'd recommend an oil extractor, no mess and the spout means easy to pour into your old container for safe storage until the tips open again. The extractor, oil and filter will cost you less than £75 the next time round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 11, 2020 Author Share Posted June 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Split_Pin said: I'd recommend an oil extractor, no mess and the spout means easy to pour into your old container for safe storage until the tips open again. The extractor, oil and filter will cost you less than £75 the next time round. I have got one somewhere. Garden, yard and shed are full, waiting for tip to open, so on this occasion I think I made a good call, iro lack of storage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 11, 2020 Author Share Posted June 11, 2020 So picked her up from garage. 115 quid in total. Old oil filter was rusty and practically welded on, so fair to say she was overdue a service. New aux belt fitted and fuel filter. Exhaust no longer blowing Rear brake pipes are rust holding hands, so she is going back Monday to have them replaced. 50 quid plus parts, so cant complain. Took her for a 10 mile blast on way home. Hesitation much reduced and she improved as miles increased. So fuel filter seems to have cured the problem. Fingers crossed. Could be an intermittent fuel pump or maf. I'm hoping not. Given her glaring lack of maintenance, despite dealer saying 'shes got FSH honest', and the very cracked aux belt, I'm starting to think the wildly exciting game of cambelt roulette may be somewhat riskier than previous cars. Still have rear calipers, discs and pads to fit and think she would benefit from the same on the front. Bill's are certainly mounting, so it's a good job I like her. Need to consider, how long I want to play cambelt roulette as she owes me over a grand, so would be a shame to have her go bang now. But hadn't budgeted for a belt and pump (hadn't budgeted for brakes, brake pipes or aux belt either). Dosh is getting tight, so may have to use the flexible friend after being very nice to Mrs CSW. Or go through the shed, find all the ZS180 bits I accumulated and flog them off for Disastra funds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 15, 2020 Author Share Posted June 15, 2020 Shirley is back in the garage for rear brake lines. Part of the reason I like the garage I use, is what he has parked outside. Another G cab has come up for sale locally. Cheap but needs work. It's been modified But the value of the modified parts exceed the price of the car. Sorely tempted to put it back to standard, flog the bits and end up with a nearly free car. Tickman, timolloyd, andyberg and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 16, 2020 Author Share Posted June 16, 2020 Evening folks. Advice please. When Shirley is started from cold, she fires into life with no problem. But when engaging gear and pulling away, she bogs down and trys to stall. A heavy blip of the gas pedal, seems to cure the problem, so that the second attempt to pull away is always successful. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyberg Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 Probably no help at all but in the olden days that could be shit in the old carby. Maybe shit in the fuel or blocked injectors? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Split_Pin Posted June 16, 2020 Share Posted June 16, 2020 47 minutes ago, Cookiesouwest said: Evening folks. Advice please. When Shirley is started from cold, she fires into life with no problem. But when engaging gear and pulling away, she bogs down and trys to stall. A heavy blip of the gas pedal, seems to cure the problem, so that the second attempt to pull away is always successful. Any ideas? Did you replace the MAF sensor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted June 16, 2020 Author Share Posted June 16, 2020 10 minutes ago, Split_Pin said: Did you replace the MAF sensor? No. About the only thing I didnt change lol I will add it to the list and try and do next month, unless I can get a good used one. My 695 car now owes me 1207. Looks like I'm keeping her for awhile Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted August 19, 2020 Author Share Posted August 19, 2020 Well Shirley hasn't been driven since June. She's been started regularly, to keep battery topped up. The binding rear caliper made her undriveable. Sadly due to work / holibobs / weather, I was not able to put her new rear brakes on. So I bit the bullet and she was delivered to Angry Parrot this morning, to have both rear calipers / discs / pads changed. I think one of the fronts is a bit sticky too, but will have a better idea, when she gets taken for a thrash tonight. Split_Pin and Tickman 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted August 20, 2020 Author Share Posted August 20, 2020 Shirley now has shiny new rear calipers / discs and pads. Brake pedal is a bit soft, but will wait for the rear pads to bed in, before returning to garage and requesting a re-bleed. Gave her a blast last night. Hesitation is still there, so I do need to bite bullet and follow @Split_Pin advice and bung a MAF on. Payday next week. On plus side, now the brakes aren't on all the time, she is a lot quicker Shirley now owes me 1277. I supplied the brake parts and it took 2 1/2 hrs labour (62 quid) to change. Fair to say that a large hammer and lots of swearing occurred. Due to the heat caused by sticking calipers, things had become very stuck together. Tickman, Split_Pin and timolloyd 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Split_Pin Posted August 20, 2020 Share Posted August 20, 2020 Good progress, still enough of the summer left to enjoy the roof down! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 The 500 mile report. Yes I know, she's not getting used enough. Anyway today was MOT day and blimey she passed. Does have a few (cough) advisories. The shocks may explain, why she is a bit crashy lol Tickman, Split_Pin, Vince70 and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Split_Pin Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 I bet you could get those parts all from Autodoc for about £150 delivered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted November 8, 2020 Author Share Posted November 8, 2020 On 9/29/2020 at 7:02 AM, Split_Pin said: I bet you could get those parts all from Autodoc for about £150 delivered. I'm probably going down the autodoc route. Only issue is their are so many different parts to pick from! Split_Pin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted November 8, 2020 Author Share Posted November 8, 2020 Quick update. Knackered battery and failed headlight bulb. Quite a lot of swearing involved so didn't take pics except the two below. The new battery is 075, which is meant to be correct, but a lot bloody smaller than the one that came off. Old New No pics of bulb change because I forgot. Next job is the rear shocks. About 200 to pick from on Autodoc, so will select via lucky dip Split_Pin and HMC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookiesouwest Posted November 8, 2020 Author Share Posted November 8, 2020 Ordered rear shocks from Autovaux. Meyle which were OE. The front end will have to wait till finances allow. Split_Pin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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