I'll get round to it at some point - Hydropneumatic Misery Machine

[Stinkwheel]

You know, I've had 3 XM's and now i totally remember why i hate working on them. For a moment when you said it would be for sale, I kind of thought, maybe I'll buy it back

Then some sort of clarity went, no dont, just dont, yet the idea is still in the back of my head 

[wesacosa]

  On 05/06/2024 at 07:06, Stinkwheel said:

You know, I've had 3 XM's and now i totally remember why i hate working on them. For a moment when you said it would be for sale, I kind of thought, maybe I'll buy it back

Then some sort of clarity went, no dont, just dont, yet the idea is still in the back of my head 

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Mine was also a pain to get recomissioned but to be fair after that it was fine* 

 (aside from the leaky fuel pump of course)

Once going they are a lovely lovely car though,  but  people are defintiely scared off from working on them which has pretty made selling mine difficult 

[beko1987]

It in no way takes away from the heroic efforts you've gone through, anyone who take a claw hammer to their own car window is instantly a hero 😅

But none of that seems too xm specifically scary, just a load of shitty old car stuff that kicked you in the arse at once. Hopefully you'll get it sorted, force it through a test and get one good, pain free drive before listing it for sale and getting rid before it kicks you in the arse again 👌

I got very lucky with my xm. Bar a strut return line snapping (during a test ironically enough but it was a friendly (but fair) test as I had a mate back then so we had a check of it, realised it was a low pressure return and we must have been seeing things as once id cleaned the small puddle up, taken the remains of the pipe off the stub and refitted the pipe as he did some other bits of testing there wasn't a leak 🤷👌

[N Dentressangle]

You have so much more patience than me. By the stage you're at, Cartakeback would have gained a customer.

[Rust Collector]

Today I’m a WFH wanker and so I was able to to leave the XM running whilst I had some lunch.

Good news:

We have a cooling fan that operates at the correct temperature.

We no longer spaff coolant out the pressure release

The oil and LHM leaks are still present however:

I’ve booked it in for another MOT on Saturday morning.

I will do the rocker cover gasket this week, and clean the LHM mess up as best as I can. I will chuck some black structural pain on the places where the underseal has failed.

At this point I just want to know if it’s worth persevering with the LHM lines/steering rack or if it it needs too much other remedial work to see the road again.

[Rust Collector]

  On 05/06/2024 at 08:05, beko1987 said:

But none of that seems too xm specifically scary, just a load of shitty old car stuff that kicked you in the arse at once. Hopefully you'll get it sorted, force it through a test and get one good, pain free drive before listing it for sale and getting rid before it kicks you in the arse again 👌

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I agree that nothing on the car is hugely more complicated than other contemporary vehicles in isolation, I think the thing that makes the XM harder to live with is that it probably has about 2-3 times the amount of systems present on it compared to other platforms of that era.

Even if everything works, it’s going to need more preventative maintenance than say a 5 Series or Audi 100, and it also ends up being a much denser packaged vehicle due to the LHM lines and hydractive electrickery so work on it is definitely more awkward.

It will definitely be more work to live with than most other 90’s executive cars, but that is what kind of makes them special.

[djoptix]

  On 05/06/2024 at 12:18, Rust Collector said:

black structural pain

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Yep.

[Rust Collector]

  On 05/06/2024 at 12:38, djoptix said:

Yep.

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Must have been a Freudian slip, I meant to write paint 😂

[N Dentressangle]

  On 05/06/2024 at 12:25, Rust Collector said:

I agree that nothing on the car is hugely more complicated than other contemporary vehicles in isolation, I think the thing that makes the XM harder to live with is that it probably has about 2-3 times the amount of systems present on it compared to other platforms of that era.

Even if everything works, it’s going to need more preventative maintenance than say a 5 Series or Audi 100, and it also ends up being a much denser packaged vehicle due to the LHM lines and hydractive electrickery so work on it is definitely more awkward.

It will definitely be more work to live with than most other 90’s executive cars, but that is what kind of makes them special.

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Really selling it here 🤣

[grogee]

  On 05/06/2024 at 12:18, Rust Collector said:

black structural pain

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Mmm-hmm. Us too, brother. 

[High Jetter]

  On 05/06/2024 at 18:12, grogee said:

Mmm-hmm. Us too, brother. 

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W3W is getting personal!

[Rust Collector]

This car is trying to kill my spirits, but the joke’s on the XM as you can’t kill something that is already dead.

I replaced the valve cover gasket today:

Much better.

I went underneath to have a look at the leaks close up.

I noticed this.

I don’t know how I haven’t seen that fucking great hole before, but I’ve cancelled the MOT and this weekend I will weld a patch on that and I’ll also aim to weld up the sill on the Proton.

Back to the leaks then.

The bulk of the leak was coming from that inlet hose section with the PCV going into it. Now I’ve put the joint back into shape and clamped it properly I’m happy that’s sorted. There was also a small amount of oil dripping from the valve cover gasket, so I’m happy that should be sorted now.

As for the LHM that’s weeping out, fuck knows. It’s like there’s some old fluid trapped in the subframe. There’s a film of the stuff all over the place, even tracking down the lower wishbone. I can’t see any obvious leaks. One of the union nuts at the steering rack was a bit wet but it isn’t loose in any way.

I took some bad pictures, as I’m long sighted so couldn’t see what the camera was pointed at or if it was in focus. I need to sort out getting some glasses again.

I’ll try and get it up on ramps at the weekend a de-grease it to see what is going on. I can’t see anything obvious though, the return lines etc. above it look ok.

I’m dragging this car kicking and fucking screaming through an MOT if I have to.

[wesacosa]

have you checked the fluid level? I seem to recall an overfilled tank can expel fuild. Could it also be some residual fluid from a spillage when tank has been topped up or does it seem to be getting worse?

@rob88hhad a difficult to find leak on the BX Leader which turned out to be one of the return hoses that only transferred fluid when the car was changing height so things like that can be less obvious to find a source.  Might be worth just giving the whole area a clean down and then seeing if, when and where the fluid starts collecting 

[beko1987]

I agree with giving it all a clean, especially whilst its up on the ramps. You'd see where its' leaking then, right now whatever small weep you have is just being absorbed in the gloom and doom and blending in

You'll love the car by the end of all this 😂🤞 (or it'll be worth decent money all fixed up) 

[wesacosa]

  On 04/06/2024 at 22:23, Rust Collector said:

I’ve just realised I’m an idiot, and I have a surplus clip from the window I removed.

You can have it for free if you’re coming to the meet on Sunday, I’ll bring it with me.

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just had a look at mine 

first one in a bad way 

second one looked ok at first but I assume the pin is supposed to be attached to something 

 

[Rust Collector]

Not much to report tonight other than that I emptied a can of degreaser in the general direction of the LHM leak and then pressure washed as much of it as I could from above and below.

Hopefully tomorrow I will see where my leak (if I have one) is.

Also, I spotted that I need at least one steering rack boot... Hooray!

 

[Rust Collector]

Oh, and @wesacosa I thought I’d mention that I tried the key in the drivers lock again this eve.

Knowing now that ramming the key in repeatedly may just catch the mechanism and get you lucky, I have found that you can indeed lock and unlock the car from the key blade.

If I didn’t laugh about it then I think I’d cry. Neighbours must have wondered why I was laughing like a madman on my driveway whilst locking and unlocking a door, mind.

[Rust Collector]

  On 07/06/2024 at 10:35, wesacosa said:

just had a look at mine 

first one in a bad way 

second one looked ok at first but I assume the pin is supposed to be attached to something 

 

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Yeah, that pin has sheared off. It should be on the tip of the triangular bit, pointing into the void where the centre clip goes.

If I get a chance I’ll grab a second one for you (assuming the fronts match the rears).

I probably won’t be going to the meet on Sunday now though, as I need to weld the XM and so I’m cautiously blocking my weekend out for that.

I swear I read about something else you need that I’ve potentially got here as well, possibly in your panda thread, but can’t for the life of me remember what that is now that I’ve had a beer and a couple gin and tonics.

[wesacosa]

  On 07/06/2024 at 21:41, Rust Collector said:

Oh, and @wesacosa I thought I’d mention that I tried the key in the drivers lock again this eve.

Knowing now that ramming the key in repeatedly may just catch the mechanism and get you lucky, I have found that you can indeed lock and unlock the car from the key blade.

If I didn’t laugh about it then I think I’d cry. Neighbours must have wondered why I was laughing like a madman on my driveway whilst locking and unlocking a door, mind.

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I genuinely hadn't seen the smashing window stuff when I posted otherwise I might have kept quiet! 

[wesacosa]

  On 07/06/2024 at 21:45, Rust Collector said:

Yeah, that pin has sheared off. It should be on the tip of the triangular bit, pointing into the void where the centre clip goes.

If I get a chance I’ll grab a second one for you (assuming the fronts match the rears).

I probably won’t be going to the meet on Sunday now though, as I need to weld the XM and so I’m cautiously blocking my weekend out for that.

I swear I read about something else you need that I’ve potentially got here as well, possibly in your panda thread, but can’t for the life of me remember what that is now that I’ve had a beer and a couple gin and tonics.

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I thought so, that triangle bit is so bloody thin though that I can't believe it had anything attached!

No rush getting them off mate. I know you are super busy. Its been like this since I got the car so waiting until you have more time really isn't gonna make much difference to me. I'm unlikely to make the meet too 

can't think of anything I need on the Panda other than a better skill set and some motivation 🤔

[Rust Collector]

  On 07/06/2024 at 21:46, wesacosa said:

I genuinely hadn't seen the smashing window stuff when I posted otherwise I might have kept quiet! 

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No, I’m glad you pointed it out as I can lock the car now and not worry about not getting back in. It means I can hand it over to the new owner confident that they won’t get locked out too.

  On 07/06/2024 at 21:50, wesacosa said:

I thought so, that triangle bit is so bloody thin though that I can't believe it had anything attached!

No rush getting them off mate. I know you are super busy. Its been like this since I got the car so waiting until you have more time really isn't gonna make much difference to me

can't think of anything I need on the Panda other than a better skill set and some motivation 🤔

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Ive just remembered what it was - a Gunson Colourtune was mentioned in relation to setting up the Panda. I’ve got one in the shed that I bought when my mk2 Scirocco was struggling with emissions years ago.

Don’t beat yourself up over the Panda! I’ve been enjoying following that thread, the only reason I don’t comment is because I’ll probably say something stupid like ‘I want to buy it’ 🤣 It’s a fantastic car though and the sentiment behind it is really touching; reminds me of my Disco 3 in that sense.

[wesacosa]

  On 07/06/2024 at 21:56, Rust Collector said:

No, I’m glad you pointed it out as I can lock the car now and not worry about not getting back in. It means I can hand it over to the new owner confident that they won’t get locked out too.

Ive just remembered what it was - a Gunson Colourtune was mentioned in relation to setting up the Panda. I’ve got one in the shed that I bought when my mk2 Scirocco was struggling with emissions years ago.

Don’t beat yourself up over the Panda! I’ve been enjoying following that thread, the only reason I don’t comment is because I’ll probably say something stupid like ‘I want to buy it’ 🤣 It’s a fantastic car though and the sentiment behind it is really touching; reminds me of my Disco 3 in that sense.

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ah ok yes. I probably should invest in a colourtune (incidentally my former bosses Dad either invented or developed that apparently) as I am also going to need to set the Estelle up at some point too but they seem quite pricey. I am hoping as the Panda is only 100rpm up I might just get away with fiddling the screw, or I might even just leave it for now if it seems to run ok and just try for the MOT 

Yeah its a cool car for sure. I am still hoping to move it on this year for its own benefit but I'm going to keep it for a bit longer at least, it's booked in to Super Touring Power classic car section at brands at end of June so that should be nice if I can get MOT

you disco is definitely more sentimental to you though as I only knew Giles through his posts here not in real life

[Rust Collector]

I started the day with a breakfast of brain juice

And I think I may have an idea of where my LHM leak is.

I’m now on the case sorting this fucker out.

I hate welding.

[Rust Collector]

A few days back I checked the nut on that power steering line by hand, as it looked suspiciously damp. It didn’t have any movement in it so I didn’t poke further.

Seeing as it is now damp again, I offered a flare spanner up to it. It turned another half turn or so before it felt tight, so I’m hoping that was my LHM leak as I’m lead to understand that’s an ISO flare not a rubber sealed joint like most of the others.

[Rust Collector]

My battery powered angle grinder did what battery powered grinders do, and went flat on the last cut I needed to make.

A good time to stop for a nutritious* lunch and put the battery on charge. This meal is high in vitamins B, C and E (bacon, cheese and eggs):

After regretting eating that, I made the last cut (hopefully).

Ive made up my patch as well:

It’s not perfect but it’s close enough and fits nicely. I didn’t have much to go by, what I cut out is at the top.

[Rust Collector]

I had some zinc primer spray in the garage so chucked three coats on both sides. It’s better than nothing!

And then hot metal glue time:

Theres a few pinholes but that isn’t going anywhere. I’m off to grab some seam sealer now to hide my sins, and then I’ll coat it in black stone chip.

[Rust Collector]

A tin of seam sealer was twenty five fucking pounds!!

Its just getting stone chip paint for now then, and maybe some bitumen underseal.

At any rate, it’s done.

I’ve also secured the flappy wing on this side, and given the broken bracket a couple of blobs of weld.

It’s not perfect but it’ll do for now as I’m not stripping the wings off.

I just need to put it back together and I’m done. Hopefully.

[wesacosa]

top work!

[juular]

  On 08/06/2024 at 17:37, Rust Collector said:

A tin of seam sealer was twenty five fucking pounds!!

Its just getting stone chip paint for now then, and maybe some bitumen underseal.

At any rate, it’s done.

I’ve also secured the flappy wing on this side, and given the broken bracket a couple of blobs of weld.

It’s not perfect but it’ll do for now as I’m not stripping the wings off.

I just need to put it back together and I’m done. Hopefully.

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Nice work. I find seam sealer isn't actually that great and expensive like you say. I tend to use overpaintable PU sealant like tigerseal now. It's cheaper and it's easier to put on without being wasteful. 

[Rust Collector]

And breathe…

Glad that’s over.

I’ll book an MOT for my day in the office, which means I’ll get to drive it to Eastbourne (look out for green streaks @High Jetter) which is a pleasant jaunt down the A259 from Seaford with fantastic views over the Seven Sisters. And if it fails, I can take a two minute detour on the way home and push it over Beachy Head.

What’s our bets on the MOT abandonment and/or fail this time then? Answers on postcards please!