Tommy's A-series Misery - Collection Caper!

[sharley17194]

Shame there's no pictures of how I lifted the robin up when removing the engine....

[Tommyboy12]

45 minutes ago, sharley17194 said:

Shame there's no pictures of how I lifted the robin up when removing the engine....

I was too busy scrabbling round trying to drag the engine out before you dropped the car on my head!

[comfortablynumb]

I've got 3 approx 14 foot scaffolding poles, clamped together at the top, with a couple of braces across and a chain hoist, ideal for that sort of thing. Lifted the posts for my lift into place no problem, and it took 5 people to get them individually onto my trailer 😱

[sharley17194]

1 hour ago, comfortablynumb said:

I've got 3 approx 14 foot scaffolding poles, clamped together at the top, with a couple of braces across and a chain hoist, ideal for that sort of thing. Lifted the posts for my lift into place no problem, and it took 5 people to get them individually onto my trailer 😱

I just picked it up on my own 😂

[Matty]

On 25/05/2025 at 16:09, Tommyboy12 said:

After purchasing my new* engine I spent some time over this weekend prepping and fitting it.

First off I needed to transfer some bit's over from the old engine and reattach the gearbox. I also took the opportunity to set the tappets as it's much easier out the car and then I fitted new engine mounts and also changed the thrust bearing which is carbon and wears away.

The thrust bearing should be raised like the one on the right...

While prepping the engine I found some sealant on the sump. Then I found a screw... I will be liberally applying some JB weld to this. I'm not interested in changing a sump at the moment. I drained the oil when I found it as I planned to change it anyway and now I can repair this a bit more permanently

With the engine prepped on the ground it was time to get the thing back in.

Firstly lift the car 4ft in the air using an engine crane and a lifting strap round the chassis. This definitely* wasn't* dangerous...

Then slide an engine underneath..

Drop the car back down onto axle stands then strap the engine to the crane

Safely* lift the engine from the front and then the rear so you can slot the engine mounts in place

Finally bolt the engine down! I also reinstalled the prop shaft bolts. Nothing quite makes you question your life choices like doing up fiddly bolts you can only turn a flat at a time while dirt rains into your eyes...

There's a lot left to do but the engine is now back in!

I've got to install a new clutch cable, the starter, alternator, radiator, exhaust manifold and downpipe, inlet and carb, and the dizzy. Then the fuel lines and wiring and then hope it starts!

Can't see anything wrong in how you did that. You sussed the job out and then set about it in a way that no one was in harms way using the only gear you had to hand. Kudos pal.

[Matty]

4 hours ago, sharley17194 said:

Shame there's no pictures of how I lifted the robin up when removing the engine....

Tease 😆

[sharley17194]

24 minutes ago, Matty said:

Tease 😆

I do have a video I could release to my onlytri

[Matty]

8 minutes ago, sharley17194 said:

I do have a video I could release to my onlytri

That'd be sound except I'm technologically subnormal. I had to read onlytri 3 times to appreciate that it might be something that hosts videos 😁

[Tommyboy12]

Did car stuff this afternoon.

First off this one went in for an MOT.  Another pass. It needs a couple of bits which aren't MOT items. I need to spend some time on it fixing those niggles.

I also started to reassemble my engine in the Reliant. Radiator, alternator, manifolds and carb are back on. I still need to do the starter, clutch cable, hoses and then sort the sump.

Speaking of my new sump* arrived too...

 

[Tommyboy12]

Nearly there with my Reliant. The engine is back together and full of coolant. No leaks which is a good start.

I had to fit my new clutch cable which involved drilling out the old one. Never had to drill out a clutch cable before but they're riveted into the fibreglass.

Rather than rivet it back in I chose to bolt it. Partially because I don't have any rivets long enough to go through the body but also maybe because I accidentally ovaled the holes removing the old one...

Prufeschonal job installing the clutch arm. Apparently these have a return spring to stop the carbon washer wearing down. Mine didn't have that which might explain the wear. Temporarily* fitted a Mini return spring with some expertly* fitted cable ties. I will buy a proper spring as they're only a few pounds.

I also fitted my new* sump

And finally. The single most important thing. I added a cup holder. Ain't no way I'm driving 2000 miles to Scotland and back without a cup holder.

I'm going to let the sump dry over the next 24 hours and fill it up with oil tomorrow. Hopefully it fires right up!

[Matty]

15 minutes ago, Tommyboy12 said:

Nearly there with my Reliant. The engine is back together and full of coolant. No leaks which is a good start.

I had to fit my new clutch cable which involved drilling out the old one. Never had to drill out a clutch cable before but they're riveted into the fibreglass.

Rather than rivet it back in I chose to bolt it. Partially because I don't have any rivets long enough to go through the body but also maybe because I accidentally ovaled the holes removing the old one...

Prufeschonal job installing the clutch arm. Apparently these have a return spring to stop the carbon washer wearing down. Mine didn't have that which might explain the wear. Temporarily* fitted a Mini return spring with some expertly* fitted cable ties. I will buy a proper spring as they're only a few pounds.

I also fitted my new* sump

And finally. The single most important thing. I added a cup holder. Ain't no way I'm driving 2000 miles to Scotland and back without a cup holder.

I'm going to let the sump dry over the next 24 hours and fill it up with oil tomorrow. Hopefully it fires right up!

Everything crossed Tom. Sure it'll be reet 🙂

[Tommyboy12]

The Reliant runs! So of course I did the right thing and bought another car...

For anyone paying attention it might be obvious from other threads what I'm collecting...

I will be changing brake lines upon arrival like all good collection capers involve.

Our noble chariot awaits on a journey down saaarf to that there London. This car has delivered me to at least my last 3 collection capers.

Breakfast: Nutella on Crumpets

Coffee Count: Don't drink coffee.

Poo Count: 1

[High Jetter]

Chodspeed!

[wesacosa]

not going in the Reliant for double jeopardy?

[Tommyboy12]

We're into the ULEZ and making a brief stop for a sarnie

[wesacosa]

24 minutes ago, Tommyboy12 said:

We're into the ULEZ and making a brief stop for a sarnie

he's watching you......

[Tommyboy12]

Hint

[Dyslexic Viking]

Panda or XM?

[Tommyboy12]

It's the Panda!

Currently sorting brakes out with a new line

Shiny new line

[wesacosa]

Apologies for being a terrible seller. Not only did you have to come down and fix the brake pipe in this bloody heat but I didn't get a chance to stick some petrol in it, and for some reason it was running rough when we eventually started it up despite running fine when I put it on the drive 2 weeks ago to "sort out" the brakes

I really hope you make it home ok, and apologies again

[High Jetter]

1 hour ago, wesacosa said:

Apologies for being a terrible seller. Not only did you have to come down and fix the brake pipe in this bloody heat but I didn't get a chance to stick some petrol in it, and for some reason it was running rough when we eventually started it up despite running fine when I put it on the drive 2 weeks ago to "sort out" the brakes

I really hope you make it home ok, and apologies again

Sounds like it didn't want to leave you!

[Tommyboy12]

It was an uneventful trip home. First stop was fuel as mentioned

Then it was learning how to drive a 3.5 cylinder car home in London traffic with barely passable brakes 😅

It ran great above 60mph. All 4 cylinders were involved. However below that an in crawling traffic I was running on 3 cylinders and the choke to stop it cutting out which I got very nervous when it did just after exiting the black wall tunnel.

Thankfully I made it home despite the heat.

Now to look at the brakes, fueling and potentially ignition system! Plus some slight brown on the sills.