Giffered Low Mileage Shite Mk1 Rover 216 Issues

[Torsten2001]

I picked up this today:

The owner history is basically giffer, death, new giffer, death, new giffer, death, me. Consequently the 27k from new is about right and it was cheap with tax and MOT from son of last giffer that wanted shot of the old nail.

It starts superbly, runs well, quiet as you like/ The 1.6 engine seems really flexible, shit handling and all in all it sort of inspires you with confidence BUT after a nice 20 mile run home the heating wouldn't get above mildly tepid, the temperature guage stays nicely central even in traffic. Slowed down and the oil light came on at 900rpm, checked the oil and there seems to have been an oil leak of old around the head on the cambelt side and on the other side of the head around an electrical sensor poss oil pressure. The water just seems like water and the oil looks fine except loads of mayonaisse in the oil filler but then the poor thing's only done 1200 miles a year! The oil light started flickering although there's plenty in there and coming on at around 1100rpm, engine is still very sweet though, no untoward noises.

So basically does anyone have any wise words?

[Guest]

I personally would change the thermostat, give it an oil change, fill up with fresh fuel and give it a good drive out!

[seth]

The owner history is basically giffer, death, new giffer, death, new giffer, death, me.

So basically does anyone have any wise words?

Yeah. Try and break from the traditional ownership experience. KTHXBI

[RedSparrow]

Hmm, not being terribly mechanically minded I will just say - top motor, well done!

[brammy777]

Sorry to change the subject slightly, but that is bloody lovely. Perfect shade as well! I bet its really comfortable.

[Richard]

Oil change and a new thermostat would be a good start, that might cure it.

[Torsten2001]

Wise words indeed Seth, i know I'm on borrowed time though!Brammy, very comfortable indeed, it will be more so once those HORRENDOUS seat covers are removed to reveal gorgeous chocolate leather originals!

[garbaldy]

Hirst hit the nail on the head we had the same with the grandads old ashtray and that sorted it.by the way did you meet mrs bucket

[Torsten2001]

she'd also snuffed it alas

[Minimad5]

May i add:Quite a nice purchase Look forward to afew more pictures (If thats okay ? - Please)As already mentioned drop the old oil an that "Should" cure the intermittint Oil Light

[trigger]

I think you should name the car the black widow...

[Minimad5]

I think you should name the car the black widow...

Surely you mean Beige Widow ?(It looks gold to me, but Beige is more shite)

[trigger]

Does the beige widow still have a deathly tone to it?, Either way, Your days are numbered...

[ashmicro]

S Series engined cars (like this and the contemporary Montego) are prone to blocked heater matrixes if some tightwad has been using plain water in them. Waterpumps can be shit too, but cheap and easy to swap out.I am officially dead jealous, Torsten.**edit: (unrelated to overcooling)check the oil pressure switch, next to the filter. The fitment on these is a factory bodge - it's a switch from something else, with a thread adapter. Known to leak, simply check it's tight.

[chester drawers]

RE: The oil leak. Blocked crank case breather / trap? Like you say short runs wont have helped here. My old S-series Montego was quite fond of forcing out oil around the gaskets. Once removed the main trap (not just the one at the oil filler) was found to be completely blocked solid. No amount of petrol / paraffin / prodding with bits of wire would shift it.It still leaked after a replacement had been fitted of course, but at least it didn’t blow the crank case seal

[STUNO]

HA.....mine is bigger than yours

[Torsten2001]

Thank you for your wonderful advice, most importantly I shall try not to peg it. At least no one's pegged it in the car to the best of my knowledge so it should be safe!

I drove it in to work today, lovely thing really, and here it is in South London...much better!

[Torsten2001]

Please note the period Disabled sticker, yum!

[Cavcraft]

Class that is. If Autoshite did a 'reader's ride of the month' that would get my vote.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

What a honey, is it a Bader-matic?

[Torsten2001]

5 Speed gearbox, I reckon 5th was used for the first time last night!

[seth]

I'm amazed that the rear bumper is still attached at the side by the wheel arch on both sides!

[nigel bickle]

Slam it too low, reverse the steels (mismatched nuts best), rattlecan matt black & ebay.Marvellous. Suits you as is though- T.

[retrogeezer]

verily nice is that...

[Rocket88]

Had same oil problem on an old Royale. Changed filter, filled with 20/50, no problem. I would suspect someone has been putting some "modern" thin oil in.....................

[Lankytim]

Can I have first dibbs when you die?

[AnthonyG]

Superb car there Torsten Watch for rust under the rear floor and around the rear wheel arches - this killed a lot or otherwise OK cars. I think it's got something to do with the mounting points of the rear suspension, but I'm not sure.

[meggersdog]

My nextdoor neighbour has a G.reg VP in proper hearing aid beige.His had the same oil issues.30k when he was given it (lucky sod).Changed the headgasket,cleaned the breather and fresh oil and filter cured it's ills.If I ever get a flickr account I will post it up here.

[dollywobbler]

Cor, early one! Used to love these as a kid because the reverse light is red, but goes white when it lights up. That's magic that is.Mayo in the oil suggests loads of tiny mileage trips to the shops, as does the total mileage. I'd change it and give the coolant system a darned good flushing. Too little use has probably silted up the matrix and someone's already suggested that they're a weak point. Doubt it's the 'stat if the gauge is behaving. I love the speedo binnacle. Graph paper look FTW!

[brammy777]

My nextdoor neighbour has a G.reg VP in proper hearing aid beige.His had the same oil issues.30k when he was given it (lucky sod).Changed the headgasket,cleaned the breather and fresh oil and filter cured it's ills.If I ever get a flickr account I will post it up here.

First 200 pics are free, do it!