winter dilema

[autofive]

last week my scimitar (tax and test until next july) popped a core plug - the one on the back of the block inside the bellhousing

i think i have also furkled one head gasket

sorting this out involves removing the engine (dropping the gearbox is not an option, as access to the rear of the block is very restricted)

core plugs = 10 quid

head gasket set = 35 quid

plus at least a days labour to get the engine out and back in

total = 45 quid + paying for a bit of labour and recovery of the scimitar

 

or do i

 

sort out a 2 litre Mk5 cortina i have in store

needs a couple of small jobs for mot - i have already bought bushes it needs and a sticky caliper needs freeing off = half a days work.

MOT = 50 quid

6 months tax = 113 quid

admin charge from insurer for changeover = 20 quid

total cost = under 200 quid

 

with snow on the ground, and more heavy snow coming around the xmas holiday period, should i run the cortina and store the scimitar, preserving the chassis from road salt and sort the engine at my leisure, and giving me two tax and tested cars in spring.

i should also add; money is very tight at the moment, but i cant help thinking spending time and money on the scimitar, which is very bad to drive in snow, is a false economy

 

any thoughts?

[scaryoldcortina]

Do the cortina. I'm not in the mood for pulling the scim engine in this weather! We could get started in the morning if you like... just need to put the back springs and shocks back on Qwerty's tina first.

 

Unless it snows again of course... I've freed it all up so you can actually get into the garage, but more snow and I'll be recommending hibernating until spring/buying a Lada Niva instead.

[autofive]

sounds good to me - just have to deice the scim first and see if it will run

[scaryoldcortina]

sounds good to me - just have to deice the scim first and see if it will run

 

Call me if it doesn't - I have the truck and the sierra at home, one of them is bound to work!

[autofive]

okey dokey

[garethj]

Which car has the best heater?

[autofive]

Which car has the best heater?

 

scimitar doesnt have a heater, and vinyl seats

[gearoil]

How many engines has the Scim had now...?

[autofive]

How many engines has the Scim had now...?

 

it will be getting the same engine back into the car, but.... 3 so far

[scaryoldcortina]

Bombproof, them essex engines... just can't kill them

[autofive]

core plugs just arrived

[autofive]

...and now i have no clutch

 

it may be just frozen, but i suspect the plate has disintegrated with all the hot engine water deposited on it which then turned to ice when cooled

 

no cost involved, as i have a few spare clutches, but it means i cant move it under engine power