BX Mk1 estate - Mojo returns, alternator fails

[eddyramrod]

It really does, doesn't it! Welcome to 1990, friends....

[dollywobbler]

Noice work!

 

the heater matrix needs replacing (this will rear its head next winter when I've failed to do anything about it).

 

If it's anything like doing the one on a ZX then I might be tempted to come and join in*. Loads of pingfukits, cracked plastic and ripped hardboardy type stuff, shed loads of vile brown muck and frankly, hours of fun. I really enjoyed that day. Also that feeling when you've put it all back together and have a handful of "leftover" screws and clips. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

 

 

*probable lies.

 

As it happens, I've got an entire dashboard to fit at some point, as the one fitted has some 'beauty' holes in it. I really should do it when the weather is nice and warm. Really. Like next month (April is usually lovely in Wales).

[nigel bickle]

Spot on Ian -flaming brilliant.

[YugoLada]

Wow a very nice car

[Cavcraft]

 

This thread is well overdue an update so here she is in current form.

 

 

That looks absolutely horrible. Nice work

 

+1, and a sure fire calendar contender too.

Ian, although those seats are a bit 'itchy' if you wear shorts, they are surely about the most comfortable ones ever known.

Be surprised if air in the system would cause any power steering issues, at least air in the fuel certainly wouldn't. Haven't read back through the thread so excuse me if it's been mentioned before, but does this have the 'bulb' for bleeding the fuel and if so is it in any way perished as that can cause problems? Also when I had a similar problem with a BX diesel once the fuel filter housing had a tiny crack in it and once replaced it was fine.

An LHM flush might be worth a go too if you haven't already as (from memory) any problems always reveal themselves first with tight steering.

[dollywobbler]

LHM has been replaced, which did improve things, though it's very hit and miss. Sometimes the steering is fine, sometimes it really isn't.

 

Me and a mate have some plans in mind to try and find the fuel system air leak. The fuel filter housing has been replaced, as there was a pinhole in the previous one. I still have suspicions about the primer bulb, but it could be the fuel line anywhere between tank and engine. Hopefully we can trace it with some clear fuel line, temporarily bypassing different bits of the system.

 

Mind you, I have been offered a replacement engine for £100, which would help get rid of some other issues. It's 65bhp compared to the 71bhp this one should have, but it's correct for the year, which this engine isn't. Surely it's the Autoshite way to replace an engine with a less poweful one? Problem is, there's no first gear synchromesh, so I should change the gearbox at the same time really, which means the job steadily gets larger!

 

The seats are indeed super comfortable, though my legs don't often get revealed. Too scary for people.

 

I'm awaiting a replacement handbrake cable at the moment, and will probably have to replace an iffy front caliper. Next big trip is heading to Lincolnshire for the Citroen X Rally (for any Citroen with an X in the name) on 15th April, possibly taking in Pride of Longbridge the day before (purely because it's on the way, not because Citroen secretly built cars in Birmingham).

[dieselnutjob]

Me and a mate have some plans in mind to try and find the fuel system air leak. The fuel filter housing has been replaced, as there was a pinhole in the previous one. I still have suspicions about the primer bulb,

 

the primer failed on my 305 years ago and meant an AA call out for a tow off of Paddington flyover. a local garage got it going by wrapping the primer with cling film and securing with elastic bands. I drove with it like that for a week or so until I got a new one

[jonathan_dyane]

Noice work!

 

the heater matrix needs replacing (this will rear its head next winter when I've failed to do anything about it).

 

If it's anything like doing the one on a ZX then I might be tempted to come and join in*. Loads of pingfukits, cracked plastic and ripped hardboardy type stuff, shed loads of vile brown muck and frankly, hours of fun. I really enjoyed that day. Also that feeling when you've put it all back together and have a handful of "leftover" screws and clips. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

 

 

*probable lies.

 

I'm glad to report that (IIRC) the BX heater matrix can be done without removing the dash; there is a panel in the drivers footwell you can get at it through. I think the steering column has to be moved though...

[dollywobbler]

As it happens, I've got a new steering wheel to fit (as well as a complete dashboard) and being a Mk1, it actually takes half of the steering column with it. I just need to remind myself to get this job done before winter! Sounds like most of the interior will be coming out...

[mat_the_cat]

Surely it's the Autoshite way to replace an engine with a less poweful one? Problem is, there's no first gear synchromesh, so I should change the gearbox at the same time really, which means the job steadily gets larger!

If you're taking the engine out, then it's easier to take the 'box with it (in fact, I think you have to!) It actually seems just as much work taking the gearbox out on its own, as you have to manouvre it in quite a tight space.

 

Add to that the fact I've found you a decent NA gearbox, and I think the solution is obvious! It can be done in a day, although last time I did it for a mate it rained for most of the day, which was less than fun.

[dollywobbler]

You found me a gearbox? What a star! Is it the correct early 'reverse next to first' one? I've already had one offer of a later gearbox but I want to keep it period correct.

[mat_the_cat]

Oops, shows how often I check in here! I think it's the later 'box BUT I think the shift pattern comes from the linkage. The reason I say this is because when we put the 16v engine in the (BE1 gearboxed) 205 we found the bellhousing casting different so could not fit the TDC sensor to it. (Unfortunately only noticed this after fitting, so much swearing and gnashing of teeth ensued). So, I found a later BE3 (BE3 = reverse next to knee) 'box which had the correct casting to fit the sensor to. Once I connected it all up I was expecting to have to change the gearknob to suit, but the position of the gears remained the same.

[dollywobbler]

I've been struggling with positivity recently with this car. Off for another tinkering session tomorrow with Mat the cat, but here's what it's been up to lately.

 

Hauling wood. Hmmmm. Self-levelling suspension. Barely notices quarter of a ton of fence-post off-cuts.

 

Then it was off to Lincolnshire for the X Rally, taking on Pride of Longbridge on the way. About 300 miles for the round-trip. It won a prize. Shed of the Show!

 

Finally - it's an important year for the BX.

 

I think my mojo is returning for this one. I have to keep reminding myself that it's clocked up over 231,000 miles, spent three years sitting in a garage and owes me less than £900 all-in (I think...). There's still an awful lot to do, but she is getting there. The engine has even started to feel a bit more perky of late.

[dollywobbler]

How swiftly the mojo can desert us! Starting to think it might be time to move this one on. Perhaps someone else's burst of enthusiasm can see it restored to greater health! I've only ever owned BXs in 1.9 diesel or 16v form and quite fancy a nice, tidy-ish example with a different engine. Maybe the turbo diesel.

[Lacquer Peel]

How difficult would it be to bolt a 1.9TD into yours? It'd be amusing anyway.

[Cavcraft]

It's do-able with some arsing about and I can confirm they go like a bloody rocket once done. Mine would accelerate from 25-115+in top gear very cleanly and it also surprised many 'fancy' cars at the lights.

[dollywobbler]

This is one of the problems. This car is so rare there's no chance I'd go lobbing a non-standard engine in.

[HillmanImp]

It does look great though. Proper used and abused. I really am impressed with the way you rescued it and got it on the road so quickly. When I first saw it I was sure it was going to be scrap fodder.

[Cavcraft]

This is one of the problems. This car is so rare there's no chance I'd go lobbing a non-standard engine in.

 

Fair comment Ian, but at least it'd still be getting used and it would be a hell of a lot easier to live with if done, plus it should be easy to change back if someone wanted. That's just my two pen'orth though and I'm hardly the sort to lead by example!

[dollywobbler]

It does look great though. Proper used and abused. I really am impressed with the way you rescued it and got it on the road so quickly. When I first saw it I was sure it was going to be scrap fodder.

 

It does look superb - and the looks hide the fact that it's generally very solid. Could do with a sill (have one, so that goes with the car) and some typical patching beneath the washer bottles but it's much better than you might expect! I guess I just haven't got the stamina for such a lengthy project. Still needs the hours putting in to bring it up to mechanical scratch - though it goes remarkably well considering!

[RobT]

Not sure if you'd be interested Ian, but I'll be selling my n/a diesel BX soon. Mechanically it's pretty good and is solid bodywise but not immaculate, won't be much of a change from what you've already got though. I must adhere to my new one-in-one-out policy if I end up buying a Renault!

[dollywobbler]

Maybe Rob. Depends how long it takes to shift the Mk1. Pretty limited market for it I suspect!

[catsinthewelder]

Could you just SORN it for a couple of months and use the 4x4 for running around for a bit?

 

I got pretty pissed off with ours last summer and got as for as advertising it for parts on BXC but I got there in the end. Old motors as dailys are always going to involve some level of hassle but at least its generally cheaper hassle than the sheep have with thier moderns. This car is utterly ace it would be such a shame if it went off to be over restored by one of Tims chums

[dollywobbler]

I don't really want to take it off the road. It is an option, but not an appealing one. Before you know it, I'll have found something else, cracked on with it and forgotten that old BX rotting in a barn somewhere. Then people will ask if they can buy it and I'll reply that it's not for sale as I'm going to restore it one day... I can't run the risk of that happening.

 

I also don't fancy the mpg of the Maverick on a more regular basis! Dropping from the BX's 48mpg to a miserable 22 is not my idea of fun.

[messerschmitt owner]

Ian

 

keep it.

 

I've more cars than I can cope with and I know every March-May is expensive with the double whammy of tax and MoTs on five cars but I'd rather have the mix I have than a couple of moderns.

 

Campbell

[trigger]

I'm still mega impressed you've got this far with it Ian, I remember saying I'd eat my hat if you every got it on the road, Good job I don't wear a hat or I'd be full by now.

 

There's a L reg BX TZD (?) Turbo Diesel Estate up the road from me, I'll keep my eyes open incase it ever comes up for sale.

[dollywobbler]

Ian

 

keep it.

 

I've more cars than I can cope with and I know every March-May is expensive with the double whammy of tax and MoTs on five cars but I'd rather have the mix I have than a couple of moderns.

 

Campbell

 

Problem is, I've got a four car limit. 2CV has been pretty horribly ignored while I've had the BX and could do with some attention itself. The Maverick needs to stay for work purposes (yes, I'm writing about 4x4s now as well) and the Mini isn't actually mine. So, if I want something else (which after three months without purchasing a car I certainly do!) the BX has to go. It'd probably make more sense to shove it in to a specialist and spend some on getting it in a better state really. Haven't ruled that option out yet...

[messerschmitt owner]

Neither the Mini nor the 2cv could be counted as a real car - combined cc isn't even a decent 2 litre lump!

 

Use the argument that they count as one and still buy another car!

 

I see lots of things I'd like but if all you'll do is ultimately buy another bX, why sell the one you've done so much to!

Wash it, it'll look like a less manky but still rusty BX. Alternatively, why not swap for my BX16TGS Auto for a month! Have the thrill of a new car and I could do the same...

[dollywobbler]

Nice idea MO, but not sure it'd be the same really! Would be like wife-swapping. Would we have to meet in a lay-by or a house with far too much gold-effect furniture?

[Cavcraft]

Could you just SORN it for a couple of months and use the 4x4 for running around for a bit?

 

I got pretty pissed off with ours last summer and got as for as advertising it for parts on BXC but I got there in the end. Old motors as dailys are always going to involve some level of hassle but at least its generally cheaper hassle than the sheep have with thier moderns. This car is utterly ace it would be such a shame if it went off to be over restored by one of Tims chums

 

By 'over restored' I assume you mean polished to death then put on eBay?