Swapping Xflow to Zetec in Narrow Lowline Westfield
Entry posted by Meakin
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Well its done
I will get some pictures for you all soon, but here the last part of the story.
Propshaft
I bought a propshaft with the type 9 splined end at one end for the gearbox and had my old type 3 and escort (80mm diameter flange). The plan was to simply put the type 9 end on teh old shaft or visa versa depending on length. I put the car up on the ramps crawled under and guess what, both were too long. So a quick swear and a phone around. One company (who shall remain nameless, never bothered to get back to me) so a few wasted days there. Then I contacted MJC engineering in Leicester, I met a chap there called Johnathon who did a fantastic job of altering and balancing the propshaft. (excellent price too). He is a busy bloke and I can see why if the quality of the job he did with mine is anything to go by.
Back to the car.. fitted the propshaft and yes it moved on its own steam. Hooray
Tiding up
The rev counter wasn't working so a quick purchase of a diode kit for the 12v wasted spark system should have sorted it out and it did for about 10 seconds then the rev counter died. I don't know why and a quick multi-meter check showed the wires to be supplying the right signals so must be internal (sigh, more expense)
Connected the clutch cable it is right on the end of the adjusters so will have to keep an eye on that. Quick test and the clutch works perfectly.
Rest was simple routing and cable tying. Off to the MOT.
MOT and teething problems so far.
So its Thursday I've booked the mot, talked to Clare re insurance (cracking deal) and low and behold fantastic weather all week except Thursday so whilst it tips it down I'm driving to the MOT, but not quite.... my testing of everything before the MOT flattened the battery so I jump-lead start the car and drive it to the MOT station. I arrived and the car wouldn't start again (with bad weather I had only crawled it to the station so it hadn't charged the battery enough to turn it over). After a push start car running into the station. Car got nervous and had a quick leak on the garage floor (nooooo!!!) but it was only minor and not a failure. The blokes at the MOT station were very complementary about the car and the sound it was making. BTW is there another westfield owner (blue) whos had a problem and left it at the station for repairs? After that the car passed its MOT another push start (thank you chaps) and on my way home.
Ok so I'm leaking coolant and the temp is going up, so I turn on the rad fan for the journey home. About 200 yards from home the car dies. I coast it home. Jump leads and the car fires up and runs as sweetly.
I've charged the battery overnight and it now seems fine. One to watch for the moment.
Car runs rough at low driving revs (tickover is lovely) but at throttle just being touched its popping and spluttering (Not sure if this is the bike carbs or timing slightly out, will have a play and see). As soon as I "go" the car settles beautifully and accelerates superbly. (wow what a quick car!)
Fixed the coolant pipe this evening (as I said before it was awkward and I think the heat up just caused the leak). Went for a quick blat, turned the tickover/idle down a bit and it sounds great but still getting the bangs and pops at "cruise speed" when the throttle is only just being tickled or off (ie coasting with clutch up) ie just as you ease up. Any thoughts guys? I'm paranoid that the car is running too lean but not getting any pinking and the engine is not racing up the temp (see below) so will have to check the plugs soon.
Car is also running hot kept going up until I put the fan on and then it settled at 110 degrees. There may be still airlocks in the system so will go through that again tomorrow. I may also wire up the fan switch and see when it kicks in and whether or not it turns off again (not sure the gauge is reading right)
I also need some new tyres (any recommendations for road use only, cheap 205/60/r13 tyres?)
I will pop some photos on here soon.
Hope this is of interest.
Paul
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