Rourkey Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 Hi All, A newbie here, one with a natsy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Approaching a speed bump in my new Westie, doing 0.1 MPH as I got the middle of the car over it, there was a smash sounds. On closer inspection under the car, what appears to be a black ceramic pipe (green on the inside) which loops around the bell housing has smashed. It was carrying a green liquid but it empty now. The question I am after help with though, is as I did not build it, I have no idea what it is, or does, or how vital the liquid was, or even if I am safe to drive the car any more ?!? Could anyone with any experience help me out with this one. Anything would be gratefulyl received. Thanks All in advance, Rourkey Quote
Carl Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 A pipe with green liquid sounds like a water pipe. However I'd be surprsied if one was that low. Usually the sump or the chassis gets a hit. What engine is it? Quote
Rourkey Posted July 31, 2007 Author Posted July 31, 2007 Its a 2005 1.8ltr Ford Zetec Underneath the car, the sump is just ever so slightly higher than the pipe I smashed. Am guessing by the colour of the liquid and the smell (which is not great) though that its not water. This pipe seems to orbit the bell housing, but connot see what it does in to at either end. I really need my build manual, but given I am miles form home and not sure if I am safe to drive, I am knackered. Quote
Hammy Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 Can't think what a "ceramic" pipe would be. I would not drive the car until it is identifed and sorted. Can you call the AA or similar out ? Is it a clutch hydraulic feed ( tube around 8-10mm daimeter- i.e does your clutch still work ? Brake pipe same size -do your brakes still work. Coolant pipe - 15mm diameter and wet inside ! ( follow the trial of liquid back down the road -what is it?) It is a V8 and the pipe is a balance pipe between the two exhausts ? (could be the Ectoplasm drive ) *** edited sounds like Pats your man*** Quote
Pembroke Pat Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 I have done this. You have broken the thermostat housing. The water is coolant. You should be able to get a replacement from any scrappy for ~£12. New gaskets, o rings and a thermostat will cost you another £12 from a motor factor. What happened is that you hit either the sump ( no oil so it isn't that ) or the gear box flange ( oh year I can see the gouges from the speed bump). The engine tipped forward on the mounts until PING the whole lot catalpulted back and the thermostat housing came to a sudden stop up against the chassis. Quote
Rourkey Posted July 31, 2007 Author Posted July 31, 2007 I only say ceramic as it has that sharp / jagged feel to it, although I assume it could well be some sort of plastic composite. To modify my description of the pipe, it is black on the inside and outside but where it has cracked, the material it is make from is dark green. The pipe itself looks to be about 2-3 cm radius and the width of the call of the pip is about 0.5 cm thick. Good advise though, I ain't driving it nowhere. I have only had it a week and I have broken it already Quote
peterg Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 Rourkey, read this page from Steppenwolf's website clicky here 'cos I think that's what you've done Full step by step instructions from the buildmeister himself to help you get it going again Quote
Paul Hurdsfield - Joint Manchester AO Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 I'm confused here the pipe you describe 'should' only be visible from under the bonnet, not from under the car, cos' it goes over the top of the bellhousing, not under it iyswim, but just follow Steves instructions and you wont go wrong. If you want to go a step further and have one of those desirable but not absolutley necessary bits of bling, you could go for a Raceline water rail then you'll never have this problem again Quote
peterg Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 or do as Steppenwolf himself did and get a Raceline sump Quote
Paul Hurdsfield - Joint Manchester AO Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 Or both sump and water rail It all depends on how deep you pocket is Quote
Rourkey Posted July 31, 2007 Author Posted July 31, 2007 Thanks all for your help. Bonus points go to Pembroke Pat for and peterg who correctly diagnosed that I have broken my Thermostat Housing. On reading Steppenwolf's description on his website I went back out and checked the engine bay and behold ... thats exactly what it was. Liquid from underneath the car was a red herring, and was just the run coolant running down the chassis on its way out ! Gutted, but hopefully will be back on the road soon ! Thanks all again for yourswift and accurate responses. Rourkey Quote
MAT1800 Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 Get a new one from your local Quickco or similar (approx £40) if you can't find one in a scrappie..... I should know I'm on my fourth!! Quote
Paul Hurdsfield - Joint Manchester AO Posted July 31, 2007 Posted July 31, 2007 Wow Matt, Iwas on my original one for over 7 years, maybe like Pat says I watch where I drive more than you (until.......) Anyway 4 x £40 = £160 Raceline water rail cost approx £180 and less time fixing = more time driving Bite the bullet, put your hand in your pocket and do a proper job Quote
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