My 7 Lives And Breathes Again.

[Norman Verona]

Having not driven my car for the past 2 years I've spent 2 days getting it back on the road and doing some long overdue jobs.

I had already changed the oil and filter including opening and cleaning the ds tank and removing the oil cooler and flushing it and the pipes.

I also rerouted the fuel pipe so it's alongside the bottom chassis rail in order to keep it cool. (was getting serious vapour locks)

Now I've cleaned the carbs and the air filters (in the washing machine). I've run it to 99.999 degrees and adjusted the balance and mixtures. I will do this again when it is properly hot after a 20 minute run.

The rear wings have been removed, 4 rivnuts fitted so the front edges are now secured instead of held on with velcro. I also re-glued the rear lights on. (small lightweight round plastic lights).

Whilst the rear wings were off I refitted my AP rear calipers and removed the heavy Sierra rear brakes and handbrake.

Then had a nightmare bleeding them. I hadn't lost a lot of fluid so thought bleeding the rears would be all that was needed. HM sat (no lay down) in the car and pressed the brake pedal. Having bled both rears she said the pedal was going to the floor. So I removed the front wheels and bled the front Wilwoods. During this exercise HM says "that's funny, every time I press the pedal, water drips of the ceiling". The m/cyl was nearly empty and the fluid "spitting" out of the canister. So, back to the beginning and bleed the whole lot again. During all this I had a slight weep from one of the rear pipes. Took it off and re-made the flange at the caliper end - OK now.

I then removed one of the rear light bulb holders, cleaned the connector and refitted (easier to say than do)

So, this morning I have to fix the brake light switch ( headlamp flasher switch operated by a spring connect to the pedal) It is tight and doesn't "flash" when pulled by the spring or return - it just stays in the middle.

Then, refit the wheels and go for a drive.

If I get back without experiencing a vapour lock I'll let you know. Come to think of it I'll let you know if I do get one.

[AidanPlace]

Phew, you've been busy!!!! Good luck with the drive

[peterg]

Nice to see you've finally stopped tiling the house and got back to the serious work Norman

[pistonbroke]

bleeding hell !

[Captain Colonial]

If I get back without experiencing a vapour lock I'll let you know. Come to think of it I'll let you know if I do get one.

And while you're at it, let us know if the car suffers a vapour lock too.

[Norman Verona]

Will do.

I'm running out of patience now. Try shaping the end of a small spring with only one working thumb. A 30 second job has taken over an hour so far. So, I suppose I've got a vapour lock. Steam out of ears may be a clue.

I'm now looking for another way to make a spring loaded switch.

[Colinb8]

Have you thought about fitting a pressure activated switch such as http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/product/Hydraulic_Stop_Light_Switch_M10x1_STSH fitted into a T such as http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/product/Brass_Brake_T_Piece_M10x1_TEEM10 - - might mean you can position it some where easier to reach and wont need to fettle springs, clearances etc.

BTW other suppliers are available - just happened to have CBS Online open -- now I should really be working!

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Dreadful things though on the whole, the pressure switches. Most spend their time getting rid, rather than putting back on.

Worst problem with them is the intermittent nature of any faults when they do give trouble. Unless someone actually stops you to tell you, you tend to not know.

[Norman Verona]

It has a pressure switch. It may come on if the pedal is stood on with 2 feet.

I'll get a new headlight flasher switch next week. In the meantime I've got it working with an on/off switch a 2 springs (one each way)

So I eventually got out. Planned to do a circuit of left turns which is about 3 miles. I didn't get a vapour lock...................

I ran out of petrol.

[peterg]

:laugh: :laugh: did it all evaporate then?

[SootySport]

^^^^^ :) :) ^^^^^^

How about some photos of the Catering Van.

[Norman Verona]

Peter, I'm not sure there was much in there to evaporate. It's lying by the side of the road just past Armialle (this side). I put some petrol in but it wouldn't start. I'll get the boy to tow me in in the morning.

Pictures are here - go down to 17th April and scroll down

It's not as shiny now.

[chris7273]

Patience et longueur de temps font plus que force ni que rage

I hope to ear your BDR soon

[Crash test dummy]

Dreadful things though on the whole, the pressure switches. Most spend their time getting rid, rather than putting back on.

Worst problem with them is the intermittent nature of any faults when they do give trouble. Unless someone actually stops you to tell you, you tend to not know.

Try mounting the switch with the terminals pointing down. Keeps any small pockets of air out.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

I have.

I wasn't even mentioning the "bleeding" issues with them, as most seem to know about it