JFReturns' TVR Chimaera 4.0

[JFReturns]

Thanks Tonys. I will learn what bits you are referring to and check them.

I managed to get under the tiv today, and other than the leaks I am happy - the outriggers and chassis look solid as do suspension components. First things first, I am a mechanical n00b so can you all review my safety steps? Car was on ramps (1.5 tonne capacity each), handbreak on, in gear, chocked both sides of the rear wheels. Anything else I should be doing?



So I think there are three leaks - tiny oil leaks which I'm not concerned about, small coolant leak (blue coolant) and then another large leak, dropping from the centre passenger side of the engine and is pink and quite viscus. Could this be power steering fluid or brake fluid?

The pink fluid seemed to be dropping from or near a U-bend:



The sump was quite wet, especially round the sump plug so I'll make sure it is tight. I suspect the sump gasket could need replacing.



This area was quite wet, can anyone ID the part please?



Finally I couldn't remove the K&N filter and plug in the standard air feed as there is no filter on the other end! I'm really glad I checked....



So, after the immobiliser is fixed one way or another, I'll get back under the car with some de-greaser to clean it all up and try and pin point the leaks.

Any input or advice much appreciated!

[Pink_Floyd]

JFReturns said:

The pink fluid seemed to be dropping from or near a U-bend:

They all leak at that U-bend. you can replace it with a proper hydraulic U which is crimped on, or jonnyZ makes them and advertises in the classified on PistonHeads.

JFReturns said:

This area was quite wet, can anyone ID the part please?

That is the starter motor.

Edited by Pink_Floyd on Monday 10th December 09:09

[chris1972]

Where did you get the ramps from? I think I'll have to get myself some of those!

[Twistygit]

Are you sure you have a water leak and its not just finding its own level i think they usually run about half way in the header tank

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JFReturns said:

The pink fluid seemed to be dropping from or near a U-bend:

This is power steering fluid, Just double jubilee clip it, stopped mine from leaking

JFReturns said:

The sump was quite wet, especially round the sump plug so I'll make sure it is tight. I suspect the sump gasket could need replacing.

They all tend to leak a little, and do not have gaskets, just sealent. Take the sump off, clean and reseal. If it isn't leaking bad, it could wait till service time, when the oil is drained anyway.

[tuscan30]

chris1972 said:

Where did you get the ramps from? I think I'll have to get myself some of those!

They have the look of motorhome levelling ramps. Check out any caravan dealers and you will see a selection of different types / heights.
Plastic construction but rated for use with MH's of up to 3500kgs so easily capable of supporting a Chim.

Edit - think I paid about eighteen quid for mine.

[Dodsy]

Get the ACT silicon air intake pipes to replace the nasty old crinkly tube that TVR used, you can get a new air filter from them as well to fit in the nose.

[chris1972]

tuscan30 said:

They have the look of motorhome levelling ramps. Check out any caravan dealers and you will see a selection of different types / heights.
Plastic construction but rated for use with MH's of up to 3500kgs so easily capable of supporting a Chim.

Edit - think I paid about eighteen quid for mine.

Will do!

[JFReturns]

Thanks for the pointers all, good stuff. Chris, I got the ramps off ebay as they were low entry so I could get my lowered VX220 on them. The downside is they only raise the car a short amount. Enough to get under and have a nosey, but I wouldn't fancy doing any work!

Some good news on the key front - instead of paying £600+ for a new immobiliser / keys etc. the old one has been repaired and works! Also got an override key.



Shout out to Paul at Waldonway who picked up my broken fob up, repaired it for a tiny amount and dropped it off again! Great service and a nice chap.

[JFReturns]

Small update, the power steering fluid leak has slowed right down. This could be down to the fluid running out entirely or because I managed to tighten a few jubilee clips. Hopefully the latter, but I've ordered some power steering fluid to top it up and find out.

Managed to go for a drive Boxing day (roof down) then took SWMBO shopping today, and I loved every second. The noise! It howls on full throttle (boxing day) and yet quiet and comfortable when cruising (today, didn't want to annoy SWMBO who is still grumpy with me for buying it ). One of my favourite sounds are the pop and bangs on the overrun, brilliant.



And the all important smiley!

[CHIMV8]

JFReturns said:

Thanks for the pointers all, good stuff. Chris, I got the ramps off ebay as they were low entry so I could get my lowered VX220 on them. The downside is they only raise the car a short amount. Enough to get under and have a nosey, but I wouldn't fancy doing any work!

Some good news on the key front - instead of paying £600+ for a new immobiliser / keys etc. the old one has been repaired and works! Also got an override key.



Shout out to Paul at Waldonway who picked up my broken fob up, repaired it for a tiny amount and dropped it off again! Great service and a nice chap.

I only have one imobiliser fob,where did you get sorted with another,cheers

[JFReturns]

CHIMV8 said:

I only have one imobiliser fob,where did you get sorted with another,cheers

The one in the picture is my old one, repaired with a fresh casing.

If you want to get another key, afaik you need to get news keys / immobiliser which I will do at some point. For around £600 Carl Baker will replace the immobiliser, provide two keys, an override key and even a remote boot popper. I've read he might be moving to France soon (can't remember where, sorry, so might have made that up!) so be quick.

Alternatively, give Paul Wood a call at Walldonway (01732 870386) he has a guy that will do it for around £400 iirc, without the boot popper.

[chris1972]

[quote=J

And the all important smiley!


[/quote]

Looks good!

[N8CYL]

Dodsy said:

Get the ACT silicon air intake pipes to replace the nasty old crinkly tube that TVR used, you can get a new air filter from them as well to fit in the nose.

Is it purely for looks?.... or anything else?

[JFReturns]

Thanks Chris!

N8CYL said:

Is it purely for looks?.... or anything else?

I think it would improve air flow as it is smoother...

[chris1972]

N8CYL said:

Is it purely for looks?.... or anything else?

Is this the smooth bore induction kit and K&N Air Filter you are referring to? If so, it is intended to improve airflow and the foil to act as a heat shield and reduce the air temperature, making it denser.

[JFReturns]

Breakdown cherry popped! Not the Chims fault though, I left the lights on and the battery is drained

AA man on the way, any tips for getting (and keeping) charge. I've only got a quarter tank of petrol

[Dodsy]

N8CYL said:

Is it purely for looks?.... or anything else?

I gained 9bhp by changing the pipe. The tvr one can collapse, plenty of posts in the forums showing pipes that barely let any air through.

Dont change it for the power increase, look at it as preventive maintenance

[JFReturns]

All sorted! AA man gave it a jump start, alternator charging nicely and took her for a 45 minute blat. Still blown away by the speed of the thing, and I'm getting more comfortable with the handling (doesn't feel spiky or dangerous in the slightest!).

Going to look into the ACT induction kit, looks like good vfm.

[L40JRC]

I notice you have the old style number plates on your Chim, any trouble with the boys in blue, i fancy having these on mine but didn't want the risk. Anybody else using these? Also, think they might be an MOT failure?

Nice motor.............