Discussion
Finally took the Chim for her MOT today, and unsurprisingly didn't pass. I knew there were going to be a few niggles.
I have a few issues that need the assistance of the Chimaera fraternity:
- Windscreen washer fluid not getting to windscreen. Water in bottle and motor does work. Seeing as the fluid pipe is routed in a way that only a contortionist can trace, is there a common place these get blocked or twisted?
- Bonnet catch doesn't lock. Have tried adjusting but no dice. Does anyone know what car it's from? Or know of a supplier of a new catch?
- Rear number plate is not the correct type. Can I get a plate that will illuminate from black lighting from a regular motor factors? Or are they TVR specific?
Any help is appreciated.
Cheers
Cad
I have a few issues that need the assistance of the Chimaera fraternity:
- Windscreen washer fluid not getting to windscreen. Water in bottle and motor does work. Seeing as the fluid pipe is routed in a way that only a contortionist can trace, is there a common place these get blocked or twisted?
- Bonnet catch doesn't lock. Have tried adjusting but no dice. Does anyone know what car it's from? Or know of a supplier of a new catch?
- Rear number plate is not the correct type. Can I get a plate that will illuminate from black lighting from a regular motor factors? Or are they TVR specific?
Any help is appreciated.
Cheers
Cad
Edited by caduceus on Thursday 19th February 13:18
Sorry to hear it failed the MOT Cad.
You can get the backlit number plate from Craig's Plates
https://www.craigsplates.com/tvr-backlit-plate
You can get the backlit number plate from Craig's Plates
https://www.craigsplates.com/tvr-backlit-plate
Bonnet catch will work if fiddled with. Mine does. Very fussy about cable position etc. 
Have a look at your number plate in the dark. It most likely is the right one.
Not that difficult to route a new pipe to the wipers, give it a go.
Fussy MOT'ers.
WTF'ks wrong with these jobsworths. That lot could have been done & dusted with a helpful mechanic in 30 mins.
Have a look at your number plate in the dark. It most likely is the right one.
Not that difficult to route a new pipe to the wipers, give it a go.
Fussy MOT'ers.
WTF'ks wrong with these jobsworths. That lot could have been done & dusted with a helpful mechanic in 30 mins.
Washer pipes can be a monumental pain in the behind if it has gone in the area behind the dash. Also if you snap off the nipples that feed the wipers (be careful if you pull the pipes off). Fix involves cutting a hole in the fibre glass in front of dash.
First thing I would try is to slightly pressurise the tank (this may not work depending on how well the flexi pipe that goes from fill hole to bottle is sealented on) or suck through one washer pipe with the other blocked off with washer motor running. I find that sometimes priming the pump can be an issue.
As has been said, it is easy enough to route a new pipe from the motor in offside front round radiator and through engine bay for a temp MOT solution.
I also have to remind my MOT guys every year it is lit from behind as there is no way of noticing this in daylight.
Matt
First thing I would try is to slightly pressurise the tank (this may not work depending on how well the flexi pipe that goes from fill hole to bottle is sealented on) or suck through one washer pipe with the other blocked off with washer motor running. I find that sometimes priming the pump can be an issue.
As has been said, it is easy enough to route a new pipe from the motor in offside front round radiator and through engine bay for a temp MOT solution.
I also have to remind my MOT guys every year it is lit from behind as there is no way of noticing this in daylight.
Matt
caduceus said:
Thank you for the quick replies gentlemen. Much appreciated.
I think I prefer the idea of routing a new pipe for the washer. Just need to locate where the single pipe from the bottle goes into the 'T' for the wipers.
Cad
Well if I remember correctly you will need to get your dremel out and dash top off. I think I prefer the idea of routing a new pipe for the washer. Just need to locate where the single pipe from the bottle goes into the 'T' for the wipers.
Cad
Much easier to prove each section of a very simple system first... Much as Phazed has described. You may not have an airline but I assume you have lungs and a mouth
. Alternatively for a bit more pressure a bicycle pump. You don't want to overpressurise and pop off a connector see comment about cutting hole is dash..l.ETA Oh and try as Rib and I have suggested on priming by sucking before you do anything else. This is where my money would be.
.
Matt.
Edited by mattrosersv on Friday 15th August 08:32
Can't help with the other issue but I had a similar problem with my bonnet catch. It comes from the Mk2 - and possibly Mk1 - Fiesta.
Give it a good clean and adjust the cable though, mine worked fine after a bit of fiddling. Glad it did, have you seen the price of early Fiesta bonnet catches
Give it a good clean and adjust the cable though, mine worked fine after a bit of fiddling. Glad it did, have you seen the price of early Fiesta bonnet catches
I have similar issues with my bonnet catch. In my case it's one of two things. Probably blindingly obvious and you've already checked but worth mentioning.
1) Have you pushed the release lever under the dash back in? If it doesn't return fully on its own, this will prevent closure at the bonnet end.
2) At the bonnet end the outer cable terminates in a small cap thingy, where inner cable exits. (Don't know what else to call it.) If the outer cable pops out of the cap thingy and sits on the end of it instead, then likewise the bonnet catch won't operate. Manually slot it back into the end cap and hey presto.
As for the washers, I've also had a priming issue with electric pumps - but not on the Tiv.
1) Have you pushed the release lever under the dash back in? If it doesn't return fully on its own, this will prevent closure at the bonnet end.
2) At the bonnet end the outer cable terminates in a small cap thingy, where inner cable exits. (Don't know what else to call it.) If the outer cable pops out of the cap thingy and sits on the end of it instead, then likewise the bonnet catch won't operate. Manually slot it back into the end cap and hey presto.
As for the washers, I've also had a priming issue with electric pumps - but not on the Tiv.
Do you use washing up liquid in the washer bottle? If so the outlets will probably be scummed up and hence it deosnt work. Had similar on the FIL's Mondeo. Take the pipes off and clean out with a pin or similar.
Only use washer fluid.
Agree with pushing the handle in for the bonnet release as mine does this too. You feel an idiot when you've worked out why it wont shut!
FFG
Only use washer fluid.
Agree with pushing the handle in for the bonnet release as mine does this too. You feel an idiot when you've worked out why it wont shut!
FFG
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