Switched from the dark side (Cerbera to Chimaera)
Discussion
Hi All,
Yep I've just gone and got me a 4.0 HC Chimaera to satisfy the TVR itch again. 1994 model with dark blue clear coat paint fade, blue and biscuit(?) interior, no PAS or A/C. 60K on the odo, battery relocated to the boot and I have a Steve Heath Bible!
I bought it without inspecting it personally but via various web sessions with the previous owner who lived in Sydney. I'm in Perth, Western Australia so it was a fair distance away! Yep, I took the gamble but I know everything is virtually fixable right? I was a little disappointed when I collected it from the courier as it was scruffier than I thought it would be. Stiil some TLC will sort it (my previous Cerb loved the TLC)!!!!
To get the car registered it needed to go over the "pits" as they say here and it failed on a number of things:
1) Nearside wheel bearing - done
2) Bonnet latch catching/ stiff - done
3) Seat belts not retracting fully - semi done with the extension + silicone spray (will see how it goes).
4) Cannot locate the engine number - I tried to check between manifolds 3 & 5 but cannot see anything at all with too much in the way and dreadful access - not done
5) Passenger electric window switch inoperative - replaced, done
6) Driver's sun visor wrecked - plastic bits snapped inside visor and will not hold the frame leg - not done
There are one or two other misc. bits but I will not even bother boring you all with those.
I need some help please - I need to locate the engine number (4) plus sort the sun visor (6). The latter has been tried with a pipe pushed through to hold it but then the frame "leg fixings" are fixed on with some sort of stud. I presumed they would be screwed on but no! Any ideas please as no similar visors available here in Aus. and I'm sitting here scratching my head. The weather is awesome and we are not on lock down so I need to get this car on the road asap!
Any help greatly appreciated,
Thanks.
PS - photos to follow if anyone interested.
Yep I've just gone and got me a 4.0 HC Chimaera to satisfy the TVR itch again. 1994 model with dark blue clear coat paint fade, blue and biscuit(?) interior, no PAS or A/C. 60K on the odo, battery relocated to the boot and I have a Steve Heath Bible!
I bought it without inspecting it personally but via various web sessions with the previous owner who lived in Sydney. I'm in Perth, Western Australia so it was a fair distance away! Yep, I took the gamble but I know everything is virtually fixable right? I was a little disappointed when I collected it from the courier as it was scruffier than I thought it would be. Stiil some TLC will sort it (my previous Cerb loved the TLC)!!!!
To get the car registered it needed to go over the "pits" as they say here and it failed on a number of things:
1) Nearside wheel bearing - done
2) Bonnet latch catching/ stiff - done
3) Seat belts not retracting fully - semi done with the extension + silicone spray (will see how it goes).
4) Cannot locate the engine number - I tried to check between manifolds 3 & 5 but cannot see anything at all with too much in the way and dreadful access - not done
5) Passenger electric window switch inoperative - replaced, done
6) Driver's sun visor wrecked - plastic bits snapped inside visor and will not hold the frame leg - not done
There are one or two other misc. bits but I will not even bother boring you all with those.
I need some help please - I need to locate the engine number (4) plus sort the sun visor (6). The latter has been tried with a pipe pushed through to hold it but then the frame "leg fixings" are fixed on with some sort of stud. I presumed they would be screwed on but no! Any ideas please as no similar visors available here in Aus. and I'm sitting here scratching my head. The weather is awesome and we are not on lock down so I need to get this car on the road asap!
Any help greatly appreciated,
Thanks.
PS - photos to follow if anyone interested.
Thanks for the reply Sapper.
I sorted the sun visor out with the aid of various reticulation pipe (fixed and flexi). Enough anyway that it should be sufficient to pass.
I still cannot locate the engine number though.
I now have a rough idle that persists from start up through to when running temp. The revs immediately rise to 1400ish, 10 secs later fall to 900 and stutters by going up and down constantly. I have removed and cleaned the stepper as best I can; checked all the air hoses and various electrical connections as best I can see. Now onto the HT set as they do seem very brittle and the stoopid extender things are very hard to get off and break apart when they are finally removed. Im going to make my own MSD leads with the extra long rubber insulated heads to protect them from the manifolds. Probably some heat resistant socks too.
I have forgotten what a dizzy cap looked like and may need to do some reading!
I will get through the annoying TLC stuff! Just wondering whether to go for the "Rover Range" diagnostics? Do I need to get a lead from TVR Parts and where do I get the program from?
Sorry for the long posts!
I sorted the sun visor out with the aid of various reticulation pipe (fixed and flexi). Enough anyway that it should be sufficient to pass.
I still cannot locate the engine number though.
I now have a rough idle that persists from start up through to when running temp. The revs immediately rise to 1400ish, 10 secs later fall to 900 and stutters by going up and down constantly. I have removed and cleaned the stepper as best I can; checked all the air hoses and various electrical connections as best I can see. Now onto the HT set as they do seem very brittle and the stoopid extender things are very hard to get off and break apart when they are finally removed. Im going to make my own MSD leads with the extra long rubber insulated heads to protect them from the manifolds. Probably some heat resistant socks too.
I have forgotten what a dizzy cap looked like and may need to do some reading!
I will get through the annoying TLC stuff! Just wondering whether to go for the "Rover Range" diagnostics? Do I need to get a lead from TVR Parts and where do I get the program from?
Sorry for the long posts!
Rovergauge can be found for sale in the classifieds.
A good ignition service won't go amiss, just be aware the quality of caps, rotors and ignition modules isn't great even though they are branded as Lucas.
I had the msd leads on my car and they still burnt slightly under the best heat socks, you would be better off fitting some leads with the angled ends at the plugs.
I would personally buy all the stuff here and make your own.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/Mr-Retro-Leads-Plugs?_t...
A good ignition service won't go amiss, just be aware the quality of caps, rotors and ignition modules isn't great even though they are branded as Lucas.
I had the msd leads on my car and they still burnt slightly under the best heat socks, you would be better off fitting some leads with the angled ends at the plugs.
I would personally buy all the stuff here and make your own.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/Mr-Retro-Leads-Plugs?_t...
Edited by Belle427 on Monday 14th December 12:20
Edited by Belle427 on Monday 14th December 12:21
Might help with the Idling by having a look at this thread, and at the end the solution for the OP's issue.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
When the engine is up to temp' have you tried adjusting the base idle screw (imperial size allen key)?...In reduces the idle, out speeds it up. But it's only a base setting the stepper takes over after that. Got any induction air leaks?
You know where the adjuster is I'm assuming but if not have a read here.
https://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/StepperMotor.htm
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
When the engine is up to temp' have you tried adjusting the base idle screw (imperial size allen key)?...In reduces the idle, out speeds it up. But it's only a base setting the stepper takes over after that. Got any induction air leaks?
You know where the adjuster is I'm assuming but if not have a read here.
https://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/StepperMotor.htm
Get the MSD leads with the 'bendable' heads then you can bend each to the angle you require. Agree they are the best leads i've ever had dealings with.
Seatbelts may need some very large washers or a plate fitted behind the reel. The carpet pokes into the back of the reel and restricts the belt. not a problem in normal use but comes into play when the reel becomes full on retract.
Get rovergauge it is one of the most useful tools.
Get an infra red temperature gun. Point it at each exhaust manifold port to tell you which cylinder is not pulling its weight. Won't tell you why but eliminates the other cylinders from the equasion.
Steve
ETA Engine number will be on the top face of the block (provided it has not been machined away) at the base of the dipstick tube. You will just be able to make out a couple of characters (with a torch) but the rest is hidden by the bar which is part of the exhaust manifold.
Seatbelts may need some very large washers or a plate fitted behind the reel. The carpet pokes into the back of the reel and restricts the belt. not a problem in normal use but comes into play when the reel becomes full on retract.
Get rovergauge it is one of the most useful tools.
Get an infra red temperature gun. Point it at each exhaust manifold port to tell you which cylinder is not pulling its weight. Won't tell you why but eliminates the other cylinders from the equasion.
Steve
ETA Engine number will be on the top face of the block (provided it has not been machined away) at the base of the dipstick tube. You will just be able to make out a couple of characters (with a torch) but the rest is hidden by the bar which is part of the exhaust manifold.
Edited by Steve_D on Monday 14th December 12:58
Thanks for the great replies fellas.
I will give the stepper motor a "proper" clean now - that was awesome information from the Morgan info.
I'm still toying with the leads and extenders - I may just use them for the rear two leads as pretty hot in there as the exhausts get red hot! I will get MSD leads but don't have the time at the mo to make them up.
Found the engine number!! YAY!
Seat belts better with silicone spray and I'm hoping to convince the tester!
Fingers crossed for retest on Friday.
I will give the stepper motor a "proper" clean now - that was awesome information from the Morgan info.
I'm still toying with the leads and extenders - I may just use them for the rear two leads as pretty hot in there as the exhausts get red hot! I will get MSD leads but don't have the time at the mo to make them up.
Found the engine number!! YAY!
Seat belts better with silicone spray and I'm hoping to convince the tester!
Fingers crossed for retest on Friday.
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