I'll AX this only once... though there is an Echo in here
Discussion
Thanks all, I’m hoping tomorrow goes well....
If I step back rationally and look at the time and effort I’m putting into this, it make no sense whatsoever. I clearly am a little tapped, but the project itself is (mostly) enjoyable, and more extensive work than I’ve done before.
IF it works, I suppose as should get an MOT on it, then do something about some of the crusty bits I’ve spotted on the sills....
If I step back rationally and look at the time and effort I’m putting into this, it make no sense whatsoever. I clearly am a little tapped, but the project itself is (mostly) enjoyable, and more extensive work than I’ve done before.
IF it works, I suppose as should get an MOT on it, then do something about some of the crusty bits I’ve spotted on the sills....
james_TW said:
darkyoung1000 said:
If I step back rationally and look at the time and effort I’m putting into this, it make no sense whatsoever
This is a work of love (I think) - all rationale goes out the window 
On which note....
Oil and filter done so we could get on with testing it.
Speedo drive back in, loom behind the starter motor slackened off a bit as some of the wiring up top was too tight, and alternator back on with a new belt.
Air filter and intake system back on, and it was starting to look like an engine bay again!
Some oil down the bores and the engine soon over with no plugs in until the oil light went out to get the pressure up.
Plugs in...and vroom!
A little lumpy at first, but settled down nicely. Sounds very sweet indeed and the manifold isn't offensive (in fact it's barely noticeable).
Managed to get some coolant in, so will bleed it up tomorrow and put the new driveshafts in.
Absolutely over the moon to have the engine running again!
Edited by darkyoung1000 on Wednesday 30th June 22:09
That's more like it, oh and I forgot to post the photo of the old exhaust manifold. Decision to purchase the upgrade fully justified I feel!
Put a new washer on the oil pressure sensor to cure a minor leak, then fired it up to bleed the cooling system. All seems OK with the system bleeding water from the right places, not air, and the thermostat and fan working as they should.
Right, if the engine works, better make it mobile!
Something missing from here....
Two new driveshafts later....
It not only runs, it moves under its own power (once the clutch had been adjusted)!
In for an MOT next week and then they list can be worked through.... Ordering new springs for it regardless though, as the existing ones are rusty and I really don't want one to snap after my last experience!
Edited by darkyoung1000 on Monday 3rd May 11:08
A brief update, with more to follow next week I hope.
It didn’t pass the MOT. This was expected, but what was pleasant was the short list of things that it failed on....
Welding to the sill - thoughts they looked a bit crusty, I’ll let the pro do it this time.
The front windscreen washer not working - I’d conveniently forgotten about the intermittent nature of that fault. Looks like it has unfixed itself!
Some idiot forgot to plug the loom into the horn
Tracking down a set of non lowering springs proved a challenge, but a set had been obtained, so perhaps next week it will be back on the road!
It didn’t pass the MOT. This was expected, but what was pleasant was the short list of things that it failed on....
Welding to the sill - thoughts they looked a bit crusty, I’ll let the pro do it this time.
The front windscreen washer not working - I’d conveniently forgotten about the intermittent nature of that fault. Looks like it has unfixed itself!
Some idiot forgot to plug the loom into the horn
Tracking down a set of non lowering springs proved a challenge, but a set had been obtained, so perhaps next week it will be back on the road!
I can't tell you how ridiculously excited I am to have this back. Completely irrational.....but hilarious.
It's taken a while to get back, as the mechanic got the MOT on it....but it was the last thing he did before he went on holiday for a week. The new manifold and the decarbonising and valve grinding have really made a difference - there's a bit more pep, less noise at idle, and most importantly no oil leak from the engine (yet anyway).
Oh yes, and new springs.....and shocks....and top mounts.....and welding to the cills....and a washer pump, head gasket, inlet and exhaust manifold gaskets, drive shafts, clutch, head bolts, crankshaft oil seals. flywheel bolts, valve stem oil seals....and a sump.
Ouch.
Still, new springs eh.
It's not the cheapest garage bill I've had, even with doing most of the engine work myself, but um.....well....it feels worth it/it's only money/insert other flimsy excuse here.....
Wheels and bonnet next!
Thanks all, I'm glad to see that others have a love for the AX too! Oh it's cost a little bit recently, but driving it now is a delight, and makes it all seem worthwhile, especially given the extra pep.
In a no expense spared ICE upgrade (not in any way prompted by my wife's works van being handed back), we now have A Sonichi DAB (which is good as the FM aerial is broken).
Best news? Having removed the back seat entirely and turned it into a mini estate, the dog loves it
In a no expense spared ICE upgrade (not in any way prompted by my wife's works van being handed back), we now have A Sonichi DAB (which is good as the FM aerial is broken).
Best news? Having removed the back seat entirely and turned it into a mini estate, the dog loves it
Excellent work from Ian Jemison, I can't recommend them enough. Having spoken to them back in February about the issue with the wheels....then taken the car off the road for 3 months, they still took it back in to redo them.
Splendid. They look much better in white and hopefully will stay rust free.
I also took the opportunity to install the performance upgrade (ahem) in the form of a Pipercross filter.
In the highly rock and roll, high octane drive across town to pick up tea, I noticed...no difference whatsoever. Still, at least I found something cool to park next to!
Now, finally, about that bloody bonnet! We have the paint code, so time to get it sprayed.
Splendid. They look much better in white and hopefully will stay rust free.
I also took the opportunity to install the performance upgrade (ahem) in the form of a Pipercross filter.
In the highly rock and roll, high octane drive across town to pick up tea, I noticed...no difference whatsoever. Still, at least I found something cool to park next to!
Now, finally, about that bloody bonnet! We have the paint code, so time to get it sprayed.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff