Bring that Beat back... 1991 Honda Beat
Discussion
Rocket. said:
Cambs_Stuart said:
How's it running?
Getting there, timing was definitely out and fitted a new fuel pump now but still has the engine warning light coming on and staying on after a little while so ECU may have to go for another inspection, has already been repaired but could still be an electrical or sensor issue somewhere. You are meant to be able to bridge a connector on the ECU and then the engine warning light will flash a sequence which should tell you which sensor or fault the engine has, currently it wont do this. Rocket. said:
Brilliant! It actually looks like a pedal car next to the huge latest small Honda. I'd be interested to know the reaction of the staff too - did they embrace it as part of their (modified) history or look at you in a way that said "get that green thing off our forecourt!!!"?
I hope the running issues are sorted soon and 2021 can be the year this wonderful thing gets enjoyed.
DanG355 said:
Brilliant! It actually looks like a pedal car next to the huge latest small Honda. I'd be interested to know the reaction of the staff too - did they embrace it as part of their (modified) history or look at you in a way that said "get that green thing off our forecourt!!!"?
I hope the running issues are sorted soon and 2021 can be the year this wonderful thing gets enjoyed.
Unfortunately no one was around to see it so didn't get a reaction but it seemed too good an opportunity to miss!I hope the running issues are sorted soon and 2021 can be the year this wonderful thing gets enjoyed.
Edited by Rocket. on Tuesday 8th December 21:24
Small update
The Beat is now back with me and the work continues slowly.
My first drive out wasn't a great success, about 1 mile from home with the Mrs as a passenger, the clutch pedal went straight to the floor and stayed there, engine was still running, car was still in gear but no drive. So as you do I went to put on the Hazard warning lights and the switch went straight through the dash
Then called my son for a tow home and on the way back I made the fatal mistake of running over the tow rope which then snapped 
Ended up pushing the car home for last 1/4 of a mile. At that point we just pushed it into the garage and left it for a bit!
Turns out the clutch master cylinder was shot and the seals had formed a rubber paste, this was causing it to get stuck so a new one is ordered from Japan and on its way.
With the car back with me (until weather improves for final painting) I have had time to get stuck into the engine timing issue and with help of a new timing gun and moving the dizzy round one tooth I think we have it much better, best news is no more engine light, fingers crossed this is now solved.
I have also been trying to get a better fit on the Carbon bonnet, I was warned these may not fit perfectly, they weren't kidding! Anyway now more acceptable than it was. We used some Pitking quick release bonnet pins mounted on top and disconnected the original pull and latch.
With any luck and a dry day I will venture out again next week once the clutch MC is fitted and report back.
The Beat is now back with me and the work continues slowly.
My first drive out wasn't a great success, about 1 mile from home with the Mrs as a passenger, the clutch pedal went straight to the floor and stayed there, engine was still running, car was still in gear but no drive. So as you do I went to put on the Hazard warning lights and the switch went straight through the dash
Then called my son for a tow home and on the way back I made the fatal mistake of running over the tow rope which then snapped Ended up pushing the car home for last 1/4 of a mile. At that point we just pushed it into the garage and left it for a bit!Turns out the clutch master cylinder was shot and the seals had formed a rubber paste, this was causing it to get stuck so a new one is ordered from Japan and on its way.
With the car back with me (until weather improves for final painting) I have had time to get stuck into the engine timing issue and with help of a new timing gun and moving the dizzy round one tooth I think we have it much better, best news is no more engine light, fingers crossed this is now solved.
I have also been trying to get a better fit on the Carbon bonnet, I was warned these may not fit perfectly, they weren't kidding! Anyway now more acceptable than it was. We used some Pitking quick release bonnet pins mounted on top and disconnected the original pull and latch.
With any luck and a dry day I will venture out again next week once the clutch MC is fitted and report back.
Finally got the clutch master cylinder fitted and bled so seemed rude not to go for a short drive around the country lanes where I live.
I managed a few hundred meters up the road before realising something wasn't right with the brakes, they were definitely sticking on. Went home, wheels off and had a good look. All calipers had been rebuilt so I assumed that if clutch MC seals were shot then good chance brake MC was the culprit. I slackened off the lines from the MC and the wheels turned freely again..
Next bit of trying to remove MC from the booster/servo was fun, not.... In the end after a lot of swearing, subsequent soaking with plus gas and the 'persuader' (rubber mallet) it moved just enough to get a lever in behind and here is what I found.
Leaky seals again. A new one ordered from Japan should be here in a few weeks. The Beatchetta is having a difficult birth.
I managed a few hundred meters up the road before realising something wasn't right with the brakes, they were definitely sticking on. Went home, wheels off and had a good look. All calipers had been rebuilt so I assumed that if clutch MC seals were shot then good chance brake MC was the culprit. I slackened off the lines from the MC and the wheels turned freely again..
Next bit of trying to remove MC from the booster/servo was fun, not.... In the end after a lot of swearing, subsequent soaking with plus gas and the 'persuader' (rubber mallet) it moved just enough to get a lever in behind and here is what I found.
Leaky seals again. A new one ordered from Japan should be here in a few weeks. The Beatchetta is having a difficult birth.
Edited by Rocket. on Friday 15th January 20:04
The Rotrex Kid said:
At least you weren’t doing like 80mph when the master cylinder did that, I was when mine s
t itself
Not much fun that! Had one go my Lancia in the late 90's which was only about 7 years old at the time, to be fair the Beat is 30 this year.t itself Actually really happy to have a lockdown project and something to do at the weekends. I spent today going over all the brakes, whoever invented brake pad clips needs a kick in the wotsits.
Tomorrow will be trying to Hondabond the camcover and the sump (which doesnt have a gasket) and both are leaking. Also appears to be a water leak from thermostat area which needs investigating.
davidclayton said:
How do you rate the Gaz coilovers? Is the ride very firm or can you soften them up to stock levels of ride comfort?
I haven't really had the chance to try them properly yet but they were way too stiff out of the box so we're revalved and also lowered the spring rates. There is no adjustment on them apart from adjustable ride height. Apart from that they look well built.Long overdue update!
Back in Feb I decided the Beat need a proper mechanic to sort out the running issues and leaks. I dropped it off mid Feb to my local guy and said the fateful words 'it's winter I'm in no rush for it...' he took it literally and I got it back today!
To be fair to him it ended up being more trouble than we 1st thought and required engine out again and some parts. Poor running was due to a stuck injector so car was only running on 2 cylinders. The leaks were multiple and required gasket sealer in many areas and there were a few bolts missing in places. On the basis it seems to have rained for most of the summer I don't feel I've missed out too much.
What I can now say is this little car is a riot to drive, to rev the little motor to about 8,000 rpm is great fun, the induction noise is epic with the open cone filter into the boot cavity with the scoop being about 1 foot away from your ear! You feel like you going twice the speed you actually are, aided by the fact that you are fully exposed to the elements. The gear change is another highlight, one of the best I have used. The brakes are also good, the upgraded vented front discs and calipers are strong but almost a bit over servoed and easy to lock up so best to be progressive with them. The car handles sweetly but needs setting up and still a bit firm for my liking so may try to soften further going forward.
First job today was fit my Momo Prototipo wheel and head out and put some miles on her, popped into see a mate who loved the car. It makes people stop, stare and smile.
Still lots to do but after 3 years and actually never having driven a Beat properly I'm pretty happy with it so far.
https://youtube.com/shorts/3h6e7T6WhbM?
Back in Feb I decided the Beat need a proper mechanic to sort out the running issues and leaks. I dropped it off mid Feb to my local guy and said the fateful words 'it's winter I'm in no rush for it...' he took it literally and I got it back today!
To be fair to him it ended up being more trouble than we 1st thought and required engine out again and some parts. Poor running was due to a stuck injector so car was only running on 2 cylinders. The leaks were multiple and required gasket sealer in many areas and there were a few bolts missing in places. On the basis it seems to have rained for most of the summer I don't feel I've missed out too much.
What I can now say is this little car is a riot to drive, to rev the little motor to about 8,000 rpm is great fun, the induction noise is epic with the open cone filter into the boot cavity with the scoop being about 1 foot away from your ear! You feel like you going twice the speed you actually are, aided by the fact that you are fully exposed to the elements. The gear change is another highlight, one of the best I have used. The brakes are also good, the upgraded vented front discs and calipers are strong but almost a bit over servoed and easy to lock up so best to be progressive with them. The car handles sweetly but needs setting up and still a bit firm for my liking so may try to soften further going forward.
First job today was fit my Momo Prototipo wheel and head out and put some miles on her, popped into see a mate who loved the car. It makes people stop, stare and smile.
Still lots to do but after 3 years and actually never having driven a Beat properly I'm pretty happy with it so far.
https://youtube.com/shorts/3h6e7T6WhbM?
Edited by Rocket. on Wednesday 1st September 22:23
aka_kerrly said:
If this was Top Gear "Cool Wall" I'd be slinging it straight into the Freezer section!
I have a crazy urge for a Honda Beat or Suzuki Cappuccino (for when a Mr2 feels too bulky
) just for the ability to have silly fun at legal speeds.
Agreed on all the above.I have a crazy urge for a Honda Beat or Suzuki Cappuccino (for when a Mr2 feels too bulky
) just for the ability to have silly fun at legal speeds.For quite some time I really fancied a Suzuki Cappuccino (still quite do TBH) but they're not cheap
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