An act of irresistible folly
Discussion
Interesting drive this morning. Set out for St Agnes to take my deranged lurcher out for a walk, and it appeared the car was reluctant to change gear. As far as I am aware I haven't meddled with anything that should not be meddled with. Pulled over and turned it off, an back on the problem had resolved itself. This is probably related to the malfunction warning that pinged up on way back. No indication of what the malfunction is, but I am starting to having a slight sinking feeling.
Let's see what happens....
Let's see what happens....
When that happened to me, I needed a new valve body for the gearbox, which had failed.
On the upside, if it is the rear crankshaft seal that is leaking oil, you'll be able to tackle two jobs at one.
EDIT: Obviously, I'm not a mechanic unlike your (or my) Dad
On the upside, if it is the rear crankshaft seal that is leaking oil, you'll be able to tackle two jobs at one.
EDIT: Obviously, I'm not a mechanic unlike your (or my) Dad
Edited by bolidemichael on Wednesday 19th May 12:31
Update on work that’s going to be carried out.
The brakes, brake hoses and track rod ends are being replaced on the 5/6 and the car is going in to the local specialist for an investigation into the oil leak, gearbox oil, filter and seal change, and service on 7/6.
I’ve ordered a new set of tyres (Uniroyal) today as well, which then leaves a few sundry bits like the keys and the A/C condenser for later, although I might just get the keys done anyway.
Feels like there is progress on the horizon.
I’ll detail whatever else is found but I’m in for this now. Committed. Or should be, at any rate.
The brakes, brake hoses and track rod ends are being replaced on the 5/6 and the car is going in to the local specialist for an investigation into the oil leak, gearbox oil, filter and seal change, and service on 7/6.
I’ve ordered a new set of tyres (Uniroyal) today as well, which then leaves a few sundry bits like the keys and the A/C condenser for later, although I might just get the keys done anyway.
Feels like there is progress on the horizon.
I’ll detail whatever else is found but I’m in for this now. Committed. Or should be, at any rate.
Well, since you're committed now... welcome to the club of sunk cost fallacy ownership 
I’m definitely committed now! Ordered the brake discs and pads; frame rod ends, and brake hoses. It’s booked in at the local specialist for a gearbox oil, filter, and seal change, as well as an investigation into the oil leak. The car will have a full service and inspection while it’s there as well.
I’ve bought a set of Uniroyals to go on when the brakes are done, and then it should be ready for running on a duly basis.
I’ve also set up a Bork Fund which I suspect I will be dipping into on a regular basis.
Other long term aims include getting the paint refreshed, and reattaching the OS front bumper which is standing slightly proud.
I’m beginning to get a bit excited about this car.
I’ve bought a set of Uniroyals to go on when the brakes are done, and then it should be ready for running on a duly basis.
I’ve also set up a Bork Fund which I suspect I will be dipping into on a regular basis.
Other long term aims include getting the paint refreshed, and reattaching the OS front bumper which is standing slightly proud.
I’m beginning to get a bit excited about this car.
A tale of two trips in the two cars.
The Niro.
The Mercedes. I’d planned on leaving the car at work until the brakes are sorted on Saturday but was a bit worried about leaving it idle for too long to took it home and then to Falmouth for a bit of a run out. The wife and dogs came too so it was a bit sedate. Also the brake judder was pretty bad so I drove everywhere gingerly rather than enjoying it.
I cannot wait for Saturday.
The Niro, on the other hand, was used for a 175 mile round to trip to Bideford today, and I got over 71mpg which is better than anything I’d managed previously.
The Niro.
The Mercedes. I’d planned on leaving the car at work until the brakes are sorted on Saturday but was a bit worried about leaving it idle for too long to took it home and then to Falmouth for a bit of a run out. The wife and dogs came too so it was a bit sedate. Also the brake judder was pretty bad so I drove everywhere gingerly rather than enjoying it.
I cannot wait for Saturday.
The Niro, on the other hand, was used for a 175 mile round to trip to Bideford today, and I got over 71mpg which is better than anything I’d managed previously.
This session has revealed other things, unsurprisingly. Firstly the problem with the wrong product being in the right boxes! Also not being sufficiently accurate with brake disc measuring.
The correct items have been ordered and will be collected on Monday, but I will forgo the suspension geometry test on Monday as the Track Rods aren’t right and haven’t been replaced.
Finally there is a brake pipe that needs replacing (OS is corroded but the NS one is perfect). Car looks pretty good underneath so am feeling quietly confident. I’m a little irritated by the delay but Tuesday should see it where it should be.
The correct items have been ordered and will be collected on Monday, but I will forgo the suspension geometry test on Monday as the Track Rods aren’t right and haven’t been replaced.
Finally there is a brake pipe that needs replacing (OS is corroded but the NS one is perfect). Car looks pretty good underneath so am feeling quietly confident. I’m a little irritated by the delay but Tuesday should see it where it should be.
Just returned from the specialist, a process that has been superb from start to finish.
I’m now £736 lighter than I was before I went there but for that there has been
Full service and inspection (including 16 spark plugs!)
Brake system flushed and fluid renewed
Gearbox oil & filter changed
Oil leak investigation & rectification.
It transpires the oil leak, which wasn’t excessive was caused by the cam covers being loose.
The SBC is fine, as the air suspension which is gratifying.
As for future work, the comments from the technician relate to front discs needing replacing (being done tomorrow with the track rod ends if ECP send the correct parts) , a rear exhaust mount to be replaced at some point, the underside needs cleaning and waxing, and the AC condenser is damaged (but still works beautifully).
All in all, I’m a happy fellow this evening. It seems like now is good time to reset ownership and start enjoying the car.
The next work will be two new keys and a OSF brake pipe, after which I will start on the cosmetics.
I’m now £736 lighter than I was before I went there but for that there has been
Full service and inspection (including 16 spark plugs!)
Brake system flushed and fluid renewed
Gearbox oil & filter changed
Oil leak investigation & rectification.
It transpires the oil leak, which wasn’t excessive was caused by the cam covers being loose.
The SBC is fine, as the air suspension which is gratifying.
As for future work, the comments from the technician relate to front discs needing replacing (being done tomorrow with the track rod ends if ECP send the correct parts) , a rear exhaust mount to be replaced at some point, the underside needs cleaning and waxing, and the AC condenser is damaged (but still works beautifully).
All in all, I’m a happy fellow this evening. It seems like now is good time to reset ownership and start enjoying the car.
The next work will be two new keys and a OSF brake pipe, after which I will start on the cosmetics.
Thanks, yes I’m pretty chuffed with that, and I inch ever closer to being able to enjoy the car, although this summer in Cornwall is going to be hell on Earth traffic wise I suspect.
The technician who worked on the car owns the E55 variant and is apparently very fussy about things being done correctly so I think with some care and proper attention at the right time this is a car which will see me through to the electric era.
I hope, (and have everything crossed that can be crossed) that ECP delivery the correct parts this morning, and my friend at work can fit the discs pads, and remaining brake hose this evening.
Waxoyl will be the next major thing after the keys I think, not that there is any mention of underbody corrosion on the MOT history (brake lines aside but they’re being changed anyway) but the brine in the air in Cornwall isn’t healthy so I’d rather be cautious.
The technician who worked on the car owns the E55 variant and is apparently very fussy about things being done correctly so I think with some care and proper attention at the right time this is a car which will see me through to the electric era.
I hope, (and have everything crossed that can be crossed) that ECP delivery the correct parts this morning, and my friend at work can fit the discs pads, and remaining brake hose this evening.
Waxoyl will be the next major thing after the keys I think, not that there is any mention of underbody corrosion on the MOT history (brake lines aside but they’re being changed anyway) but the brine in the air in Cornwall isn’t healthy so I’d rather be cautious.
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