Got my Chimaera on Saturday 400 miles later.....
Discussion
Taking it easy but grinning like a loon! - Wife loves it too... '99 4.0, Starmist Blue. Drive back from Petersfield to Cambridge was a delight despite M25's best efforts. Got the back end out in a car park in the rain in first and I thought I was being gentle - now being very very careful. Permagrin just will not wear off!
Two minor points (I hope)
When accelerating hard(ish) or during a clumsy gear change (still getting used the the box) I get a dull clunking noise from what appears to be the back of the car. Does not happen if gear change is smooth or while braking.
After approx an hour of driving I hear a sound like liquid 'whooshing'/gurgling which increases at speed and during acceleration. No loss of power or any other change to the cars performance. Also noticed when I fill the tank that there is a release of pressure / inrush of air as I unscrew the filler cap.
All advice / comments welcome, despite these concerns just know I did the right thing!
Two minor points (I hope)
When accelerating hard(ish) or during a clumsy gear change (still getting used the the box) I get a dull clunking noise from what appears to be the back of the car. Does not happen if gear change is smooth or while braking.
After approx an hour of driving I hear a sound like liquid 'whooshing'/gurgling which increases at speed and during acceleration. No loss of power or any other change to the cars performance. Also noticed when I fill the tank that there is a release of pressure / inrush of air as I unscrew the filler cap.
All advice / comments welcome, despite these concerns just know I did the right thing!
The clunk when changing gear sounds like the diff bolts have become loose. There are four bolts that can be found at the rear of the diff, connecting it to the chassis. Use an 8mm allen key and make sure they are tight or get it checked at your local indie. Only a two minute job when on proper ramps.
The Beerhunter said:
After approx an hour of driving I hear a sound like liquid 'whooshing'/gurgling which increases at speed and during acceleration. No loss of power or any other change to the cars performance.
Hello mate, congratulations on your new toy
Does the whoosing/gurgling noise happen under braking too? If so, it might just be water in the doors (they all do that, sir).
If that's all it is, the 'cure' is as follows:
1. Open door
2. Make sure drainage holes are not blocked up (these are the holes about 2" from the bottom (inside) of the door.
3. Shake door like a mad thing
4. Answer 'WTF are you doing'-type questions from neighbours and passers-by.
ntel said:
The clunk when changing gear sounds like the diff bolts have become loose. There are four bolts that can be found at the rear of the diff, connecting it to the chassis. Use an 8mm allen key and make sure they are tight or get it checked at your local indie. Only a two minute job when on proper ramps.
Mine has started making a very quiet and gentle clunk, is it possible to check the diff without the use of a ramp?
Nuggs said:
Mine has started making a very quiet and gentle clunk, is it possible to check the diff without the use of a ramp?
Yip, jack up the back end as high as you can and place on axle stands (dont forget to chock the front wheels). Get under, on your back, armed with a small torch and an 8mm allen key in a ratshit. Look at the back of the diff where it bolts to the chassis and you will find 4 sockets head screws. Make sure they are tight. If not remove then one at a time, put a bit of thread lock on them and put them back in. Jobs a gud un.
Put the car back on the ground, wash your hands, and crack open a nice can of stella.
ing!!Gurgling could be the water pipes to the heater matrix. Look up under the dash in the passenger footwell and you'll see all the gubbins. It's only air in the system - do a search on how to bleed the system to hopefully cure (mine did it on and off for 6 years -no big deal).
Could equally be water in the doors of course.
Expansion tank cap should be on tight I think, it seals agains't pressure and the valve in the cap releases under excess pressure. a bit of a whoosh is fine, but check you're not losing water somewhere and creating a vacuum (pinhole leaks in the radiator or minor leaks steaming off at a pipe junction being the prime suspects).
Clonking - sounds like a diff bush - common and not expensive. Shouldn't stop you driving it for now either.
Could equally be water in the doors of course.
Expansion tank cap should be on tight I think, it seals agains't pressure and the valve in the cap releases under excess pressure. a bit of a whoosh is fine, but check you're not losing water somewhere and creating a vacuum (pinhole leaks in the radiator or minor leaks steaming off at a pipe junction being the prime suspects).
Clonking - sounds like a diff bush - common and not expensive. Shouldn't stop you driving it for now either.
Thanks all,
It's definitely not water in the doors. I think it's most likely to be air in the cooling / heating circuit. Any tips on bleeding the system gratefully received! On balance the clunking noise is probably the diff mounts. Fernies are going to take a look next time I'm down there. Will be doing ~600 miles over Christmas break visiting family etc - will let you know how I get on!
It's definitely not water in the doors. I think it's most likely to be air in the cooling / heating circuit. Any tips on bleeding the system gratefully received! On balance the clunking noise is probably the diff mounts. Fernies are going to take a look next time I'm down there. Will be doing ~600 miles over Christmas break visiting family etc - will let you know how I get on!
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