Well I got one...................

[Prodrive]

Hi guys

You may remember a few weeks ago I posted asking some advice on buying a Tuscan, well I have just picked up a late 2001 silver Tuscan with FTVR history!! Well first impressions - I absolutely love it!!! Car seems really sweet, engine runs well (just a little bit smokey on start up or when setting off at speed - but seems like fuel rather than oil/water)

Car did break on its way home tho!!! Nothing serious, just a snapped throttle cable which was repaired the same day. Looks like the car had been sat for a while so the first time I put my foot down it must have been dry/corroded and snapped.

Just a few Q's for you guys
1) What oil pressure should I be seeing - Both at idle and under load
2) Is the slight smoke normal?
3) Ive got a rattle that has developed - Sounds like its behind the pod - Anyone else has this so I know where to start looking?
4) What oil should I be using to top up?

Car has a 3 month engine/drivetrain warranty so Ive booked it into Torque RVT in Middlewich for a service/general check. Then if there are any problems with the car I can get them fixed under warranty (hopefully!)

Thanks in advance guys!

Stu

[Mr.t]

Can't answer all of your q's, but on the oil pressure, once warmed up and under load, mine varies from around 42/45 - 50/52, on tickover it's usually around 18/22. The oil I use is always Mobil 1. If u've got a rattle behind the pod, they do move/vibrate a bit anyway, but make sure nothing has slipped along behind it, I find keys, pens and small items can easily work their way behind the pod, so worth check. As for the slight smoke?, mine doesn’t, but that's not to say yours has a problem, but you can get that checked out when you take it in for a check-up. Good luck & happy motoring.

[timmybob]

Hi Stu! Welcome to the joys of Tuscan ownership. Not really able to help with your questions, but by all accounts Ian is one of the best so it will be in very good hands. Is the pod vibrating at all, or is it just a rattle?
Be careful with the car (especially if it's damp) as it's a very different beast to your old one. Have fun!!

[scyllarus]

Congrats on the car, came from a Evo myself and as much as I loved them, after owning a TVR I won't be changing to anything else......had my car serviced last month at Torque RVT and really can't praise them enough, regarding your oil I'd probably contact who ever did your last service and see what they used until it's changed, just remember to warm her up before you check it!!!

Edited by scyllarus on Tuesday 24th October 20:27

[R TOY]

Prodrive said:

Just a few Q's for you guys
1) What oil pressure should I be seeing - Both at idle and under load
2) Is the slight smoke normal?
3) Ive got a rattle that has developed - Sounds like its behind the pod - Anyone else has this so I know where to start looking?
4) What oil should I be using to top up?

Car has a 3 month engine/drivetrain warranty so Ive booked it into Torque RVT in Middlewich for a service/general check. Then if there are any problems with the car I can get them fixed under warranty (hopefully!)

Thanks in advance guys!

Stu

Hi Stu, welcome to the asylum.
My oil press 40-45+ when reving, drops to 12-15 when hot on tick over. I have heard of figures below 10 on hot tickover tho.
No ideas on the smoke. Not noticed any on mine but then i havent really looked.
An idea on the rattle. The top, middle of the bonnet can touch the wiper arm mounting which can cause an irritating rattle. Sounds to come from the dash area. Worth a look.

Make sure that the valve clearances are checked and reshimmed as needed at the checkup. The thicker the shims the better.
Hope all checks out ok. Dave.

[custardkid]

this post needs some pictures... hint hint...

welcome to the clan

enjoy her

custard

Edited by custardkid on Tuesday 24th October 21:52

[Prodrive]

Thanks for the help guys!!! Loving the Tuscan so far and it looks like its pretty much stopped smoking now. All I can think is that the car hadnt been used in some time and I only noticed the slight smoke when I first got the car!

The rattle sounds like its coming from around the scuttle area under the wipers so will investigate further when I get a minute at weekend!!!

No doubt I will be posting very soon!!!!

Stu

[Bob the Planner]

Hi Stu, welcome to the mad house ! All TVRs are addictive and I think the Tusc is probably the worst due to the attention pedestrians and other cars give you as you go by. There is nothing else like it on the road.

Prodrive said:

1) What oil pressure should I be seeing - Both at idle and under load

I see about 60 ish when cold and about 50ish above 3k revs when warm. It drops to about 12 or so on hot idle (85-90C). I have seem 7-8 in France with the oil temp in the high 90s - both pre and pst rebuild. I think all car show a different set of figures and its noticing a change that gives you an idea that something is wrong.

Prodrive said:

2) Is the slight smoke normal?

Errrr - No. GHowever as the car has been standing a bit some oil may have seeped past the rings. The answer is to take the car for a good blatt (after getting it good and warm ) and if its still there have it looked at. If it still smokes it may be the valve stems/guides are worn - not a good thing !

Prodrive said:

3) Ive got a rattle that has developed - Sounds like its behind the pod - Anyone else has this so I know where to start looking?

No idea on this one.

Prodrive said:

4) What oil should I be using to top up?

Assume that its a fully synthetic oil. As long as you top it up with something similar you should be OK. Expect a little water usage and oil at 700-2000 per litre. I have got into the habit of checking oil & water every week and topping up as neccessary. It my use a bit more that the Scoopy.


I hope you enjoy the experience and try and pop over to the dark side (Yorkshire) for cars in the park at some point.