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From my previous posts you will know that Ms Triss made it home under her own power - just. I put her in the garage and we just rested apart for a week. I then came down with a lousy summer cold which completely removed any motivation for anything car - or any other thing - related. Finally last week decided to get the expansion tank fixed. Went to two rad shops and both wouldn't touch it. Then was driving and saw my new friend Howard's shop door was open - Howard is creating what will likely be the best 1961 Vauxhall Victor in the world - he is also a welder. Asked if the tank was worth repairing. His reply, "yes" and offered to do it. Next day he called and it was good to go. (I love the generousity of time and talent in this hobby)
Got new oil filters - they didn't fit. Got the right filters, forgot to get a new fuel filter, got one from Mark (Abarth69) and set to work, change oil, change filter - oil and gas (BTW removed the bracket that moved the location of the filter to accommodate the removed air pump. While the car was up put a hose clamp on the Slave cylinder end of the clutch hose (remember it popped off earlier this year) cleaned the air filter, reinstalled the tank, topped up the rad and hit the road. Oh and I changed the plugs - NGKs as per Jeff Schlemmer's recommendation, gapped to .040 also as per his recommendation. Car runs great! Of course this might be false bravado as it didn't start stumbling until I had been driving for an hour on the way home.
Still thinking that it might have been bad gas though - Interestingly, the fuel filter was full of gas which it never is, making me wonder if the filter was clogged some. (also put gas cleaner in the tank just in case) So, we'll see. One thing I am very happy about is that I used Lucas oil stabilizer with the oil ans I have about 10 lbs more oil pressure - that is very good news and the car is nice and cool from disconnecting the vacuum.
Finally cleaned up the car a little, went on for supper (Saturday) with the intent of hitting the cruise nite - of course then it started to rain and has been raining ever since. (which we REALLY need.)
So, having a running car again, I decided it was time to start on the Vauxhall. My first two projects are the engine and front subframe - this because they are the two dirtiest remaining parts and because getting them sorted will free some space. I have the body mounts off, the sway bar off (I think it came with 5 sway bars - sheesh) and the one hub disconencted. Don't have a ball joint splitter so it's still attached to the car. I must say I have forgotten how different it is taking apart a car with 40 year old grease and grit and reassembling a clean and repainted car. I also note that there is a difference between taking apart a car that sat in a field in Ontario and a car that sat in a garage in Florida.
Finally, it was hot and muggy in the garage so a CAB was most welcome at the end of the afternoon.
Oh, and, no kingpins on the Vauxhall - ball joint on each A-arm and one on the tie rod end. Interesting
Got new oil filters - they didn't fit. Got the right filters, forgot to get a new fuel filter, got one from Mark (Abarth69) and set to work, change oil, change filter - oil and gas (BTW removed the bracket that moved the location of the filter to accommodate the removed air pump. While the car was up put a hose clamp on the Slave cylinder end of the clutch hose (remember it popped off earlier this year) cleaned the air filter, reinstalled the tank, topped up the rad and hit the road. Oh and I changed the plugs - NGKs as per Jeff Schlemmer's recommendation, gapped to .040 also as per his recommendation. Car runs great! Of course this might be false bravado as it didn't start stumbling until I had been driving for an hour on the way home.
Still thinking that it might have been bad gas though - Interestingly, the fuel filter was full of gas which it never is, making me wonder if the filter was clogged some. (also put gas cleaner in the tank just in case) So, we'll see. One thing I am very happy about is that I used Lucas oil stabilizer with the oil ans I have about 10 lbs more oil pressure - that is very good news and the car is nice and cool from disconnecting the vacuum.
Finally cleaned up the car a little, went on for supper (Saturday) with the intent of hitting the cruise nite - of course then it started to rain and has been raining ever since. (which we REALLY need.)
So, having a running car again, I decided it was time to start on the Vauxhall. My first two projects are the engine and front subframe - this because they are the two dirtiest remaining parts and because getting them sorted will free some space. I have the body mounts off, the sway bar off (I think it came with 5 sway bars - sheesh) and the one hub disconencted. Don't have a ball joint splitter so it's still attached to the car. I must say I have forgotten how different it is taking apart a car with 40 year old grease and grit and reassembling a clean and repainted car. I also note that there is a difference between taking apart a car that sat in a field in Ontario and a car that sat in a garage in Florida.
Finally, it was hot and muggy in the garage so a CAB was most welcome at the end of the afternoon.
Oh, and, no kingpins on the Vauxhall - ball joint on each A-arm and one on the tie rod end. Interesting