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Ok the Vauxhall but, indulge me as you guys are the ones I like to talk to.
Over the last weeks I have been rebuilding the front subframe of the Viva. Last night was starting to clean the last bit of the frame itself. Realized it had a small flange missing. Fortunately I have an entire spare subframe but need a spring compressor to take it apart, so, no ambition to get one tonight.
What else to do then? well, there is the box of the wire harness (or two or three) Got them separated and sorted and realized that they had been cut and the wire was pretty brittle anyway. Looks like there is a new wire harness in my future. BTW I thought bullet connectors was a Lucas hallmark but Vauxhall got them too. So, put the wires away and looked around for something else to do.
There sits the engine. Took off almost all the ancillaries, and the oil pan and the rocker cover. Inside looks good so far Not too much sludge in the oil. I must say it is much easier to take an engine apart the second time - even if the engine itself is unfamiliar, you know what to look for. Interestingly, things like intake manifold studs and oil pan bolts are smaller than Midgets even though the engine is bigger and more powerful. It is very curious too to do a slant four as it sits at about 45 degrees - odd. Still don't know if the engine is seized, I don't think so but the engine stand bolts are interfering with the flywheel - will keep you posted on that. I haven't taken off the head as I need to sort out the timing marks before I take off the cam. Don't ask me why that matters.
Anyway, there is something very therapeutic about stripping an engine. Quiet Jazz on the radio and just keep going. All in all a very good night!
Over the last weeks I have been rebuilding the front subframe of the Viva. Last night was starting to clean the last bit of the frame itself. Realized it had a small flange missing. Fortunately I have an entire spare subframe but need a spring compressor to take it apart, so, no ambition to get one tonight.
What else to do then? well, there is the box of the wire harness (or two or three) Got them separated and sorted and realized that they had been cut and the wire was pretty brittle anyway. Looks like there is a new wire harness in my future. BTW I thought bullet connectors was a Lucas hallmark but Vauxhall got them too. So, put the wires away and looked around for something else to do.
There sits the engine. Took off almost all the ancillaries, and the oil pan and the rocker cover. Inside looks good so far Not too much sludge in the oil. I must say it is much easier to take an engine apart the second time - even if the engine itself is unfamiliar, you know what to look for. Interestingly, things like intake manifold studs and oil pan bolts are smaller than Midgets even though the engine is bigger and more powerful. It is very curious too to do a slant four as it sits at about 45 degrees - odd. Still don't know if the engine is seized, I don't think so but the engine stand bolts are interfering with the flywheel - will keep you posted on that. I haven't taken off the head as I need to sort out the timing marks before I take off the cam. Don't ask me why that matters.
Anyway, there is something very therapeutic about stripping an engine. Quiet Jazz on the radio and just keep going. All in all a very good night!
actually was a little surprised, I suspect it may have come in through ports left open rather than a bad head gasket but, doesn't really matter at this point. Have it soaking in a tasty concoction of weasel p*ss and Marvel Mystery Oil - will keep you posted!