327 replies to this topic

[DaveJH]

Currently doing an all-nighter and needed a short break so I've been making a list of jobs I need to do, might as well stick them here so I don't forget them!

Immediate:

• Solve idling issues
• Get spare wheel (in the post)
• Replace Fuel Tank Sender and Seal
• Replace snapped bonnet release cable (in the post)
• Get tracking done

Medium Term:

• Refit all carpets properly
• Get spotlights working
• Clean out and service/replace radiator
• Purchase and fit boot boards
• Get permanent power connection to radio
• Install 12V charging socket
• Service door, bonnet and boot pins
• Fit rear speakers properly
• Service interior light

Summer jobs (assuming I have money!)

• Replace front end (including scuttle and bonnet)
• Fit new wheel arch trim
• Refurbish subframes
• Refurbish driver's seat (ripped leather)
• Replace/refurbish blowing exhaust
• Reskin both doors and refurb moving parts
• Respray!

That's all that comes to mind for now. Really need that spare wheel!

Edited by DaveJH, 12 April 2012 - 02:09 PM.

[DaveJH]

Got a mate of mine to look at Barney today (in the pouring rain), he tells me the head gasket has gone and some gases from the cylinder are getting into the coolant system. He could tell from the smell of the coolant and the bubbles in it. That would rob power when the engine heats up, cause it to be hesitant and mess with the idle speed when warm - all the things I noticed yesterday!

Edited by DaveJH, 10 April 2012 - 07:10 PM.

[DaveJH]

Right, the top end is off and the evidence backs up Jon's diagnosis. I'll let the pictures do the talking. You can tell from the steam cleaned look of the furthest left cylinder that the coolant was getting in:





Also, check out the crack in the head gasket and the flash across between cylinders 2 and 3:





Finally, here's how the engine looks right now, somewhat decapitated!

[iDemonix]

I think you've fitted that wrong mate.

[DaveJH]

I thought I noticed a drop in power...

Edited by DaveJH, 10 April 2012 - 09:36 PM.

[DaveJH]

The engine is all back together, it was missing on the 4th cylinder a little at low revs so I put a new set of spark plugs in and he sounds quite healthy again. Still idling quite low and a little burbly but the engine is smooth across the rev range, much quieter, stronger and it no longer stalls. Happy days!

Just driven the 100 miles back to uni without any problems. Well, I say that, the fuel pump wiring could be replaced as one of the wires needs a little persuading from time to time. But otherwise I'm happy

[bcjames]

Thats great Dave :) I'm glad you're finally getting to drive him about properly!

[DaveJH]

I'm driving to the Isle of Wight tomorrow for a stag weekend. I hope Barney's up for the challenge!

[Shifty]

Oh dear!!

Good luck with the isle of wight, been there and its lovely!!

[DaveJH]

Made it there and back fine, though the mini wasn't happy with the amount of people and luggage we had between us! What was a casual exhaust leak at the start of the holiday is really quite bad now. Good job I'm intending to get the whole system replaced in the summer anyway.

Did have one scare when the mini hit the ground rather heavily on the country lanes and the engine cut straight out and refused to restart. Luckily I remembered the inertia switch and had it going again in seconds - mainly lucky as we were stuck on a blind bend at the time!

Anyway, Barney is back in Oxford now after loads of miles recently. Parked up and will be rather unused for a while as I struggle with assignments and revision.

I've got a new spare wheel now (a lovely 12" minilite), a new bonnet release cable (for when I get around to fitting it) and I need a new front numberplate. I may have slightly snapped it off on my way back to Oxford...

[DaveJH]

Been away a while, but while my car has seen very little of me, my uni work benefited from some very last minute attention. Managed to grab a cheeky first this year, only one year left before I'm a master of Engineering :)

Anyway, plenty to do before my friend's wedding on the 21st - for which Barney is the official wedding car! Got to replace the radiator, exhaust, suspension, fuel pump electricity system (STILL failing in the rain!!), mould etc

May also be at the very beginning of a relationship too :)

Man, I'm never going to have any money!!

Edited by DaveJH, 10 July 2012 - 01:18 AM.

[Shifty]

I was wondering how you were doing the other day. I nearly dropped you a text as hadn't heard from you in a while.

Glad things are going better for you.

[bcjames]

Good to read things are going well Dave! Still plenty to keep you busy there though.

[DaveJH]

Hah nice to know you're thinking of me Sean

Yep, plenty to do still! Going to make a lovely big order from Minispares very soon. After a quick chat with Sean I think the following list should cover the essentials for the 21st:

• New exhaust (RC40 twin box) £111.55
• New radiator £115.20
• Fuel Tank sender £27.60 and Seal £1.10
• 2 x Rear cones £81.38, 2 x Rear gas shocks £46.18 and 2 x Genuine knuckles £27.74

Can someone confirm if I'm linking the right parts as I'm not 100% sure myself. No idea which radiator I'm supposed to get, is it worth gettng gas shocks? Had them on my last car and they were better than oil in my opinion. Not sure if they are the right knuckles either as they say 'up to 1990' in the description but they don't seem to offer an alternative.

Anyway, I'll need a few other things but that so far that's over £400 already!

Edited by DaveJH, 10 July 2012 - 02:12 PM.

[DaveJH]

After discussing with Sean, minispares and a mechanic mate of mine I've finally made an order of 49 new parts. That doesn't include the radiator and fittings I wanted, nor does it include any exhaust from the cat back as I decided to make do with what I have as although it's rather battered it doesn't leak. I also need to purchase some fuel pipe and a couple of other things but that might have to wait given the state of my bank account!

Now I need to start working in earnest - I have a week to sort everything out before the wedding!