jgra1 blog

[jgra1]

one of the four I was mistaken.. yes I am.. and I have the odd situation of a few weeks where no one of power can really say the obvious - we all go!

its a strange week.. my first job could well be over in 3 weeks and I leave my desk under escort, and that is that.. business is how it is..
a lot of mixed emotions, good and bad
20 years and 3 months
in the mean time I go into work, do work, and try to understand how co-workers feel, who is genuine etc..

otherwise, boxy hasn't had much done - a second hand rad fan came today and works fine, not bad for £23 posted a new febi lower arm bush is a perfect fit, and the injectors are coming

still left, a cheap but decent clutch, a turbo cartridge, and the filters and fluids - and tomorrow a head skim - then there is nothing else I can replace! the most expensive restoration of possibly the most un(road)worthy vehicle and the welding is still in the wings .... I do like a challenge for winter

[CitroJim]

John, really lovely to see you and Natalie today

So sorry my press wasn't 'man enough' for the van hubs Gosh, I was staggered at how big they were!

Still, not a wasted trip as it was so good to spend a bit of time nattering and catching up!

[jgra1]

it was indeed jim

will find a local commercial place or buy a second hand press that will have a big enough 'throat'

[Stickyfinger]

I have access to a large press (via my Truck Mechanic friend).....shout if your down this way

[jgra1]

thanks SF

well after recent issues at work I feel like I have lost my head somewhat..

but I found it! at my usual engineers, having lost 003" from its face.. its now sitting back on its block and I have done a 3 stage tightening on it.. will do a hot cold retighten one day in the future.
Turbo parts may arrive tomorrow and will see what happens.. clutch and service parts arrive this week and all being well this engine will be back together over the weekend and may even be hanging from the van by 2 mountings.. been a journey for sure, but a fast tough and enjoyable one

while I was at engineers I asked if he had a press and he replied only a 60 ton one.. that should do for my hub bearing replacement ! hopefully they will be done and back with me this week to!

[CitroJim]

60 tons may just be enough John

Excellent news on the head - it's all coming along nicely now and it'll be up and running in no time at all now

[elma]

A fly press can be good on stubborn bearings. I've only had access to one for a few months and it's already saved the day multiple times.

[Hell Razor5543]

Any chance I could make use of that press? I have some heavy duty ironing to do!

[CitroJim]

I always thought a fly press was for flattening insects...

[jgra1]

[jgra1]

dooh!

I looked at the clock in the workshop and it said 740, I thought pack up now I am cold .. yes you guessed it, BST - home early..

turbo is in all its pieces now, awaiting a rebuild kit of sorts, but have cleaned it for now... did my best to keep the balance but it isn't easy.. it will be near but not spot on..

[jgra1]

one bearing done at around 30 tons
one not possible ..he wanted to stop at 40t .. suspect the flange and bearing are together through heat.. he didn't charge me which is great !
I have 2 options really .. try to cut the flange and remove circlip and return to him (not sure this is possible)

or try to get another hub
this hub is scrap now so I don't mind having a mess around with it ...
j

[CitroJim]

Oh gosh!!!! That's serious pressure John.. My little ten-tonner would never have done it!

I'd just look for a replacement from a scrappy... I'd assume those vans are plentiful in the scrappers...

[jgra1]

thanks JIm

new hub acquired today, locally too!

The front welding is done as well as it can be, and the sub frame is back on, although only loosely at moment, still a big marker..

Was about to rebuild the turbo but when looking at the kit, they have supplied a single feed bronze bushing and mine is a twin feed.. annoying but did the right thing not to open the package...

I carried on tonight putting odds and sods on the engine, but when I got to the injectors, the clamp bolts (I thought) came out are too long!
the docs mention 8x125 39 which I assume is 125mm long.. there is no way these injector clamps use bolts of that length.. the ones I have are 55mm and are about 5mm too long.. confused..

getting there..

[CitroJim]

getting there..

You most certainly are John Excellent progress!

Shame about the turbo kit but at least you spotted it before it was too late...