Brief Encounter II - The Sequel

Post by **jgra1** » 02 Jun 2009, 16:00

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 02 Jun 2009, 16:14

Cool. I take it you mean it goes backwards and forwards ok? Is it quick? Definitely need a video or I'll have to wait until I'm up your way again.

red_dwarfers · Post by **red_dwarfers** » 02 Jun 2009, 17:44

OH YEAH! 8) 8)

$\:D/$ $\:D/$

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 02 Jun 2009, 19:54

Not great quality, but here you go

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 02 Jun 2009, 20:04

Nice one!!! 8)

red_dwarfers · Post by **red_dwarfers** » 02 Jun 2009, 20:04

Cheers Xac!

She sounds nice Jim

Sid_the_Squid · Post by **Sid_the_Squid** » 02 Jun 2009, 20:19

Nice one Jim, I concur she does indeed sound good.

I'm really happy for you

Brigsygtt · Post by **Brigsygtt** » 02 Jun 2009, 21:02

Good work Jim 8)

Deanxm · Post by **Deanxm** » 02 Jun 2009, 21:05

Yep brilliant, you seem to be smiling the smile of a very happy man 8) $\:D/$ $\:D/$

D

Post by **admiral51** » 02 Jun 2009, 21:27

Great news Jim sounds superb

Colin

CitroJim · Post by **CitroJim** » 02 Jun 2009, 21:40

Thanks Xac for posting the video

And yes indeed, very happy this evening

The day started with all the fiddly little jobs needed before the engine could run. The most fiddly was getting the loom to the starter motor and alternator back in the right place. It threads across from the fusebox and takes a route tight to the block across the top of the starter. I had to remove the starter heat shield to get it in the right place and that was seriously fiddly with the engine in situ. That lost me about an hour..

The rest progressed well, even fitting the new radiator. That is a seriously easy job in a V6

Finally, the time came when thelast jobs were to fill the engine with oil and coolant and connect a battery. Another job done was to release the front brakes as they had seized solid and I did not want them unseizing suddenly when I first engaged D as I was worried the sudden jolt might do damage. A cold chisel on the disc webs and a big hammer soon saw them free!

Trembling like a jelly, I turned the key. I heard the reassuring sound of the fuel pump and did a quick check for leaking fuel. That was good so I engaged the starter and after a few spins it burst into life. I was absolutely amazed to see all dash ligts extinguish and the engine quickly settle to a steady idle with no untoward noises or leaks of any fluids. Even the hydraulics kicked into life with no drama.

I'm amazed that after so much had been disturbed that it started and showed no obvious initial faults; I was expecting plenty, especially electrical ones...

I gingerly engaged D and saw the front discs spin and then R and saw them spin the opposite way

The gearbox was at least transmitting some power. I stopped and checked the gearbox oil. It was low as expected so I topped it up a little and re-ran the engine. After a couple more stops and starts to check all was happy, I allowed the engine to reach operating temperature and was pleased to see the fans kick in at the appropriate time and still no fluid leaks; that's a first!

Even the aircon works

Just now, a working aircon is more important than a working heater matrix...

Tomorrow I shall replace the very badly worn and corroded front discs and pads and bleed them as at present, because the ABS block has been off, the brakes are full of air and barely work. If time allows, I shall also replace the rear hydractive block to cure the leak from it in soft mode.

I shall never do such a big job again. I don't think my nerves can take another big project like this. Tre tension in the air today was palpable until the engine ran but as soon as it dis the relief was unbelieveable

This does not end this blog. There is still plenty to do as I shall be working to restore every aspect of the car to its former glory and there remains enough to keep me occupied for a while yet 8)

Post by **admiral51** » 02 Jun 2009, 21:52

CitroJim wrote:

This does not end this blog. There is still plenty to do as I shall be working to restore every aspect of the car to its former glory and there remains enough to keep me occupied for a while yet 8)

Sounds like its turning into something along the lines of Lord Of The Rings

Colin

fatherjack2002 · Post by **fatherjack2002** » 02 Jun 2009, 21:59

Great stuff Jim, it sounds as good as i remember it , (if not better ) ,
Well done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul....................................................

citroen7 · Post by **citroen7** » 02 Jun 2009, 22:27

well done jim having been there on a 405 rebuild i know how good it is to turn that key

as to your statement "i will not do this again" thats as about as likley as pigs flying as well you know

vince · Post by **vince** » 02 Jun 2009, 22:53

citroen7 wrote:"i will not do this again" thats as about as likley as pigs flying as well you know

Lol

How true....