Rattiva the Second...

[DickieG]

I think that there are two models of alternator on an HDi depending upon what additional heather is fitted, IIRC the glowplug heater has the larger output alternator.

Good news on the pass Jim.

[CitroJim]

Excellent stuff on the alternator Richard Mines noisy enough but otherwise is perfect. Sian, my youngest daughter reckons it sounds like a plane taking off

I think I'll go for an exchange unit if I can find one at a good price... Job's done then and with winter approaching...

My alternator looks tiny so I don't reckon it's the big one...

The HDi aux belt tensioner is a doddle compared with the terrible set-up on the earlier TDs...

[Deanxm]

Glad to see your making good progress with your new toy Jim she looks, well aweful actualy , no doubt she will now serve you well over the winter and beyond.
Ive been in Rover my head this past couple of weeks spannering, great fun!

D

[CitroJim]

she looks, well aweful actualy

She'll never win a beauty contest, that's for sure Dean

I have to confess I do like driving her though because I don't have to worry about where I park and I don't have to fear any damage as I do when out and about in the Activa or New V6. It's very liberating

I love how the fuel gauge appears to be seized up too...

She's now taxed and tomorrow she's being treated to a set of new tyres...

[CitroJim]

Time for an update...

The new tyres, just a set of 'budget' Sunteks (anyone ever heard of them? - they seem OK) made a great difference to the ride and general handling but that may have been down to having the tracking done too, always a good idea after replacing P bushes.

The tyre place noted the rear disc pads were not in their first flush of youth and need doing. Enquiring further I get the feeling they're wearing unevenly so I may have the old corrosion problem. Not looked yet...

However the ride was still not right. I then found the front appeared to be in soft mode continuously; there being no discernible difference between hard and soft even though the electrovalve could be heard to switch normally. I didn't think the centre hydractive sphere was at fault because it was so soft and squidgy... However...

I replaced the little turbo stub pipe because it was very clearly split and causing the major boost leak. So bad was the leak I could hear a hurricane blowing in the engine bay on hard'ish acceleration!

This was the split:



That little pipe makes all the difference. The bicycle patch did not hold for too long on the intercooler pipe but a better bodge has now been carried out...

I ran her down to Somerset and back at the weekend and was delighted at how she went, apart from the noisy droplinks and an annoying buzzy rattle that appeared on trailing throttle occasionally. I was delighted at the overall economy of 54mpg and pleased to see she used no oil or water. She also turned over 200K on the way back...

I called in to see DickieG on the way home and between us we found the cause of the alarm failing to set was the tailgate switch. We did a bit of jiggery-pokery on it and all is now good in that department. Richard also supplied a set of good front hydractive corner spheres. Thanks Richard

I fitted those on Monday and found the ride was better but still not right. I also investigated the rattle and found it to be caused by the steering rack heatshield being out of place. It was hitting the steering UJ and was rattling like a good 'un. A few adjustments and it's now all good.

Today I looked again at the ride problem and decided I must at least eliminate the front centre hydractive sphere from enquiries. The sphere was as tight as a tight thing and would not budge using normal methods but soon came free when it was shown a hammer and cold chisel! I knew it was flat as soon as it started to turn. It span off easily and that's not what they do when good. It was as flat as a pancake and ruptured for good measure. A new one was fitted and all is now good. There is a very marked difference between hard and soft and the front no longer sinks. Needless to say, the ride and handling is now much, much better.

I also changed the gearbox oil today. We noted it was a bit gooey and mucky when we spilt some doing the ABS ring. I refilled via the reversing light switch hole.

The noisy alternator is driving me nuts and so too are the noisy drop links. Replacements for both are on order and hopefully they will be fitted this weekend.

Then all that's left is the rear brakes, cambelt and water pump. Rattiva will then be a minter, mechanically at least

[lexi]

Your secret's out Jim. Someone is trying to copy Rattiva . http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ratlook-civic ... 500wt_1202" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[RichardW]

Jim

Did you find a reasonably priced supplier for Lemforder drop links? Keep thinking I ought to change mine - but I'm not for fitting cheap ones that will last < 1 year.

[CitroJim]

Your secret's out Jim. Someone is trying to copy Rattiva . http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ratlook-civic ... 500wt_1202" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now that's a true rat Lexi Compared to that Rattiva is an incredibly tidy and presentable vehicle, which, actually, she is...

I do rather like that Civic though.. It appeals. Bet it appeals to the old bill too.... I'd love to have the balls to drive around in something as ratty as that

I just bought some reasonably priced ones off the 'bay for now Richard. Can't find any Lemforder ones anywhere

I shall be making use of your excellent HDi alternator replacement guide this weekend Richard. I'm most grateful for you posting it up

[robert_e_smart]

Sunteks! Nice!

I came across "Sunfull" tyres earlier this year. Chinese of course, and saying Sunfull with a certain accent, made my think of "some fool"!!

[CitroJim]

Sunteks! Nice!

Really????

Not as bad as the front tyres on my V6. They're called 'Fate'

[addo]

There were Korean motorbike tyres sold here a few years back, brand was Dae Young. Did you blokes get these as well?

As to car tyres, I am running Chinoiserie on the Xantia fronts. Evergreen brand, they sound and track like a Michelin Energy but needed more balancing. So far, very happy.

[CitroJim]

I notice these Sunteks appeared to need very little in the way of balance weights Adam... Just a few grams on the inside of the rims only...

There really are some weird and wonderful tyres around these days and I'd love to know if they are rubbish or really perfectly adequate...

[Xaccers]

I'm going to be getting Cassy some Falken Ziex ZE-912 on Saturday morning before I come over Jim, fingers crossed they'll be OK, most reviews are positive.

[DickieG]

On the subject of tyres, Costco are offering 20% off a set of four Michelin Energys ATM so a set of four 205/60/15 VR 91 works out @ £307 fitted.

Re droplinks, ECP sell Lemforder ones.

[addo]

Xac, I use those tyres religiously on the 405Mi16. Short life due to softness, but very good grip on poor to average bitumen.