DDF476L
- Thread starter Ethelred
- Start date
So we had an unexpectedly narrow fail when the car was put in for test today, within hours of the car's arrival at Lake View.
Narrow fail by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
These items will be worked on next week.
It is lucky Hildegarde has an AA badge and a bonnet badge otherwise I would struggle to tell these two cars apart.
Peas in pod by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Narrow fail by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
These items will be worked on next week.
It is lucky Hildegarde has an AA badge and a bonnet badge otherwise I would struggle to tell these two cars apart.
Peas in pod by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Phil Robson
Well-Known Member
'Lake View' is such an evocative place - the photos on Flickriver are super!
The P6s are excellent of course, but what about that 'Keeble'? :shock:
The P6s are excellent of course, but what about that 'Keeble'? :shock:
The Gordon Keeble used to belong to another of the Garage's customers and it fetched £16,000 at auction about 5 years ago. It was wafted in my direction - I took it for a test drive. I felt that it would have been better suited to an automatic transmission but was unwilling to contemplate the conversion and declined to make an offer for the vehicle.
It's taken the best part of a month but this car is now ready for collection from Lake View.
New coil, electronic ignition fitted, very mouldy electrics cleaned up.
FW: ignition amp by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
FW: ignition amp by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Fuel reserve changeover valve freed up from midships position. The fuel tank is dirty and this car is going to be consuming fuel filters for fun for a while yet.
By all accounts this car is very quick - I've already had a go when it was struggling and could see the good promise.
I'm going to bring it to Manchester this evening and clean it up over the weekend. It has no carpets or rear seats at the moment.
New coil, electronic ignition fitted, very mouldy electrics cleaned up.
FW: ignition amp by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
FW: ignition amp by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Fuel reserve changeover valve freed up from midships position. The fuel tank is dirty and this car is going to be consuming fuel filters for fun for a while yet.
By all accounts this car is very quick - I've already had a go when it was struggling and could see the good promise.
I'm going to bring it to Manchester this evening and clean it up over the weekend. It has no carpets or rear seats at the moment.
colnerov said:
Thanks Colin
I've just spoken to Tom, having reached home in 50 minutes - excellent for a Friday evening.
He poo-poohed this idea saying that there is already a filter on each side of the electric fuel pump.
I did get fuel problems on the way home although the car is in no danger of breaking down.
I think the best solution is to obtain a good clean petrol tank for the car.
DDF, Dopey Daffodil braved a trip to Rawtenstall today.
The car's fuel supply problems mean the engine is not yet guaranteed to get what it asks for. Pootling around town, the engine doesn't need much fuel and it shows no signs of trouble and even on a flat motorway, 70 is not a problem as long as you don't need to put your foot down.
The car gets found out on the climbs - it was not just embarrassing but potentially dangerous as the car spluttered past Bury on the M66.
It was all smiles on the M602 and the M60 past the M61 and down through the Irwell valley - the 50mph limit being very welcome - the car had given me a hint - a fair warning on the M602 that it wasn't ready to mix it with the Audis and the BMWs and it was spluttering yet keeping pace climbing out of the Irwell Valley on the old M62 but come to where the M66 starts its steep climb, the car could barely reach 20mph and I was glad to exit the motorway early to rejoin the A56.
All was well until I made the mistake of following the A56 sign - of course I had rejoined the same road I had just left in a panic - the M66 seemlessly becomes the 70mph D2 A56 and the car spluttered all the way to Rawtenstall with lots of small cars overtaking me.
IMG_20140906_160801884.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
On the way home I compeletely avoided the dual carriageways and headed back to Manchester on what I believe was the old A56 - Bury Road from Rawtenstall before picking up the A56, passing the same half-diamond at J1 where I'd made the sheepish exit from the M66 on the way out, keeping to the A56 all the way back to Manchester. All was well - no frowns - we even managed a very impressive wheelspin pulling away from some lights on Angouleme Way.
Both fuel filters are now a reddish-brown colour and I am changing them tomorrow. I have my scientist hat on and I am presently affixing some neodymium magnets to the new fuel filters and I am going to stick half a dozen magnets at strategic locations on the petrol tank and then I am going to take the car for a long drive.
IMG_20140906_160736275.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
The car is going back to Lake View for an oil change even though that tapping sound - is that why tappets are so called - stopped on the way back into Manchester. We need some fresh oil along with some of my favourite gunks - some Wynns Supercharge and some Molyslip. There's a can of Wynns engine flush - we can use that as well - you add it to the running engine, go and get the fish and chips from Leek and drain the sump when you get back before you eat dinner.
The car's fuel supply problems mean the engine is not yet guaranteed to get what it asks for. Pootling around town, the engine doesn't need much fuel and it shows no signs of trouble and even on a flat motorway, 70 is not a problem as long as you don't need to put your foot down.
The car gets found out on the climbs - it was not just embarrassing but potentially dangerous as the car spluttered past Bury on the M66.
It was all smiles on the M602 and the M60 past the M61 and down through the Irwell valley - the 50mph limit being very welcome - the car had given me a hint - a fair warning on the M602 that it wasn't ready to mix it with the Audis and the BMWs and it was spluttering yet keeping pace climbing out of the Irwell Valley on the old M62 but come to where the M66 starts its steep climb, the car could barely reach 20mph and I was glad to exit the motorway early to rejoin the A56.
All was well until I made the mistake of following the A56 sign - of course I had rejoined the same road I had just left in a panic - the M66 seemlessly becomes the 70mph D2 A56 and the car spluttered all the way to Rawtenstall with lots of small cars overtaking me.
IMG_20140906_160801884.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
On the way home I compeletely avoided the dual carriageways and headed back to Manchester on what I believe was the old A56 - Bury Road from Rawtenstall before picking up the A56, passing the same half-diamond at J1 where I'd made the sheepish exit from the M66 on the way out, keeping to the A56 all the way back to Manchester. All was well - no frowns - we even managed a very impressive wheelspin pulling away from some lights on Angouleme Way.
Both fuel filters are now a reddish-brown colour and I am changing them tomorrow. I have my scientist hat on and I am presently affixing some neodymium magnets to the new fuel filters and I am going to stick half a dozen magnets at strategic locations on the petrol tank and then I am going to take the car for a long drive.
IMG_20140906_160736275.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
The car is going back to Lake View for an oil change even though that tapping sound - is that why tappets are so called - stopped on the way back into Manchester. We need some fresh oil along with some of my favourite gunks - some Wynns Supercharge and some Molyslip. There's a can of Wynns engine flush - we can use that as well - you add it to the running engine, go and get the fish and chips from Leek and drain the sump when you get back before you eat dinner.
rockdemon said:
I think this is the way to go. I am a bit sceptical about the resins that line tanks but a good swirl and a blast of air has got to be worth a go.
I know perfectly well that I am about to shake a whole crop of niggles out of this car as it gets used to being used, so to speak.
This is very gratifying because this car has been faulty for a very long time and it is good to see it heading in the right direction.
I'll take a look into it but I am not minded to spend much money on this car.
Edit - just seen the prices - I will give this a shot - the method sounds very similar to what my friend Mark Gray described when I was on the phone to him yesterday
I'll spend plenty of time on the car - making it look nice and I will of course be raiding my treasure chest for some shiny bits but I'll save my notes for the other cars.
I've swapped the fuel filters this morning - I affixed my supermagnets to the new filters.
Inline fuel filter with magnet attached by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
I went for a drive - she was a bit spluttery to begin with but she was pulling strongly once more all the way to 5000rpm when I came back from Halfords and the jet wash.
At the jet wash by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Edit - just seen the prices - I will give this a shot - the method sounds very similar to what my friend Mark Gray described when I was on the phone to him yesterday
I'll spend plenty of time on the car - making it look nice and I will of course be raiding my treasure chest for some shiny bits but I'll save my notes for the other cars.
I've swapped the fuel filters this morning - I affixed my supermagnets to the new filters.
Inline fuel filter with magnet attached by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
I went for a drive - she was a bit spluttery to begin with but she was pulling strongly once more all the way to 5000rpm when I came back from Halfords and the jet wash.
At the jet wash by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
I spent a couple of hours removing the remains of the composted carpets - hopefully the car will smell less rotten now.
I have a few more tricks up my sleeve if it is still a bit whiffy as I suspect it might be - the door cards will be sodden.
Decomposting the car by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
I've got so many nice shiny things for this car - ashtrays, door treads, some nice carpets and the seats that were in the Practical Classics car (BPH970H) when I bought it. These are tan ambla flat pleat series 2 seats that will go well with the green and brown.
Stinks here by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
it should have a nice well used look when I am finished with no pretence of it being a show car. None of my cars are show cars - they all get used but some are better suited to shows than others.
I have a few more tricks up my sleeve if it is still a bit whiffy as I suspect it might be - the door cards will be sodden.
Decomposting the car by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
I've got so many nice shiny things for this car - ashtrays, door treads, some nice carpets and the seats that were in the Practical Classics car (BPH970H) when I bought it. These are tan ambla flat pleat series 2 seats that will go well with the green and brown.
Stinks here by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
it should have a nice well used look when I am finished with no pretence of it being a show car. None of my cars are show cars - they all get used but some are better suited to shows than others.
Daffodil's magnets are working so far - I can see why some dorks swear they do something to the juice.
I suppose they do - they keep the rust particles in the juice well away from the carburettors or injectors, as applicable.
I tried filming the M602 slip road but the camera flew off the dashboard well before she upshifted to top gear at appproximately 4999.99 rpm.
Possibly for the first time in decades, DDF has taken someone to work - me as it happens.
The car park barrier was raised without me having to press the intercom, even though DDF had never been seen at work before today. Funny that - can't think why that would be.
Rover 75 by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
When they interviewed my assistant for his job, they made sure he wasn't into Rovers. Showing his star quality, he replied, "I quite like Rover but I've always been a Triumph man myself"
I suppose they do - they keep the rust particles in the juice well away from the carburettors or injectors, as applicable.
I tried filming the M602 slip road but the camera flew off the dashboard well before she upshifted to top gear at appproximately 4999.99 rpm.
Possibly for the first time in decades, DDF has taken someone to work - me as it happens.
The car park barrier was raised without me having to press the intercom, even though DDF had never been seen at work before today. Funny that - can't think why that would be.
Rover 75 by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
When they interviewed my assistant for his job, they made sure he wasn't into Rovers. Showing his star quality, he replied, "I quite like Rover but I've always been a Triumph man myself"
It was another busy day at Lake View.
Daffodil the 3500 has spent the day having a light makeover as Ethel and the Blue McFoo look on from the Lake View sick bay.
IMG_20140911_134332273.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Oil and filter are now changed - this has reduced the rattles and the tapping noises to a minimum.
Although, the engine sounds much smoother now as a result of the oil change but the long term problem with the fuel supply has not yet resolved - in spite of a fresh inline fuel filter being fitted, the car spluttered as soon as she hit the A523 for the return trip to Manchester and she wasn't right all the way home.
The first fuel filter fitted by Tom was fouled up within 30 miles. Before it was replaced, it was just about able to take the car out of the Irwell Valley at 50 on the needle - somehwat under the 50mph speed limit and I was trapped in lane 4 with a spluttering car and it was terrifying. In view of this hint, it was downright numptyish to attempt the M66, but this is exactly what I did and was embarrassed as the car struggled up the hill through the housing estate at 20mph.
When I replaced the filter, she took the Irwell climb at a strong 60 on the speedo (55ish) but spluttered when I asked for more - probably just as well seeing as there is that pesky 50mph speed limit. This time I took the hint and came off at the A56 instead of Simister and the M66 and it was easy going in the 30 zone.
The replacement filter lasted 180 miles so it was something of a surprise that the car didn't appreciate a fresh filter today.
I rang Tom from the Sainsbury at Cheadle Royal (20 miles from Lake View) and told him I wasn't enjoying the trip home. He said that he heard the spluttering when I left the garage - I said that I decided against turning back not just that I thought the car would settle down well before Bosley lights but also that I knew the car wouldn't break down.
Sure enough, she didn't break down but she didn't settle and was miserable all the way home, except for a solitary flash of her capability on Kingsway, when the blockage suddenly cleared at 40mph and the car surged forward like a well struck arrow - I was anticipating this and was keeping even more distance than usual.
I see a carburettor overhaul coming on as well as a refurbished fuel tank but as an aside I would add that even with a severely constricted fuel supply, this car can still brush dawdling numpties aside with the contempt they deserve.
The car now has a presentable interior - the tan flat pleat set that was in the Blue McFoo is ideal for Daffodil in terms of the amount of wear and tear on the seats and I am very glad I didn't discard this interior, seen below in the Blue McFoo before I bought her.
Dry space is very much at a premium at Lake View and it was gracious of the Wizard to agree to my request when we removed these seats from the Blue McFoo - I pleaded with him to keep the seats in his bungalow for a while
Sure enough, Daffodil arrived with composted carpets and seats that were not just ripped but with extreme sun damage as well.
These tan seats, a bit ripped here and there look just right - green and brown even look good together, which is a bonus.
IMG_20140911_134347922.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
The teardrop headrests aren't the right shade but I am sure I can find someone who will swap. Unlike the earlier "E.T." headrests, the teardrop headrests are not that scarce. Come to that, front E.T. headrests are not all that rare but rear head rests are ultra rare - only Ethel and Hildegard qualify for a full set of headrests
The car has had a power polish and looks much better for it - we'll get her waxed as well.
IMG_20140911_134342910.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Whoever did this paint job hasn't got 1% of Tom's skills but there is always a reward for anyone making an effort with a car's coat, no matter how tired and scabby it might be in the first place.
We have got ourselves our Parking Eye season ticket. Anyone who thinks silver on black plates are completely invisible to the surveillance society is deluded but they are certainly a lot less visible to ANPR cameras.
On the subject of scabby paint, the Blue McFoo is on course for her MOT resit - I delivered a set of calipers, pads and a servo to Lake View so that the blue car can get the brakes overhaul it so badly needs. Tom has already addressed most of the other issues in the MOT fail and she should be good to go. All being well, Hildegard should be garaged for the winter - although she'll get plenty of excercise while the Blue McFoo and Daffodil hold the fort.
Daffodil the 3500 has spent the day having a light makeover as Ethel and the Blue McFoo look on from the Lake View sick bay.
IMG_20140911_134332273.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Oil and filter are now changed - this has reduced the rattles and the tapping noises to a minimum.
Although, the engine sounds much smoother now as a result of the oil change but the long term problem with the fuel supply has not yet resolved - in spite of a fresh inline fuel filter being fitted, the car spluttered as soon as she hit the A523 for the return trip to Manchester and she wasn't right all the way home.
The first fuel filter fitted by Tom was fouled up within 30 miles. Before it was replaced, it was just about able to take the car out of the Irwell Valley at 50 on the needle - somehwat under the 50mph speed limit and I was trapped in lane 4 with a spluttering car and it was terrifying. In view of this hint, it was downright numptyish to attempt the M66, but this is exactly what I did and was embarrassed as the car struggled up the hill through the housing estate at 20mph.
When I replaced the filter, she took the Irwell climb at a strong 60 on the speedo (55ish) but spluttered when I asked for more - probably just as well seeing as there is that pesky 50mph speed limit. This time I took the hint and came off at the A56 instead of Simister and the M66 and it was easy going in the 30 zone.
The replacement filter lasted 180 miles so it was something of a surprise that the car didn't appreciate a fresh filter today.
I rang Tom from the Sainsbury at Cheadle Royal (20 miles from Lake View) and told him I wasn't enjoying the trip home. He said that he heard the spluttering when I left the garage - I said that I decided against turning back not just that I thought the car would settle down well before Bosley lights but also that I knew the car wouldn't break down.
Sure enough, she didn't break down but she didn't settle and was miserable all the way home, except for a solitary flash of her capability on Kingsway, when the blockage suddenly cleared at 40mph and the car surged forward like a well struck arrow - I was anticipating this and was keeping even more distance than usual.
I see a carburettor overhaul coming on as well as a refurbished fuel tank but as an aside I would add that even with a severely constricted fuel supply, this car can still brush dawdling numpties aside with the contempt they deserve.
The car now has a presentable interior - the tan flat pleat set that was in the Blue McFoo is ideal for Daffodil in terms of the amount of wear and tear on the seats and I am very glad I didn't discard this interior, seen below in the Blue McFoo before I bought her.
Dry space is very much at a premium at Lake View and it was gracious of the Wizard to agree to my request when we removed these seats from the Blue McFoo - I pleaded with him to keep the seats in his bungalow for a while
Sure enough, Daffodil arrived with composted carpets and seats that were not just ripped but with extreme sun damage as well.
These tan seats, a bit ripped here and there look just right - green and brown even look good together, which is a bonus.
IMG_20140911_134347922.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
The teardrop headrests aren't the right shade but I am sure I can find someone who will swap. Unlike the earlier "E.T." headrests, the teardrop headrests are not that scarce. Come to that, front E.T. headrests are not all that rare but rear head rests are ultra rare - only Ethel and Hildegard qualify for a full set of headrests
The car has had a power polish and looks much better for it - we'll get her waxed as well.
IMG_20140911_134342910.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
Whoever did this paint job hasn't got 1% of Tom's skills but there is always a reward for anyone making an effort with a car's coat, no matter how tired and scabby it might be in the first place.
We have got ourselves our Parking Eye season ticket. Anyone who thinks silver on black plates are completely invisible to the surveillance society is deluded but they are certainly a lot less visible to ANPR cameras.
On the subject of scabby paint, the Blue McFoo is on course for her MOT resit - I delivered a set of calipers, pads and a servo to Lake View so that the blue car can get the brakes overhaul it so badly needs. Tom has already addressed most of the other issues in the MOT fail and she should be good to go. All being well, Hildegard should be garaged for the winter - although she'll get plenty of excercise while the Blue McFoo and Daffodil hold the fort.
In a last ditch effort to cure the fuel supply problem without removing the tank, I added some STP Complete Fuel System Cleaner and a splash of petrol, pulled the reserve cable - which is known good and drove until Daffodil ran out of fuel. I drove south along the A56 as far as Grappenhall and then the A50 to Knutsford, then to Alderley Edge via Mobberley.
The car finally ran out of petrol in Wilsmlow. I made double sure, treble sure, quadruple sure that she was empty – she stopped 3 times as the tank ran dry. Once the engine wouldn’t restart, I added 10 litres of petrol and set off again.
I headed to the A555 and made 6 circuits of this dual carriageway then north up the A34 and clockwise round the M60.
The gearbox upshifts from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3rd at 4500rpm.
I drove on the motorway at normal motorway speed until the car ran out of petrol again.
I added another 10 litres of fuel and headed up the steep climb of the M66 that had found the car out so badly a week ago. I turned round at junction 1 of the M66 and headed back to Simister Island and the clockwise M60 down the eastern flank of Manchester and through Stockport.
The car didn’t skip a beat the whole time.
The car finally ran out of petrol in Wilsmlow. I made double sure, treble sure, quadruple sure that she was empty – she stopped 3 times as the tank ran dry. Once the engine wouldn’t restart, I added 10 litres of petrol and set off again.
I headed to the A555 and made 6 circuits of this dual carriageway then north up the A34 and clockwise round the M60.
The gearbox upshifts from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3rd at 4500rpm.
I drove on the motorway at normal motorway speed until the car ran out of petrol again.
I added another 10 litres of fuel and headed up the steep climb of the M66 that had found the car out so badly a week ago. I turned round at junction 1 of the M66 and headed back to Simister Island and the clockwise M60 down the eastern flank of Manchester and through Stockport.
The car didn’t skip a beat the whole time.
Almost there.
Daffodil was taken to Lake View today where the petrol tank was removed and examined.
The tank was found to be full of rusty sludge - Tom has never seen such a bad tank.
Thankfully a generous 3500S was able to give up her immaculate petrol tank for the cause. Of course, a refurbished petrol tank will be available for when Ethel is ready for next season.
These pictures will hopefully go some way to describing the chaotic, petrol drenched day.
IMG_20140915_163844520_HDR.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
IMG_20140915_160137795.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
IMG_20140915_150134571_HDR by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
IMG_20140915_153810777.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
IMG_20140915_150012106_HDR.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
I returned to Manchester by rail because the seal surrounding the tank sender unit could not be recycled - it was found to leak when we put a gallon in the tank and additionally, the car's drive shaft is showing sounds of trouble - loud banging noises when engaged in gear.
A replacement seal is on the way to the garage and the car should be available on Wednesday.
Daffodil was taken to Lake View today where the petrol tank was removed and examined.
The tank was found to be full of rusty sludge - Tom has never seen such a bad tank.
Thankfully a generous 3500S was able to give up her immaculate petrol tank for the cause. Of course, a refurbished petrol tank will be available for when Ethel is ready for next season.
These pictures will hopefully go some way to describing the chaotic, petrol drenched day.
IMG_20140915_163844520_HDR.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
IMG_20140915_160137795.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
IMG_20140915_150134571_HDR by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
IMG_20140915_153810777.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
IMG_20140915_150012106_HDR.jpg by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr
I returned to Manchester by rail because the seal surrounding the tank sender unit could not be recycled - it was found to leak when we put a gallon in the tank and additionally, the car's drive shaft is showing sounds of trouble - loud banging noises when engaged in gear.
A replacement seal is on the way to the garage and the car should be available on Wednesday.
colnerov
Well-Known Member
Hi, A word of caution, it's not good practice to drain fuel tanks over what looks like a
closed ends pit. Having recently done an ADR course on flammable liquids, 1 litre of
flammable liquid may produce 400 litres of vapour. The heavy than air vapour will be
difficult to clear from the pit but the most danger is the 1% to 7% mix with air above,
it could be easily ignited by a stray spark from starter, alternator or a weak HT lead.
I have to say that I was never a lover of pits before, usually because they have water
and other rubbish in them and being difficult to keep clean. But since the ADR the first
thing I would do is fill it in.
Colin
closed ends pit. Having recently done an ADR course on flammable liquids, 1 litre of
flammable liquid may produce 400 litres of vapour. The heavy than air vapour will be
difficult to clear from the pit but the most danger is the 1% to 7% mix with air above,
it could be easily ignited by a stray spark from starter, alternator or a weak HT lead.
I have to say that I was never a lover of pits before, usually because they have water
and other rubbish in them and being difficult to keep clean. But since the ADR the first
thing I would do is fill it in.
Colin
colnerov said:
There's been some crazy moments at Lake View over the past 100 years.
Health & Safety, 1920s Style by EthelRedThePetrolHead, on Flickr