Topic: Project LPG Estate.... (Read 5430 times)

Marks DTM Calib · « **on:** 17 May 2007, 08:34:04 »

OK, so its been around for a while now but not had much done to it......

Anyway, I have made a start on the engine work....jobs done so far

Radiator and pipe work removed
Radiator fully flushed following an over night soak in solvent de-greaser
Cam cover gaskets replaced
Inlet removed and cleaned
Cambelt removed
Old water pump removed
Water removed and goo drained
Old water pump re-fitted and engine re-filled with a solvent de-greaser to soak over night...

This is yet another car where the cambelt has been replaced by some form of blind chimp (we have the receipt to prove it!).....who clearly did not know what he was doing and certainly didn't use the correct kit.

The timing on 1-2 cams was one tooth out but, a half hearted attempt had been made to bring it back into time by setting the top center idler to max adjustment.....result, ³/₄ of a tooth out.

The timing on 3-4 cam was ¹/₂ a tooth out and the lower right idler had not been adjusted at all.

The tensioner had been set as tight as they could get it!

All bolts were tightened to within an inch of their life.....certainly not 20Nm and 40Nm!

So, tonight, remove the water pump again and pop the oil cooler out, flush the block and maybe re-fit the water pump and cambelt setup....if time permits.

Other jobs

Complete
Driver side check strap repair
Ignition lock assembly service
Boot lock assembly service
Plenum and breathers fully stripped and cleaned
Cam cover gaskets replaced
Passenger side headlight sanded and polished

To Do
Full exterior clean
Full brake strip and service
Full brake fluid change
Full interior clean plus leather feed
Engine re-assembly
2 off coolant flushes

Admin · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 May 2007, 08:56:26 »

Well done mate. When I get proper mobility back I will get over there and assist...

Why do people get the cambelt so wrong, it really is not that difficult! :-/

TheBoy · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 May 2007, 09:36:05 »

Good start MDTM

2 coolant flushes? IIRC, didn't it have an oil cooler failure?

Admin · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 May 2007, 09:48:14 »

Oh it does have oil cooler failure... which was diagnosed as HG!

Markie · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 May 2007, 09:54:54 »

Y`know, reading Marks commentry - always a joy - and the pace that he works at...

I can imagine all this work being done and it being like watching a video on fast forward such is the pace.

Thats some amount of work already..I decided my weekend task should be to remove the vectra radiator ( and thats it!!!!)

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 May 2007, 09:55:57 »

And two will suffice given that all the coolant components have been removed and cleaned sperately and the block filled with clenaer and flushed......

Admin · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 May 2007, 09:58:57 »

Quote

Y`know, reading Marks commentry - always a joy - and the pace that he works at...

I can imagine all this work being done and it being like watching a video on fast forward such is the pace.

Yep, pretty fair description...

TheBoy · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 May 2007, 10:31:05 »

Quote

And two will suffice given that all the coolant components have been removed and cleaned sperately and the block filled with clenaer and flushed......

Ah, gotcha

The Cambelt Kid · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 May 2007, 23:01:42 »

And another thing Mark... with such a large family of Omega's and with all the DIY work carried out, how do you keep your drive spanking clean?

Good work anyways - hats off to you!

Auto Addict · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 May 2007, 06:56:09 »

Quote

- and the pace that he works at...

I can imagine all this work being done and it being like watching a video on fast forward such is the pace.

Thats some amount of work already..I decided my weekend task should be to remove the vectra radiator ( and thats it!!!!)

I know the feeling, took me 7 hours on Wednesday to change the wishbones on Mrs AA's clit.

Mark would have done it in an hour

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #10 on:** 18 May 2007, 08:07:27 »

Quote

And another thing Mark... with such a large family of Omega's and with all the DIY work carried out, how do you keep your drive spanking clean?

Thats simple.....unlike most, my drive is not a block paved drive, its clay pavers.....and clay pavers are not porous so any oil and stains simply wash off unlike on block (concrete) pavers where it soaks in and stains the surface (they also tend to fade in colour to)....

Its actualy not that clean at the minute but, once this car is done it will get a clean and re-sand plus a run over with the wacker...

TheBoy · « **Reply #11 on:** 18 May 2007, 09:44:33 »

Quote

Its actualy not that clean at the minute

- I feel guilty... ...let me know if you need some elbow grease to assist cleaning after the tractor visited

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #12 on:** 18 May 2007, 10:10:01 »

Its Mr McBurgers cars that do the damage

No progress on the project last night but, should get some done tonight and over the weekend.

Auto Addict · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 May 2007, 10:23:35 »

Quote

Quote
Its actualy not that clean at the minute
- I feel guilty... ...let me know if you need some elbow grease to assist cleaning after the tractor visited

Thought I'd got an oil leak, then remembered you parked the tractor on my drive

TheBoy · « **Reply #14 on:** 18 May 2007, 12:06:49 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
Its actualy not that clean at the minute
- I feel guilty... ...let me know if you need some elbow grease to assist cleaning after the tractor visited

Thought I'd got an oil leak, then remembered you parked the tractor on my drive

Don't think it leaked oil when I got it :-?

Auto Addict · « **Reply #15 on:** 18 May 2007, 20:14:35 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
Quote
Its actualy not that clean at the minute
- I feel guilty... ...let me know if you need some elbow grease to assist cleaning after the tractor visited

Thought I'd got an oil leak, then remembered you parked the tractor on my drive
Don't think it leaked oil when I got it :-?

Only joking, was probably some of the gunge that came out of the rad

TheBoy · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 May 2007, 20:48:56 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Its actualy not that clean at the minute
- I feel guilty... ...let me know if you need some elbow grease to assist cleaning after the tractor visited

Thought I'd got an oil leak, then remembered you parked the tractor on my drive
Don't think it leaked oil when I got it :-?

Only joking, was probably some of the gunge that came out of the rad

Very possible

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 May 2007, 22:01:09 »

Ok, managed to get a couple of hours on the project this Pm, so jobs done

Remove and clean coolant bridge
Remove and clean heater bypass hoses
Remove oil filter
Remove crank sensor
Undo the two oil cooler to block unions
Disconnect oil cooler to cooler pipe banjo bolts
Unbolt and remove oil cooler
Remove B@stard bolt
Disconnect coolant bridge pipe from stat
Remove and clean stat
Clean and de-grease cooler plate to block and stat to block mating surfaces

Fit new oil cooler and plate using grey goo
Re-fit stat using grey goo
Re-connect oil cooler pipes to cooler and block
Re-fit crank sensor
Fit new oil filter (in prep)

That will give the grey goo until tomorrow morning to go off nicely before any more work is done in this area.

So, not a bad few hours work.....

Feast your eyes on this mess.......

So, its back onto the clean up and re-assembly stage now......

TheBoy · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 May 2007, 22:03:28 »

If only I could do that in that time, my tractor may be working

Markie · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 May 2007, 22:10:48 »

Quote

If only I could do that in that time, my tractor may be working

Aye same here....

Mark is it imperative to leave the sealant overnight?

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #20 on:** 18 May 2007, 22:17:33 »

Its preferable, idelay you want at least 12 hours before you get stinking hot pressurised coolant round it!

Admin · « **Reply #21 on:** 19 May 2007, 09:55:19 »

How the **** did you manage that in a couple of hours???

Oh, and I always get nervous at the sight of an engine with no cambelt and no locking tools in place (unless you have done it!)

Let me guess, there is some cleaning work waiting for me?

TheBoy · « **Reply #22 on:** 19 May 2007, 09:58:43 »

Quote

Let me guess, there is some cleaning work waiting for me?

He had to leave something for you to do

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #23 on:** 19 May 2007, 11:56:05 »

The crank was 60 deg before TDC......

Its not any more as the cambelt etc is all on, LPG re-plummed, inlet and plenum all fitted.....

But, rain stops play.....

Plus I have to take my little lad swimming at 2.00pm....

Admin · « **Reply #24 on:** 19 May 2007, 12:31:49 »

Good grief! That was done this morning??

I have done an oil change on the Elite this morning and now wish I hadn't (not as recovered as I thought I was!)

Besides, Daddy taking Will swimming? That is a novelty...

TheBoy · « **Reply #25 on:** 19 May 2007, 12:34:20 »

Quote

Daddy taking Will swimming? That is a novelty...

Will: "Daddy, daddy, I don't want to go done the big slide again."
Daddy: "Yes you do, because I'm too embarrassed to go up on my own"

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #26 on:** 19 May 2007, 13:27:34 »

Rads back in, coolant hoses all fitted and connected, air filter and coolant tank fitted....B@stard bolt fitted......coolant system filled......just need to fit the air injection pipes, multiram and change the oil (new filter already fitted).....then its fire up time!

Any way....time for swimming now.

Admin · « **Reply #27 on:** 19 May 2007, 13:58:07 »

I'm all excited!

Just hacked off I can't get over there to see it (got too ambitious today!!)

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #28 on:** 19 May 2007, 16:10:10 »

Ok.....oil drained and re-filled, inlet fitted, battery charged and fitted, general check round........

What do you mean.....of course it started first time without any fault light

.....little bit of cam noise but.....that should clear within 5 mins or so....

Auto Addict · « **Reply #29 on:** 19 May 2007, 16:23:09 »

Brill

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #30 on:** 19 May 2007, 16:37:09 »

Cam noise gone.....purring like a kitten now.

Auto Addict · « **Reply #31 on:** 19 May 2007, 17:01:24 »

Even more brill

TheBoy · « **Reply #32 on:** 19 May 2007, 17:53:12 »

Now just waiting for LB66 to clean it....

Admin · « **Reply #33 on:** 19 May 2007, 18:43:00 »

Quote

Now just waiting for LB66 to clean it....

And clean it I will, when I can.

Well done, I am (as always) impressed.

Markie · « **Reply #34 on:** 19 May 2007, 18:50:50 »

thats an astonishing rate of work

superhuman effort !!

Paul M · « **Reply #35 on:** 19 May 2007, 19:33:08 »

Quote

Its actualy not that clean at the minute but, once this car is done it will get a clean and re-sand plus a run over with the wacker...

WTF is a wacker?

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #36 on:** 19 May 2007, 20:22:49 »

Wacker - A plate vibrator......

Martin_1962 · « **Reply #37 on:** 19 May 2007, 22:16:50 »

How do you do it so quick, I don't hang about but I take 5 - 10 time longer

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #38 on:** 19 May 2007, 22:25:31 »

Quote

How do you do it so quick, I don't hang about but I take 5 - 10 time longer

I know the V6 to well.....all the little tricks and tips and easier ways to do things.....unfortunately, I can recognise most bolts and where they should go now!

Ow yes, the gas isnt working, but it never has....it just flashes a red light all the time to indicate the tank is empty...

JamesV6CDX · « **Reply #39 on:** 19 May 2007, 22:25:54 »

Quote

How do you do it so quick, I don't hang about but I take 5 - 10 time longer

I've learned to go at a fair rate now... but I will never get anywhere near what this man can do

Martin_1962 · « **Reply #40 on:** 19 May 2007, 22:27:32 »

Quote

Quote
How do you do it so quick, I don't hang about but I take 5 - 10 time longer

I know the V6 to well.....all the little tricks and tips and easier ways to do things.....unfortunately, I can recognise most bolts and where they should go now!

Ow yes, the gas isnt working, but it never has....it just flashes a red light all the time to indicate the tank is empty...

I suppose it is like I used to be able to get the head off an Avenger or SUnbeam within 30 minutes

Martin_1962 · « **Reply #41 on:** 19 May 2007, 22:28:50 »

Quote

Quote
How do you do it so quick, I don't hang about but I take 5 - 10 time longer

I've learned to go at a fair rate now... but I will never get anywhere near what this man can do

I'm just a bit out of practise, but I have made a rabbit and a guinea pig hutch in the last couple of weeks, and guess who decided it should all screw together and not nailed!!!!

JamesV6CDX · « **Reply #42 on:** 19 May 2007, 22:48:31 »

Quote

Quote
How do you do it so quick, I don't hang about but I take 5 - 10 time longer

I know the V6 to well.....all the little tricks and tips and easier ways to do things.....unfortunately, I can recognise most bolts and where they should go now!

Ow yes, the gas isnt working, but it never has....it just flashes a red light all the time to indicate the tank is empty...

Is the tank really empty... or is it lying, and refusing to change over for another reason?

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #43 on:** 19 May 2007, 22:52:50 »

Pretty sure its empty.....if you tap it it sounds VERY empty...

JamesV6CDX · « **Reply #44 on:** 19 May 2007, 22:55:42 »

Quote

Pretty sure its empty.....if you tap it it sounds VERY empty...

Ahhh

Is it road legal?

If not... cheeky late night / early morning trip to an LPG garage! You could always day insure it so there's SOME legality there

Martin_1962 · « **Reply #45 on:** 19 May 2007, 23:36:45 »

Quote

Pretty sure its empty.....if you tap it it sounds VERY empty...

They do leak - VERY slowly - so if it stood very low for say 6 months it may be empty

Admin · « **Reply #46 on:** 20 May 2007, 09:10:43 »

Yes, it has been stood for at least 6 months.

No James, it will go on the road when it is ready to go to be MOT'd, the lpg can wait until that little matter is done...

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #47 on:** 21 May 2007, 10:06:39 »

I am rather pleased with the before:

and after engine pics...

It was dirty though....so clean as you go as it makes the parts easier (and nicer) to handle on re-assembly

Admin · « **Reply #48 on:** 21 May 2007, 13:10:18 »

Very impressive mate. Just starting to wonder what will be left for me to do soon!

hol666 · « **Reply #49 on:** 21 May 2007, 19:38:03 »

Hold on a sec....you dismantled the top end, then cleaned each part as you went AND then re-assembled OVER A WEEKEND?

Speechless...

Auto Addict · « **Reply #50 on:** 21 May 2007, 20:19:48 »

Quote

Hold on a sec....you dismantled the top end, then cleaned each part as you went AND then re-assembled OVER A WEEKEND?

Speechless...

I know, fancy taking all weekend to do that

Marks DTM Calib · « **Reply #51 on:** 24 May 2007, 08:25:20 »

Spent 40 mins on it last night, changed the coolant twice and fixed the rad cover back on....it needed the fixings drilling out and some thread inserts fitting....

Cleaned the idle valve out again....it nows idles at a steady 500rpm and starts on the button every time.

Got the radio working, only a blown fuse....passenger side rear speaker isnt working though....

A few more coolant changes and then its onto the brakes (need to get anti freeze and brake fluid as I have none) followed by a dam good clean....

Admin · « **Reply #52 on:** 24 May 2007, 10:53:42 »

I have anti freeze and brake fluid, will bring them with me.

TheBoy · « **Reply #53 on:** 24 May 2007, 11:27:13 »

Quote

I have anti freeze and brake fluid, will bring them with me.

Yeah, about time you did something - slacker!

Matchless · « **Reply #54 on:** 24 May 2007, 11:31:38 »

Quote

I have anti freeze and brake fluid, will bring them with me.

Are you mobile again? bruises fading from purple to green?

Admin · « **Reply #55 on:** 24 May 2007, 12:35:05 »

Reasonably mobile...

Bruises went purple/yellow/black... now fading, wish the back pain would do the same!!

TheBoy · « **Reply #56 on:** 24 May 2007, 12:38:08 »

Quote

Reasonably mobile...

Bruises went purple/yellow/black... now fading, wish the back pain would do the same!!

Ouch!

News:

Author Topic: Project LPG Estate.... (Read 5430 times)

Martin_1962

Martin_1962

Martin_1962

Martin_1962