As per the title, I went to pick it up last night. It was located near Birmingham.
I took a phone call from the guy about 16:00, saying that they've just started it up, but it was running a bit lumpy, so could I wait another day. I said no, because I couldn't make any other days. He said it was only the plugs, and he would clean them before I got there. I didn't see it as being serious.
Arrived in B'ham at 18:36. Were in the right area, but couldn't find his place, so stopped by a pub and travel lodge and called him. He said really bluntly "Thought you were coming at 7:30 - you'll have to wait an hour." Didn't do much for my patience, but we went and had a drink in the pub.
Called him at 19:30 - phone off. About 8pm he finally called, saying he was looking for me and would meet me at the travel lodge. Very shifty looking short guy of foreign origin, seemed very impatient and rude.
Followed him back to his lockup, and there sat the Omega. It's clearly had a small impact on the drivers side - the trim around the light is a different colour (well spotted Tunnie!) - the headlight is broken, and the bumper looks a bit pushed in, as does the drivers wing. I wasn't happy that the bonnet sat square either, although it's not a mile out. Broken light on the back.
Directly behind the thing, was a whole pile of what I instantly recognised as 2.0 Ecotec engine parts. Exhaust/inlet manifold, all sorts.
Alarm bells...
Looked under the bonnet. Spark plug cover was off, LPG feed hose was off. Looked in coolant bottle - no antifreeze, just clear water. Looked on dipstick. Oil was BRAND NEW, it had just been changed. More alarm bells. A Trace of sludge on the top of the dipstick. None under filler cap.
Once I'd looked around the car, and re-fitted the breather and fuel hose, I wanted to start it up. The Guy then informs me that I cannot do this (even though he said he'd had it running earlier and I could drive it home). The reason he gave was that the key was broken.
I had a look, and the key itself had come away from the transponder. no problem I thought - hold the transponder near the barrel, and turn the key end with pliers. I should be so lucky. Wouldn't turn.
At this point, it was clear that the ignition barrel was shagged. With the steering lock on.
Asked the guy how he intended I got this car home - he was pretty rude and impatient, and practically told us to "do it somehow." He told me I'd already committed to purchasing a spares or repair car, so I must take it away. BUT HE SAID IT DROVE!! *sigh*
Ok, clear head. Out with the tools. Can't get to all the screws, because I can't turn the wheel. So - undo the ones we can, and then bust off the steering column covers. He looked horrified. I didn't give a t*ss.
Off with wiper stalk and indicator stalk.
Out with the chisel, and hammer. Friend cuts a groove in one of the shear bolts holding on the ignition barrel assembly, and proceeds to tap it round. Lengthy job, but he got it. While he was doing this, I proceeded to attack the other shear bolt in a much more crude way, with a kilowatt Hammer drill! Once we'd got those, a few sharp thwacks with sammy the hammer, and off comes the assembly.
Right, steering free - so we can tow if necessary. But where's the fun in that we said - lets hotwire it! So, I taped the transponder to the reciever, while my friend Markie rebuilt the ignition "switch". He turned it with a pair of pliers, and we got ignition lights. We couldn't turn the engine AND keep the ignition lights on, but at least we had ignition lights.
At this point, the guy almost threw us out
- so we attached the tow rope, and proceeded to tow it away behind the V6.
Got it down the road, with ignition lights on, and with a few attempts manage to bump start it. (It's a manual).
It ran, but wasn't just lumpy. It was a complete crock of sh1te, and was running on at most 3 cyls. (more to follow on that in General help soon).
Tow it to a garage just down the road, look at it in light. Can't get it to run any better with another DIS (Yes I took a spare!)
There was loads of oil/coolant etc burning off the manifold - it had clearly just had some form of major engine work done, and hadn't even been started since is my guess. Fuel seeping from feed pipe union.
Reckon there's something seriously wrong.
By this point, it's late, can't be arsed - time to just tow it home. Just as we had attached the chain, and pulled away, the D clamp broke, leaving us shafted. Getting upset now.
Went in the garage, thank lord they sold tow ropes.
(Police forum members look away now
)
Attaching the rope, police pull up. Buggery. We have a totally illegal car, with the ignition smashed up and the thing hotwired. Hmmmmmmm. Tow rope attached, and questionable whether or not we are licenced to pull it. No ON-TOW sign. Thought for a min the game was up, but thankfully they just got fuel and breaked off!
Right, get it home quick. Meega pulling Meega. Straight down the M5, 65mph all the way. With a £4.99 rope
. Took a chance, but thankfully got off at our exit 60 miles later without incident.
Towed it back to my mates farm, where it's now sat, waiting for my TLC. Had a cuppa tea, and laughed long and hard about the nights events.
You may ask, why so cheerful after all that?
Well.......
About the only good thing that came out of last night...
IS THAT THE CAR HAS ACTUALLY GOT A MULTIPOINT SEQUENTIAL LPG KIT!!!!!So, for £273, it's worth it for that, to transfer to a better Meega. So all is not lost.
Once (IF) I get the engine running on all 4, I'll make sure it runs on Gas, and take it from there. It wouldn't run on LPG when I tried, but not surprising, and no green lights, so probs tank empty.
Lesson of the day, always view a car before comitting to buy it!!!
Martin, I'll be in touch soon to discuss the LPG side of things
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Topic: Project LPG - LEMON :( (Read 2790 times)