17341
General Discussion Area / Re: MOT question
« on: 30 October 2006, 03:24:34 »
'Tis true.....
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17342
General Discussion Area / Re: New Order
« on: 30 October 2006, 03:18:47 »
Lucky bugger, I'm at work on the graveshift, 13.5 hours
17343
General Discussion Area / Re: Usefull Insurance site
« on: 30 October 2006, 03:23:29 »
Dayinsure is a cracking site for short term insurance.
Dave - I think there should be a sticky thread about it!
Dave - I think there should be a sticky thread about it!
17344
General Discussion Area / Re: Guess who wrote off their car yesterday....
« on: 21 October 2006, 20:28:38 »Quote
good to hear you seem to be OK and that's one less Hyundai on the roads
regarding not driving the MR2, it's funny about how things seem to work out sometimes (and nice when they do)
remember to sue yourself for whiplash
you could of course have used cadence braking instead of ABS .... but funnily enough I didn't think of that either about 10 years ago when I rolled a combo van on the M4 in rush hour traffic ...
I used cadence braking once in a car without ABS on an icy road, in a real emergency. Believe it or not, I stopped safe and sound - I thought I was a goner at first!
Now - I won't own a car without ABS. It's really important in todays traffic/roads.
17345
General Discussion Area / Re: Project 1: First update
« on: 21 October 2006, 20:04:52 »
Rain in cheltenham mate, got SOAKED mating up the engine and gearbox!!
17346
General Discussion Area / Re: Project 1: First update
« on: 21 October 2006, 20:01:45 »
I'm knackered today!!
Engines are swapped over today, did it in the piddling rain!!
Just need to get the head on and build it all up now!!!
I need a [smiley=beer.gif]
Engines are swapped over today, did it in the piddling rain!!
Just need to get the head on and build it all up now!!!
I need a [smiley=beer.gif]
17347
General Discussion Area / Re: Project 1: First update
« on: 21 October 2006, 02:08:31 »
Right,
Just in case anyone thinks I've forgotton or given up with this project - some more progress has been made yesterday!
I have worked hard today, and now have the engine completely disconnected from the project car. It's seperated from the gearbox and everything else, and the cylinder head is off, cleaned and all reconditioned, ready to go on the donor engine block. It almost looks as good as AllenM's new heads!!
This weekend I have an engine crane on loan, so I'm hoping to break the back of the whole project by Monday. (I have 2 days off). So the sequence of jobs this weekend will be as such:
1) Crane the broken engine block out of the project car.
2) Strip down all the ancilliaries etc on the donor engine and remove the head, so I'm just left with the
bottom end in place.
3) Remove the bottom end from the donor car.
4) Crane the bottom end from the donor car into the project car and mate it with the Auto gearbox (I am using the torque converter from the project car, because it's done 80k miles less than the donor car...
5) Re-fit the reconditioned cylinder head and camshafts into the project car, set valve timing and fit timing belt kit and water pump, fit the inlet/exhaust manifolds, fit exhaust, and re-assemble all the ancilliary components, hoses, electrics, etc.
6) Oil and filter change, and general service/tweaking!
While I've had the components out of the car, I've paid some special attention to some important factors - being a 2.0 - specifically the breathers. I've done a lot of work ensuring that all the breather system is as clear as a whistle (I had to drill out part of it, it was so blocked..). The Idle Control Valve I have thoroughly cleaned out and lubed, and same with the throttle body/butterfly, etc, - you can see your face in it!
This is going to be a really thorough job, and apart from time, all it's cost me, is £100 for the project car (It really is immaculate, with 80k on the clock and full MOT), £7 for some carb cleaner and some wet and dry... approx £30 for the gaskets, and I'm guessing £50 for a belt kit on this one. So approximately, less than £190 all in!
My camera is charging as we type, so I'll be sure to post up a thread with some pics when it's all done!! I can't remember who it was on here with a 2.0 who was interested in head removal/refitting, but whoever you are, I'll make sure there are lots of pictures of this process for you (It's really simple!)
This car will be so so nice when it's done, it will be one of the nicest and cleanest examples of a pre-facelift omega's I've ever seen, and I really want to keep it myself, however it's not a v6, so unfortunately I will probably have to reluctantly part with it.
Whoever gets this is going to end up with an absolutely cracking car!
Cheers
James
Just in case anyone thinks I've forgotton or given up with this project - some more progress has been made yesterday!
I have worked hard today, and now have the engine completely disconnected from the project car. It's seperated from the gearbox and everything else, and the cylinder head is off, cleaned and all reconditioned, ready to go on the donor engine block. It almost looks as good as AllenM's new heads!!
This weekend I have an engine crane on loan, so I'm hoping to break the back of the whole project by Monday. (I have 2 days off). So the sequence of jobs this weekend will be as such:
1) Crane the broken engine block out of the project car.
2) Strip down all the ancilliaries etc on the donor engine and remove the head, so I'm just left with the
bottom end in place.
3) Remove the bottom end from the donor car.
4) Crane the bottom end from the donor car into the project car and mate it with the Auto gearbox (I am using the torque converter from the project car, because it's done 80k miles less than the donor car...
5) Re-fit the reconditioned cylinder head and camshafts into the project car, set valve timing and fit timing belt kit and water pump, fit the inlet/exhaust manifolds, fit exhaust, and re-assemble all the ancilliary components, hoses, electrics, etc.
6) Oil and filter change, and general service/tweaking!
While I've had the components out of the car, I've paid some special attention to some important factors - being a 2.0 - specifically the breathers. I've done a lot of work ensuring that all the breather system is as clear as a whistle (I had to drill out part of it, it was so blocked..). The Idle Control Valve I have thoroughly cleaned out and lubed, and same with the throttle body/butterfly, etc, - you can see your face in it!
This is going to be a really thorough job, and apart from time, all it's cost me, is £100 for the project car (It really is immaculate, with 80k on the clock and full MOT), £7 for some carb cleaner and some wet and dry... approx £30 for the gaskets, and I'm guessing £50 for a belt kit on this one. So approximately, less than £190 all in!
My camera is charging as we type, so I'll be sure to post up a thread with some pics when it's all done!! I can't remember who it was on here with a 2.0 who was interested in head removal/refitting, but whoever you are, I'll make sure there are lots of pictures of this process for you (It's really simple!)
This car will be so so nice when it's done, it will be one of the nicest and cleanest examples of a pre-facelift omega's I've ever seen, and I really want to keep it myself, however it's not a v6, so unfortunately I will probably have to reluctantly part with it.
Whoever gets this is going to end up with an absolutely cracking car!
Cheers
James
17348
General Discussion Area / Re: Project 1: First update
« on: 08 October 2006, 16:17:03 »
cheers Mark
I'll take the head off, and take some clear high-res pics for you to look at for me
I'll take the head off, and take some clear high-res pics for you to look at for me
17349
General Discussion Area / Re: Project 1: First update
« on: 08 October 2006, 14:59:56 »
Hey thanks for all the comments.
Mark - the reason I was considering bottom end work is just because I know the donor engine was puffing a bit (not clouds) of blue smoke..
Although I guess this could be caused by other things such as the breathers, (god knows what they are like) or head wear. I've never done valve guides or stem seals - what are they like to do?
In a way I'd rather not touch the bottom end, if you don't think this is causing the bit of oil burning.
On a scale of 1-10, how likely is it the rings are causing the bit of blue puffing?
Mark - the reason I was considering bottom end work is just because I know the donor engine was puffing a bit (not clouds) of blue smoke..
Although I guess this could be caused by other things such as the breathers, (god knows what they are like) or head wear. I've never done valve guides or stem seals - what are they like to do?
In a way I'd rather not touch the bottom end, if you don't think this is causing the bit of oil burning.
On a scale of 1-10, how likely is it the rings are causing the bit of blue puffing?
17350
General Discussion Area / Re: Project 1: First update
« on: 07 October 2006, 22:39:22 »
Nope, the pipe that goes from the block, up to the flametrap. Had to do the same on my last R reg GLS.
It's solid!!
It's solid!!
17351
General Discussion Area / Project 1: First update
« on: 07 October 2006, 22:17:35 »
Ok, today we had a really good start on my Project 1 - the GLS with the seized engine.
Began stripping the components necessary for engine removal, off came the Exhaust downpipe and manifold, aux belt, injector rail, inlet manifold, PAS pump, alternator, RAD, coolant hoses, all the electrics - a little bit of tweaking and the engine will be ready to lift out.
Now that all the ancilliaries are removed it's clear to see why the car won't run.
There are 3 rather large holes in the engine block (!) underneith the inlet manifold - big enough that you can poke your hand in and touch the crankshaft!!! Would explain why we found half a bearing shell in the engine bay.
Now we've got to strip down the engine in the donor car to the same level, and lift them both out. With it stripped, accessibility is much better than we imagined it would be, so we've decided to support the engine on a crane and lift it out, leaving the Gearbox in-situ.
The donor engine will then be put on an engine crane, and be treated to new piston rings, a new head gasket, sump gasket, rocker gasket etc - plus camshaft seals, crankshaft seals - basically a meduim overhaul.
Also need to drill out (yes drill out!) the crankcase oil breather solid metal pipe on the Donor engine, it's SOLID with crud, can't even hit it out with a hammer and sturdy screwdriver. Probably why that engine had bad emissions....
I'll post up a few pics when I get home tomorrow.... You'll love to see the holes in the block
More progress reports to follow..........
Began stripping the components necessary for engine removal, off came the Exhaust downpipe and manifold, aux belt, injector rail, inlet manifold, PAS pump, alternator, RAD, coolant hoses, all the electrics - a little bit of tweaking and the engine will be ready to lift out.
Now that all the ancilliaries are removed it's clear to see why the car won't run.
There are 3 rather large holes in the engine block (!) underneith the inlet manifold - big enough that you can poke your hand in and touch the crankshaft!!! Would explain why we found half a bearing shell in the engine bay.
Now we've got to strip down the engine in the donor car to the same level, and lift them both out. With it stripped, accessibility is much better than we imagined it would be, so we've decided to support the engine on a crane and lift it out, leaving the Gearbox in-situ.
The donor engine will then be put on an engine crane, and be treated to new piston rings, a new head gasket, sump gasket, rocker gasket etc - plus camshaft seals, crankshaft seals - basically a meduim overhaul.
Also need to drill out (yes drill out!) the crankcase oil breather solid metal pipe on the Donor engine, it's SOLID with crud, can't even hit it out with a hammer and sturdy screwdriver. Probably why that engine had bad emissions....
I'll post up a few pics when I get home tomorrow.... You'll love to see the holes in the block
More progress reports to follow..........
17352
General Discussion Area / Re: The end is nigh
« on: 18 October 2006, 01:25:28 »Quote
I am afraid that the end has arrived for my Omega family now. After much deliberation and consideration, we have decided that the Omega has to go in order to make way for something that does not require its own bank account and full time mechanic.
Don't et me wrong here guys. I love the Omega. No I don't, that was a lie. I hate it. I have never owned any car that required so much 'preventative maintenance'. This is ridiculous. Dis pack yesterday, steering problems today. Naaaaah. Enough already. It goes and that is that.
The hunt is on for another Volvo Estate. I had 9 of them over the years. No, they are not perfect. No they don't go around corners like a sports car and no, they don;t have self levelling dis packs or electronical heater town bypasses. But, they do not require the same level of repairs either. In fact, neither did my Mondeo (which I still own) or any other cars we have owned, except perhaps the truly awful Range Rovers. Oh and there was the magnificent montego's that were simply dire. But for a modern (ish) car, these are just crap guys. Yes I said crap.
Do I sound bitter, twisted and really hacked off? Yes. Am I? yes. Do you care? No.
Now. before you all jump on the 'the Omega is great' bandwagon, take a deep breath and ask yourself this. Will my Omega need any money spending on it this month? If the answer is 'yes, of course' or 'yes, it still needs.....' or ' Dont all cars?' I rest my case.
I am sorry, but I don't want to own any cars that I have to think carefully about what size trolley jack to own and whether my own Tech 2 may pay for itself. Or even, will the car make it to birmingham?
OK.... let me hear it?.........
Mate, I understand where you're coming from... As far as Omega's go, it's a love-hate thing.
Love them when they work, and hate them when they don't!
There are two sides to it I guess - admittedly the Omega can require a lot of maintenance - on the other hand, it's all stuff that a competent DIYer can do, which isnt' the case on many other cars. One big reason I keep an Omega (Apart from that I love driving them with a passion) is that I've learned so much about them from here, it's cheaper for me to pay out for parts/consumables a little more often, and do it myself with the aid of this great forum - rather than pay dealership prices every time I have an issue.
I would sincerely hope that, even if you do end up not owning an Omega, that you will stay as an active member of this forum and stay involved with the conversations/events etc.
I reckon though, that once you've been without a Meega for a while, you'll start getting broody and want another! A volvo doen't drive anything like as nice as an Omega
A year or so ago I decided my omega was too thirsty, so I traded it in for a Pug 406 diesel. It just wasn't in the same league, and within a month I was desperate to get shot of the Pug and get another omega!
Why not get rid of the Mondeo - Get rid of the silver estate - and keep that really nice champagne Elite you've got with the nice leather, and get rid of all the other cars. Keep this as a toy - and abandon any other "project" cars, unless you particularly want one. Then just use the Corsa for teaching young ladies to drive...
17353
General Discussion Area / Re: Thanks to JamesV6CDX
« on: 18 October 2006, 01:04:19 »
You're welcome Gwilym -
Not sure why the engine management light flickered afterwards for a bit, but the main thing is that it's gone out now! The working environment was pretty wet, so it might have just been some water in the components following the removal of the plenum. Funny enough when Fin/Dave and I did my belt change and breather clean, the EM light came on a few times on the way home, but has never returned since! I double and triple checked all connectors were in place on yours, so there's no issue there.
Keep a close eye on the coolant level, and watch carefully around the fan sensor on the RAD that I took out. The thread did not feel great, so if it leaks again, we'll replace the RAD. Wipe it all dry with a clean cloth and see if you can see any signs of a fresh leak.
I've got a reconditioned radiator for a V6 auto sat here now doing nothing, still in it's bubble wrap, so if it turns out that you need it, I'll literally accept a liquid payment for a forum member
In terms of the cam timing before, it was definately a few ml out, so you probably will get more power/economy now it's set spot on. Your old belt and tensioner/idlers were not in too bad a way, but definately worn and due a change. Original water pump wasn't very well though....
Don't forget to drain out a couple of litres of coolant from the rad tap (when it's cold) and replace with neat (preferably red) antifreeze - I reckon the mixture in there won't be strong enough for a really cold winter now.
That tappety noise that disappeared once it was a bit warm is almost definately as a result of having that mineral oil in there before (the viscosoty is too thick and will be noisy from cold, until it thins and properly lubricates the cam followers)
The oil looks black now, so I'd recommend a oil/filter change with some Vx 10/40 semi synth, and probably another one in about 3,000 miles, before you go back to the 5/6000 miles oil changes.
Hang on to that new HBV, they're a very common point of failure so you may end up needing it sometime anyway!
The only job other than that, being an ex-plod car, is to find out where those blue lights and headlight flasher relays are - and have some fun on the M5
If you need anymore help mate just give me a yell ...
(Ps - putting tools down and then forgetting where they are is my speciality)
Not sure why the engine management light flickered afterwards for a bit, but the main thing is that it's gone out now! The working environment was pretty wet, so it might have just been some water in the components following the removal of the plenum. Funny enough when Fin/Dave and I did my belt change and breather clean, the EM light came on a few times on the way home, but has never returned since! I double and triple checked all connectors were in place on yours, so there's no issue there.
Keep a close eye on the coolant level, and watch carefully around the fan sensor on the RAD that I took out. The thread did not feel great, so if it leaks again, we'll replace the RAD. Wipe it all dry with a clean cloth and see if you can see any signs of a fresh leak.
I've got a reconditioned radiator for a V6 auto sat here now doing nothing, still in it's bubble wrap, so if it turns out that you need it, I'll literally accept a liquid payment for a forum member
In terms of the cam timing before, it was definately a few ml out, so you probably will get more power/economy now it's set spot on. Your old belt and tensioner/idlers were not in too bad a way, but definately worn and due a change. Original water pump wasn't very well though....
Don't forget to drain out a couple of litres of coolant from the rad tap (when it's cold) and replace with neat (preferably red) antifreeze - I reckon the mixture in there won't be strong enough for a really cold winter now.
That tappety noise that disappeared once it was a bit warm is almost definately as a result of having that mineral oil in there before (the viscosoty is too thick and will be noisy from cold, until it thins and properly lubricates the cam followers)
The oil looks black now, so I'd recommend a oil/filter change with some Vx 10/40 semi synth, and probably another one in about 3,000 miles, before you go back to the 5/6000 miles oil changes.
Hang on to that new HBV, they're a very common point of failure so you may end up needing it sometime anyway!
The only job other than that, being an ex-plod car, is to find out where those blue lights and headlight flasher relays are - and have some fun on the M5
If you need anymore help mate just give me a yell ...
(Ps - putting tools down and then forgetting where they are is my speciality)
17354
General Discussion Area / Re: OMEGA CAR INSURANCE
« on: 09 October 2006, 09:14:00 »
Between £400-£500 for me on a CDX v6.
I'm 22 with 3 years NCB.
I'm with directline.
I'm 22 with 3 years NCB.
I'm with directline.
17355
General Discussion Area / Re: DOUBLE YELLOWS / BIG FINES
« on: 01 October 2006, 17:29:46 »Quote
The ironic thing is that on Monday I found £250 in notes
Where the hell did you "find" £250 in notes, heh, am I missing something?
:S