News (and pics) from Diane's Elite repairs today..

[JamesV6CDX]

As promised - spent this afternoon sorting the problems and performing a good service on Di's Elite...

Took just over 4 hours - in which time it's basically had -

• New cambelt kit
  
• New waterpump
  
• New Auxiliary Belt
  
• New Thermostat (and front link pipe)
  
• 6 x Genuine GM spark plugs
  
• New air filter
  
• New oil Filter
  
• New fuel filter
  
• New cabin filter
  
• 5.75 litres of Genuine 10/40 semi synth oil
  
• 5 litres genuine long-life antifeeeze
  
• Blast through of the breathers (surprisingly clear!)
  

This was the old, offending thermostat. Worth noting I tested this stat, and it was slightly stuck open.






Here is the old front coolant transfer pipe. It was a good shout getting a new one - this one was stubborn, and I had to "coax" it off somewhat with some rather unsavoury tools... 



Here is the new thermostat, nicely in place. The new one had a thinner casing and as such, the  existing bolts weren't going to be any cop. It was  for a second a bit of a concern - however I happened to have  some  spare bolts  of the correct type, so all good:






Some of the old spark plugs. Bosch super 4's. There were dry but all a bit black. You'll see why later 



The b@stard bolt lived up to it's name. I wasted about ten minutes getting that bolt lined up and biting correctly  I hate it every time 

Anyhow -  stat done,  system pressure tested - no leaks 


On to the cambelt kit.

Note these pics were taken with engine at TDC.


Tensioner:




Upper idler:




Lower idler:

+


Veiw with cover removed:




Old coolant pump:





Here is the old cabin filter:




And the old air filter. Whoever owned this car before Diane should be ashamed of themselves:




And - the finished result, before a clean of the engine bay.




Worth mentioning that the old oil was like treacle. REALLY black and REALLY thick. This car has NOT been well serviced, and a hydraulic lifter was banging away like a goodun yesteray. Now we know why.....


Anyhow - replenished with fresh oil,and some wynns lifter treatment.


The good news is - problems solved. She also fired up a treat after the work - the engine is now lovely and quiet, with no knocks, leaks,  or untoward noises. Idle is very stable and the car is once again nice and responsive.

The temperature now holds at a steady 85, maybe a tiny touch over, even on a run - it creeps up a tad higher at idle, and then stabilises with the fans. The cooling system's now working exactly like it should


Ah well, it was nice to spend a day playing with a Mig for a change - and thanks for all the alcohol Di, if my posts start to not make so much sense later this evening, then you know why


There are a few  more jobbies to do - namely -

Clear the fault codes (to see what returns, after the servicing work)
Replace dodgey dash bulbs
A few regular oil changes to clean out the engine.


Otherwise, she's all good - this car's only 25 miles from me so I'm sure we'll keep it tip top 

[Dishevelled Den]

Very interesting photographs James 8-) 8-)

[tunnie]

that air-filter is a disgrace!

[JamesV6CDX]

that air-filter is a disgrace!

It's actually the worst I've ever seen !

[TheBoy]

I thought my air filter was manky

I am going to invest in a tool for fuel filters, as mine proved a right pig today. Anyone know where I can get one?

[JamesV6CDX]

I am going to invest in a tool for fuel filters, as mine proved a right pig today. Anyone know where I can get one?

Just do it with a pair of small screwdrivers like I do, you big girl 

In all seriousness, if you find out where to get a tool, let me know - it would make the job much nicer 

[SP_3.2]

Nice work there James lots done... Must feel like a new car to drive now... Well done

[Bent valve]

 What state was the tensioner bearing in? was it on its last legs or had it been changed recently as had been implied. it doesn't look very new to me.

[JamesV6CDX]

What state was the tensioner bearing in? was it on its last legs or had it been changed recently as had been implied. it doesn't look very new to me.

We'll never really know, but - didn't seem very new to me either 

[Bent valve]

Well done! You did very well to get that lot done in an afternoon

[VXL V6]

I am going to invest in a tool for fuel filters, as mine proved a right pig today. Anyone know where I can get one?

Machine Mart 

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cht441-3pce-fuel-line-disconnect-set

[JamesV6CDX]

The EML has now gone out.... it must be happy 

[The Red Baron]

good work james, a job well done.

[Lazydocker]

Both the air and Pollen filters

I'm sure the car's glad it's had a bit of attention

Well done James

[JamesV6CDX]

Thanks chaps. I enjoyed the chance to tinker - don't do it very much anymore - was nearly getting rusty..