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
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Topic: News (and pics) from Diane's Elite repairs today.. (Read 3655 times)