Car Talk

[YnysMon]

The wheels turned when they got it out of the garage.

[grendel]

well that about eliminates the stuck on brakes idea, is the clutch on those hydraulic, or cable operated.

its not the brick under the wheel stopping it moving is it?

[Smoggy]

Wether the clutch operates or not it's quite likely the friction plate is stuck to the flywheel or pressure plate, I've had to free a clutch off on a tr7 which was stood for far less time, it was a case of one of us with it in gear and foot on clutch revving the hell out of it while the other let the trolley jack down suddenly, an operation that needs careful planning and quick reaction as it can go very wrong (especially on a front wheel drive car), it took many attempts before it released with a bang, definately NOT to be attempted in a confined area and make sure the brakes are good first.

[Tobster]

34 minutes ago, grendel said:

well that about eliminates the stuck on brakes idea, is the clutch on those hydraulic, or cable operated.

its not the brick under the wheel stopping it moving is it?

The clutch will hydraulic on that car.

you could check the gear linkage underneath the car, as the pin may have come out, basically the gearstick may not be connected to the gearbox properly.

[floydraser]

1 hour ago, Smoggy said:

Wether the clutch operates or not it's quite likely the friction plate is stuck to the flywheel or pressure plate, I've had to free a clutch off on a tr7 which was stood for far less time, it was a case of one of us with it in gear and foot on clutch revving the hell out of it while the other let the trolley jack down suddenly, an operation that needs careful planning and quick reaction as it can go very wrong (especially on a front wheel drive car), it took many attempts before it released with a bang, definately NOT to be attempted in a confined area and make sure the brakes are good first.

Before starting the engine, how about trying the same in top gear with a few people "rocking" it backwards and forwards?

[MargeandParge]

Look inside the bonnet and to the left hand side or O.S of the engine there will be an arm coming up to a cylinder from the center of the bell housing it has a large nut on the bell housing end and a rod going into a cylinder. Get someone to depress the clutch and see if it moves away from the adjustable stop that it will be resting against. There should be a spring holding the rod into the cylinder. It should move about an inch away from the stop. Don't adjust anything if it doesn't move you have a hydraulic problem to sort out first and then the plate may be stuck. 

You can get the clutch out with the engine in the car but will need to pull the flywheel as they are a little different with the driven plate on the inside of the flywheel. 

Kindest Regards Marge and Parge 

[MargeandParge]

I've probably bored everyone to sleep but can I say one more thing that when it comes to an oil change use a classic 20/50 Castrol GTX is a very good one as the engine oil is the gearbox oil as well .

Kindest Regards Marge and Parge 

[Turnoar]

I’m still awake M&P! Agreed liquid engineering (for those of us who can remember the adverts) is the right sauce for the goose.

Now, I hope this doesn’t breach the TOS (advance apology otherwise) but can I recommend a good website for tinkers of British cars of yesteryear, “aronline”, I did find a photo of project Utah at the Pleasure Boat Inn on there a while back and what with bmc 1.5’s having been a staple broads boat propulsion lump it could be linked either hydraulically or by wire if appropriate...

[YnysMon]

I’ve been out most of this evening but will pass on the hints and advice to Harry tomorrow. Thanks! 

[ChrisB]

And remember these old spec non synthetic oils have a recommended oil and filter change at 6000 miles or just 3000 if doing short, around town driving.

With the gearbox sharing the engine oil you don't want anything that gets too thin when hot. That is why I had an oil cooler fitted to my Clubman before taking on the 750km Autostrada del Sole.

The 998cc four speed set up was only just capable of attaining the Italian speed limit so the 39 horses were straining hard, hour after hour.

As an aside 39 bhp from a 998cc four pot, then, mine was a 72. Ford are now getting 170hp from their 999cc three pot in the Puma ST auto.

Not a recommendation but Halfords do this :-

[ChrisB]

PS. Back then I always used Castrol GTX in all my Triumph/BMC Minis and small sports cars. Never a problem.

[ChrisB]

The recent postings on this thread have brought back so many happy memories, of over 50 years ago now. When my late wife Judith and I, first as boyfriend/girlfriend then in 1971 a  married couple shared a real passion for Continental touring/camping. Here, sadly not in very good condition are our steeds:-

 

 

I have to admit to being a somewhat indulged only son. The cars were all bought new.

[annv]

Hi AND after he moved it he applied the hand brake!! which is rusty so is now sized on,  knock hand brake levers that protrude from the rear back plate off/to the rear. Don't apply hand brake again until they have been freed of . John

[annv]

Hi If clutch not releasing depress clutch pedal then keeping it depressed place a wooden tapered wedge between clutch lever and stop release pedal and depress again pushing peg in further this will hold pressure plate in the released/depressed position then rock car back and forth in gear if still stuck remove timing cover plate on top of the bell housing and then turn flywheel until you can see the plate in the gap between flywheel and pressure  plate using a small screw driver pry plate away from flywheel, when free, remove peg and set the gap between lever and stop at 25 thou,  also oil the plunger at the centre of cover where lever connects . John

[floydraser]

Volvo washers packed up the other day, here's why:

All this was "growing" in the washer bottle. Apparently there are various reasons for it and just as many cures. 

Looking on Youtube to see how to get to the washer pump I was amazed to find it takes just a few minutes to remove the headlights and bumber:

Cures: Use winter strength additive all year round - add bleach - add meths - don't mix brands of additive.

Any more? I was surprised not to vinegar in the recommendations?

[annv]

Hi We add a spot of Dettle when we top up screen washers in addition to screen wash,  this stops the growth of (frogs) spawn that often blocks the jets, in particular the rear one if not used regularly much easier than cleaning out the hoses and pump. John

[MargeandParge]

1 hour ago, floydraser said:

Volvo washers packed up the other day, here's why:

All this was "growing" in the washer bottle. Apparently there are various reasons for it and just as many cures. 

Looking on Youtube to see how to get to the washer pump I was amazed to find it takes just a few minutes to remove the headlights and bumber:

Cures: Use winter strength additive all year round - add bleach - add meths - don't mix brands of additive.

Any more? I was surprised not to vinegar in the recommendations?

I would not think that meths would be kind to wiper blades 

Kindest Regards Marge and Parge 

[grendel]

I knew about the headlights, just pull 2 retaining pins and they are out, havent had a need to remove bumpers yet.

[floydraser]

4 hours ago, grendel said:

I knew about the headlights, just pull 2 retaining pins and they are out, havent had a need to remove bumpers yet.

The bumper is held by two 10mm bolts and two plastic rivet things where you push the plastic pin through and then hope you can find it afterwards. Then unclip the panels from each other with a trim tool. Or bit of old plastic cutting board with chamfered edge in my case. 

[ChrisB]

Good Old Archant

Whilst researching the Ford Heritage Centre I came across the above's library photo of a Mustang!!?????

You can see where the Mk3 Cortina heritage lies. Unbelievable 

[FairTmiddlin]

45 minutes ago, ChrisB said:

Good Old Archant

Whilst researching the Ford Heritage Centre I came across the above's library photo of a Mustang!!?????

You can see where the Mk3 Cortina heritage lies. Unbelievable 

They must have had a short life, between the 2 and three models.

[BroadAmbition]

Tomorrow - Classic car run commencing at a village pub.  120 miles via checkpoints.  My MrsG to be co driver / navigator.

I'll be well impressed if we see one checkpoint never mind arriving back in the correct county / village / pub.  We are going in Zebedee of course, first time we have joined in owt like this, looking forward to it.  Just need the Wx to play ball so we can keep the top down

Griff

[Smoggy]

Zebedee's not a classic car surely?

[BroadAmbition]

I said pretty much the same when we got the invite but apparently because Zebedee is now 22, it qualifies for their event.  They also have some even younger models participating but these are classed as rare or 'Interesting' whatever that means.  We will see

Griff

[Smoggy]

3 minutes ago, BroadAmbition said:

rare or 'Interesting'

They don't normally make it this far, have reserved a space for your breakdown truck?

That said my tdm850 is on a classic policy and it's 2000.

Are we just getting old as well as grumpy?