Robin

So it looks like a replacement plug as Pete suggests

Hi Pete Mine looks more like this

Hi - can someone confirm the part number for the engine coolant drain plug for a Mk2 Vitesse / 2000 engine? Also, I’m assuming this is a different size to the radiator drain plug? Thanks

Pete & Rob - thanks for the tip. Will give it a go.

I know this is an old post but I wondered if there was a way of getting the remains of the banjo bolt out without damaging the thread? Would a specialist engineering shop be the way to go and if so can anyone recommend somewhere in Herts/Essex/Beds (once lockdown finishes)?

Thanks Pete - have ordered a long drill bit so will let you know how I get on

Have tried again to shift the blockage but no luck - it’s absolutely solid from about a third along the inlet manifold from the heater valve. So I think the next step is to take the inlet manifold off and see if I can get a long drill to shift it as previously suggested. In case it all goes wrong, where can I pick up a new or good used inlet manifold?

Ok - thanks both

Hi Colin - yes I can bypass the inlet manifold but I’m curious to know what function the water flow through the manifold performs?

Thanks Richard

Ok - I’m going to try and unblock the inlet manifold but two quick questions: 1. I’m assuming that because the manifold is blocked and no water is flowing through it then this will cause the loss of heat from the heater? 2. if I can’t clear the blockage will it cause any damage by still running the car?

Ok - looks like a job for tomorrow. Will report back!

Hi Richard - I can get the coat hanger about half way from the thermostat end. The heater end is trickier because of the angle needed to get the wire into the manifold - needs to be bendy but strong. Will see if I can find a piece of pipe to attack from the thermostat end but the blockage seems pretty solid so god knows what it is.

As Doug suggested earlier I took the hose off the inlet manifold to see if there was a blockage. I used an old metal coat hanger but it only goes about half way along the inlet manifold before it stops and doesn’t want to go any further even with some pressure. Any advice on how to remove the blockage ? I ‘m assuming i need to take the manifold off and use a stronger rod to move anything that’s blocking the water flow?

Hi Dave - ok will try this if all else fails

Hi Colin I did take the heater matrix out and gave it a quick flush with a hose and it seemed to be ok. The heater valve also moves freely and is working from the dash pull knob. It’s a Smiths heater. Will try and connect the hoses directly to the matrix. So is the thermostat an unlikely cause?

Hi Nick engine is coming up to temperature according to gauge and cooling system is full. What’s confusing me is the hose from the thermostat housing to the manifold and the hose from the manifold to the heater valve is cold - shouldn’t this have warm water running through?

I don’t often use the heater and last time I checked the fan was blowing warm air into the footwell. I tried in recently and found it’s now only blowing cool air. The car is coming up to temperature as normal and the top and bottom radiator hoses are warm but the hose from the thermostat housing to the manifold and the hoses connecting the heater valve to the heater matrix are cold (but water is flowing ok). Would this suggest a faulty thermostat or do I need to look elsewhere for the problem?

Thanks to everyone for the advice. Took the tank out and found a hairline crack where the neck fits the tank. Taking it on Friday to Dave at Auto Rads in Luton as recommended by Pete so hopefully it can be fixed.

I filled up the vitesse this afternoon and driving home had a strong smell of fuel. I checked the boot and found some fuel on the boot floor and also around the back of the fuel neck where it joins the tank - so I suspect I’ve got some sort of hole or crack . If so then it probably needs soldering or welding - any recommendations in the Herts/Beds/Essex area? Thanks Robin

Ok - thanks both. Hopefully this will make life easier

Hi All I need to remove the rear valance on my Vitesse - is there a way of doing this without removing the fuel tank? Thanks Robin

Just wonder if anyone has a recommendations for a rust inhibitor to use inside of the door - Ideally I'm looking for something that can be spayed into the areas that I can't get to with a brush. Bilt Hamber products seem to be well reviewed but are there any other products worth looking at?

Does anyone know where I can get hex screws for a vitesse gearbox tunnel - mine seem larger than the ones being sold by paddock/ rimmer etc.

Quick question - what type of lubrication do I use for the front top ball joint? I’m assuming it’s grease not EP90 oil? thanks