Anglefire

Following my run out last weekend and its continued oil drinking problem, I carried out a compression test and that suggest that that is generally ok and that I did see some smoke from the exhaust when pulling away a couple of times and after a period of idling which seems to suggest valve guides. So I've whipped off the head and taken it to a local engineering shop (One that was used by Car SOS to rebuild a Mini) for them to rebuild it and unlead it. I've also asked them to skim 0.5mm off it to to get the compression ratio up a little (That should give a CR of about 9.3) He does think its probably more likely to be rings than guides - but is going to let me know what he thinks when he gets the guides out. It should be done by the end of next week. However, I think I've also decided to drop the sump regardless and take the pistons out anyway and replace the rings and mains bearing and obviously hone the bores. I've had a look at them and you can see some small marks (though I don't think they are bad) and also some of the original (I assume) honing marks. I'm also going to drop the oil pump out and see if that is one reason why the pressure is lower than I'd like. I'm going to check the clearances based on this https://tr6.danielsonfamily.org/OilPump.htm I've also bought a new "Pipe under manifold" 212935 and olive etc because mine doesn't have the tab at the end to bolt it to the manifold bolt. Its niggled for ages and whilst the water is out, makes some sense. I might be mad, but it keeps me out of trouble. 🙄

Location of the thermostat has been discussed on here before. It sort of depends on what you are trying to achieve. Located in the inlet to the rad and you will maintain the head temperature at about the setpoint (Say 85'C) - the return to the engine will vary depending on load. Located on the outlet, then the return to the engine will remain largely constant, but the head temperature will vary. On balance, I would say the best place is the inlet as it will probably run more efficiently. On the other hand, the fan should only come in when its really hot as the normal thermostat should do most of the work.

Hi Roger, I’m glad it was as good as it promised when we were there! Mark

I bought my studs from MPS trading (I know the seller from my days with Land Rovers and has a good reputation) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVER-FREELANDER-1-OEM-FRONT-OR-REAR-HUB-WHEEL-STUDS-X-5-CLP9037L-/371655597077?hash=item5688665c15

It was more that I did manage any miles in the spit after that lot! Next week I should be back to normal- mostly working at home or local.

I also did over 650miles last week in my modern - mostly in 2 days. Must put some more fuel in that too!

I did do 70miles yesterday and 10ish the day before. 😃

I’m not sorry. Lunch was fabulous 😂

And annoyingly I’ve just remembered I forgot to open the throttle - muppet 😂

Post drive out I thought I would do a compression test. Took the plugs out screwed in my pressure gauge and thought. That’s odd did I knock the plug on the alternator as it wasn’t in. 🤔. Turned the engine over and no definitely been out for a while. So put the charger on for a few minutes. 25a charger shouldn’t take it long! did wonder why the indicators were flashing slowly. Must check the bulb on the charging light - though the sun was behind me so probably just wiped it out! I forgot to press the go button on the above so this is a couple of hours later. charging light does work fine and the compression test is ok too. Very quick to rise and seem good figures. 120/120/107/115. Anyway a couple of pictures from the lunch stop.

As the sun was shining took the missus for a little drive. I intended to go to Burford- but the traffic at Morton-in-Marsh was dire and I knew there was roadworks on the hill out of Stow - so took a right turn and ended up in a very nice pub called the Churchill. https://www.churchillarms.co/ just had the soup some coffee and a pudding. Excellent quality. Not the cheapest- but I’d rather eat good once than crap twice! will go back again.

I bought miniltes (well Jbw ones) when they were on offer on Black Friday. Really pleased with them. Though I have also changed studs for larger ones. Other than that can’t offer any other advice. Though John Brown wheels are excellent to deal with. And they fitted the tyres on exactly to spec with the dots in all the right places !

Thanks John, Clive did clarify that point.

Exactly. I enjoy driving it - though I filled up today and have only done 100 miles since filling up in the summer last year. Must try harder! And it isn't about driving fast or anything like that - its simply roof off and country roads.

Can even get a Lucas 063 from Tayna https://www.tayna.co.uk/car-batteries/lucas/lc063/ Plenty of smoke to fill the wires with 😂

Hum, wonder what the cost of that will be......

I slightly regret not getting a spitfire with O/D - but guess one can be retrofitted without too much drama - though I assume the prop is a different length?

I've been out a couple of times today - and the rear brakes aren't getting hot - so that's good. Hand brake is a little high when on - but does work much much better! Actually holds the car. So it might need just a little bit of adjustment.

I remember back in the 80's thinking that if petrol got to over £1 a gallon, I'd have to think about getting rid of the car.............. That never happened. 🤣

My modern is an auto - its not officially a sports car - but will launch from rest to 62mph in under 6 seconds and go onward to 155mph limited - and has paddle shift on the steering wheel - which when in sport makes for a blisteringly quick gear change!. Oh and is a diesel - and it goes around the bends a lot quicker than the Spitfire (Mostly because it has quick power steered steering 😂) Yes I forgotten I'd no power steering when I was recovered off the mountain 😂 Wasn't too bad once moving! Most modern very quick sports cars have auto boxes - My BMW is not available in manual trim - the engines torque is too great for most available spanish boxes. The petrol 3ltr is though. One reason for auto boxes these days is so that they can keep the engine at peak operating revs - 9 and 10 speed autos are not uncommon. Mine is 8! Trouble is more than 8 and they never seem to be in the right gear!

Having a servo certainly makes driving easier - whether it is a required can only be determined by the driver - I wouldn't fit one to my Spitfire as I don't find the brakes overly difficult to use - but yoof is on my side possibly - and I'm 6' and overweight - but if I was a little senior and of slighter build I might consider it. Horses for courses and no real right or wrong - I wouldn't have a modern without one - but then they generally weigh twice as much and are designed to have one!

063 or possibly even 012 have been used.

Less than £50 from Tanya https://www.tayna.co.uk/car-batteries/types/038/

Just filled my Spitfire up. £25 and that was the good stuff from BP - I was in the wrong lane to get to Sainsbury - and I'm not sure they always have some in.

Oh yes! Nearly 3tonnes of vehicle takes a bit of stopping! Especially from high speed or downhill at 45' or more! Multipot is probably "better" due to more even pressure on the pad/disc. Interesting discussion though. Some reading to do at some point!