Thread: RRC garage drama still on-going

Thanks mate, i have spoken to consumer affairs and taken advice. ATM the new mechanic is doing his best for me, so I am not going to aggravate the situation any more than i need too!

You have a picture of the expansion tank I have a spare of carby 3.5 liter RRC that I could send down if it was what you need.

Originally Posted by Meccles

You have a picture of the expansion tank I have a spare of carby 3.5 liter RRC that I could send down if it was what you need.

Damn! I I ordered a compromise plastic one from All 4x4 today. If it cant be retro-fitted I shall get back to you! many thanks!

Originally Posted by bee utey

Just get a tow truck to pick it up and swap workshops, a better idea than waiting for the first mechanic to get a clue. To me it sounds like it could do with two new head gaskets, a common problem on older 3.5 engines. The shim steel head gaskets in those often just leak combustion pressure into the cooling system rather than completely fail. If the mechanic had any clue he would be able to diagnose coolant into cylinder issues and fix them. It's not a very hard engine to work on.

Bee utey

I was supposed to pick my car up today, but guess what? It wouldn't bloody start The mechanic is a bit confused by it. In fairness he has inherited this mess, and he does have a clue. It has fuell, it has spark full compression just the outstanding cooling issue, but I have a new expansion tank to give him tomorrow. he says the spark is there albeit a bit weak. He has ordered a new coil, I have ordered a new complete dizzy. the motor is actually a 3.9 efi he informs me, not a 3.5 as i assumed. (log book says 1984 plate says 1989) I am hearing good thing about some conversion that you do? I understand the principal of the duel transistor unit (darlington pair) that converts signal to power the coil, so what have you done to improve on this, and how do I obtain it? I just want a reliable car to go out with my all terrain club and have fun!

Jez

Originally Posted by snowbound

Bee utey

I was supposed to pick my car up today, but guess what? It wouldn't bloody start The mechanic is a bit confused by it. In fairness he has inherited this mess, and he does have a clue. It has fuell, it has spark full compression just the outstanding cooling issue, but I have a new expansion tank to give him tomorrow. he says the spark is there albeit a bit weak. He has ordered a new coil, I have ordered a new complete dizzy. the motor is actually a 3.9 efi he informs me, not a 3.5 as i assumed. (log book says 1984 plate says 1989) I am hearing good thing about some conversion that you do? I understand the principal of the duel transistor unit (darlington pair) that converts signal to power the coil, so what have you done to improve on this, and how do I obtain it? I just want a reliable car to go out with my all terrain club and have fun!

Jez

Not quite sure why you'd have two transistors duelling under the bonnet but I use a commonly available Bosch BIM024 ignition module instead of the Lucas one. Thread here:

Lucas ignition amplifier replacement by Bosch 024

Somtimes the Lucas rotor button can burn through too, a good substitute is a Bosch GB864 unit for an XF Falcon.

Not quite sure why you'd have two transistors duelling under the bonnet but I use a commonly available Bosch BIM024 ignition module instead of the Lucas one


He's bound to be snowed under with "Information", not all of which is useful to the Noble Pursuit of getting out there with his club...

Yes, the BIM 024 modification is worthwhile. (Did mine) if only for the peace of mind...'One less thing to go wrong'

Originally Posted by bee utey

Yes and the random boil problem could load sufficient water into the sump for water vapour to pass up the shaft of the distributor causing some of the further running problems, especially if the engine has only been run for short bursts. Before you get the vehicle picked up, ask the mechanic to lift the dissy cap and check it inside for moisture. It could just need a simple wipe dry with a cotton cloth. Then lift the oil filler cap and look for creamy gunge meaning there's water in the sump. It will still need towing as the water will re-enter the works anyway.

Finally! the mystery is solve, after a few red herrings. The FW who changed the thermostat took the dizzy cap off for easier access, but ALSO pulled the rotor arm / button off and broke the mechanism below (I know from this forum that this is common) So, I have a new dizzy on the way. The expansion tank has been changed to a plastic one. I am still concerned despite a full set of positive comp test readings that there could be an underlying cooling issue (as you said Bee-Utey) and I am intending chucking a new radiator in as Roverparts strongly recommended it and mine has repairs . The positive is that the garage owner (having sacked all mechanics) now has a good bloke on the job, and by way of recompense has said that all the other jobs on my to-do list will be free of labour charge, the list is pretty decent! I cant turn back the clock, so going with this and hoping for the best!

can anyone point me towards the correct radiator please? 3.9 EFI Auto 1989)

Also Bee-utey very interested in your ignition modual upgrade as a matter of priority.

Jez

The dissy is easily repairable:

Lucas V8 dissy nylon clip repair method.

The ignition conversion is easy for a mechanic with wiring skills:

Lucas ignition amplifier replacement by Bosch 024

I may be able to help with supply but I really need more info on what the layout of your dissy/coil setup is currently. Pictures, as always, are worth a thousand words. That includes the identification of your radiator and header tank.