What did you do today?

[burgundyben]

Went for a test drive! Only about half a mile, but seemed ok, electronic ignition seems to be working just fine, alternator is charging.

When I got back I had a look at the previous owners modification to the tank breather. I'm not quite sure what the idea was, but I have put it back the way it should be, already the smell of petrol is reduced.

I need to move the dipswitch, my size 47 feet bash it with every gear change.

[JayeM]

Hope that's the first half-mile of many miles you'll enjoy with the car
Keep up the progress!

Cheers,

John
'72 Invader3

[burgundyben]

Broke down!

Everytrip so far bar one of about 1/2 mile.

Float bowls are full of crud and the fresh petrol is coming through a funny yellow colour, like pee!

Hey ho. All good fun, I expected the car to take a bit of getting right.

[JayeM]

That's a bummer - how old is the fuel ? If there's fuel in there more than 6 months old, you'd probably be better to drain it and start again
That should also help drain out any cr*p in the tanks, and then put one of the cheap diposable fuel filters on the tank pickup so that it catches any stuff coming from the tank before it gets to your pump and carbs. (Guess how I found out to do that!) . At least then if (when) the filter clogs and fuel flow stops it shouldn't mean a carb strip, just chucking away a disposable filter and replacing it.

If it's any consolation, I went to get mine out of the lock-up and the clutch is stuck - again! This seems to be a little annual tradition the car is developing!

John

[burgundyben]

I cleaned out the carbs.

I found a load of crud in the float bowls, masses of it and some water.

I guess the water might be condensation, the tank breather was open to atmosphere under the car for a while, no idea how long, or even why! Don't ask! Previous owner meddlings!

Seems to be running better, test drive this weekend.

[Gavin McArdle]

Hi, a few cars were modified by owners putting a breather open to atmosphere under the body work, usually above the axle. The idea was to stop the build up of fumes in the boot as I understand it.
The tanks should breathe via the small tube on the n/s tank to the fuel neck just below the cap and then through the cap. The boots still smell of fuel though!
Firms such as Demon Tweeks sell non-return ends to fit such an underbody breather.
Gavin

[burgundyben]

That's very interesting, thank you.

Boot stank of petrol until I put the breather back onto the filler neck, its not much less smelly.

[burgundyben]

I have a pile of parts to fit.

A new lower rad hose courtesy of BG.

A new side entry dizzy cap courtesy of Ebay.

An old wood rim 15" steering wheel from Mike Lamplough to replace the tiny one on my car which I guess is a throw back to the rallying days.

Antifreeze for when I drain down to replace the rad hoses.

Hopefully a bit more test driving around Easter time.

[Blackpool Plastic]

What did I do today ?

Well after months of work on my Invader 2, I flicked the switch to activate my electric power steering conversion and ........... it worked !

Mike

[R_D_Olivaw]

I guess you won't need to go down the gym now to build up your muscles.

That should save a lot on gym membership.

[lennyb72]

It has been a good excuse to take the car out on a few short shopping trips locally over the past few weeks while i am off work. Out into the sunshine today to take photographs of the car for the agreed value car insuravce renewal .
Stay Safe Kevin

[lennyb72]

Jacked the car up today to investigate the knocking noise coming from the front suspension when i drive over the drop curb outsde my house. Worn lower bushes on the AVO shock absorbers, Brian Gent to the Rescue. Hopefully they will arrive by the weekend and i can put everything back together. We are all so lucky to be members of a such well sorted Car Club.
Kevin

[lennyb72]

Back in the garage today to re-bush the front shock absorbers. It was a fiddly job but thanks to a tip from Gavin [pop the bushes in a jug of hot water to soften them up first]. With the use of the vice,some grease and a few choice words in they popped. Then out for a short spin to deliver some home made cakes to local club members.

[Jamiecp1988]

I got some part worn tyres and new inner tubes fitted and fitted them to my invader, tried stripping the calipers down but they were too seized up so going to a friend who's going to have a look at getting the pistons out for me.
If anyone has any tips in how to free up the rear brakes that'd be appreciated the cars got to be transported in the next few weeks and I need it rolling.

My email is jamiepayne1988@hotmail.co.uk

Haven't had much time for it lately other than getting it rolling unfortunately but having it outside my house where I can tinker more freely should hopefully expedite a few things

[Fareham GT]

Hi Jamie,

You will probably find your front calipers will be beyond repair if they have been seized for a period of time, new calipers are available quite cheaply from MGBeehive. If the car has been left with the handbrake on, simply cut the handbrake cable and then with a hide mallet hit the wheel cylinder activating arms up wards in the hope of releasing any pressure on the shoes. Then hit the brake drum all around its diameter with a copper mallet, as the same time put a bar in between the wheel studs and start to work backwards and forwards, its a long and painful job, but should get the result you desire.

Good luck

Brian