1987 3.2 Carrera Backdate project - Sladeys hotrod

[Nige]

You did screw in all the spark plugs properly? Lets hope it's something daft like that?

[sladey]

I'd love it if you were right Nige but don't think so - sounded much more serious. Anyhow, waiting to see now.

[Bertroex]

MB sort out engine and get MOT, fly back from Italy, pick up car monday, graphics Tuesday, test drive to Portsmouth Wednesday - simples

If you need a lift to Cumbria, I can probably sort you out with that. Just let me know and consider it done. In a proper carrera, obviously.



Bert

[murph2309]

My wife tells me that when you're writing a story, there's a specific set of storytelling 'techniques' that grip the readers' attention. One of these techniques is what's called a DRAT.....a Desperate Race Against Time.

I think that's what we have here. Will the conquering hero overcome what seem to be insurmountable odds at the last minute to rescue the situation and we all live happily ever after??

Here's hoping. You'll get there. I can feel it.

Car looks tops by the way

[Nige]

Did you fit all the exhaust manifold gaskets?

Holed piston would pump a shed load of white smoke.

[Peter]

Gutted for you Mark. Best of luck for a good outcome today.

[sladey]

OK so this morning I've been nervous just waiting to hear what would happen once Mike's looked at it. I haven't wanted to chase him or bug him until he's had time but it's not been easy. A colleague talked it through with me this morning calming me down and discussing how best to deal with the possible options.

I sent an 'any news Mike?' text just before I went for my Friday lunchtime exercise class/physical torture (mixture of both).

On the way back from the class I got a text off Mike - 'Email on it's way'

Walking up the stairs to my office every sort of scenario is running thorugh my head - new pistons and barrels, damged this, damaged that, new engine needed, and also whether or when Mike could fit the job in, could I get it back.

Opened up Mike's email.

opening line:-

"engine now back up and running"

I read and re-read it several times but it still said the same thing

"engine now back up and running"

later in the email was

"when would you like to pick up the car, or are you away from tomorrow, if you are away, I have a MOT booked for Monday at 2.30 for the car."

Mike had also helpfully explained how I shouldn't try and use all the Machine gun clip in one go.

He attached a compression test and a picture of it at 4K revs





I phoned him to find out what the problem had been. It was apparently a rocker shaft and worked loose. He said it would be because the bolt had been tightene and loosened so many times it's eventually not holding the torque and working loose. He replaced the shaft, put it back together and hey presto. He also replaced the faulty oil light switch.

and I'm back in the room

And..... breathe......

[sladey]

So Bert I'd like to take you up on your kind offer if possible but it wouldn't be until the 29th June - Are you available on that day? (I was thinking early in the morning)

Mike is MOTing it on Monday

Happy days!

[johnM]

BOOM, your back in the race.

Was hoping it would be an easy fix. Pint tonight I would say.

[mycar]

Kin'ell, had me worried for a bit there, the last time something like happened to me I needed a new crank, new bearings and a new lots of other expensive things.

Brilliant news.

Mike.

[Ferry Man]

I'm not reading this thread any further. It stresses me out...

'Glad it's sorted Mark.
Can you now please keep your troubles to yourself.

[Nige]

Great news.

You're going to need that holiday.

[hot66]

phew !!!

I had a rocker shaft 'walk' on my way back from Lemans a couple of years ago which resulted in a shite load of oil everywhere & running on 5 .... . I've now got fitted the rsr style 'rocker lockers' that prevent them being able to walk

[KS]

Excellent news!!!!

[sladey]

My wife tells me that when you're writing a story, there's a specific set of storytelling 'techniques' that grip the readers' attention. One of these techniques is what's called a DRAT.....a Desperate Race Against Time.

I think that's what we have here. Will the conquering hero overcome what seem to be insurmountable odds at the last minute to rescue the situation and we all live happily ever after??

Here's hoping. You'll get there. I can feel it.

Car looks tops by the way

On a TV show basis, I think I just had the moment they show just before the commercial break - car goes onto back of low loader - cut to 5 minutes of adverts - come back to the show and the car is fixed.

Incredible. I'm with Ferryman on this - it'll do me good to have a couple of weeks away from the car