Enough's enough!
Discussion
Time to dip into the savings I think. Is it wise to take the Wee Beastie to a proper TVR dealer (Hexham) and give them a list of things to sort, or should I look for an alternative (if there is one)?
They're all minor things (I hope) but I don't want the costs to spiral.
I'd love a bit of help from those in the know. Cheers!
They're all minor things (I hope) but I don't want the costs to spiral.
I'd love a bit of help from those in the know. Cheers!
WorGC said:
Time to dip into the savings I think. Is it wise to take the Wee Beastie to a proper TVR dealer (Hexham) and give them a list of things to sort, or should I look for an alternative (if there is one)?
They're all minor things (I hope) but I don't want the costs to spiral.
I'd love a bit of help from those in the know. Cheers!
They're all minor things (I hope) but I don't want the costs to spiral.
I'd love a bit of help from those in the know. Cheers!
It all sounds like pretty basic stuff.
Maybe a Haynes manual for the engine would be a good starter ( 2.9i Granada ?).
Having said that I spent a couple of grand at RT Racing on my old 280i because I couldn't be bothered getting my hands mucky, plus another 500 on the clutch change.
Gareth,
Not being a TVR owner I cant give specific advice but there is a definite path to follow when solving problems like these and you need to ask some basic questions of other TVR owners (preferably S3 owners).
Is this a specific problem with your car or common to all S3's?
If a common problem then what is the basic cause? - a) radiator not big enough b) fan not big enough c) not enough water circulation due to fouled or worn water pump or generally fouled system. d) system operating at wrong pressure. etc etc
If its a problem specific to your car then how does it differ from other S3's?
Make a list of all the possible causes then check the cheap, easy and obvious things first. Flush any crap from the system. Check the drive belt on the water pump etc.
My son had overheating problems on his Mini and we spent ages changing everything, water pump, radiator, radiator cap, heater valve , heater, hoses, head gasket. It turned out to be a worn fan belt that started to slip only above 2,500 rpm so it was tight and looked OK under the bonnet at tick over.
Sorry no instant solutions but a logical approach to these problems, with a little help from your mates, usually works.
Not being a TVR owner I cant give specific advice but there is a definite path to follow when solving problems like these and you need to ask some basic questions of other TVR owners (preferably S3 owners).
Is this a specific problem with your car or common to all S3's?
If a common problem then what is the basic cause? - a) radiator not big enough b) fan not big enough c) not enough water circulation due to fouled or worn water pump or generally fouled system. d) system operating at wrong pressure. etc etc
If its a problem specific to your car then how does it differ from other S3's?
Make a list of all the possible causes then check the cheap, easy and obvious things first. Flush any crap from the system. Check the drive belt on the water pump etc.
My son had overheating problems on his Mini and we spent ages changing everything, water pump, radiator, radiator cap, heater valve , heater, hoses, head gasket. It turned out to be a worn fan belt that started to slip only above 2,500 rpm so it was tight and looked OK under the bonnet at tick over.
Sorry no instant solutions but a logical approach to these problems, with a little help from your mates, usually works.
I suppose it all depends on what it is that needs fettling. Did TVR do any fiddling with the 2.9 engine, or is it just a basic Ford unit? I think I would let a TVR dealer look at anything TVR specific and a normal back street garage to look at the rest, if you don't want to learn new skills and get your hands dirty.
I know it's all basic stuff. That's the annoying part. The fan wiring's burnt out, I think the switch that controls it is knackered, there's a slight leak from the radiator hoses, the coolant needs changing, etc. I work in a bl**dy garage! But you just can't find good technicians who'll give up an hour of their saturday for £50 and a crate of beer anymore. I work 9-7 6 days a week, so I'm stuck. 
Or just lazy in the modern sense!
Or just lazy in the modern sense!
Hello Gavin,
If you can drop it off round my house i will sort the leaks out.
I have just replaced the radiator on my chim along with all the hoses and water pump and have had no problems at all with over heating or leaking!!!
Trouble is i am away this weekend but am free next.
If you want you can drop your car off saturday or sunday morning and then pick it up in the evening.
Its up to you!!!
Andy
If you can drop it off round my house i will sort the leaks out.
I have just replaced the radiator on my chim along with all the hoses and water pump and have had no problems at all with over heating or leaking!!!
Trouble is i am away this weekend but am free next.
If you want you can drop your car off saturday or sunday morning and then pick it up in the evening.
Its up to you!!!
Andy
WorGC said:
Time to dip into the savings I think. Is it wise to take the Wee Beastie to a proper TVR dealer (Hexham) and give them a list of things to sort, or should I look for an alternative (if there is one)?
They're all minor things (I hope) but I don't want the costs to spiral.
I'd love a bit of help from those in the know. Cheers!
They're all minor things (I hope) but I don't want the costs to spiral.
I'd love a bit of help from those in the know. Cheers!
good god don't take an S to a main dealer!
travel to blackpool and give it to Automedon, top class service lovely chaps and very efficient...when I had an S3c (up until about 2 weeks ago) I took it from Newcastle to Blackpool on the strength of their reputation..and I was not disappointed
Thanks for the offer Andy 
, and the advice Minimax. It's very much appreciated.
I've finally got one of my mechanics from Saab (ex old-skool Ford) to spend a few hours on it on Saturday. Went out for a long run yesterday and it behaved impeccably, so I think a coolant change and a blast out of the radiator should suffice till I can get it re-cored.
I'll post an update after the weekend (we're going to Croft for the BTCC!)
, and the advice Minimax. It's very much appreciated. I've finally got one of my mechanics from Saab (ex old-skool Ford) to spend a few hours on it on Saturday. Went out for a long run yesterday and it behaved impeccably, so I think a coolant change and a blast out of the radiator should suffice till I can get it re-cored.
I'll post an update after the weekend (we're going to Croft for the BTCC!)
Byff said:
What's happened to the S Minimax? Are you wanting a new motor perchance? 
only just got a new job and therefore spotted this...
...the S wasn't really my type of car..too compromised..
so, the new addition to the minimax household in the north east is...:drumrollplease:
... a 1999 Lotus Elise sport 135 in racing green with metallic gold wheels, hardtop, yellow viper stripes, Lotus upgrade brakes and Exige suspension and carbon fibre racing seats...:dribble:
just picked it up today and frankly it is a stunning machine..so nimble! so agile! so cool!
...already had a run down the airstrip (aka coast road) and 1.30 leptons is achieveable!
satch said:
cool car Tom.
You're joining the Lotus engineered brigade - it happens eventually.
although Back Home last weekend did bring back some good memories of Tiv Ownership!ah yes, the Lotus engineered brigade..fantastic isn't it!
I absolutely adore this car already! wouldn't mind a hundred extra horses but the handling makes up for it (almost)! 
Just an update for future reference (lovely Lotus by the way!), I've had two jubilee clips replaced, the system flushed and fresh coolant put in, and the fan's been wired up properly (the thermo switch works fine). So all easy stuff really.
However, there are still two small puddles lining up with the corners of the radiator after a run, so my next job is getting the radiator refurbed by Advanced.
Ahh the joys.......
However, there are still two small puddles lining up with the corners of the radiator after a run, so my next job is getting the radiator refurbed by Advanced.
Ahh the joys.......
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