Fully serviced... you reckon?
Discussion
I took the griff around to my friend Michael (Talkwrench) this afternoon mainly so that he could drive the car and confirm my initial thoughts that:
a) it handled like a drunken speed boat and
b) the engine wasn't anywhere near it's optimum performance
What I wasn't expecting him to say was that the clutch felt very odd and for the clutch to suddenly let go completely!
Luckily, we managed to get it back to his house. We, or more to the point Michael, found the source of the problem pretty quickly.
The pipe joint just as it goes into the slave cylinder was leaking (the system had NO fluid in it by this time) and seems to be cracked, very possibly through overtightening. Anyway, to cut a long story short, Michael had the tool to put a new collar onto the end of the pipe, but the fitting was not standard size (what a surprise!) so that was a no go. He cleaned and re-fitted as best he could and we fully flushed the system and I got it the 45 miles or so home (inc. through Bradford!) managing it with a grand total of only 7 clutch uses ... isn't torque a wonderful thing
But, my main gripe is... as most of you know, most normal clutch fluid is fairly clear... this is the bloody fluid that came out of my full service history 24k mile car!!!! I would suspect it has not been changed since the car left the factory
I still haven't decided where to go for it's servicing but, honestly, who the hell can you trust to do the jobs right!
At least I don't need to worry about spending a grand of adjustable shocks just yet ... we reckon that poly bushes all round and a full Geo will transform the car. The existing bushes are now confirmed as pretty much, well, knackered
a) it handled like a drunken speed boat and
b) the engine wasn't anywhere near it's optimum performance
What I wasn't expecting him to say was that the clutch felt very odd and for the clutch to suddenly let go completely!
Luckily, we managed to get it back to his house. We, or more to the point Michael, found the source of the problem pretty quickly.
The pipe joint just as it goes into the slave cylinder was leaking (the system had NO fluid in it by this time) and seems to be cracked, very possibly through overtightening. Anyway, to cut a long story short, Michael had the tool to put a new collar onto the end of the pipe, but the fitting was not standard size (what a surprise!) so that was a no go. He cleaned and re-fitted as best he could and we fully flushed the system and I got it the 45 miles or so home (inc. through Bradford!) managing it with a grand total of only 7 clutch uses ... isn't torque a wonderful thing
But, my main gripe is... as most of you know, most normal clutch fluid is fairly clear... this is the bloody fluid that came out of my full service history 24k mile car!!!! I would suspect it has not been changed since the car left the factory
I still haven't decided where to go for it's servicing but, honestly, who the hell can you trust to do the jobs right!
At least I don't need to worry about spending a grand of adjustable shocks just yet ... we reckon that poly bushes all round and a full Geo will transform the car. The existing bushes are now confirmed as pretty much, well, knackered
Al.this kind of ting is not TVR only,i see this all the time in the motor trade,garages just dont bother changing clutch fluid because most owners dont notice and thereis no safety issues involved,when in fact it should be done along with a brakefluid service,i seldom see a car in with clean clutch fluid unless its pretty new,it normally transforms the feel too(bonus).you know now to check your car when you have it serviced,good luck with the pipe,i think i saw some outlet selling this pipe in braided.
Oh s**t! Feel for you mate 
I assume that the clutch fluid is one of the things that is checked at a service? I suppose a cracked fluid pipe is hard to check at a service, just like loose throttle linkages - doesn't explain the state of the clutch fluid though? Who serviced it last? Name and shame!!
I suppose that goes to show us both that there is some truth that a low mileage car does not mean fewer potential problems?? Hope you get it sorted soon and that's the end of the problems for a long time. At least she will be nicely set up for Le Mans
That reminds me I must remember to put a cheque in the post!!!
I assume that the clutch fluid is one of the things that is checked at a service? I suppose a cracked fluid pipe is hard to check at a service, just like loose throttle linkages - doesn't explain the state of the clutch fluid though? Who serviced it last? Name and shame!!
I suppose that goes to show us both that there is some truth that a low mileage car does not mean fewer potential problems?? Hope you get it sorted soon and that's the end of the problems for a long time. At least she will be nicely set up for Le Mans
That reminds me I must remember to put a cheque in the post!!!
my pet hate is poor servicing.there are far too many around who get away with shoddy workmanship,and pure neglect.The real good guys are few and far between.
However,to be fair,i have fitted a brand new slave,and completely bled the system with fresh,light coloured fluid,only to find it 'blacken' in no time(weeks).This was on my wifes Mazda,but i'm sure it's not the only car this can happen on?
However,to be fair,i have fitted a brand new slave,and completely bled the system with fresh,light coloured fluid,only to find it 'blacken' in no time(weeks).This was on my wifes Mazda,but i'm sure it's not the only car this can happen on?
Not so sure its necessarily been neglected, really blackened fluid can just as easily be down to the slave and or master cylinder seals perishing which can happen fairly quickly in the heat of a Tiv engine bay. It can also 'taint' new fluid if the seals have been changed and he fluid has not been fully worked and bled through a couple of times too, a bit like engine oil in an old engine if its not been flushed.
No point in naming and shaming as it is not a standard 6000 mile job and I'm not certain when it should have last been changed and hence which dealer was the culprit.
My mate (Talkwrench) has many many years of mechanical experience and I would trust him implicity, and he reckoned it was more than a few years old. Oh, the nipple bleed head was rounded to b*ggery aswell!
On my last Griff one particular main dealer south of manchester was instructed specifically to change all fluids including the diff before I took it down to Spain. By the end of an otherwise faultless very hot 4000 miles my diff was whining. Diff oil checked at another place ... "this is black, it hasn't been changed for years ... mainly as they couldn't get the sump plug of, look it was all rounded off!"
I just hate bad service and just want to find somewhere that I can trust to do the job right. If it wasn't for the resale value of those little stamps I would have "Talkwrench" looking after my cars full stop.
My mate (Talkwrench) has many many years of mechanical experience and I would trust him implicity, and he reckoned it was more than a few years old. Oh, the nipple bleed head was rounded to b*ggery aswell!
On my last Griff one particular main dealer south of manchester was instructed specifically to change all fluids including the diff before I took it down to Spain. By the end of an otherwise faultless very hot 4000 miles my diff was whining. Diff oil checked at another place ... "this is black, it hasn't been changed for years ... mainly as they couldn't get the sump plug of, look it was all rounded off!"
I just hate bad service and just want to find somewhere that I can trust to do the job right. If it wasn't for the resale value of those little stamps I would have "Talkwrench" looking after my cars full stop.
seasider said:
burriana said:
I just hate bad service and just want to find somewhere that I can trust to do the job right. If it wasn't for the resale value of those little stamps I would have "Talkwrench" looking after my cars full stop.
DIY
or let someone you trust like Talkwrench look after it
seasider said:
burriana said:
I just hate bad service and just want to find somewhere that I can trust to do the job right. If it wasn't for the resale value of those little stamps I would have "Talkwrench" looking after my cars full stop.
DIY
or let someone you trust like Talkwrench look after it
I know, believe me I would, but I need those damn stamps in the service book!
I'm mostly frustrated because I live in the northun wastelands and don't have much choice when it comes to service centres
It's a shame when you feel you need to say to people, "oh, and I'd like to see the old air filter/plugs/pads" delete as appropriate to arkward job on particular car!
I've had a couple of V12 Jags and they were notorious for having particularly poor performing rear most cylinders ... mainly cos the plugs were an absolute sod to get out, so were often conveniently forgotten about at service.
I now have a problem that the place I was erring towards for service does collect the car, but with a driver, not a low loader ... but as the car isn't really drivable that isn't an option. A more local specialist has a trailer, but the 12k service is DOUBLE the price!
Cars, who'd have 'em eh!
re: poly bushes:
On another point - anyone know the best place to buy a full set of poly bushes please and what does it consist of? I presume wishbone bushes plus anti-roll bar?
thanks
It looks like clutch fluid check is not part of the routine service.
I've just had mine serviced about three weeks ago, in time for the trip up to Blackpool. On the way back i noticed that the gear change was getting "sticky", and difficult to engage.
Yesterday i found that there was almost no fluid in the system! A top up and quick bleed soon rectified the problem, but what fluid did come out was black.
I guess that beacuase the master cylinder is "sealed" in to the wing, it's not part of a routine check to inspect the level, and so gets "forgotten".
My problem now is to find out how i lost the fluid in the first place.
I've just had mine serviced about three weeks ago, in time for the trip up to Blackpool. On the way back i noticed that the gear change was getting "sticky", and difficult to engage.
Yesterday i found that there was almost no fluid in the system! A top up and quick bleed soon rectified the problem, but what fluid did come out was black.
I guess that beacuase the master cylinder is "sealed" in to the wing, it's not part of a routine check to inspect the level, and so gets "forgotten".
My problem now is to find out how i lost the fluid in the first place.
burriana said:
...
re: poly bushes:
On another point - anyone know the best place to buy a full set of poly bushes please and what does it consist of? I presume wishbone bushes plus anti-roll bar?
thanks
re: poly bushes:
On another point - anyone know the best place to buy a full set of poly bushes please and what does it consist of? I presume wishbone bushes plus anti-roll bar?
thanks
www.trackcarsolutions.net/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=37
www.powerflex.co.uk/products.asp?cat=0035&catalog=0235&submit1.x=19&submit1.y=9
(to see a breakdown of what you get)
Doesn't cover ARB though, if you want to increase the ARB effect then :-
https://delta.securesslhost.net/~shenglt/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=34&osCsid=c78b93a2b6beffd512132ec4a63b8023
(www TVRExtras.co.uk)
Unfortunately only available in boring red or blue, no yellow.
burriana said:
Thanks for that Richard.
I just assumed that the roll bar bushes would need or be worthwhile doing if i was changing all the others.
Whereabouts in E.Yorks are you ... and who do you use for servicing? (apologies if I've asked you before and forgotten!)
I just assumed that the roll bar bushes would need or be worthwhile doing if i was changing all the others.
Whereabouts in E.Yorks are you ... and who do you use for servicing? (apologies if I've asked you before and forgotten!)
Not really seen much info on the ARB bushes to be honest in respect of people changing them, maybe they get less hammer than the main ones? Anyway others prob know more on this?
On bush topic was told by Joo is a bit of a job for an entire set, full days labour
Haven't had the car that long, went to Harrogate for full service late 2005, but the credit card melted after that experience
. Currently in a bit of a DIY mode as the car rather dismantled at mo on stands (no exhaust, rad, fuel tank, body 6" above chassis etc!), so planning on doing fluids before back on the road again..
There is a local independant (was apprentice of my dad in their previous jobs) who also does two jags (JP) XJS, who
I'd probably use, but then mine is 1993 and no selling plans so I'm not too fussed about official stamps and they always give very detailed receipts of work done
Oh, live in little town between Hull and the sea, even more in middle of nowhere than you maybe ?
burriana said:
No point in naming and shaming as it is not a standard 6000 mile job and I'm not certain when it should have last been changed and hence which dealer was the culprit.
My mate (Talkwrench) has many many years of mechanical experience and I would trust him implicity, and he reckoned it was more than a few years old. Oh, the nipple bleed head was rounded to b*ggery aswell!
On my last Griff one particular main dealer south of manchester was instructed specifically to change all fluids including the diff before I took it down to Spain. By the end of an otherwise faultless very hot 4000 miles my diff was whining. Diff oil checked at another place ... "this is black, it hasn't been changed for years ... mainly as they couldn't get the sump plug of, look it was all rounded off!"
I just hate bad service and just want to find somewhere that I can trust to do the job right. If it wasn't for the resale value of those little stamps I would have "Talkwrench" looking after my cars full stop.
My mate (Talkwrench) has many many years of mechanical experience and I would trust him implicity, and he reckoned it was more than a few years old. Oh, the nipple bleed head was rounded to b*ggery aswell!
On my last Griff one particular main dealer south of manchester was instructed specifically to change all fluids including the diff before I took it down to Spain. By the end of an otherwise faultless very hot 4000 miles my diff was whining. Diff oil checked at another place ... "this is black, it hasn't been changed for years ... mainly as they couldn't get the sump plug of, look it was all rounded off!"
I just hate bad service and just want to find somewhere that I can trust to do the job right. If it wasn't for the resale value of those little stamps I would have "Talkwrench" looking after my cars full stop.
Al,
I gave up with all of them ges go .... I'm sorry, but none of them look after my car as well as I look after it. They do not have the passion for them ..
As for the clutch pipe, I had a flexi one made up years ago and it solves the issue of the pipe cracking. Once used 1.5ltr of clutch fluid to get through Castle Donington so I didn't miss the World Superbikes with a cracked pipe like that ... Knew what it was, but daren't stop ... Home on an RAC flat bed ... Have lso driven 1/2 the M25 with no clutch either ...
Roberto Rica said:
a good indie can stamp the service pages.
Yep, no problem with Indie stamps Rob, but if I use a trusted friend who is undoubtedly as, or more knowledgeable than a lot of service places to service the car then there is no stamp whatsoever.
And that is the problem when it comes to selling to someone who may not understand these issues.
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