Inspection checklist before track day or journey ?

[ultimad]

As a complete Numpty (on a steep learning curve) I wonder if anyone here can give me the benefit of their experiences and some advice on the things worth checking before going on a run or track day. I had an 'interesting' experience over the weekend where a 'just popping out for half an hour' turned into 5 hours and one missed BBQ (and I'm now on zero brownie points). I do check some things, but I hadn't been checking my front number plate (so saw that fly like a kite over my head when I hit the dual carriageway) and hadn't been checking my alternator (and lost my fan belt 30 mins later presumably soon after the alternator top bolt/spacer had fallen off). Actually I wasn't more relieved I didn't seize the engine with an overheat situation. I was kinda expecting something to happen - it seemed too good to be true having pretty much no problems after 600 miles.

[steve_d]

The build manual has a checklist in it. Can't remmber what's in there so you can tell I don't use one.
Mine used to be Oil and tyre pressures but since the new rims the pressures are no longer a problem.
I don't check fuel as every journey include a petrol station anyway.

Steve

[luckyp]

Assuming you have a RH lever change, check all your roll pins and if they aren't wired in place, they could do with being so. I lost one on the motorway in Italy and it wasn't fun.

That's my top tip.

Pete

[ultimad]

Centre shift, I have the (in)famous unchangeable (in terms of gear ratios) Getrag.

Either of you surprised by the top alternator bolt coming off ? The alternator came attached fitted to the engine - I must admit I didn't think to remove that bolt and Locktight it as the AA guy suggested.

[CanAm Dave]

I found the original alternator bracket too weak and it flexed. Some people have had them break. I replaced mine with one of ally and stainless steel construction (no flexing). It was from summit racing, part no. SME-2005.

Regards Dave

[gtr-gaz]

ultimad said:

Either of you surprised by the top alternator bolt coming off ?

I've had one come out and one shear off! I always have a quick look around the engine bay before I set off on a journey, just to make sure everything is as it should be and that includes checking the belt tension.
Oh, and I always check the oil level



forgot to mention, I now have an angle bracket on the alternator to take some of the strain off that bolt

Edited by gtr-gaz on Monday 16th April 19:09

[pb3]

I do as Gary suggests, a careful once over or two. If you mark all the bolts/nuts with paint you can see if anything has worked loose with a quick clance. If things do work loose ask yourself why, could be the wrong type of washer or no threadlock etc.

[ultimad]

Aha ... sounds like we might have a weakness in the design of the alternator bracket maybe causing undue stress on the top bolt ? I need to take a closer look so I can see what you're saying but if it's happened to a few of us sounds like it's worth getting that bracket, Locktighting the bolt and marking it.

Edited by ultimad on Monday 16th April 22:13

[luckyp]

ultimad said:

Aha ... sounds like we might have a weakness in the design of the alternator bracket maybe causing undue stress on the top bolt ? I need to take a closer look so I can see what you're saying but if it's happened to a few of us sounds like it's worth getting that bracket, Locktighting the bolt and marking it.

Edited by ultimad on Monday 16th April 22:13

The AS engines now come with the angle bracket from the back of the alt to the engine mount. Basically ties the alt to the block after you've set it's position/tension.