shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 8, 2011 12:56:41 GMT
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Hi Foxy, I'm not going to buy another one now. I have had nothing but trouble with the Royale's, Senator's and Monza's I have owned over the last 20 years, enough is enough. I've not given up on my girl yet. I will get a few pics of the engine and how it's sitting in the bay ... I might get some video too, so you can have a look/listen for yourself and let me know what you think it could be? I don't have the room/storage to proceed at my leisure anymore, so it's back on the drive for the Royale for now. I will drive it down to my mates garage so he can have a good look at it, we need to find out what caused this and are concerned about the way the engine has shifted, those bumps as it was gearing down, and now that it's parked outside my house I have noticed that the front end seems very high (as though the engine had been removed) and the back is sitting quite low. The engine still sounds as sweet as a nut when it's cold, but as soon as it warms up and any pressure applied it starts making that awful noise. The other night, my stepdaughter asked me if i'd drive up to where i'd left the Royale, so I did, and she seemed a little upset at seeing it parked on a dark, lonely road. Yesterday, when she saw it back outside my house she said "poor Royale" and gave it a kiss. It's just a shame that after a year of trying to get her to like the car, she waits until it's in its death throes to decide it's cool. I was looking at Omega and BMW 6 pot engines last night, and apparently they fit into Range Rovers .... so maybe fitting a 3.9 V8 into my Royale wont be so difficult. I would rather get another Vauxhall/Opel straight 6 lump back in there (i'm not a fan of the V6 sound) if I could. Here's a scan from a book I have, that I thought you might find interesting (this was published in 1995):
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Last Edit: Sept 8, 2011 13:01:18 GMT by shran
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foxy99
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,390
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Sept 8, 2011 15:27:24 GMT
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Hi Shran I agree with you tbh. Sometimes you have to say 'enough is enough'. I'm on quite a low salary and sometimes think 'why the hell am I doing this? can someone with money not take over?!' Glad to hear the car stiil starts and sounds fine cold. It should make it easier for a mechanic to diagnose the problem. Always fascinating to see the production/registered stats and wonder how they all ended up scrapped. Probabaly becuase ppl don't have the time/space and money to rebuild them.....like me
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Last Edit: Sept 10, 2011 1:33:04 GMT by foxy99
1974 Daimler Double-Six VDP 1965/67 Hillman Imp pick-up 1984 VW Polo breadvan 1970s Yamaha Twins (4) 1976 Honda SS50ZK1
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 8, 2011 23:40:21 GMT
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I'm in the same boat at the moment, Foxy ... most of my disposable income has been spent on a holiday, decorating the house, stepdaughters birthday and with christmas just around the corner I fear a diet of bread and water maybe on the cards. I replaced the rear window (that was smashed by the scum that fancied taking my car for a ride) and managed to get a-hold of a series 1 Monza wing (the top of the left wing is begging for someone to poke a finger through it) and after the body-work was completed I had a complete re-spray in the pipeline. Now, with the engine problem I am at a loss of what to do. GM6 spare used to have many engines, but could not guarantee the conditions of them, plus I don't fancy driving down to Cornwall and back. As for what happened to all of those cars .... I remember visiting many scrapyards (I used to love having a root around in those places) and seeing many Royale's, Senator's, etc, etc (I used to take the owners manuals and the odd badge), the main problems I noticed with them was the turret tops were always rotten, causing the inner wings to bow inwards. Maybe the straight 6 lump was too heavy for the Carlton/Rekord inner wing design that seems to have been used on the Royale/Senator/Viceroy? Has anyone tried this stuff? My engine is probably to far gone, but it may be useful to someone here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Engine-Oil-Stop-Leak-Smoke-VAUXHALL-VICEROY-ROYLE-/250872637787?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a692ca95b
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Last Edit: Sept 8, 2011 23:53:48 GMT by shran
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foxy99
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,390
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Sept 10, 2011 1:41:10 GMT
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Yeah. I loved going down the scrapyards about 10/15 years ago but loads of them have closed around Glasgow and you can't get exhausts anymore as they cut the CATs off.
The inner wings/turrets were repaired on my car before I got it. They have been done well and for most people it would just not be viable to do this work and it would cost a small fortune to get it done professionally so I guess thats when the end of the line comes.
You still see so many Granadas/Cortinas/Zephyrs/Zodiacs on Ebay tho. Even Consul Capris come up regularly and they were by no means common cars.
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1974 Daimler Double-Six VDP 1965/67 Hillman Imp pick-up 1984 VW Polo breadvan 1970s Yamaha Twins (4) 1976 Honda SS50ZK1
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 12, 2011 21:29:28 GMT
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Well, we had a quick look at the engine today and it seems to be a top-end noise, also, oil is pouring out from 1/2-2/3 way up the enigine (just behind the water pump), so it could be the head gasket that's gone (that's the best case senario). Does anyone know if a manual for the Vauxhall Senator (1986-1994) will be of use when we change the head gasket? We will need to know the correct torque settings, etc. Was the same engines used for that model? Here's a video from today of the Royale running cold (you can hear that whine that I mentioned earlier in this thread, and you can also hear a wheel bearing that I have to replace), and then running hot with the noise, oil, etc. Sorry in advance for some of the colourful language.
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breng
Part of things
Posts: 223
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Sept 13, 2011 20:28:50 GMT
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I have had a mooch at the vid on youtube - is the exhaust smoky?
Listening to the noise, and looking at the smoke coming from the motor I wonder if you have a piston / ring problem?
One of my previous SD1's was smoking and making a ticking noise, pulled the heads and found broken rings on one piston. The lands on the piston and the bore were damaged, so the engine went to the local scrap merchants. Had to look for another V8.
Normally the engines in these cars are very robust (it is usually the bodywork that sees them off). To be certain you will have to strip the thing.
I hope you stick with it, the one I had was identical to yours on a T plate, nice when they are running well but can be money pits when they are'nt.
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foxy99
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,390
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Sept 13, 2011 22:45:30 GMT
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You've got to love the internet and YouTube for this kind of thing. Imagine trying to find help on this by mail or telephone!
Having said that......re the manual. I have genuine Royale one so can photocopy pages or give you any data you need.
Could mb even scan pages and put them up here.
NB the gold Royale Coupe I mentioned got put on Ebay but the guy has found a buyer....a 17 yr old apparently. Must have a good job or kind parents to be able to run one of these at 17!
The red late Royale with the more modern dash is also back on Ebay and bidding is only a few hundred just now. Tempting
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1974 Daimler Double-Six VDP 1965/67 Hillman Imp pick-up 1984 VW Polo breadvan 1970s Yamaha Twins (4) 1976 Honda SS50ZK1
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 14, 2011 9:05:26 GMT
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Hi Breng Thanks for the advice. I said when I saw the smoke "I hope it's not a piston ring", but with no smokey exhaust and the oil running out towards the front of the engine I was hoping it was the head gasket. I suppose the only way to find out is to strip the engine and have a look. A couple of guys had a look and thought the noise was probably due to the fact that the oil wasn't reaching the top end and that's why it sounds ok when cold and noisey when warm (the racket seems to be coming from the back of the engine).
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 14, 2011 9:19:56 GMT
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Hi Foxy A 17 year old got it! He is one lucky guy. I hope it is well looked after. I bet the insurance is a few grand for a 17 yr old. Some high-res scans would be fantastic, Foxy (we will need all the help we can get, and hopefully save the old girl)! Either posted here or I could pm you my email address. I was looking at that red Royale last night and it is tempting, but a little too far for me to risk driving it back (not knowing the car) after what's just happened to mine. I think I will stick to my guns and not buy any more, but that will be hard. I also saw a coupe breaking on ebay, so I emailed the seller about the engine and the rear chrome bumper (mine has rust issues), and this was his reply: "hi mate the rear bumper is in good condition and the nearside part that goes along the back wing is good but the drivers side part is knackered the engine was running but a fuel pipe burst so never tried since milage is 98,000." I am assuming that the coupe bumper will fit the saloon too (though i've never tried)? Now, would you guys take a risk on the engine or wait (I often jump in with both feet and end up spending £££'s when it wasn't needed) and see what the problem is with the one I have? The only thing is.... I can't get the car into the garage for two weeks, due to another car being in there. I hate waiting. Ps: The car is apparently soild underneath, and I was told it has many years left on the road if we sort this problem out. here's hoping!
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Last Edit: Sept 14, 2011 9:23:56 GMT by shran
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breng
Part of things
Posts: 223
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Sept 14, 2011 20:08:06 GMT
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I hope you persevere with it - the problem is if you do'nt, it is likely the car will end up as spares rather than a project, only the likes of us would consider sourcing another motor or getting it repaired.
Keep us informed.
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foxy99
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,390
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Sept 14, 2011 23:54:49 GMT
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Hi Shran. Hold back on the bumper for a few days as I have ordered a parts list for the Royale which should show if there were two different bumpers. As for the engine...if you could get it for £100 or less could be worth it but how would you collect it and store it etc? I am tempted to contact the guy for exhaust/rear arms/alternator/interior footwell soundproofing etc but they are all large items which he might not be keen on posting. A trip in a van would be handy! Meantime I think I'll just ask him for the LHS 'eyelash' trim for under the headlight and the thumbscrew for my clock as it broke. It won't be dear or particularly difficult to strip your engine down and if it can be fixed reasonably cheaply you're back in business
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1974 Daimler Double-Six VDP 1965/67 Hillman Imp pick-up 1984 VW Polo breadvan 1970s Yamaha Twins (4) 1976 Honda SS50ZK1
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 15, 2011 0:49:18 GMT
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Hi Foxy
I'm only half an hour away from where the car is (Preston). A mate of mine has a small trailer (I have no idea how small it is) and pulls it around with a Corsa. I may ask him if we could nip on for the engine. I wonder how heavy the engines are? I saw an episode of "The Garage", and they had a 2.6 six-pot out of a Toyota CROWN, and said it weighed in at half a ton. If I can get the engine for around £100, I will buy it just for the sake of having it.
If you plan on buying some of the heavy gear from the car, it would probably be worth a trip down in a van. I remember two of us carrying a full exhaust from a Senator A, and those things are heavy.
I have asked for a price for the engine with everything left on it, but I don't need an alternator at this time, so I will see how much they want for the job lot and if it's cheap enough I will send you a very cheap alternator.
I think I will be able to store the engine in my mates garage (space permitting). If not, then it's out the back in the out-house with a tarp' tent over it. i may go for the gearbox too, I haven't decided on that yet. Man, talk about a vulture to the carcass. Saying that, the car looks pretty far gone from the one picture they posted.
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 15, 2011 0:52:30 GMT
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 15, 2011 10:07:21 GMT
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The seller can't get the engine going, so i've bought it and all the bits (inc' pipes)anyway . Foxy, I asked about the exhaust and apparently it was replaced just before the car was stood. I may drive over for a look at the car (I may get the diff' and gearbox) and get some pics of the car to post here. My Royale is due for its MOT in Oct', so I have booked it in for next week seeing as a donor car is pretty close by. Here's one for you: My Royale is actually a Vauxhall Viceroy according to the VOSA site Everywhere else recognises it as a Royale when I type in the reg' though.
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Last Edit: Sept 15, 2011 10:08:01 GMT by shran
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foxy99
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,390
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Sept 15, 2011 23:23:55 GMT
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I just saw that pic on Ebay. Its the roughest I've seen!! but pretty unusual in white. I saw a white one (saloon) on Minder once tho.
If it close and you can get the engine out go for it. It won't actually come to any harm left outside tbh.
I've just emailed the guy about the alternator and headlight trim. I should have read this first!
Be interesting to hear how it all works out and thanks for 1st dibs on the parts.
I just put a bid of £530 in for the red one on Ebay. I hope the guy gets a good price for it tho as I think its worth the £1250 he originally wanted for Buy It Now.
PS the white Ebay scrapper....it is a 2.8 I assume?
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1974 Daimler Double-Six VDP 1965/67 Hillman Imp pick-up 1984 VW Polo breadvan 1970s Yamaha Twins (4) 1976 Honda SS50ZK1
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 16, 2011 10:39:30 GMT
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Hi Foxy They are taking the engine out for me. I asked if it was a Royale or Monza, and it's a Royale; he said he thought it was a 3.0, but I asked if it was a carb unit, and it is, so I am assuming that it's a 2.8 (though the odd Royale with 3.0 carb units do exist, Vauxhall have no records of these, yet the owners insisted they were bought like that). The red Royale does look very nice indeed, though i'm not keen on the Senator-like plastic panel between the rear light clusters (I also prefer the older dash .... I did like the digital display on some of the later Senators though). Here's a pic' of the dash from the 'Minichamps' Senator: Speaking of TV shows; I was watching "Appropriate Adult" a few nights back and noticed this:
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Last Edit: Sept 16, 2011 10:44:33 GMT by shran
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b7
Part of things
Posts: 116
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Sept 18, 2011 7:25:46 GMT
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I saw that on Appropriate Adult. In fact I think there was a shot with 2 in there and i made the comment at the time, "Where did they find 2 white senators these days? "
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2012 BMW 520d Touring MSport 2006 Golf GTI TSI Previous 1965 Triumph Herald 12/50 in Royal Blue 1989 BMW 325i Convertible (C2.7 powered)
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foxy99
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,390
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Sept 19, 2011 1:14:35 GMT
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Well...the guy got a fair price for the red Royale - £920 but it seems low compared to what a shabby 2.8 Ghia mk2 Granada with baggy cloth interior usually gets. I guess it just that old Fords are very popular. Its strange that TV companies can rustle up these gars so quickly. There are a couple of Hollywood movies being shot around Glasgow's George Sq just now and they had to fill the streets with authentic Yank vehicles. Shran: I had a look aty my manual for scanning and noticed that it has no torque settings listed. It advises you to refer to the 'data book' which I don't have However...I got the parts book CD and have not had time to pour over it (my girlfriend was round all day Saturday and I didn''t think it was fair to subject her to that lol) but it looks the business. First thing I'll check is re the bumper.
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1974 Daimler Double-Six VDP 1965/67 Hillman Imp pick-up 1984 VW Polo breadvan 1970s Yamaha Twins (4) 1976 Honda SS50ZK1
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shran
Part of things
Posts: 26
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Sept 20, 2011 22:29:42 GMT
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Oh dear about the torque settings.
Yeah, the red Royale reached a decent price.
I think my Royale is going back on the drive for now. I will pick the other engine up next week, but wont attempt anything until I hopefully find those torque settings
I was meant to be going over to look at the scrapper, today, but didn't make it due to feeling under the weather.
I'm now considering getting a Lexus V8 for my next "play" car.
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Sept 21, 2011 0:54:20 GMT
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Got myself a 1986 Opel Senator a couple of days ago, man, dark green velour interior, what were they thinking! Classy ;D
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