On Friday morning, my grandmother died after a long illness.
On Saturday, I went to do some work on the Sprite to escape from the rest of the family & to take my mind off everything. The Amazon's oil light decides to light up just as I arrive (the Sprite is stored away from home, at a mate's car storage / transportation company) :-( An oil change had no effect either
So, I left the Volvo there, and took the Sprite to get home. Bloody thing breaks down on the dual carriageway - RAC diagnosis: the timing chain has jumped a few teeth :-(
Both cars now out of action.....
Sunday - trying to find a motorfactors that was a) open, and b) had an A series timing chain kit. Oh, and being grumpy along with the rest of the family.
Monday, back at work but thoroughly grumpy and unable to concentrate (no, not because of the cars ) All I achieved that day was ordering a new oil pressure sender (the prime suspect) for the Amazon.
Tues, off work (no point going - see Mon), and to keep myself out of trouble, I liberated my cousin's Pug 106 1.1 as it's insured for anyone :-), so I can go to fix the Amazon (turned out it was the oil pressure sender switch :-) ). The 106 was ok to drive, but nothing special. On the otherhand, having a go in my friend's trackday 309 1.9 GTi cheered me up! The BDA engined Mk1 scrote that is also stored there sounded amazing! Belongs to a customer though, so it had to be left alone.
Weds, funeral (need I say more?)
Today, back at work.... on the plus side though, tomorrow is Friday
As for the Sprite, well the engine was on it's last legs anyway (25psi oil pressure hot running, 0 psi at hot idle) so I was expecting it to go out in a blaze of glory - perhaps a leg out of bed or similar. My brother is rebuilding a spare engine anyway so it will have to wait until that's ready. He and I are still deciding on the spec / mods - may be standard (ish) if nothing needs replacing, but the only certain thing is that it will use the 948 block & crank ;D
On Saturday, I went to do some work on the Sprite to escape from the rest of the family & to take my mind off everything. The Amazon's oil light decides to light up just as I arrive (the Sprite is stored away from home, at a mate's car storage / transportation company) :-( An oil change had no effect either
So, I left the Volvo there, and took the Sprite to get home. Bloody thing breaks down on the dual carriageway - RAC diagnosis: the timing chain has jumped a few teeth :-(
Both cars now out of action.....
Sunday - trying to find a motorfactors that was a) open, and b) had an A series timing chain kit. Oh, and being grumpy along with the rest of the family.
Monday, back at work but thoroughly grumpy and unable to concentrate (no, not because of the cars ) All I achieved that day was ordering a new oil pressure sender (the prime suspect) for the Amazon.
Tues, off work (no point going - see Mon), and to keep myself out of trouble, I liberated my cousin's Pug 106 1.1 as it's insured for anyone :-), so I can go to fix the Amazon (turned out it was the oil pressure sender switch :-) ). The 106 was ok to drive, but nothing special. On the otherhand, having a go in my friend's trackday 309 1.9 GTi cheered me up! The BDA engined Mk1 scrote that is also stored there sounded amazing! Belongs to a customer though, so it had to be left alone.
Weds, funeral (need I say more?)
Today, back at work.... on the plus side though, tomorrow is Friday
As for the Sprite, well the engine was on it's last legs anyway (25psi oil pressure hot running, 0 psi at hot idle) so I was expecting it to go out in a blaze of glory - perhaps a leg out of bed or similar. My brother is rebuilding a spare engine anyway so it will have to wait until that's ready. He and I are still deciding on the spec / mods - may be standard (ish) if nothing needs replacing, but the only certain thing is that it will use the 948 block & crank ;D