Visitor in the paddock

Testing on the new engine continues with (eventually) good results.

After another test drive, the clutch problem returned. I tried to adjust it again by the roadside, but didn't enjoy crouching by the drivers (i.e., road side) side of the car at night so gave up and drove it home being careful not to press the clutch all the way in. Once cold, the problem seemed to go, so perhaps something expands when warm to create the problem

However, after adjusting the pedal as far as it will go, I had another test drive, and the problem did not return, so I think it's fixed. There is still an odd feeling to the clutch pedal as it disengages - I'm not sure what to attribute this to. It's not causing any problems though so I'm just going to ignore it until it does as I suspect the fix would be a new release bearing (i.e., engine out).

After some thought, I decided that the best way to attach the bonnet scoop would be to bond some bolts onto the scoop and then bolt it down - this will give me the option of making a new (better fitting) bonnet in the future but reuse the scoop, having spent an evening wrapping it nicely. This is the result:

Bonnet scoop drying. Bolts were attached by using very large washers covered by Sikaflex. Not sure how long Sikaflex takes to fully cure so I'm going to give it a week before attaching it.

On Friday I got up at 5:30 to trailer the car up to Fibreform for some welding. Dave got the car up on some ramps and showed me the amount of diff movement I was getting by gently jacking the diff... a bit worrying as the diff nose was lifting by 10-20 mm. After a spot of welding and strengthening he had this sorted and advised me to keep the main front mount tight, recommending lock wiring it to ensure it doesn't undo. At some point I'll undo it, thread lock it and lock wire it.

This morning I sorted out the steering wheel for the n'th time as it wasn't central - not difficult but fiddly and time consuming, but it's right at last. Midway through this I had some problems with the ignition barrel - for some reason the steering lock wouldn't release properly and prevented the key from turning. Fortunately I eventually fixed it by hitting it with a hammer, but I'm keeping a look out for a cheap Ebay replacement part.

I tried another test drive and was pleased to find that the car is performing well with no major problems.

There are a few tasks remaining: the rear brakes are dragging a bit (this is probably what was causing them to lock up before the fronts); and the traction control is playing up on the new engine. Not sure what the solution will be for the traction control. It's booked in for the tonneau fitting on Friday, which will be good to have. Also the car is very dirty and needs a clean - hopefully the vinyl wrap will clean up easily.

Finally: today's visitor to the paddock:

I found this fellow hopping around by the 328 engine.

I caught him and let him go in the field behind the house.