Cinquecento Another return to the cinqucento

[cartledge_uk]

A quick test applying some pressure to the exhaust demonstrated that the exhaust rubbers are stiffer than the suspension!

On further investigation, the rear shocks are completely gone, and the fronts still have some oil, but the springs are gone so there's no rebound!

 

[RHFabrications]

Will it be done in time for the summer solo, or are you going to keep using it as it is? It doesn't seem to be slowing it down...

 

[cartledge_uk]

It hasn't changed, its always been like this but I only just checked the state.

Hopefully I have a chance to fix it, but the head gasket is weeping too.

 

[fingers99]

but the head gasket is weeping too.

Treble check that -- it's almost unheard of on the 8v. Chances are it's the rocker cover gasket.

 

[cartledge_uk]

Treble check that -- it's almost unheard of on the 8v. Chances are it's the rocker cover gasket.

Happened on my last cento too. Very slow loss of coolant and oil, progressively getting worse with no external drips. Eventually it will go completely.

Sorry I should have specified, weeping internally into a cylinder

 

[cartledge_uk]

I have a blueprinted 1108cc engine here that is destined to go in (change in formula 750 regs has meant this is illegal now so may as well stick it in the cento) Its just time really.

 

[cartledge_uk]

Couldn't keep the engine in anymore a crank seal went too so it had to come out.

 

[RHFabrications]

Finished by the weekend?

 

[cartledge_uk]

Hopefully, but I'm waiting on some key parts so maybe not as I'm really short on time!

 

[cartledge_uk]

So I had a spare 30min today so while the engine was out took the opportunity to swap the heater matrix.

 

[blu73]

bit extreme dropping the whole engine out for a crank seal isn't it!!

 

[cartledge_uk]

It was the gearbox end one (I presume it was the crank seal I still haven't split the box off yet).

The engine was very tired anyway and I just couldn't be bothered fannying around with fixing it in situ when I had engine s ready to go. Although hindsight with the autosolo coming up, this was the wrong move. Lol!

 

[blu73]

yeah that is the one called the rear crank seal... I would have dropped the box off and left the engine in with either a hoist holding it from above or a trolley jack with a bit of wood on the sump. Done this quite a few times - but late now but you know for next time.

 

[cartledge_uk]

yeah that is the one called the rear crank seal... I would have dropped the box off and left the engine in with either a hoist holding it from above or a trolley jack with a bit of wood on the sump. Done this quite a few times - but late now but you know for next time.

Next time I'd just leave it till I have more time!

It doesn't take much more effort to drop the engine, plus I already have a spare engine to go in, so in my view its easier to just do an engine swap

 

[blu73]

ah swapping engine, i'll get my coat

 

[cartledge_uk]

ah swapping engine, i'll get my coat

Lol. Not a problem. I don't even read all my own thread! I'm not even sure if I wrote it on here actually.

I'm also replacing the suspension, wishbones, bushes so its easier with the front end stripped

 

[cartledge_uk]

So..... The arb/front wishbone bolt hole that the previous owner/garage cross threaded is beyond retapping. Its a gonner. Combined with a few other issues I've discovered. This cento is doomed!

Sad times.

I'll be back in a cento at some point. Just not now.

 

[RHFabrications]

Nooo! Is it really a goner? I'd happily take it off your hands if so.

Are you short of a car for the weekend? I'm happy let you double drive mine.

 

[cartledge_uk]

It is for me. I just don't have the time. Baby due in 2months, extension underway, 3 other cars to use/build etc. Drop me a message if you want it. Or we can chat about it at the weekend?

 

[fingers99]

So..... The arb/front wishbone bolt hole that the previous owner/garage cross threaded is beyond retapping. Its a gonner. Combined with a few other issues I've discovered. This cento is doomed!

Sad times.

I'll be back in a cento at some point. Just not now.

Dunno about the other issues (obviously -- psychic abilities greatly exaggerated!) but easy enough to cut into the panel, weld in another nut. Helicoiling would be another alternative.