Ray Collier blog, part three
Progress has been quite slow on the TR7 mainly due to a house move and Mrs Woodworm wanting some decorating doing.
I have found though that everyone in the TR fraternity is very helpful especially the guys at Rimmer brothers who not only sell you everything you need they talk you through how to do the job too.
I decided to remove and inspect/rebuild the water pump on the car as it is integral to the engine I didn’t want to get the car running only to damage the engine, as the guys on the forum will know about the saga with the snapped thermostat bolt the job didn’t start well.
Once I had decided on the parts I needed and covered the garage floor in 10 year old water and coolant I ordered the parts for the pump and the DIY water pump removal tool from Rimmer Brothers. An exciting looking box arrived just before Christmas.
My helper who lacks no enthusiasm was most excited by the contents and Mrs Woodworm left us to hammer things in the garage, the water pump came out easily using the tool and a slide hammer. I realised once I had the box of bits on the floor my plan was not the best.
I had a massive box of assorted O rings and seals for all the brakes and the coolant system and I would have a task nearly as complex as breaking the Davinci code to work out what parts were for what.
Efficient as ever, my friend on the other end of the phone had already included a parts diagram of the pump with the part numbers on it. All the bags were numbered too so my phone bill was saved.
My job list now includes rebuilding the pump, changing all the coolant hoses, the engine oil and pressure switch. I'll fit all the general service items before buying and fitting the fuel lines and sealing/fitting the fuel tank. Then the clutch will be next. I think I will stop for now, the job list is getting too big!
I have been doing some other classic related jobs on the side though as my father in law decided he had lived long enough with his modern car. He wanted some fun too so we set about finding a nice MGB. We found one in the for sale section of Practical Classics no less!
A trip from Cheshire to London ended in the purchase of a very nice Blue MGB GT which I have since done a few jobs on, including setting up the carbs as the car was running far too rich. I hadn't fiddled with SU’s before and reading how to do the job was very daunting so I have a great tip.
There's a guy on Youtube who has posted how to guides for MG owners. If you type in 'universal motors' his guides come up. The SU set up is much easier to achieve when you watch it being done. We over checked our work with a Gunson colour tune and gas tester to make sure. Apart from an oil change and further polishing the car should be good for the summer.
Sheared bolt was a pain.
Pump removal was a chore
Ray's father in law Chris, with his new MG. Posted: 9:56am, 4 May 2010
Words: Ray Collier
Images: Ray Collier
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