Timex and friends

[Jaba]

Did you see my GTi there Mike ? If so anything to report ??

[citsncycles]

I did see it there a couple of weeks back, but didn't spot it this time. I'll probably be round there again later in the week (need to pick up some documents for the AX), so will find out.

[citsncycles]

Not much on the BX front, although with the insurance renewed on Timex it'll get a bit of use over the next few weeks before the MOT runs out - have to use up the diesel before I drop the tank

The XM disgraced itself this morning on the way to work when the return pipe from the pressure regulator popped off and it pumped all its fluid out. I had just enough pressure in the system to get into the car park before the brakes disappeared. Luckily one of my work mates took me into town for LHM and a clip for the pipe, so it's all sorted now. It reprimed much easier than Timex does, but losing PAS on an XM is a MUCH bigger deal then on a BX as I could bearly turn the wheel!

[electrokid]

but losing PAS on an XM is a MUCH bigger deal then on a BX

I've had experience of a similar contrast between 2 types of car. I had the throttle jam fully open on a 1 litre Metro... and the throttle stick partially open on a 2.8 Granny. I got out of both situations reasonably easily but a Granny launching itself into the blue beyond was definitely the scariest. I do enjoy 'Granny launching' but as long as it's under my control.

[Tinkley]

Like the throttle jamming with ice on a 30+ Deg C day on my Gilera NordWest......now I know what a big single sounds like at 8k revs when the limiter cuts in....

Also found out why they put a return cable (ie shut carb) in the system....

[citsncycles]

So I currently have no road legal BX's!

Timex's MOT ran out last weekend, but before that did some running round including a trip to the 'long term storage' barn to unload the mortal remains of a Visa 10E:



It then failed to proceed on the way to work Friday due to a failed fuel filter head. I got it to within 1/4 of a mile of the 'local barn' by repriming the fuel system each time it stopped when it failed to restart due to a flat battery! With the help of Andy Weston we bypassed the filter and jump started it so that it could take the XM's place in the barn.

Visal Diesel is still not finished - guess what, more welding needed after I found one of the sills and the C post full of filler, chicken wire and bubble wrap! Once done it'll be the main winter car and I'll make a final decision on whether I take that or Mitch the 4x4 on the challenge next year.

To that end, and also because in theory it needs less work, I may well get Mitch on the road before starting on Timex. Hopefully some wiring and a major service should get it through the MOT then I can start working on what else it needs.

[Tim Leech]

Happy Birthday Mike

We miss you and Timex!