[Overdrive switch]

A series overdrive - my overdrive switch is definately u/s and rather than replacing (column mounted) is it possible/desirable to replace with gear lever switch. That way I would avoid occasional mix up with indicator stalk whilst driving, and it would give me a reason to replace the anti rattle spring and selectors etc. I bought the spring and ball last year but chickened out in case I dropped it into the innards - how easy is this job?

[Gearbox]

Thanks everyone. I had a look at the moss catalogue which seems to show the oil filler plug about 1/2 way up the nearside of the gearbox. Taking my car to friendly local MOT station to do it on their ramp - it pays to have your son do DoE bronze in car mechanics with them - they got some free labour, son learnt about cars and dad gets help when needed!

 

What about the diff oil - is it possible to suck old oil out with a flex rubber hose?

[Gearbox]

Planning to change oil in gearbox and A type o/d. I had hoped to get Duckhams Hypoid 90 as I use Q20/50 in the engine but does not seem to be sold anymore? I can only get a 75/85 multigrade - will this be OK?

 

The manual shows gearbox and o/d each have a drain plug. Only trouble is the picture in the manual of the filler to the gear box is impossible to locate where it is - is it accessed from the gearbox tunnel inside the car? Is it a long bent neck funnel job?

 

Whilst I am doing the gearbox I will check the rear axle level - I understand that a drain plug is not fitted and the only way to drain it out is split open the casing which is something I won't be doing!

 

On a couple of occasions (only during engine breaking) it has jumped out of 2nd and 3rd gear. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

[Alloy wheels]

Thanks everyone - I had intended to change to 185/65s on 51/2 rims to get the benefit of lighter steering and my wires are a bit tired so I thought I'd go the whole hog.

[Alloy wheels]

I would like to consider fitting alloy wheels - are there any alternatives to the original minilites?

[tire size]

Peter's reply about German regs strikes a chord. A few years ago I ran a porsche 944 series 2 which eventually needed replacement tyres so I ordered the identical tyres (dunlop M2) from a local tyre company and had them fitted. Next time it goes in for the annual service (think 12 months = 12000 miles = £1200 in 1994 money!) I get a note logged on the car record by the Porsche dealer 'non approved tyres fitted'. When questioned the answer is my M2's were made in Uk or japan but Posche only approved the German made M2.

 

Thanks to every one explaining the tyre sizing - I am thinking of changing to 185 x 65 rather than current 195 x 60

[tire size]

Reading a thread on tyres on US bulletin board - they all seem to go for 205 width rather than 195. Can the 205's be fitted to standard wires rather than the current 195s I am running?. As they are virtually the same price as 195's I assume the only drawback could be increased rolling resistance and heavier steering?

 

About the query about insurance companies being a possible problem. I don't see how a tyre with increased grip (as long as it does not affect the steering or foul the body or brakes) could be sustained in law other than the possible argument about 'modifying' the car without telling them. Given that many aftermarket alloy wheels and tyres are available for modern cars I think their argument would be thrown out

[tire size]

Just received Which magazine with tyre tests. Unfortunately they only tested 165/70R14 T - they recommend Continental Eco Contact 3 followed by Bridgestone B330Evo with Michelin energy E3A as runner up.

 

In the 205/55R16 V size Bridgestone Potenza RE720 is favorite, followed by Michelin Pilot Exalto and then Pirelli P7 and Firestone TZ 200. I still fancy either the Potenza or Exalto

which are available in 195/60R15 H or V rating

[Tyres]

Managed to get my wires balanced on car yesterday. Result perfection - not a shake in sight up to a speed which I am unlikely to repeat other than on track day in a straight line. Specialist tyre dealer for performance cars. Recommends replace Firestones with Bridgestone B330 (comfort) or Potenza RE720 (Performance) same price £253.80 incl balance on wheel and VAT for all 4 wheels (195 x 60 15 size). New tubes £7.50 each.

[Tyres]

I bought the car fitted with the chrome wires (as sold at Stoneleigh). The Repair op manual refers to 165HR - 15SP or XAS as standard and optional factory wires with 51/2K rims. I presume my wires are wider rim (any one know?) and the 15SP ref is the old Dunlop SP Sport tyre that I remember on my E reg Midget bought new in 67. I thought the XAS tyres were not available any more?

[Tyres]

Thinking about replacing rear tyres. The rears are old Firestone 660 pattern size 195/60R15 and only have limited/uneven tread having been on the front at some stage.

 

The newer tyres are Firestone 700 pattern on the front and have been on since 08/2000 and done 10,000 miles. Plenty of tread left on.

 

I've been quoted £50 each incl valve balance and VAT to replace the rears. I was told the 700's are much better tyres than the 660's for grip

 

Any advice or should I change make?

[Injector Problem]

I read the item about priming the PI system. When I did an oil change I was concerned about the time it would take to fill and pump through the original horizontal filter bowl, so I pulled out the plugs and cranked over the starter expecting to see the oil pressure pick up off the zero after 10 or 15 seconds.

 

When nothing seemed to be happening after about 30 seconds I came to the conclusion that it was because the revs were so much lower than when the engine fires up and decided I was getting nowhere.

 

Whilst the manuals says it will prime on the starter has anyone confirmed it works?

[Windscreen to window gap?]

Richard

 

Thanks for your advice - I bought replacement winders from Moss at Malvern but have yet to tackle the job. I have since been told that the replacement ones wear out much quicker! Went to Stoneleigh to buy a few goodies so I've now got plenty to keep me going

[Windscreen to window gap?]

Same problem of uneven gap with glass touching top edge of screen frame if fully wound up. I can pivot the glass back away from the frame about 5mm at the top - is this due to wear and or loose side channels? The next time it is lowered and raised it goes back to the original position.