Thread: Front end maintenance time

Removed the bull bar to re-paint it. It’s had a tough time. The winch controller needs some tidying up, as does the fairlead. I rebuilt the winch a little while ago and replaced the Dyneema rope. Drain the coolant, flush the radiator, replace coolant and bleed. Replace the front engine components - timing belt, water pump, tensioner, idler. Remove and clean EGR valve, use my “special tool” to scrub dry carbon from the intake manifold. New Provent catch can filter. New Fuel Manager pre-filter.


Preventative maintenance pays off big time, and it’s fun.

It's fun?????????? Weirdo...

It's definitely in the 'necessary evil' category for me!

But you're right, it pays off big time. People looked at me sideways for replacing things like engine mounts - apparently they don't wear out?!?!?!?!

Intrigued by your”special tool”

asks Boner...

Originally Posted by Boner

Intrigued by your”special tool”

it’s a wire brush on a twisted wire handle. The brush is the exact right diameter for the inlet manifold and the bend on the handle is such that you can pass it into the elbow and around the corner. The wire is flexible enough to bend without risk of breaking. A few firm passes of the brush and off comes the carbon.

Because I run a Provent catch can carbon is a fine dry powder and comes off very easily. I’ve had a borescope down the inlet before and after the brush and it’s really clean considering the mileage. #3 and #4 butterflies are fine, especially compared to those motors that do not run a catch can.

I think you should add a couple more horns on while your at it too!

Originally Posted by Billbob

I think you should add a couple more horns on while your at it too!

I just added a really loud one to the wife’s new Corolla.

She hates Noddy “parps” as much as I do. Gotta give ‘em a good fright.

"I know a guy..." who tells me that if you're going fast enough you a) don't need a horn and b) can't hear them behind you anyway!

Wow is all I said as I reckon he was being serious. Is currently not allowed to own anything modified or turbo'd, if he gets another naughty boy walk (loss of licence) it's likely to be a good one and his missus has refused to play taxi this time.

Nice job, nothing blew up or disintegrated into a million bits of metal. New timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, camshaft oil seal, accessories drive belt, few other bits and bobs. Drained the coolant - crystal clear, no rust or crap which is great. Just one minor injury, pretty good for me.

Parts cost me $478 (nicely discounted) and I saved a shit load in labour. Happy days. Onto the bull bar cleanup tomorrow. Felt like I deserved an ale at the end of the shift…

Originally Posted by Boner

Intrigued by your”special tool”

I've worked with a few of those over the years

I love being able to work on my vehicles.

However.....

I hate working on my vehicles.

Good to see genuine bits being used fb

Originally Posted by Ross Nolan

I love being able to work on my vehicles.

However.....

I hate working on my vehicles.

Thats the price we stalwarts have to pay for running 1990's 4x4's. At least ours will still run if this overdue CME hits

Problem you'll have is everything delivering fuel is electronic nowadays anyway for Customs and Excise. Got ya by the balls one way or the other!