Getting ready for 3ma14

[Thotos]

On the way back from the recent drive to Thruxton circuit, my car seemed to be running a bit hotter than usual (was fine on the way there). When I got back the temperature was slightly above normal but the cooling fan (tested and OK) wasn't running so I decided the only obvious culprit must be the water thermostat. So I ordered a new 75 degree thermostat for a Mini as I have the thermostat in the head and not the usual blender type. I am told that 75 degrees is the most efficient temperature for a Twin cam under load. I also ordered a replacement oil light sender unit to replace the intermitent one on my car. This was also for a Mini as I have an Accusump fitted and the remote oil filter and oil cooler setup. My 131 is turning into a Mini  

Thermostat and oil pressure switch were fitted at the weekend but I didn't get a chance to test them. Last Tuesday (my birthday!  ) I was off work (I never work on my birthday  ) and I was meant to go on a hot air balloon ride over the Ashdown Forest. But the balloon ride was cancelled because of "expected heavy rain" so I decided to take the 131 for a longish 150 mile round-trip drive to East Sussex. There was no heavy rain, in fact it was glorious sunshine in the latter part of the afternoon and I'm happy to report that the 131 run faultlessly. But it's SO NOISY! I think my ears are getting more sensitive as I get older instead of going deaf. But not to worry, I'm sure I'll be deaf by the time I get back from 3ma14  

[simon131]

Hey Theo,

If it's too noisy for your aging bones (ears) you can always sell your 131 to me  I saw it first, I've been your mate for more than 25 years and therefore should be first in the queue - well, that's my reckoning in any case!  Besides it's almost worthless now you've admitted to fitting Mini parts to it!

Listen mate, you're 'mass produced' Sport can't hold a candle to the noisiness of my 'hand-built' Abarth! After our blatts across Europe I have separated red and white blood cells from all the vibration 

Now, stop your whining and start your polishing and cleaning. 3MA14 awaits..........

[Thotos]

Now, stop your whining and start your polishing and cleaning. 3MA14 awaits..........

I promise when I decide to get rid of the 131 (sorry, "Mini in disguise"  ) you'll get first refusal  

As for polishing the Mini in disguise, that'll have to wait a while as I'm off to the Vyrnway Valley in Wales on the LMC's Welsh weekend. So it'll be a nice, quiet, comfortable, leisurly 6-7 hour drive in the Trevi auto. Just sit back and relax and wait to get there, eventually.....    And of course it's Eurovision week next week and after that the 131 polishing will start  

[kev131]

Your posts are always interesting Theo...but your (Si's) reply made me LOL  

Heidi has also been polished... along with a new coat of Dinitrol on her bottom. In anticipation of the odd sudden thunder storm Northern Italy is famous for!  



At least we're not trying to cross a continent in one day this time and we can take our leisure ..to some extent... in both directions.

[Thotos]

On the way back from the recent drive to Thruxton circuit, my car seemed to be running a bit hotter than usual (was fine on the way there). When I got back the temperature was slightly above normal but the cooling fan (tested and OK) wasn't running so I decided the only obvious culprit must be the water thermostat.

Well, I was wrong!    With new 75 degree thermostat fitted the temperature was still steady at just over 190 Fahrenheit (about 90 degrees Celsius) while it should have been about 75!   So I flushed the radiator, then flushed it again and then flushed it again! I changed the temperature sensor and also changed the radiator cap with no difference    Then I turned the sidelights off and the temperature magically dropped by about 20 degrees!    So there's a wiring problem or loose connection somewhere...

With the main part of the service complete in readiness for 3ma14, I decided to use the 131 all of this week to see if there's something I should have done that I've forgotten. So the peace and tranquillity of London's Canary Wharf today was interrupted by the noisy, tree killing, non eco-friendly  and politically incorrect Fiat 131 Sport    

[finnie]

I know just the place to help you with that -
DC auto electrics on Hornsey road 😉

[Thotos]

With just 2 days left to the start of 3ma14, the 3 mad amigos met up today to discuss 3ma strategy but we decided to drink coffee instead and continue with our "make it up as we go along" policy for 3ma14. So with cars and drivers ready, we went our separate ways and confirmed our meeting time at the Dover docks for Tuesday morning  

[sid131]

I hope thats coffee @ not anything stronger
have a safe trip & keep the pics coming