Build Diary
Saturday 24th January, 2004
I finally started to strip down the engine after having it sat in the garage for the past four weeks. I have removed the exhaust manifold, the alternator, the heat shield protecting the alternator from the exhaust, the alternator mounting bracket, the thermostat housing, the upper section of the timing belt cover, the air filter box and the rocker cover, but that's where I got stuck. It was also my intention to remove the carburettor, the ignition module and the lifting eyes too, but finding that they had been fixed using T Star head bolts I was unable to. Next stop Machine Mart to get the right tools. Tomorrow I intend to remove the crankshaft pulley, the lower section of the timing belt cover, the timing belt, the timing belt tensioner, the water pump and the fly wheel. Hopefully that might make the engine light enough for one person to handle, but I think that that's a little optimistic.
T Star fittings used in this instance to secure the standard Weber carburettor.
All of the ancillaries will be stored in individual plastic bags, all hopefully airtight, along with their fixings to prevent the onset of rust due to moisture in the air. It may also be wise to give each component a light coating of oil or grease to stop moisture reaching the surface should the bag fail. The parts will then be stored until it's either that parts turn for refurbishment or they are due to be refitted.
I have also managed to get my MIG welder running smoothly after a few problems with the wire getting jammed. It had recently had a new torch fitted, but upon its return it soon became apparent that something was amiss. A couple of minor tweeks later and everything seems to be alright.
Having also been in touch Darren from GTS Tuning, who responded to my email within 30 minutes of it being sent, I have been informed that they are able to supply inserts that will allow a Ford Sierra upright to be used in place of the now rare Cortina upright. The price for these is £40.00 per pair, which is £7.00 less than those supplied by MK Engineering. GTS also manufactures a De Dion axel arrangement that allows the use of a Ford Sierra axel with only a few minor modifications to the standard Locost chassis.
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