Nods news , A fixorage happened

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Tue Oct 18, 2016 7:56 pm

Just pulling your leg, Dave.

I thought it was some odd way of expressing thread pitch or summat.

Andy G

Post by **Lars Hagermark** » Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:57 pm

Those stamped brass labels have given me some ideas. Not that I didn't have any before but the aesthetics wouldn't come up as good.

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:57 pm

Haha, pity someone hadn't thought to give mine a stretch, back in the day ! I guess I should be grateful that they reach the ground

Andy G

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Wed Oct 19, 2016 7:18 am

No, Peter. They'd be a far superior size to SU's, they're much too common don't you know.

Lord Snooty.

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Wed Oct 19, 2016 8:29 pm

Been for a right old hoon about in the Singer tonight , the reason is that earlier I did notice something a bit strange .
Carb piston dampers on the Vusky are AUC 8114 and the Singers AUC 8103
After a bit of research it transpired that 8103s were early and were replaced by the 8114s to aid maximum speed .
Having a set spare meant i had to try them .
Bit more revvy and a slightly quicker rev drop to tickover .
Improvements just keep on coming

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/carbs/cb105.htm

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Thu Oct 20, 2016 1:16 pm

It would seem the Singer is obese .
It weighs 760KG with half a tank of fuel

And thats with no underseal or soundproofing

All that luxury wood and carpet costs money and speed to cart about it would appear

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Thu Oct 20, 2016 6:19 pm

True Pete - i have an urge now to rip bits out of it for a lighter / go faster / possibly save fuel result
Standard Chammys 711KG I think -

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 6:37 pm

You could do this like the racing guys do to theirs, especially behind the trim so once thats back the holes dont show, bit OTT but it would save a fair amount of weight if you were so inclined?
Probably take a little strength out but youve got the cage?

006.JPG

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Thu Oct 20, 2016 6:45 pm

It will probably stay as is - i really cant be doing with all that hole drilling

moose · Post by **moose** » Thu Oct 20, 2016 9:12 pm

time to copy all the nice brass and stainless bits with carbon fibre

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Fri Oct 21, 2016 1:05 pm

Vuskys weight is 810kg with a full tank but im not surprised , The restall rear seat weighs the same as a baby Elephant - 13 inch steel wheels - roofrack - carpet - Chamois dash and a pile of tools all add up . no wonder its no rocket ship LOL

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:17 pm

Had to do an emergency stop of sorts this morning due to a dog running out in front of me .
Stopped bl***y well and i missed the pooch however the smell of fuel that shot out the overflow fair made me dizzy.
What a feckin stupid design.
Anyone come up with something better as thats just a crap idea TBH .

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Sat Oct 22, 2016 9:47 pm

Must be one of the few things that was never looked at or improved in anyway from day one right through to the end of production?
I suppose taking the vent out of the back top edge of the tank and pipe it to the arch would work better then forwards surge under braking would pull fuel away from it rather than push it down it?

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 9:28 am

A bit of an expensive solution for the infrequent incident we're talking about, although I'd guess it's efficient. I was thinking more of a breakers yard solution. Stan has done this on occasion and I agree that the fumes from raw unleaded coming into the cabin can be very "heady". It's certainly not pleasant. I'm assuming here that the local breakers would sell you a canister for a lot less than £35.

Andy G

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 11:52 am

You shouldnt get that much fumes into the cab though if the hose is intact and its out into the open under the front corner, cant say it was a problem for me ever, I dont think I ever smelt it inside the car to the point it made me heady, maybe I had a cold on that day?

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Sun Oct 23, 2016 1:23 pm

Ive ordered some bits so i can fit a fuel filler non return valve which shuts if theres a fuel surge as when doing heavy braking.
Ive no idea if this will work but if it does il put up some pics and a how to .
Watch this space

John Simister · Post by **John Simister** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 1:33 pm

I had a similar petrol deluge while avoiding a sheep recently. I discovered that my car had a vented petrol cap, which made the problem much worse because the petrol came out through the vent holes. Much better now with the correct design of non-vented cap. That said, I'm tempted by that Merlin Motorsport valve in Peter's link. Shame about the price.

John Simister · Post by **John Simister** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 3:47 pm

Maybe the flap could be lightly spring-loaded shut, like the flap in a fuel injection system's airflow meter, and placed close enough to the top of the filler neck for the fuel filler nozzle to prod it open when refuelling. As fuel is pumped out of the tank, the vacuum created would be enough to pull the flap open slightly when needed. I think some modern cars have something similar already, so maybe it could be adapted for an Imp.

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Sun Oct 23, 2016 4:05 pm

John Simister wrote:Maybe the flap could be lightly spring-loaded shut, like the flap in a fuel injection system's airflow meter, and placed close enough to the top of the filler neck for the fuel filler nozzle to prod it open when refuelling. As fuel is pumped out of the tank, the vacuum created would be enough to pull the flap open slightly when needed. I think some modern cars have something similar already, so maybe it could be adapted for an Imp.

planning on using this - a triple bladed flapper valve - diameter is slightly smaller but thats all in hand

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 6:23 pm

Looks as though it should work ok if it fits.

there's not a lot of room between the filler bend and tank that's the only thing unless you can route the pipe slightly differently? Interesting experiment, I'm for for those.
My LandRovers got a spring disc device in the filler neck that opens when you insert the pump nozzle but that's primarily designed to close totally if you try to fill up with petrol instead of diesel, if it trips it has to be manually reset though.

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Sun Oct 23, 2016 6:36 pm

Perhaps it will be able to be stuffed up the primary filler pipe - job done ?

Andy G

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Tue Oct 25, 2016 7:52 pm

So all the bits came for the flappy valve trial to try and stop fuel pouring out the overflow during heavy braking .
Its all fitted ( il let the pics tell that part ) and the results are in .
First off a slight downside
You need to fill up on 3/4 nozzle speed at the pump as it has predictably caused a slight restriction - its not bad by any means but it just means filling up will take a minute or two longer - I suspect il soon get used to it .
So we now have a FULL tank and its test time.
Going downhill at 40MPH I stamp HARD on the brakes causing the front wheels to lock up.
A bit later on i do an emergency stop at 40MPH this time on only a slight downhill slope
And the result ---------------------------------
ZERO smell of fuel - nothing - nada -zilch - diddly squat

So it works very well .

Its designed so nothing can possibly fall into the tank before you all ask

Bobbycham · Post by **Bobbycham** » Tue Oct 25, 2016 8:24 pm

Nice job Dave .
Bob

Post by **Lars Hagermark** » Tue Oct 25, 2016 9:05 pm

Once more...

... not the last time - I hope.

Do you want to reveal the name of the donor?

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Tue Oct 25, 2016 9:55 pm

Excellent! How much did all cost, about?

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Wed Oct 26, 2016 5:30 pm

If anyone at all is interested il be testing this for a month just to make sure theres no hidden issues - if its all good il be doing the Vusky and il tell you then what i used .
If your not interested please go to the next thread

If theres no interest il just do it but say nout

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Wed Oct 26, 2016 6:01 pm

Let us know because if its good I will do it whilst my tanks out too.

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Wed Oct 26, 2016 6:19 pm

It's a great mod, Nod. I'll be sure to copy it

Andy G

John Simister · Post by **John Simister** » Wed Oct 26, 2016 9:46 pm

It looks a stunningly brilliant idea to me. Looking forward to seeing the parts' identity revealed.

moose · Post by **moose** » Thu Oct 27, 2016 9:00 am

why have you not just fitted the rollover valve?

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Thu Oct 27, 2016 9:11 am

Because that only takes care of the smaller pipework ? Just guessing. This flap will stop it from the tank, so the breather pipe us already covered. Also, using the MX5 valve is less than a tenner, I believe.

Andy G

moose · Post by **moose** » Thu Oct 27, 2016 9:26 am

rollover valve £3 if cap does not leak i.e. seal good condition then the fuel will only go down the small vent pipe put a one way rollover valve in there problem solved.

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Thu Oct 27, 2016 1:22 pm

I'm interested too, Dave. Just not for my own Imp.

Mine has an aluminium alloy petrol tank in it anyway and I have done away with the normal Imp petrol filler.

IM

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Thu Oct 27, 2016 3:45 pm

Definitely worth doing, as you say if it stops fuel pouring out if the hose did split or come off in an accident, then thats good thing.

617sqn · Post by **617sqn** » Thu Oct 27, 2016 5:58 pm

Well..... what can I say ? I'd buy one of those to put in the breather hose at least until the full modification

Well spotted. Less sophisticated than the expensive ones, you'd think but, hey sometimes simple is perfectly adequate. Like me

Andy G

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:49 pm

AW hell you might as well know what i used and make your own minds up . If it goes wrong dont blame me as very much like the car itself its not fully tested as yet

Valve is for a MK2 / 2.5 Mazda MX5 - part number GE4T- 42 - 270B , Available from Mazda or i got mine from here
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/fuel-filler-r ... -2643.html
You also need the filler pipe as this holds the valve .
I got mine from ebay - seller has a fair few so it was easy to get although the postage is steep it arrived very quickly . A suitable one in a scrapyard might well be cheaper though.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAZDA-MX5-EUN ... XQIrFSKLtn
You also need a rubber adaptor , try as i might i couldnt find the exact size to fit our tank so went with this one , part number HRED50.
https://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/ ... id-reducer
The problem with not finding the correct outer diameter meant the necessity to make an adaptor to the following size. inner diameter was made slightly smaller than the 50mm rubber adaptor so its a tight fit , Rubber adaptor is fuel / oil / whatever resistant or so it says anyway

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:57 pm

The how to part .
Cut the Mazda fuel pipe end off keeping BOTH raised parts - this is very important as one end holds the valve and the other stops the lot falling into the tank .
Fit the new valve in the bit of remaining pipe on the side you didnt cut - the very end .
slide the rubber adaptor plain end first part way over the non valve end then add the metal adaptor from the valve side shoulder end first , by sliding the rubber part over the pipe and through the adaptor come the end the three will effectively lock together like so.
the shoulder left on the pipe where you cut it plus the metal adaptor prevents it falling into the tank .
once your at this stage its just a case of removing the fuel filler pipe off the car and tapping the adaptor into the tank.
Yuo might need to fine tune the outer size to suit your tank but i made mine a hard push in fit so its easy to get back out with a suitable screwdriver.
I wouldnt beat it in with a large hammer

.
Thats it , filling up is slightly slower as it does add a bit of restriction but i think the safety aspect is worth it,

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Thu Oct 27, 2016 7:30 pm

One other thing worth mentioning - theres two types of valve - a single flap early one which was replaced by Mazda as it caused issues and the later three flap one thats OK .
Id use the later - differences in the following pics

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 10:00 am

I will do the same now seeing as youve posted a comprehensive how too already, as you say it will make the car feel safer, as will my new 12 fuse system also, at least I know theres going to be a lot less chance of it blowing up or catching fire.

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:25 pm

Not that I thought it would for a moment but just to confirm that I noticed zero difference on a 50 mile drive out today in the Singer.
So the flappy flap valve makes no difference whilst driving about

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Sat Oct 29, 2016 12:55 pm

Stuck a tenners worth of fuel in today - as long as you dont ram the pump nozzle fully in and only squeeze the trigger about half way it fills up fine without stopping. I dont think theres a cure for this small issue - apart from taking it out of course

I can live with this given the new safety aspect and the lack of petrol fumes when braking hard.

Post by **Lars Hagermark** » Sat Oct 29, 2016 1:05 pm

Looks like I'll have to add a note to my to-do-list.

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Sat Oct 29, 2016 4:06 pm

Changed the fuel tank vapour pipe today - tother was hard plastic and split at one end - pipe diameter is 9.5mm which just happens to be the same as some fuel injection pipe so i did both cars .
Also found the proper clips to hold the fuel tank vent pipe to the front panel so popped them on whilst i was at it ( part number 9178571 ) .

Used a bit of this injection hose to replace the mushy rotten dipstick tube holder thingy on the Vusky as well .
three jobs jobbed - one bit of pipe

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Sun Nov 06, 2016 5:59 pm

New inner and outer throttle cable fitted to the Singer - as its really bike brake cable outer ( Shimano BC-9000 ) and slimmer externally than factory ones a bit of modding was required to make it clip into the floor clips - just some 1 inch lengths of washer bottle pipe was all that was needed - new stainless inner cable combined with this silicon greased outer has given me the smoothest throttle ive ever known

Post by **Lars Hagermark** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 8:19 pm

This is the first - and I'm sure the only - time I can say: I did that long ago.

Think it was three (or more?) years ago when I first fitted the 998 to the Californian.
(Most other mods/improvements are inspired - or shamelessly copied - from Nods news/natterings.)

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Wed Nov 09, 2016 7:18 pm

Ive been experimenting again - this time with a third throttle spring .
Main reason is to take some of the stress and therefor wear on the throttle spindles .
SU throttles have no built in spring and rely on the two external ones - to get any kind of " feel " they are usually quite taut .
However theres almost zero tension needed to shut them properly .
So as a trial ive reduced the tension on the two spindle springs using a couple of key ring rings ( temporary trial ) and added a third spring on the cable control - all three are only just on tension at rest,
The result is more or less the same pedal feel as before but a lot less stress on the throttle spindles. As with Strombergs and 28/36 Webers spindle wear can be an issue so anything that can reduce this would be good .
Not driven it yet but its looking promising - a drive out will tell me at the weekend .

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Thu Nov 10, 2016 12:33 pm

Aha! Always ran mine with 3 springs

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Thu Nov 10, 2016 4:49 pm

Just been out in the Vusky to see what the triple spring set up feels like - slightly lighter when pulling away which is nice and the same as before when crusing - a sort of variable pressure throttle .
LOVELY

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Thu Nov 10, 2016 7:58 pm

Im going to do the Singer the same way this weekend - whats good for one is good for tother

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:14 pm

Just finished doing the triple throttle return spring mod on the Singer.
I initially tried it on the Vusky with great success so had to have a go on tother one.
Combined with the Shimano outer cable and stainless inner the pedal feels absolutely superb - having just been for a hoon the pedal feels light but not too light and very responsive.
I recon once i get a decent pedal fitted it will be the best its ever been and If i can find a way to bush the pedal pivots rather than the crappy original design it will be even better ( an idea im mulling over ) .