Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 05/5/2023
Absolutely right 1172cc side valve engine. There was a rib under the bonnet when closed that allowed condensation to drip directly onto the distributor making it very difficult to start at times. I cured the problem with an old rubber glove. I fitted the glove over the distributor with the leads pushed through tiny holes I had made in each of the fingers. Worked a treat.
Mine was continually blowing head gaskets, but as they were so easy to change I carried a spare in the boot and it became a roadside job. In the end I could change one in 30 minutes.
I cut up an old oil tin can bent it into shape to that any heat was reflected away from the carburettor. Not good for engine to cut out in the wilds of Africa. Otherwise easy to work on and fairly reliable.
I think the closest mine ever got to Africa was Dover. Wasn't too keen on it cutting out there, never mind Africa.
Yes they were really easy to work on, very basic and simple. Only thing that spoilt them in my opinion was that dreadful 3 speed gearbox. It was almost like a 4 speed with 3rd gear missing. Not much of a jump from first to second but you had to almost scream the engine in second before going into top or it would be firing every other lamp post!
Quote: Originally posted by starcraft on 06/5/2023
But the air wipers were fun
Yes, they stopped when you went up a hill, then went crazy when you went down the other side. My next car was a Mk2 Consul and that had them too until I converted them to electric.
Has anyone ever managed to speak to some one on the Gov State Pension telephone helpline?
I have been trying for over a week at various ylmes of day but always get cut off.
OH phoned them a while ago (wanted to top up his missing NIC years, to get the full state pension amount when he retires). He put the phone on speakerphone & left it on the table while he did other stuff & it got answered eventually (40 minutes? But don’t quote me).