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Well it’s not often we have to be negative. We always see a way to save a car, despite how far it’s gone and how much time is required. Plus, of course, the expense for the owner. But sometimes that call has to be made…

So after collecting Richard’s car, a MGF 120 in Copperleaf, on Saturday, we got it up on the lift for a full inspection this morning.

The cost of the parts alone just to make it MOT worthy came to way over what was justifiable for the owner to spend.

Plus…

Engine seized, new clutch required, cambelt, head gasket etc all required. Full exhaust system, including cat. All brakes, all brake lines, all clutch pipes, welding to both rear sills, and under the fuel tank. Underfloor coolant pipes, both rear track control arms, hydragas hose split. Wiper linkage and a whole load of other bits.

After a chat with Richard he has decided to cut his losses and sell off the good bits. He has asked if we can help with that. Thankfully, for him there are some good bits to save to help alleviate his expense so far. 😥

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Can’t believe it’s got to this time of night and I’ve not done the daily blog, it’s been even more busy than busy time admin wise…

Picked up the trailer from the workshop for a collection later in the day.

We then headed to Harrogate for work on Patrick’s very tidy TF 115. Cambelt service carried out and new alternator belt. Engine bolts proved to be a bit of a challenge to come out, but we got there, bolts cleaned up and a good application of copper ease applied. Power to the cigar lighter wasn’t working or the interior lights, turned out to be 2 fuses blown, so these were replaced.

Pressure test and inspection on Daniel’s MGF as he had been noticing a slight loss of coolant. Rad doesn’t look 100% and some old staining on the block. Unsure whether it’s related. Daniel will keep an eye on it and report.

Thank you, to Daniel for your lovely hospitality and company, and thank you to Patrick and Diane for the very tasty Mary Berry apple and raisin cake and freshly baked bread. 😋 So good.

We then trundled over to Burton Salmon to, finally, collect Richard’s MGF to take back to the workshop. This will be an interesting project, if Richard decides to go ahead. Full report to be carried out on Monday. It will need a lot of tlc.

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Another quick nip along the road from our digs on a lovely clear morning to Blyth…

Really great to see Steve and Anne again. Their very tidy TF 135 was in need of its cambelt service, how the time does fly!

Plus, we went armed with a few items to try and source and cure the intermittent problem, Steve has been noticing, with the heater blowers on the car for many years. Heater matrix and internal coolant/heater pipes being the last things to be changed. We swapped the heater control valve last time we were there, as this was leaking coolant. Thinking the problem was solved, initially, after the first drive out, but on a longer drive the problem came back.

So, we pressure tested the system and inspected everywhere once again, knowing there must be a pin prick spot somewhere. Eventually we noticed a slight weep, from the bracket of the underfloor stainless steel coolant pipes, where the weld is. These were fitted approximately 7/8 years ago by the local garage, but despite these, usually, being ‘fit and forget’, unfortunately, every so often a welding defect will occur on them.

We replaced the pipes and, after running up to temperature, had a constant blast of heat from the blowers. Let’s hope this has finally resolved the problem. Apart from that, the car has been running really well.

A really lovely day, thanks to Steve for all the cuppas and feeding us. Great to catch-up again. We look forward to an update.

Our last call was postponed, due to work commitments. Was nice to get finished in good time though and wend our way back home and see the cat.

Another cracking trip, lovely people, great cars and a fab location, with a bit of sunshine thrown in too. ☀️🤗

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What a good day, great company, fab cars, beautiful location and clement weather…

We ventured a few miles up the road to Jim’s house in Cramlington, where we were joined by Mike and Steve (and Bailey the dog).

First up was Jim’s TF 135 that needed a new Lambda sensor, as it was throwing up error codes and putting the emissions warning light on. All cleared and car running nicely.

Next up was Mike’s TF 135, that also needed a new Lambda sensor, for the same reasons as Jim’s. Underfloor coolant pipes replaced with stainless.

And last, but not least, was Steve’s TF 135 for replacement underfloor coolant pipes.

Such a lovely social morning, it didn’t feel like work. Lots of great chats and banter and many welcome cuppas.

Glad to have got them all sorted prior to their NC 500 trip in June. All three cars are absolutely stunning and very well cared for. They will look a very smart trio, traveling around the Scottish coast, we look forward to seeing their photos and updates.

Although, we do have a confession to make, we were supposed to be fitting a soft ride kit to Jim’s TF, but we silly beggars only left it in the workshop! 🙄I wouldn’t mind, we packed a couple of flexi exhausts, and a cat, as a contingency, knowing that sometimes the Lambdas don’t always come out the way you want them to.

From there we went over to Whitely Bay, to drop off our new overalls for lovely Susan at ‘Anne Thomas workwear’ to work her magic. Shame not to see her.

Great to make the most of the welcome change in the weather, and location, so I took myself for a walk along to St Mary’s lighthouse and back along the beach the the Spanish City, whilst Jon enjoyed a relax and a Latte by the sea.

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What an enjoyable first day on our north east trip…

Jarrow this morning, and great to see George again, for some more things on this fab TF 160, that is gradually getting to where he wants it to be.

Minor service done, plus carpets transplanted from his other TF, including the seats, steering wheel, door cards, centre cubby, radio, new aerial, ITG airbox fitted and new hood fitted. Looking really good!

Big thanks to chief brewer, Bradley, for a constant flow of tea!

We then went over to Gateshead, where it was lovely to see Rachael again. Rachael and Tony’s fab looking TF 160, ‘Katy’ (an award winner no less!) was in need of a new slave cylinder and underfloor coolant pipes replacing. The clutch release arm was very stiff, which is inevitable, having being forced to stay at home for so long, so this was freed off and clutch back to rights again. All in good time for their run out, to the Fat Lamb, with the Northumbria club.

Thank you, so much, to Rachael for your hospitality and the many yummy treats you sent us away with, of which we’re enjoying in our digs at a suitable venue in Gosforth. Baby George is settling in well watching the telly. 🐵

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Good to see Bob & Liz again this morning, in Beeford, for minor service and check over of their lovely TF 135, that had undergone some major works with us last year. The car is looking and sounding great and all ready for their holiday, to Devon, in June. Happy holidays to you both 😃

We were supposed to be heading to York for a head gasket replacement on a steppy, booked in a couple of months ago, but the chap changed his mind, said the head gasket was fine and wanted the cvt fluid and strainer replacing, but as we explained the strainers are on back order until May, (knowing this, as we have a couple on order) much as we would have happily gone over and done this we didn’t hear back.

So we made the most of the time and got over to the workshop, a bit earlier than expected, and got the camper restocked for the next few days away in the north east.

Really looking forward to seeing everyone up there. ☺️

Posted today to the
Rough Luck Racing Facebook page.