flaminia

[Richard Fridd]

Spare suspension assemblies have provided a bottom ball joint now fitted to the car. Having split the joint, replacement involved removing the front section of the wishbone. I am grateful for the help with that job! New tyres now fitted. The workshop manual  recommends higher pressure at the rear, compared with the front. Bearing in mind these are 165s rather than 175s on a PF, can anyone advise on pressure values. The tread seems to have a generous contact patch, and the sidewalls seem compliant (40 PSI)

[simonandjuliet]

Looks great !

All those castle-ated nuts and split pins .... I know the feeling

[Richard Fridd]

Thanks, the new tyres are different to modern ones in as much the tread is quite narrow in comparison with the overall width including the sidewalls

[Richard Fridd]

There has been a negative pulse (one in three)from one of the two tailpipes, which I thought maybe be a symptom of an exhaust valve not seating. Thankfully on this occassion the fault turned out to be a deteriorated servo hose.

[Richard Fridd]

The next job I am thinking about is the starter motor servicing. Sometimes there is just the sound of the solenoid 'clicking'. Looking at the solenoid, I can't see a way of cleaning the contacts, as it seems to be crimped together. Works fine on the bench with a direct electrical feed, so I am also considering fitting a starter button under the dash perhaps. Any ideas re the solenoid? I have been quoted £245 + for a new solenoid.  

[DavidLaver]

Under the dash do you mean a hidden security switch?  That doesn't guard against a bump start.  Does it have an electric fuel pump?  I always liked the idea of "them" getting it started but not getting very far.

The other spot for a starter button - in terms of a button to start the engine - is under the bonnet to help with maintenance.

As for a refurb I wouldn't expect you to be defeated by mere crimps - but do understand it takes a lot of courage without another one on the shelf...as for the symptoms I have a similar problem on the Strada.  It clicks, I take it off and its fine on the bench.  I put it back and it goes a couple of times then back to square one.  I've yet to investigate further/deeper.

David

[Richard Fridd]

So I am not alone with clicking and being back at square one. Not so much a security switch, but a new switch and wiring to illiminate any existing poor connections or contacts  which may be contributing to situation.

[DavidLaver]

I have a "hot wire" and still the same behaviour.  It sounds like its a "low current/high current" thing...and due to age and lack of use...

David

[Richard Fridd]

Over a year since the last post!! Well that soon passed, as has the total period of ownership(nearly four years). Anyhow the "new" cork fuel float has sunk. So this time I have made a copper float.

[lancialulu]

I guess you are still using the solenoid!!??

[stanley sweet]

Richard - somehow I've missed this whole thread and have just read it. It was only recently I realised you had a Flaminia. Gorgeous cars and well worth the effort you've put in.

[Richard Fridd]

I guess you are still using the solenoid!!??

.              Still the same solenoid. I must assess that. One thing which has improved is the cold start device, when set correctly. Something else I am keeping an eye on is the ammeter, which wasn't showing a charge earlier this week.

[Richard Fridd]

Battery not charging. In the event of a faulty dynamo, would an Aurelia dynamo be a suitable replacement, as I see there is one for sale in VL? Advice very welcome.

[Richard Fridd]

I have now connected 12v to the dynamo and it spins like an electric motor, and am now wondering how to test the voltage regulator? If of interest 'The Morris Minor Centre' in West Malling sell these for £25

[Richard Fridd]

Regulator now tested, and set using the screws. The manufacturers info sheet was misleading oddly enough. I have been offered some help to replace a rear wheel bearing, and am wondering if anyone knows of an available hub tool. Help appreciated.