Hello all, I have just purchased a 1979 dolomite 1850HL and am looking for some general advice.
Firstly, is there anything that you would recommend checking / changing immediatly?
Secondly, on take off I have terrible judders from the front, feels like the engine wants to fall out! These seemed to get worse as the engine got hotter. Any ideas???
Thanks very much,
Happy dolly driving!
James
New dolly owner with issues!!
Re: New dolly owner with issues!!
With any "new" car, I make the assumption that servicing has not been done properly. I always do an oil change for the engine, top up the gearbox and diff, flush out the radiator, and check the brake and clutch fluid levels. I'd also look at the points and plugs to check condition and gaps.
Aside from that, I would be looking at the tyres and brakes to make sure they were safe, as well as making sure all of the lights work properly.
After that it's a case of checking for rust.
The judder could be caused by a couple of things. Worn engine and gearbox mounts are often the problem, but if it gets worse when the engine is warm I reckon it could well be something like oil on the clutch plate, caused by a leaking rear engine seal, as more oil would get past the seal when the oil was warm and thin.
Aside from that, I would be looking at the tyres and brakes to make sure they were safe, as well as making sure all of the lights work properly.
After that it's a case of checking for rust.
The judder could be caused by a couple of things. Worn engine and gearbox mounts are often the problem, but if it gets worse when the engine is warm I reckon it could well be something like oil on the clutch plate, caused by a leaking rear engine seal, as more oil would get past the seal when the oil was warm and thin.
If I may, I'd like to add........
Further to Dave's good advice, if it was me, I'd replace the ignition leads (£9.50 from Fitchetts at present), distributor cap, points, rotor arm and condenser. The Delco distributor design makes points replacement more awkward than most I'm afraid.
Flushing out the radiator is also good advice. If it produces any sludge, I would also flush out the heater matrix. This can be done by disconnecting the hoses, so you don't have to remove the heater.
Something I would certainly also do is check the condition of the cup washers used on the front subframe's rear mountings.
Does your car still have the original type cartridge oil filter?
When replacing these you have to be sure to get one of the correct specification (the TDC sells these).
Flushing out the radiator is also good advice. If it produces any sludge, I would also flush out the heater matrix. This can be done by disconnecting the hoses, so you don't have to remove the heater.
Something I would certainly also do is check the condition of the cup washers used on the front subframe's rear mountings.
Does your car still have the original type cartridge oil filter?
When replacing these you have to be sure to get one of the correct specification (the TDC sells these).
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bifold
Re: New dolly owner with issues!!
If its been standing a while check the tyres for flat spots,in fact check all rubber items(hoses, carb rubbers ,ball joint and track rod boots,and the above replys are on the money,Join the Tdc
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JonyPI
Re: New dolly owner with issues!!
i also started to have bad take off judder, ended up going after i changed my knacard front UJ!