With the coachwork moving to completion, this month’s efforts were largely expended on resolving a couple of drive issues. The engine was removed to find an oil leak source, which lead to a complete engine strip down. Two faults were found and rectified, the pilgrim oil lift system was not isolated, causing oil to leak out of a worn journal, and allowing oil injection to the top end of the engine whilst the engine ran on 2-stroke mix. Bushing the journal and isolation of the injector cured the first fault. The second fault was partial failure of the crankshaft seals, causing difficulties getting the engine started. Having failed to source larger curved spring washers, the seals were carefully rebuilt using the original washers and improved seals.
Our second drive issue was the onset of rust on the wheel rims and hubs – the wheels have been demounted, tyres & tubes removed, and the bare wheels are away for blast cleaning andblack powder coating .
Having the car on axle stands gave easy access to refitting the overhauled engine and permitted coachwork detailing. Leather covered Masonite inner panels and the leather seat base were fitted along with aluminium beading on panel seams, the hardwood windscreen support [with acrylic windscreen pending delivery of the toughened glass screen], the klaxon, and faux acetylene delivery pipes to the headlamps in copper. Once the cockpit top edge trim, the leather seat squab, radiator badge, and door/boot catches are fitted the coachwork will be ready for paint in dark red/black livery.