Alan Archer

You would not believe it Nick but I am in a similar position to you, my 1.8 X140 Xpower is a dream does not use a drop of oil and performs faultlessly, I so hope I don't end up regretting messing about with it. Remind me of that saying, If it isn't broke don't _ _ _ _ _! Apologies for hijacking your post OP. Alan

Cheers Nick, I will give it a go and let you know the outcome, it will only be for a short while as I have a new VVC lump to stick in :) Alan

Hi Nick, Thanks for the info, as mentioned I used the silicone but did not stick the gasket to the head and let it go off first, I put it on then bolted it all up, I will do it the way you said Dave did, I did use a torque wrench also, I wonder just how tight I dare go with them? Alan

Alastair, just to be clear, Nick Bassett said silicone copper gasket maker between gasket and cylinder head, on mine this was a must, and believe it or not I still have a ruddy blow from the head so need to take it off and do it again. It sounds like the engine is tapping when you drive along but it is just the manifold to head. Alan

Hi, am I right in reading this that you managed to adjust the pedals for heel-n-toe? I want to do that with my SV but have not come close. Thanks Alan

I am after a pair of 13" x 8" minilites, or at least wide enough to take a 205 rear tyre. Alan

That is it, I am going to get a complete carbon aerofoil to go underneath the whole car now to help my poor little 149 bhp girl on her way. JNC, if you keep putting on a kilo for everyone I lose you will be needing more than 220 bhp :) Alan

I can't believe you are discussing airflow on a 7 JNC, I am sure it is non existent with a screen fitted :)

No, what ones do they stock?

What lightweight flywheel would you recommend for a K series? Alan

Hi Yvan, Email sent. Regards Alan

Thanks Roger.

This was the particular point in the article that I was referring to, how are you supposed to stop it charging if on a long journey? Alan At this point, the charge should be disconnected but the topping charge continues while driving. Li-phosphate is tolerant to some overcharge; however, keeping the voltage at 14.40V for a prolonged time, as most vehicles do on a long drive, could stress Li-phosphate.

Hi Jonathan, I know there are specific chargers for litho batteries, however it is talking about not having the 14.4v input from the car going in for too long once fully charged. Short of installing complicated electrics I don't see how you would stop this. Alan

So reading the article, does paragraph coped below not mean that LiFePo4 is not ideal for car batteries? "Li-phosphate is often used to replace the lead acid starter battery. Four cells in series produce 12.80V, a similar voltage to six 2V lead acid cells in series. Vehicles charge lead acid to 14.40V (2.40V/cell) and maintain a topping charge. With four Li-phosphate cells in series, each cell tops at 3.60V, which is the correct full-charge voltage. At this point, the charge should be disconnected but the topping charge continues while driving. Li-phosphate is tolerant to some overcharge; however, keeping the voltage at 14.40V for a prolonged time, as most vehicles do on a long drive, could stress Li-phosphate. Cold temperature operation starting could also be an issue with Li-phosphate as a starter battery" How are you supposed to stop it charging once the battery is charged? Alan

Thanks guys, much apprciated Alan

Hi Chris, Dry bag and indicator lenses please Kentish weald tomorrow night if you are going. Alan

Blimey, I thought you were mind readers :) I don't have a clue, 2005 K series, 5 speed gearbox, standard speedo, it has not skipped a beat, the strange thing is that I recalibrated it last week as changed to 13" wheels, 200 miles later and it has stopped. Alan

Morning, well my Speedo stopped working yesterday, reading the archives, am I right in thinking the most likely cause will be a faulty sensor? If so how hard is it to replace? Alan

You must have a source of really cheap petrol, please share. :) Alan

Hi Daniel, never doubted that and appreciate you taking the time to help others who want the help :) I wonder if enough of us want them if we could get a group buy together? I can see from the pictures that you have kept your heater in, good man, I hear so many saying that the heaters are not worth having but I have to disagree, I don't think my other half would even get in the car without. Alan

That is a good idea about the extra washers Tony, only problem is the extra weight Andy Jupp at PGM said he uses a spanner he has cut down specially for the task. Alan

Your blogs can cost a man a lot of money Daniel, thanks for sharing yet another great article. Alan

hallelujah Alan