Colin Heseltine

What are the typical water temperatures people are seeing on a 420R. I have just over 1000 miles on the engine. I am normally around 90 degrees. If sat in traffic it goes up to around 95 and then the fan kicks in. I noticed last weekend a couple of times it dropped back to around 70 when we were high up in the Peak District. Its due its first service at Oakmere in couple of weeks time so I want to ensure any possible issues are looked at. Colin

What is current situation regarding spectators Colin

Got hundreds of taps including the one needed to clean out the thread. I just wanted to be 100% certain before running tap down hole. Colin

Got hundreds of taps including the one needed to clean out the thread. I just wanted to be 100% certain before running tap down hole. Colin

Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the car and the extra performance. My previous 1600 K series would give me typically 38mpg, sometimes as low as 35mpg, other time low 40's. Geoff, I like your 'Fuel quantity anxiety/management is all part of the 400/420 experience'. I think a bit of the problem is the wild swings the gauge makes, up hill and downhill can swing the needle over 1/4 of the gauge,so need a level road and steady driving to get a an accurate reading. Thanks for all your responses. Colin

What sort of fuel consumption figures are you guys getting with 420R. I have new 420R and have followed running in recommendation of 500 miles at max of 4000rpm and am increasing by 1000rpm every 150 miles. Now up to 850miles. My average appears to be around 28-29mpg. During the first 500 miles the average was around 30mpg, a bit lower than I would have expected as I was not being stupid as trying to get used to the increase in power over my previous 158bhp 'K' supersport. Colin

I will chip in. Although I changed the wingstays, they were identical in size to those fitted when the car was new and had its original 14" wheels. I have had 13", 14" and 15" wheels on the car with those same stays. Colin

Paul, Many Thanks Colin

Scott, Thread not damaged but full of paint. I did not want to try the tap until was sure what thread it would be. Going to mount a small bracket on the pillar with a popper base for the half hood side strap to fix to. Colin

Can anybody confirm what thread is used for the seat belt boss behind the drivers right shoulder on a 21 plate 420R. As it is a metric chassis will this have been changed from the originally used 7/16"UNF. I do not have any metric fine thread taps and do not want to attempt a 7/16"UNF unless I am certain that is what it is. Colin

I've also had LED headlight bulbs from Dave for a number of months now and they are a fantastic improvement. Previously I had 150% uprated H4 bulbs but these are so so much better. Colin

Does anyone have a single Scudo Stunner 195/45 R15 78V tyre available in reasonable condition. Preferably with at least 3-4mm tread depth. Thanks, Colin

Now Sold.

I have one unused CR500 tyre for sale 195/45 R15. £50 ono. Would swap for new or very low wear Scudo Stunner 195/45 R15 Thanks, Colin

I looking for either an unused or very good condition Scudo Stunner tyre 195/45 R15 78V. Have new Avon CR500 (same size) could swap. Thanks, Colin

Hi Martin, Did you get my mail re anthracite wheel?.. Cheers, Colin

Paul, Am interested in wheel, don't particularly want the tyre. How bad is the blistering on the inside? Do you have a photo. Many Thanks, Colin Edited by - Colin Heseltine on 17 Dec 2013 21:03:55

Alan7 mentioned fitting a new alternator belt before you fite the oil pipes through it. I would do that but also get a second one and also thread the pipes through it, but then tyrap it out of the way. That way if you have a failure when out on the road you can cut the tyraps and quickly fit it without having to remove all the Apollo piping. have fun, Colin

A padddock without the Kippers will be a strange place after all these years. Thats assuming I ever make it back to the paddock. Best Regards for the future. Colin and Alli

Chris, Standard top (in Black) and frame plus set of bags. Many Thanks, Colin

Chris, Yes still want one, have not had chance to view thread for several weeks. Can I look at weekend and get back to you by Monday to confirm my requirements. Rgds, Colin

Chris, Yes I am interested. My last one was destroyed at Aintreee a few years back. Regards, Colin

Mine did the same thing. Speedo works but not mileometer. Carefully prise the bevel off and remove the glass. Undo screws to remove the unit from case. Manually rotate the number wheels to get past the stiff point. Make up a square drive to fit in electric drill and then drive speedo to check if works. If not move the number wheels again and try again. This worked on mine and its been fine since. Colin

Nick, Large for me please. Pref Lewis. Colin

This happened to mine at the 20,000 mile changeover. I can be fixed by removing speedo from car. Gently lever the chrome bezel off with one or more small screwdrivers. careful not to crack the glass. Undo screws holding whole assembly in case. carefully rotate the speedo digit indicators dials round till you get past the 20,000 mile mark. File a square on the end of a nail, so it will fit in the speedo drive and insert in electric drill. Run the drill to make the mechanism rotate and hopefully add miles on. If does not work first time, have another go at manually rotating the gears. There is obviousle a tight spot in the mechanism. Once working carefully refit glass and bezel. Recrimp carefully with pair of pliers with a bit of cloth between the jaws to protect the bezel. Since fixing mine it has worked perfectly for the last 1500 miles. Best of Luck, Colin