A THOROUGHLY FRUSTRATING MORNING...

[Southernboy]

You know those days when you set off to get a half dozen things done....and as you leave your first stop, it all goes pear shaped! Yes, well I collected a new Viscous fan clutch, and set off for the next stop at my mailbox. Parked and collected my mail, and decided to have an espresso before continuing. As I approached my car, I noticed it was standing in a lovely green coloured puddle....yes, the engine coolant...
Well the car wasn't going anywhere under it's own power from there on. I did trace the fault to one of the hoses which supplies water to the heater, and sod's law says it has to be the one which runs behind the cylinder head...
Well, the Z has blown an artery, so it's now laid up at my mechanic for a couple of days.... Towing fee £.32.00... New hose + fitting £. 110.00....
Just one of those days....

[Gazza]

I know the feeling.....

Halfshaft oil seals and four wheel bearings on the Mustang...............£487.09

[Southernboy]

Ouch ! Why do we do this stuff...we must be masochists. Maybe it's time to look at a new Z4 M Roadster, with the warranties, service plans etc etc. But just wouldn't be as satisfying somehow, and probably more expensive anyway.

[pingu]

Just think how you would be feeling if it was Evans coolant all over the car park .

[Southernboy]

...groan!!!! Maybe if the whole world used Evans, it would be as cheap as chips too...sadly not yet. I believe it's non toxic too...Seems odd the "tree huggers" haven't jumped onto that one yet. I would have thought they would have frontlined Evans years ago.

[PCSAM]

feeling your pain mate ......... you have done so muck top the car ,and yet it plays up and spills it fluids to piss you off .. is your car called Christine by any chance

[Southernboy]

Thanks mate. I must say, I'd rather it happened around the suburbs than out in the country!! I should have it back tomorrow. I had been warned by the overheating, and maybe that just provided a catalyst for a weakened hose to finally split. It's not a very expensive part, and since I had already got the Fan clutch, waterpump and a new aluminium thermostat cover too, it is perhaps fortunate that it happened now, so the whole lot can be done in one move.

[PCSAM]

tell us more about the aluminium thermostat cover and links if possible

[Southernboy]

I bought it off eBay UK about a year ago. At the time I was told that the OEM "PLASTIC" thermostat covers had a specified life, and that they were also prone to cracking when they get old. I had just replaced mine about a year prior to that when the Thermostat itself had stuck in the open position. It's been in my garage ever since. They are made of aluminium with and come with a rubber seal fitted. The face is machined to fit flush onto the front of the engine and to all intents it is identical in shape and function except it's a lifetime modification, and will not crack etc. I can't honestly recall what I paid for it, but I seem to remember it may have been about £18.00 ex shipping. I think if you do a search on eBay under bmw aluminium thermostat housing you will find them. The waterpump I got also is an upgrade and has metal impellers vs the "plastic" impellers of the OEM waterpump. Again, these will outlast the OEM pumps by absolute years. I bought mine from a local Meyle stockist. The intent is to have parts that should still be on the car in 15+ years time without any problems, and are solid quality items.

[Southernboy]

I just did a quick eBay search...£.10.24 from the US ex shipping cost.

[Southernboy]

...AND NEW DRIVE BELTS!! Car will be ready today though!!.....