Blinky 51/480

[arthuy]

Finally got new fluid in to the system tonight.

I used a vacuum pump to draw the fluid through and only had to nip a few fittings up.

I found this Bleeding sequence is:
1 left rear
2 right front
3 right rear
4 left front

Is this correct and does the engine need to be running?

Also will need to set the handbrake up. How many clicks should I get out of the lever?

[arthuy]

Forgot to mention this one.

I had to rewire the Radio because it was staying live when the key was removed, just a simple wire swap and all done.

As I was messing about the battery drained so I popped a little charger I have had for years on (4amp ). I clipped it straight on and went back to fiddling. I noticed that the speedo was showing about 15amp and flicked a bit.

Dont think that this would cause any lasting effects but might be a way of testing for future owners with problems.

[jifflemon]

Finally got new fluid in to the system tonight.

I used a vacuum pump to draw the fluid through and only had to nip a few fittings up.

I found this Bleeding sequence is:
1 left rear
2 right front
3 right rear
4 left front

Is this correct and does the engine need to be running?

Also will need to set the handbrake up. How many clicks should I get out of the lever?

Bleeding should start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder. As long as you get the air out, it doesn't really matter. Engine running won't make any difference to bleeding.

Handbrake clicks? errr, don't know what the book says, but I'd go for 8-10, or halfway up the gate.

[Alan 480]

Handbrake clicks? errr, don't know what the book says, but I'd go for 8-10, or halfway up the gate.

I aim for MAX of five as other wise too much travel . .. .

[eye of ra]

For info the book says...

Maximum free travel on handbrake ratchet ------- 7 Notches (increasing gradually to full braking effect)

I take “free travel” to mean 7 clicks to normal full brake, not world’s strongest man or two handed rather than meaning 7 clicks before the brakes start to be applied.

[arthuy]

Had a week off of the car, I am surprised it is taking me so long but want to make a decent attempt at it.

handbrake now adjusted, havent had it out the garage to test but on in a couple of clicks.

My lovely assistant helped bleed the brakes so they should be good.

Doing last but of underside painting as the sills were a little scabby, will need to do a little welding but ok for now. Are sills available?

I do have a mystery, I dropped an 11mm spanner in the engine bay whilst tightening the pipes on the master cylinder. I never heard if hit the ground and cant see it in the engine bay, where could if have went?

So just about ready to go back on the road, will need to torque everything up and check the tracking though.

[arthuy]

Spent today, torquing and rechecking all of the nuts and bolts I have been working on in preparation to get the car back on the road.

The replacement bolts seem to be doing the job but I will recheck them after a few miles and then regularly.

The idle still sounded a little rough so I decided to change the spark plugs and HT leads. Must be one of the jobs no one tells the new guy is a PITA. I havent worked out how to get the leads off from under the throttle, there must be a special knack to it.

The plugs didnt look to bad just a little worn, that was until I got to the 3rd and 4th. They were jammed tight and I was really sweating that I was going to break one which is obviously not a good plan. I got the trusty torque wrench out, it is a good old EX-MOD Britool item, it has a good bit of weight behind it and about 50-60cm long so is handy when you need some leverage. Without too much effort the spark plugs came free, I took the loosen - tighten -loosen approach. A couple of things surprised me, first was the original rusty volvo spark plugs obviously hadn't been changed in a long time (the other 2 plugs were Bosch). Also the ceramic broke on removal, I put this down to them being old and past it. However I broke one of the new plugs so the wonderful design of the inlet manifold puts strain on the plug. I had to use a articulated joint to avoid repeating the issue and have had to reuse one of the Bosch plugs for now.



The car is running much nicer as a result. Is this a common problem with the 480? I have never broken spark plugs like this before.

Took the car for a test drive and it is definitely driving better. The brakes still need to bed in so I too it easy, also I notice that I have 4 different tyres fitted. They are all the same brand and I had noticed one was quite new but will be ordering a replacement set ASAP.

As I typed this post up it has just occurred to me that I forgot to torque the driveshaft hub nuts Will need to do them tomorrow.

Bought a plastic polish kit on ebay, it was quite cheap but has made some improvement but could be better. Rather than lacquer I am have ordered some tinting film, one light smoke and the other clear so will be interesting to see how that works out.

[arthuy]

Looking for a few opinions on tyre size.

The car has 185/55/15 currently but I am considering 195/55/15.

I find that the taller tyres help with speed bumps and the 195 being a bit wider can only be a good thing as you have more tyre on tarmac.

[Alan 480]

The idle still sounded a little rough so I decided to change the spark plugs and HT leads. Must be one of the jobs no one tells the new guy is a PITA. I havent worked out how to get the leads off from under the throttle, there must be a special knack to it.

The plugs didnt look to bad just a little worn, that was until I got to the 3rd and 4th. They were jammed tight and I was really sweating that I was going to break one which is obviously not a good plan. I got the trusty torque wrench out, it is a good old EX-MOD Britool item, it has a good bit of weight behind it and about 50-60cm long so is handy when you need some leverage. Without too much effort the spark plugs came free, I took the loosen - tighten -loosen approach. A couple of things surprised me, first was the original rusty volvo spark plugs obviously hadn't been changed in a long time (the other 2 plugs were bosch). Also the ceramic broke on removal, I put this down to them being old and past it. However I broke one of the new plugs so the wonderful design of the inlet manifold puts strain on the plug.

Is this a common problem with the 480? I have never broken sparkplugs like this before.

I've found issues trying to get the proper 1/2" drive plug socket to fit 'square-on' and ended up using the wee pressed steel affairs as they do less damage and are a bit slimmer so avoid the ally casting that twists the plug at an angle. (also means you don't over-torque them!

like you I sweated when first got the car as tried to change a plug and broke ceramic, it ran like that for a few weeks with me spraying in a WD40 type every night on getting home from a 15 mile run, surprised it didn't misfire, but I suppose it jumps the gap at the dizzy so why not at the plug ? ?? .

then had as much stripped away for way access and wheeched it out when hot, I reasoned that ally expands more than steel so best to remove when toasty

[arthuy]

Day light at last, gave the 480 a wash down and went for a spin.

First in service gremlin too, the radio fuse blew, not sure why but it blew as soon as I changed it too. Will need to have a look tomorrow, it also took out the info centre.

[frenchfries]

Did you go for 195 tires in the end?

[arthuy]

I havent ordered any tyres yet, I was waiting for a few opinions first.

[cranna21]

useful site for you RE tyre sizes! will compare rolling diamters and widths and gives you a wee visual representation of how it will sit!

http://www.willtheyfit.com/

[arthuy]

Thanks for that. Not much between the 185 and 195.

I have been trying to locate the original volvo tyre spec. The handbook I have lists 195/55/15. Would anyone have a celebration handbook to see if it states which brand and size of tyres were supplied new. The speedo seems to over read a bit which suggests that fitting 195/55 would correct this.

A little confusing to say the least.

I investigated the blowing fuse, turns out it was operator error and not volvo gremlins. I had picked up some screws and clips and dropped them in the ash tray, a split pin went in to the cigar lighter socket causing a short circuit.

[arthuy]

Executive decision made, ordered a set of 195/55/15 for the 480.

Will report back when fitted.

[jamescarruthers]

I have a book with early late 80's) cars pictured new. They are wearing Pirelli P6 on the Pollux rims. Not the same wheels as your Cetus ones but give an indicator of which company Volvo were in bed with at the time.

Maybe someone could look close-up at the Celebration brochures for you?

[jifflemon]

What brand have you gone for?

I've found Uniroyal Rainsport 3 Tyres to be superb value for money; Proper "branded" tyre for not a lot! Worth a look if you've not already committed.

[dcwalker]

Thanks for that. Not much between the 185 and 195.

I have been trying to locate the original volvo tyre spec. The handbook I have lists 195/55/15. Would anyone have a celebration handbook to see if it states which brand and size of tyres were supplied new. The speedo seems to over read a bit which suggests that fitting 195/55 would correct this.

A little confusing to say the least.

I investigated the blowing fuse, turns out it was operator error and not volvo gremlins. I had picked up some screws and clips and dropped them in the ash tray, a split pin went in to the cigar lighter socket causing a short circuit.

Celebration brochure states 195/55 - that's what I always ran my Celeb on. As for original make, you can't see it in the Celeb brochure, but the 1995 480 brochure shows both Michelins and Goodyear, so take your pick! I ran Goodyears on my Celeb, but I have Pirelli Cinturato P1s on my GT (because of the "good brands" they were the best offer for 4 at the time). Must admit they handle vey well...but any decent tyre should be OK for you.

Lovely looking car, BTW!

David

[jamescarruthers]

I have four Goodyear Efficient Grip on my Pollux's. Happy with these.

[arthuy]

Celebration brochure states 195/55 - that's what I always ran my Celeb on. As for original make, you can't see it in the Celeb brochure, but the 1995 480 brochure shows both Michelins and Goodyear, so take your pick! I ran Goodyears on my Celeb, but I have Pirelli Cinturato P1s on my GT (because of the "good brands" they were the best offer for 4 at the time). Must admit they handle vey well...but any decent tyre should be OK for you.

Lovely looking car, BTW!

David

Excellent, I was hoping it would be in the brochure. 195/55 is what I have ordered.

I have been using Uniroyal rainsport tyres for a few years have them on 3 of my cars as well as my brothers. All round I have found them excellent for grip, noise and wear. I have tried various brands over the years but find it hard to fault the uniroyals even their winter tyres are good.

Review of the short landrover screen washer jet. They seemed ok but are too low, when I tried to adjust the jets it either went over the roof or bottom of the screen, conclusion was that I needed a taller jet like the originals. I picked up a pair of the brass jets which are almost exactly the same size.



They were £5.99 the pair. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PAIR-UNIVERSA ... 2749.l2649

The bottom clears the wipers although I had to removed the wiper linkage to get the drivers side fitted, which of course meant a sheared bolt. I managed to drill and thread it though.





They brass jets hit the middle of the screen without needing adjusted. I am glad I ordered them as the drivers side was on its last legs.