| Author | Message | ||||
     Rob Hook Yet to post message Username: rob_hook Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2007 |
I've read all about how easy and simple it is to replace the rear spheres on the various models. Mine being an '89 Turbo R (#26545), I decided to change out my spheres last night. Getting the systems bled and getting TO the spheres was simple enough but MY GOD, how do you get them LOOSE? I had what I thought was the perfect tool for the job (a gizmo designed for turning an engine using a serpentine belt) but no amount of torque would budge the spheres. Is it common for them to be completley stuck? What tool does everyone else use for this? The problem is, in my car at least, there's almost no clearance at the front of the spheres for any other tool to fit around the sphere. Ideas? Or am I stuck removing the whole unit and mount as the factory suggests? --Rob | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 20 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hi Rob, Don't take anything else off! Shhhhh . . . I use a 2 foot chisel. A couple of sensible tps and they will fly off. Remember you are trying to turn them, not puncture them, so keep it at a shallow angle. Another liitle tip, leave the bleed nipple open throughout and you will not have fluid flowing into the boot. Good luck, Paul. | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1187 Registered: 4-2003 |
Come on Gents. Read Tee-One, and even see pictures of the tools in several articles. Get the proper tool: a chain wrench for the really tight ones. Also read about levering the protruding body seam behind the sphere backwards to clear a chain wrench if necessary on some carbodies. This is no job for sharp implements and hammers. Take it gently Bentley. Shown below is the chain wrench. If you cannot move it gently, use some water pipe as a lever extension to lighten the stress on your biceps.  | ||||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 678 Registered: 9-2004 |
The above in my opinion used correctly and i mean the Chesil [blunt] as well are ok. We have another little jem that does them in seconds however this is only found in the local old used workshops,if you would like to know just drop me an e-mail as it may be frownd at by some. | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 21 Registered: 6-2006 |
I Guess Richard and I will have to disagree on this one! One sharp tap with a chisel on something that will be thrown away OR bending body seams on a car you want to keep? If you have an active ride car, make sure that the chain wrench and lever stay well clear of the looms - especially if using a pipe as an extension, it will go with a jolt! If you want to go for straping it off, snap on do a meaty 3" fabric strap wrench with a 1/2" square so you can fit your breaker bar to it. The strap fits around the sphere without damaging anything else. Harder work, but your choice. Bear in mind the nipple trick, once the sphere has moved it will spin off by hand - if there is no pressure or fluid inside it. | ||||
| Robert Wort Grand Master Username: robert_wort Post Number: 352 Registered: 12-2004 |
As the flying instructor said to the novice pilot, "Seduce the old girl when you raise her, don't bloody rape her!" With my sense of aim with a hammer and chisel, I would be more likely to dislodge the steering wheel and ball joint than move the sphere. Mark Herbstreit and I recently changed the spheres on our cars (A Camargue JRH 50085 and a Silver Spur ANC04359). They were both 'bleedin' tight as well and we tried a couple of methods. The first one came off easily with an oil filter wrench but the others (As with both cars), were as tight as Tutenkamen's tomb. We managed to squeeze a large pipe wrench in and used a long hollow bar as an extension. Next time, I'll definitely use a chain wrench. There will be an article about this on the Victoria Branch website for members and the RRBEW website in issue 12 of Crewe'd Jottings later next month.  | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 22 Registered: 6-2006 |
LOL, As the flying instructor said to the novice pilot, "Seduce the old girl when you raise her, don't bloody rape her!" Is that the title of the photo? Did you just run outside and take the photo , or is that what you really used? Hat's off to you - managing to get that massive tool into her, bet that made her eyes water. <grin> hope you didn't tighten it with that! Rob Hook, Just to clarify what I was recommending. It wasn't to chisel the sphere off completely. Just one or two sharp taps on a metal chisel with a small hammer. Don't go sledge hammering it or getting pneumatic drills out! I'll try to remember to take some pictures so you know what I'm talking about. The angle has to be very tangental so as to rotate the sphere and break the seal. From that point it's easy. It doesn't need to be tightened too much. you will feel when it has bottomed out, a strap wrench should be good to tighten it enough. Takes about an hour for non active ride, single boot pannel cars. *Plus*, trim removal / fitting and bleeding. I would also suggest covering the seal in LHM before fitting it and running it up to pressure before fitting the trim to make sure the seal is sitting correctly. Note the cardboard in Roberts picture to catch the loose fluid. (Message edited by paul yorke on 21 March 2007) | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1189 Registered: 4-2003 |
Now, that is the raw prawn. | ||||
| Robert Wort Grand Master Username: robert_wort Post Number: 353 Registered: 12-2004 |
Mark, Terry (Mark Herbstreit's Dad) and I did this a couple of weeks ago. Yes we really did use the pipe wrench and although it was a bit of a tight fit. We used a bit of gentle persuasion and it did the job admirably. No Paul, We didn't use the wrench to install the new ones  . We hand tightened them and just gave them a little nip with a rubber strap to ensure they were home. There was an old cloth under the cardboard as well to catch any wayward oil. There wasn't much though as we too, had the bleed nipples undone. | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1190 Registered: 4-2003 |
I would be the first to agree that the Crewe service manuals are not always fully optimal. However, the service bulletins do tend better to clarify discrepancies. Crewe was apparently extremely disappointed at its service stations having negligently ignored the manuals on sphere replacement methods. The disgust was so severe that the unprecedented following service bulletins were issued. In all the bulletins I have read, this stands out as the most pronounced rap over the knuckles concerning improper practices in contravention of Factory instructions and good practice. RT. 
| ||||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 679 Registered: 9-2004 |
Cripes did the RR Bentley service centres really do that to spheres to remove them. We in the uk call folk cowboys. Another favourite is the tinkering with wiring to get over the real fault that is not corrected. Ends up that the next owner etc does not know what in the heck he has gotton. The wires do not then relate to the wiring diagrams, the manuals become almost useless. | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 23 Registered: 6-2006 |
The picture of the chisel marks show exactly why you need to do it at a very tangental angle, to turn the gas spring, not make a hole in it! It looks like they got the tea boy to do that one! LOL. Anyways, it's your choice, I can only say that out of the 100 + I have done, 25% have come off easily with a strap wrench, 73% have had to have a couple of taps, 2% have needed hernia causing force. And zero percent have exploded!!! Good luck with it in any case, and the improvement to ride quality makes all the effort worth while   | ||||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 680 Registered: 9-2004 |
Great stuff from Paul,Yes the operative word "Strap" frownd on by some who cannot master it. Far easier than the tinkering of the chain wrench. Tip on replacement of the sphere for next easy removal. Coat the new seal in LHM,tighten up the sphere by hand as much as possible,that will be tight enough. test after completion. | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1193 Registered: 4-2003 |
If in doubt, give a clout. If it still doesn't move, find a bigger hammer. | ||||
| Bill Coburn Moderator Username: bill_coburn Post Number: 876 Registered: 4-2003 |
Well all you specialists. I have both a chain wrench and a strap wrench. I have had two of the latter - the last one shattered and the new one which is plastic and rubber will do the same if I do anything drastic. I use the chain wrench with a garage jack handle and undoing the spheres and that strange screwed connection on the pump for the fan is quite easy but I would hate to think how many pounds torque I am applying. Anyway my problem is how do you turn the engine over for timing purposes. Is it bang bang with the starter until you nearly get there. I am sure the chain wrench on the bottom pulley will turn it but it will spoil my pretty plating. Among you wizards have you found a better way!!!??? | ||||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 681 Registered: 9-2004 |
Bill which timing,i think i know,your going to get to the whistle at some stage!!!!!!!!!!!! Ref straps,the best is the type that take the 1/2" drive. Last for years and indistructable. Well, so far so good. (Message edited by pat lockyer on 23 March 2007) | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1195 Registered: 4-2003 |
Bill, it's called masking tape. A few wraps will protect paint and plating alike when you use the chain wrench. Pulley, sphere or whatever. | ||||
| Bill Coburn Moderator Username: bill_coburn Post Number: 877 Registered: 4-2003 |
Well I am not up on these new fangled thing. If my pulley gets scratched you are in trouble! Actually I am wondering are there more durable chain wrenches? And Patrick you're ahead of me! And thanks to both of you! | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 25 Registered: 6-2006 |
Bill, 3 other options depending on how much time you want to spend and what car you want to do it to.. a long flat ended screw driver wedged between the 1/2" nuts that hold the fan flange to the waterpump should allow you to turn it without damaging plating. On the gearbox bell housing underneath the car is a small cover with screws that hold it on. Remove one, loosen the other and swing the plate around, this exposes the ring gear teeth. Use a flat head screwdriver to move th eteeth using the casing as a lever point. Take the spark plugs out. Turn engine over by hand. | ||||
| Bill Coburn Moderator Username: bill_coburn Post Number: 879 Registered: 4-2003 |
Thanks Paul, I have never had luck with turning from the water pump. Even tightening the belts the thing just slips. The Spirit/Spur doesn't have a trap like the Clouds etc - more's the pity. Even with the plugs out the things won't turn. I think the chain wrench or if I can get a more durable strap wrench this will be the answer. I am fitting a new Bosch distributor because the old one had a punctured vacuum advance and in getting the rotor off I managed to pull the top part off the centrifugal weights. The plastic retaining clip to hold the thing on have been out of production some 20 years I am told. The cost of a cap and rotor was over $200 and the vacuum advance would have been unprocurable. I can get the whole new distributor with cap rotor and a new high rated coil for $700 odd using modern spark switching. Seemed the right way to go. The judges will bust their foofa valve to see the difference. I am fitting new HT leads and plugs and getting rid of that stupid amplifier sitting on the right hand guard with all its untidy wiring! Full reports will be issued | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 26 Registered: 6-2006 |
Bill, "I have never had luck with turning from the water pump. Even tightening the belts the thing just slips." Even with the plugs out? I'm very surprised. I would have thought a strap wrench would have no problem at all on the bottom pully with the plugs out. Wang it over a couple of times on the starter first. I'll post a picture of my strap wrench. Paul. | ||||
| Bill Coburn Moderator Username: bill_coburn Post Number: 880 Registered: 4-2003 |
Thanks Paul.. I bought another strap wrench yesterday with a rubber/canvas reinforced belt and a steel handle. Maybe that will do the trick. The only recent time I have had this task was on a Cloud III which needed new valve seals. There I took the whole flywheel cover off and from below physically heaved the engine around by turning the flywheel. I used compressed air at about 100psi to keep the valves shut while I did the valve mod but had to jam wooden wedges into the flywheel housing to stop the thing turning over by itself. My new distributor arrived yesterday so I have no excuse for procrastinating. | ||||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 696 Registered: 9-2004 |
And when the car is completed and a road test carried out,this in most cases will show the much improved ride. However it is always a good idea to run the car through the speed ranges checking for wheel balance and vibration [rear] and also any variations of ROAD noise between road surfaces. If found and the w/b is ok then do check the subframe shocks [dampers] when siezed these can transmit all road noises from the rear subframe through to the body. When replaced the ride will be transformed. May not be in the manual! (Message edited by pat lockyer on 07 April 2007) | ||||
| Mark Herbstreit Frequent User Username: mark_herbstreit Post Number: 65 Registered: 5-2005 |
So Rob, Its been two and half weeks. Did you get them off? If so what method did you use? | ||||
| Robert Wort Grand Master Username: robert_wort Post Number: 354 Registered: 12-2004 |
Hi Mark, We did ours the hard way but with the next one (on a friend's), a chain wrench of course. | ||||
| Mark Herbstreit Frequent User Username: mark_herbstreit Post Number: 66 Registered: 5-2005 |
Too many Robs! I was actually after some closure from Rob Hook on how he went with the rear spheres. There is a lot of useful information here and I was interested to see if they eventually came off and by which method. I like to follow the most logical approach first but when that fails any alternative starts to look attractive! I changed the brake spheres on my DZ Camargue yesterday. The evil geniuses at Rolls-Royce seem to delight in almost giving you enough room to do something but then put something in the way so you can't get to it. The front sphere hangs vertically with the rear sphere horizontal and about a centimeter clearance between the two. The photo is looking straight up from under the car.  The front vertical sphere needs to come off first.(after you have followed the depressurising procedure etc.) With no room to swing a traditional chain wrench you get your dad to make you one that works vertically.   Now for the rear sphere.  You can see from the photo that the horizontal rear sphere resides very close to the block and doesn't allow access for the chain to go around so out with the trusty Stilsons pipe wrench. A satisfying crack and all is well with the world!  While you've got you dad disecting old bikes in the back yard get him to make you a chain wrench for doing suspension spheres as well.  | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 28 Registered: 6-2006 |
Photos of tools, suduction, and a lack of damage ! Shows the angle you need to tap at. very tangential to the centre axis ( yellow ), three or four taps should do it.  'tool' with my prefered edge for turning, not puncturing!  Strap wrench  Strap in place  Damage to sphere, the circled area is mine, the rest is from when it was fitted.  They say that a picture paints a thousand words, so hopefully you can see where I am coming from. As you can see damage is no worse than a chain wrench! There is no need to damage the car body. The BIG BONUS from my point of view is time. I forgot to time how long it took but my camera switches itself off after five minuites to save power. It didn't turn itself off from first photo to last so I'm guessing between 20 and 30 minutes? Best Wishes, Paul. | ||||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 703 Registered: 9-2004 |
Yes, our strap is the same,1/2 inch one side and 3/8 the other. Used correctly always works. Citroens as well!!!!!!!1 | ||||
| Robert Wort Grand Master Username: robert_wort Post Number: 355 Registered: 12-2004 |
I really can't see the benefit of using a chisel Paul. Using the correct tool for the job has just got to be better. Now Mark and I have the chain wrenches, there is no need for any other. | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1219 Registered: 4-2003 |
Well, Paul, thank goodness you are not a dentist. | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 29 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hi Patrick, yep - a great tool and I'm sure it would cope with Bill Coburns engine turning dilemma without leaving any marks. Hi Bill Coburn, did you manage to get the distributor in? Hi Rob Hook, did you manage to get your gas springs changed? | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 30 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hi Robert Wort, Benefits of a tap and strap as I see it include ( in no particular order ) : 1: You don't need to damage the car bodywork. 2: You don't need to get a hernia. 3: They are readily available tools. 4: Fast. 5: You can see exactly where your tool is so less chance of damaging cables etc. 6: The only damage caused is to the sphere which is (now) a disposable item. The information is there for Rob Hook or anybody to use or ignore. I have tried taking the spheres off with the housings as was 'correct' procedure. I've tried 'correct' chain wrenches. I've tried various metal and fabric strap wrenches. This is the method I've settled on, and having tried other peoples recommendations, gone back to. I can only comment from a personal point of view. I would, and have, happily had customers stand and chat to me while I change their spheres using this method. I wouldn't encourage spectators if I was using a chain wrench, stilsons, or removing the whole body. I'm not saying that any other methods are right or wrong, I am only giving my opinion and stating my choice, as a professional, that does this job frequently. If everybody went with 'correct' tools and workshop procedure then we would still be spending a day unbolting the sphere mountings from the strut and removing the sphere in a vice. Still an option but not the one I would take. (This is the question that Rob Hook first asked and offered my opinion.) R-R also used to recommend topping up the pressure on the spheres! Times and methods evolve! ( well hopefully ) I get the feeling that you think a chisel is a step backwards, but having used both, I see no benefit in using a chain wrench - ( well - apart from it being recommended.) "Using the correct tool for the job has just got to be better" WHY? Perhaps you could try my method and compare, or list the benefits of yours so people can make their own minds up? It's all about choice! | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 31 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hi Richard Treacy, Why? | ||||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 704 Registered: 9-2004 |
Time is money,one smart tap with cheisel when the strap is found to put to much force on the body is the quick way to move the unit, many times the Spheres are fitted by some with more torque than what is really needed. When removed they are scrap anyway. | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1220 Registered: 4-2003 |
Paul, Why break the jaw to polish the teeth more easily ? The theme has always been to use a strap wrench, with the chain wrench as a backup if necessary. | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 32 Registered: 6-2006 |
Richard , your heavy handed sense of humour seems only to be overshadowed by your heavy handedness when it comes to life and car repairs! "The theme has always been to use a strap wrench, with the chain wrench as a backup if necessary." Try reading and then thinking before typing - Rob Hook ALREADY tried the strap. That didn't work so he NEEDED an alternative. You appear to think that the readers of this builitin are as gung ho as you are and because they are holding a hammer and chisel they will immediately start banging uncontralably as hard as possible. You should give them a little more credit and understand that other people will read more than two words in a reply and will not just see the word "chisel" and read "smash the hell out of it". If you get a spare moment , try hitting something gently with a little thought and precision - you may amaze yourself. Look around a little and you will find people have used these tools to great effect. Try Googling Venus de Milo - I think you'll find he didn't use a chain wrench! | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1222 Registered: 4-2003 |
I do agree that chiselling Greek marble statues is an ancient art. However, let's leave the chisels for marble and please do use the tools designed for the job in hand. I am sure that if you search Rolls-Royce documents, then chisel will be accompanied by do not. Private practices are surely fine to a point. However, had I ever hit my child gently with a little thought in a spare moment, I could not have been sane. Not only would it have been a disgrace, but it would also have landed me in gaol. Please, we are trying to preserve our cars and to promote proper practices. | ||||
| Bill Coburn Moderator Username: bill_coburn Post Number: 881 Registered: 4-2003 |
I do wish all you dick strokers would stop taking the mickey out of each other. Readers have the opinions and suggestions - that is all they need not a cross commentary on the motives of the operatives. That having been said Paul, first I should assure you despite the front that I put up, I am a bum amateur and one of your passing remarks provided the obvious solution. Spin the engine first before you try inching it with whatever gadget. My car has one of those left handed thread mounted fans for which I have a bloody great spanner to tighten and remove etc. Having had my spin with the plugs out the engine turned like butter on a hot scone with my spanner on the fan mounting. Thank you but don't tell anyone that I am more of an amateur than is generally recognised. I am also 70 next week and the mind is going. Now where was I ..... the distributor. Greatest fitting since whenever! In truth it is a 'Ford Falcon' distributor tuned apparently for the appropriate model engine and the base of the old distributor is swapped to the new instrument. The car/engine was good before but is now plus perfect. Sovereigns balanced on radiator caps, doctors checking the engine is running with a stethoscope, power to compare to the hot shovel test! I am delighted. All up it cost AUD750 from R A Chapman in Melbourne who has tested these things on many models on his brand new dynamometer. One Victorian friend with a Turbo reckoned it gave another 100HP but he is given to superlatives. Well you did ask. How is everyone getting on with WIKI? There is something obscene in the name probably from the onamatopoeic point of view but that is my warped mind working again (what's left of it). I have managed to rearrange the library and tonight will take my assets in hand and try to post something there. Seems to be the way to go. Using the library in the old system was like trying to stuff sandwiches in the DVD player. Such changes are all a bit much for an old fool! | ||||
| Robert Wort Grand Master Username: robert_wort Post Number: 356 Registered: 12-2004 |
This is all getting a bit silly. Rather than helping an enquirer with constructive advice (which is the way it started), it’s now turning into a contest of egos. I think it’s time we all settled down a bit and maybe even close this thread as I think the subject is now well and truly exhausted. We own a marque that is perceived by others to be the pinnacle of all marques. I think we should reflect that in ourselves. Let’s not let this forum down and try to keep things civil and impersonal, lest a visitor gets the impression that we are all SMART car driving buffoons in disguise. | ||||
| Mark Herbstreit Frequent User Username: mark_herbstreit Post Number: 67 Registered: 5-2005 |
It's not friggin rocket science. Something needs to be unscrewed and something needs to be screwed back on! I would be happy to add the snap-on strap in Pauls photo to my ever increasing inventory of sphere removing tools. It would have been ideal for the Camargues brake spheres as there was limited access and they were not that tight. Rob W has a small metal strap that has also proven successful on not too tight spheres. The aggresiveness of the method employed will be directly proportional to the frustration caused by the tightness of the sphere, or if you like [Am & (F)Ts]. Hang on a sec maybe it is rocket science. The bottom line is the improvement in ride will make it all worth while when the jobs done. Hopefully Rob Hook will give us an update soon and we can all move on. | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 33 Registered: 6-2006 |
Robert W - Let�s not let this forum down and try to keep things civil and impersonal, lest a visitor gets the impression that we are all SMART car driving buffoons in disguise. Bit below the belt . . . .I have a SMART car - are you having a go at me now?? | ||||
| Richard Treacy Grand Master Username: richard_treacy Post Number: 1225 Registered: 4-2003 |
Robert W, Have a look at: http://au.rrforums.net/forum/messages/30/2973.html#POST7089 and you will see the several meanings of SMART, some by yourself !
| ||||
| Robert Wort Grand Master Username: robert_wort Post Number: 357 Registered: 12-2004 |
Paul, You have a SMART? Oh dear. The SMART reference was in jest and I was unaware that you had one and no offence was intended. In any case, let us all refrain from personal attacks on each other. | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 34 Registered: 6-2006 |
Robert , sorry. I really Hope I didn't make you feel guilty. . . . . ( well, that's if I did. ) I was only joking about the SMART car and was posted to lighten the mood. I should have added a couple of  at the end. Bill I'm glad to know that the dizzy went well and you're pleased with it, and the pre-spinning tip worked! I haven't checked to see what that works out as in pounds, but it's nice to know thaere's the option! ( Your Victorian friend impressed me for a while, not with the extra 100HP, but with his age - which I imagined to be 110 at the youngest - and still tweaking his cars, wow! After a little while and a smile to myself, I guess you meant he was from Victoria! LOL ) Anyway, have a great 70'th Birthday and many more years of enjoying driving AND working on your cars!. | ||||
| Robert Wort Grand Master Username: robert_wort Post Number: 358 Registered: 12-2004 |
I second Paul's congratulatons on your 70th. Bill. Paul, apologies are not necessary as I am virtually uninsultable. Most of my acid comments are tongue in cheek but sometimes I forget that others don't know me well enough to know when I'm pulling their legs. I am serious about keeping slanging matches out of the forum though. An awful lot of good comes out of the advice shared and of course, opinions can vary considerably. The essential point is to ensure that the recipient of the advice gains some useful knowledge from all of the comments given but in the end, it will be up to that recipient to form his or her own opinion on what is best for them. | ||||
| Bill Coburn Moderator Username: bill_coburn Post Number: 882 Registered: 4-2003 |
Well thank you. Paul we don't use Victorian as an adjective much these days - but a fair point. An interesting thing happened to me tonight on the way to the woodheap! None of you have commented on the new Wiki format of the Club website. Look and talk please. I on the other hand have to use the blasted thing! As an initial sortie I tackled the Main Page and moved Tee One Topics from a virtual footnote to the Shadow cluster of information in the Library to head the Library accession list. This was prompted by my noting that by far 'Topics' has more hits than anything else in that quarter so should surely be more prominent on the site. This has now been commented upon in the words 'By putting it at the top you do risk the ire of those who still think Tee-One is "improper" and not deserving of prominence in the RR movement.' This sort of remark smacks of the detritus I copped in the sixties to eighties and I am shocked to think such sentiments still exist. Is this a furphy or am I deluding myself because if it is true I will cease and desist immediately and devote my abilities such as they are to rebuilding my S2 which I dismantled 8 years ago. For advice please | ||||
| Bill Payne New User Username: wimpy Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2007 |
Obviously this must be a furphy(and thanks for increasing my vocabulary). If not, my vote goes to Mr. Coburn. Screw those who think otherwise. | ||||
| Paul Yorke Experienced User Username: paul_yorke Post Number: 35 Registered: 6-2006 |
Bill Coburn: Please keep up the great work. I'm surprised that anyone would think that Tee one does not have equal or more Kudos than a S.M.A.R.T car! But there are some strange opinions out there! "An interesting thing happened to me tonight on the way to the woodheap! " Now is this another Australian saying that I don't know about? If not? What happened? | ||||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 706 Registered: 9-2004 |
I agree,as i am learning something all the time from Bill C and others even though i must confess that i have yet to download from Wiki as i am still on dial up ho hum. Any way it sounds as though some of the RR movement are still in the past [I call them the old crew],if they are to imply that all the technical bumf etc should be kept locked up and not let available to Boe Blogs then i would fear the worst for our cars. I am only to happy to pass on any info found with the many assortments of motor vehicles worked on over the years, with solutions found to get over some most interesting problems not always in the book. Anyway Bill C happy birthday and hope you have many more. I may be catching you up! grandchildren that is. | ||||
| Bill Coburn Moderator Username: bill_coburn Post Number: 883 Registered: 4-2003 |
Thanks to you lot I shall not jump on my sword - vorpal or otherwise! Bill the origin of 'furphy is pure Aussie dating back to the first world war. The company that started it is still in business see their site www.furphyfoundry.com.au . The salient info is The most distinctive product to carry the Furphy brand would certainly be the water cart. The presence of the cart in military camps in Australia and overseas during the First World War led to the name of Furphy becoming an indelible part of our language and idiom. It was used extensively in Europe and the Middle East to carry water to the troops and the drivers of the carts were notorious sources of information and gossip for the men as they moved from camp to camp. As could be expected, not all their news was reliable and so it was that the word Furphy rapidly became a synonym for suspect information or | ||||
| Mark Herbstreit Frequent User Username: mark_herbstreit Post Number: 68 Registered: 5-2005 |
How about an edition of T-one devoted entirely to the afformentioned S2 restoration. (two birds with one stone). Now we're completely off topic but Happy Birthday anyway Bill. | ||||
| Bill Coburn Moderator Username: bill_coburn Post Number: 884 Registered: 4-2003 |
Mark Thanks. I have just finished sorting out a very nice S2 for a friend including stripping the entire front suspension. The car now steers like a train and goes like the clappers. Quite an inspiration to get off my blot and get mine back together. | ||||
| chris chadburn Unregistered guest Posted From: dialup-4.235.193.1.dial1.orlando1.level3.net |
Posted 04 January 2007 12:50 PM Happy New Year to all. I needed to replace my brake spheres as the brakes only needed 10 pumps before the warning lights came on. New spheres in hand I had the Mulsanne up on ramps and bled the accumulators. Tried 2 different strap wrenches, a chain wrench, and then bought the 2023 NAPA oil filter wrench with the 1/2" drive socket wrench. I couldn't budge either one of the spheres. Too much bracket flex under there. Tried adding no slip to the oil filter tool but to no avail. I went back to the NAPA store and bought a 4" heavy duty exhaust clamp (p/n 733-5752) and cut the point off one of my air chisel tools to make the end blunt. Bolted clamp around first sphere, made a reference mark on clamp and sphere to confirm clamp was not slipping and with a quick brappp on the air chisel it was loose. I had to modify the clamp a wee bit to fit it on the upper sphere to get past some suspension arm. End result both spheres off in less than 30 minutes including modification time for the clamp for sphere #2. New spheres on and 30 pumps and still no warning lights. Hope this helps somebody as it drove me nuts for over a week. Chris (Message approved by david_gore) |
