S1 V6 auto back on the road at last!! - Problem solved!!
Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2014 8:29 pm
Following on from my earlier thread I am pleased to report that the car is now once again in use after a period of about eighteen months, during which the engine top end and gearbox were rebuilt. As explained to some of the faithful at XM25, the gearbox proved to be quite a saga since after refitting I drove the car about two miles (for an MOT) and then lost all forward drive! The original specialist refunded me in full with some financial compensation for my second removal and refitting of the engine and box. Another local firm assisted with stripping and rebuilding the gearbox and the problem turned out to be a stuck hydraulic valve, apparently not unusual on the ZF HP18, while a modification was made to prevent reoccurrence. The second mechanic also replaced the kickdown cable and professionally cleaned both oil filters and connecting pipework, which had not been done before. I am happy to say that after some slight adjustment of the kickdown cable the box feels pretty nice and smooth and certainly very much better than before and I do like the combination of the PRV V6 and auto! The only issues with the MOT were erratic sidelights (bad connection), poor headlight aim and loose battery clamps. I now hope to drive and enjoy the car for a little while after all the effort expended and at least I ended up in credit at the end! Hopefully it was worth the time and trouble and especially as the car is otherwise in nice condition and possibly the oldest rhd V6 auto around. I attach some photos from a trip out earlier today. Regards, Matthew T.
