Russ's 2.1 SED Auto now in Mandarin

[russ92xmsed]

Curious thing arrived in the post this morning. A letter from admiral insurance, saying my claim is now closed and its all delt with. Also my no claims bonus is not effected.

Had this letter in January. Still its good to have proof! Oh well... insurance companies!.

[russ92xmsed]

Not an update on the XM, but on the C5 this time. I was politely reminded at the C6 rally by a few kind people that the front passenger tyre was basically illegal. Now there was loads of tread on it, so to to wasn't bald, but the edge had practically disappeared. I had also noticed it was pulling to the left. So obviously the tracking has been hit, most likely by Cheltenham's awful roads.
So I'm happy to report as of yesterday, it's now wearing some nice lovely shiny Michelins, had it's tracking done and today I have replaced the washer pump for the windscreen. Front bumper off Job....Not a bad job at all though. Very easy indeed. So it is all legal again. So thanks to those who pointed those tyres out. Paul you were one!
Last thing I needed was points on my license for driving a car that isn't actually mine.
That's it for this car! Normal service on XM updates resumes, hopefully in the next few weeks. Getting serious XM withdrawals.

[Dieselman]

A tyre doesn't need tread all the way across to be legal. 1.6mm over the centre 75% is what is required, the edges can be completely bald.

Did you get a printout for the geometry? I suspect the tyres being worn at the edge is due to use of the power steering when stationery. Tracking won't make a car pull to one side or the other.

[russ92xmsed]

Maybe so, but I'm more comfortable they have been done. With regards to parking none of us turn the wheel whilst the car is stationary. Always make sure the car is creeping. Absolute sticklers for that.
To be honest, I'm not sure they were great tyres and Dad is very annoyed they essentially lasted 8k miles.

Didn't get a geometry read out. But it's been done anyway. I am going to be taking it out tomorrow, so I'll see if it's still pulling to the left. It felt fine to me the little I drove it today.

[russ92xmsed]

Also just found out the guy doing the tracking, had to make significant adjustments to the LHS wheel.

[ragger]

Good to know you're still out there Russ!

[russ92xmsed]

Thanks Rob, don't worry, the XM is safe and sound and will be operated on soon.

[russ92xmsed]

Great news everybody... The garage has been vacated and is nearly ready to receive a sickly XM.
Fingers crossed, it should be beached next week. First though there is some parts buying......

I finally got to my spare engine mounts and well it's not too good. They are both shot! The mandarins top mount is also perished.

Is this still available?



I am also going to replace the thermostat in the replacement engine as it's gunky. I need to flush through he whole cooling system really, which I will do before it's fitted. But I think a replacement thermostat whilst the engine is out would be good, just to make sure.
So does anyone recommend a certain brand? I have found a gates one for £11 which is an 80 degree one for an auto.

Well... nearly there, the wait to get started is almost over.......

[White Exec]

Looks like available, Russ...
1846 55 Engine Flexible Bush
as well as
1338 72 Engine Water Thermostat BVA 80degC
1339 66 Thermostat gasket
...but check

[russ92xmsed]

Well that's good news. Thanks Chris. Just got to find it now.... If they are about....