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So here's a process I've developed to change your coolant, which can be adapted to almost any vehicle. Follow this procedure on a COLD engine: Place the vehicle on jack stands so it’s relatively level, Remove the radiator cap, Place a 15-20L container under the bottom radiator hose, Loosen the...

I begin with a question; what is the THE MOST IMPORTANT FLUID that is critical to ensure the long life of our precious vehicles?? Brake fluid? No – this ensures we are safe and even if it deteriorates these smaller parts can easily be repaired / replaced. Engine oil? No – in a vehicle not driven...

Removing Scale Deposits Step 1 must be completed even if you think your system is free of oil etc Completely drain the cooling system Mix 1.5kg Citric Acid (10% or 100g/L) to 15L water in the empty 20L container used for the Cooling System Cleaner. I would suggest disposal of the container...

This is an article for ATB Magazine by MBCV which will be published in March 2024. For completeness, I'll add the coolant article after this one which is about cleaning: Continuing on from my last very long article about coolant…. Coolant is so important because it acts as an anti-freeze and...

So here's a process I've developed to change your coolant, which can be adapted to almost any vehicle. Follow this procedure on a COLD engine: Place the vehicle on jack stands so it’s relatively level, Remove the radiator cap, Place a 15-20L container under the bottom radiator hose, Loosen...

Here's the latest article in ATB Magazine distributed by MBCV: I begin with a question; what is the THE MOST IMPORTANT FLUID that is critical to ensure the long life of our precious vehicles?? Brake fluid? No – this ensures we are safe and even if it deteriorates these smaller parts can easily...

Pics to get things started before I start dumping copious amounts of text & pictures into this thread. I’ve been interested in coolant & cooling systems for years so it’s good to finally get my thoughts into words that can be shared to benefit everyone here.

Note if the secondary housing fails or corrodes through, it will fill the sump with coolant which is hardly a great design!

A curious feature of the engine block is the large round hole behind the water pump distribution (secondary) housing. The hole leads directly into the crankcase but is sealed from outside by the gasket. In addition, the bolt holes are also open & lead to the timing chain cavity & sump. Care must...

I decided to check the water pump after the inlet manifold disaster where I thought there could be nothing left of the impeller. I did find coolant deposits blocking the weep holes in the pump so it was beginning to leak anyway. The housings are relatively good with minimal corrosion, but it’ll...

Just in case you decide to attempt balancer removal…

Note the different pumps that were available

Tightening torque & capacity

Note when rebuilding the pump that the distance bw the housing & the impeller (a) cannot exceed 1.2mm

I have a NOS seal but without a press with suitable equipment & specific knowledge about how it comes apart, I don’t wish to risk damaging the fragile impeller or housing. It should be finished mid week, so we’ll see the quality of their work.

FYI you should always remove the distributor with the engine on TDC & sufficiently marked to allow easy installation

Here’s some pix of the task undertaken so far. I can confirm the distributor needs to come off along with the air pump if fitted. Removal of the alternator might give more access & I removed the radiator which was leaking. I didn’t have the correct tools to remove the balancer which would...

I’ve just finished 2 lengthy articles on this topic & related subjects for MBCV’s ATB magazine. I might start a new topic with all the text & add pix