Peter Bell

Mike I dont think there is anything to tweak in the speedo they just work on the number of turns the cable does, you will need a little gearbox to change the speed of the cable. Do they check the speedo on the test? they don't here on the MOT just record the mileage. If all else fails you could fit a bike speedo, I have one on mine, works fine up to about 60, records all sorts of things and costs about £10. Peter

Sorry Steve didn't see the oil bit that won't help a leaky valve. As others have said try to find another engine, preferably an injection one as it will have hardened valve seats and just bolt your carbs on. I have about 1" clearance between my 195x70x14 on ford wheels tyres and the rear body. Are you using the standard ford wheels with 38?mm offset or something else. Just realised you have a cortina based car, mine is sierra. I may see a cortina one tomorrow at Kimbolton, will try to measure it. Peter.

Steve it might not be the bores at all, just a valve leaking. Take the head off and have a look. Peter.

You say it is as the second choke opens, what size idle jet have you got on the secondary? if it is a 45 try going up a couple of sizes, the cortina used to have a 60. Peter.

Umm, suicide bomber or with my middle name, the speaking clock! At least I know I am currently in the wrong job. Peter

Afraid you don't have hydraulic lifters in a pinto just rocking fingers. As Longboarder says look at the cam lobes for signs of wear as in his picture. if you have anything like this change the cam and followers as well as the spray bar, don't think of only changing the cam and you will be running sweetly again. Peter.

But not all Japanese engines rotate the wrong way, (my Prelude one does) I understand a good indicator is with a transverse engine if the gearbox is on the drivers side then it goes the wrong way! Peter

I checked again to-day with the Bletchley park museum, they are expecting a lot of classic cars and bikes, (if the weather is fine). Gates open at 10:30 Kit cars are no problem, it is £5 per car (how many people can you fit in a hood?) and includes a tour of the museum. this is usually £10 per head I think, should be a good day. Peter.

Where are you Dave R? Peter Steve is in London according to his profile.

Hello John, haven't heard from you in a while. I think a lot of the Stevenage group are going to a classic car show at the Enigma museum Bletchley on that day, if you wish to come along? Peter

Luke you could try your local windshield place, they may cut you one from Laminated sheet. My local Autoglass did that for a Citroen Dyane I had. Peter

Check your idle jet(s) are not blocked too. Peter

There were 1300 pintos but I guess they are few and far between, probably the worst power to weight ratio for many years. Peter

I think Jim has put some DGAS settings on the NW Hoodies site. If you use the settings on a std. Granada DGAS it will be very rich. If I remember right you will need smaller mains and bigger air correctors. Peter

Ive been converted to Halfords oils they seem fine. Peter.

Is the accelerator pump working? ie when looking down the carb there is a curved tube, when you open the throttle there should be a good squirt of fuel from it. It is very obvious when the engine is not running (and there is fuel in the carb). Otherwise check the idle jets are not partially blocked. I have spent ages in the past changing float heights and it has never made any noticeable difference! Peter.

It was good to meet you and some of your local Hoodies at your meeting Keith, a super day and great watching the bikers too. Hope to meet you again soon. Peter

Hi Mike for polycarbonate you could try British Mica in Bedford, they used to be ok. Polycarbonate is unbreakable, almost, btw. If you just want to try something out try Acrylic sheet it is very cheap in comparison and DIY shops often sell it for glazing, it does break quite easily though. Peter.

I have about 1.5 to 2° on my Mk1 S7, not a lot of self cetering but weight is fine. I know 5° makes it very heavy, don't know what a standard sierra is but the cortina was 2°. Bigger wheel offsets from the normal Sierra will make the steering heavier too don't forget. Peter

Just make sure you have a vent in the fluid system to prevent any pressure build ups. Peter

Fair enough I suppose if you were doing 14 mph over the limit. I have always thought it is unfair that fixed cameras do not discern between cars and trucks so a lorry or caravanist can travel at least 10mph over their limit without being caught. When was the last time you saw a truck travelling at 60 max on a flat motorway? Peter

This clothes shop in Bedford must be getting ready for a visit from the Catering Vanz Boyz! Peter

Steve G, I assume you were in a 70 limit, can they do you for 74? I thought there was a 10% tolerance on speedo readings anyway which would mean 77! Peter

I have a 2l block assy in my garage, bought it as a 2.1 but it isn't. Bores seem fine not sure about the bottom end. Yours for a Pint but it is a long way from you Dave. Peter

Boggie, the oil enters the filter from the outside? holes through the plastic flap valve you can just see and then through the filter element and finally out of the centre tapped hole off to the bearings. Peter