Fast Marina Magazine

Drove to work for the first time after replacing both rear shocks and new choke cable last week. Just got a gremlin with the rear left indicator to sort out!

Well i'm back from collecting the Marina, first time i've ever driven one and to be honest I was really impressed.It was very responsive, gearbox was lovely (if a little long on the throw) Clutch/brakes etc all fine drove and stopped in a straight line. Drove 30 miles which is 30 more than its done in the last 15 years..
Only issue I had was that it did run hot (3/4 on gauge) - I ran it with the heater on full which helped. When I checked the fan belt had slipped and the alternator casting bolt had stripped so I couldnt get proper tension on it. Managed a bodge and will fix later. Only other issue is that the battery went flat! alternator light goes out as normal so suspect the fanbelt caused the issue or dodgy alternator (I do have a spare but i'll check voltage first) This weekend i'm going to fully strip and flush the cooling - i suspect my thermostat is dodgy and I hear these can be a problem to get out. Is there any agreed chosen method to remove it without damaging the casting?

Also I want to fit a fuel filter - where do people fit these (before or after fuel pump) Sadly due to lack of storage - I've been given notice on my storage hence the rush to get this tested - I have 7 other vehicles (yes I have a problem) So when all issues fixed it will be going up for sale, gutted but he ho somthing has to give. I'm just glad it's saved even if I cant enjoy it i'm sure someone else will.

Had a good day on marina. New points and condenser fitted. New thermostat (just lifted out no hassle) refitted new one with a smear of vaselene. Temp now sits dead on centre of gauge. Also looked at timing (was way out) set at 8 degrees is that okay with modern fuels?

Took it for a spin and drives much better, this car is really growing on me. tomorrow ill change oil.
retapped alternator fixing and adjusted fan belt. Checked voltage and all ok.

Thats good progress, always nice to get one back on the road.

Got the teering bush done on tdt and tons more this week but my laptop exploded and im writing this on tablet which is anightmare?
Hpefuly sorted son oon.

Gareth do you notice much difference with the new steering bush?



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MarinaCoupe wrote:Gareth do you notice much difference with the new steering bush?



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yes, the knocking has gone and the steering wheel dosnt twitch when hitting pot holes anymore.
Feels much better.

Great stuff


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I've fitted a couple of bushes now and they seem to transform the ride, all that crashing and knocking goes
No more wheel wobble
It's just a massive improvement all round

Well the coupe's going back up to Norfolk for the weekend but noticed the last time I used it the flasher unit seem to be on its last legs with indicators randomly staying on or flashing slow so got one of the same ordered off the bay
So tools and spares in the boot and off we go Friday evening in the dark

Where abouts in Norfolk will you be out of interest?

Alex

Up to Hemsby I have a static caravan so up there quite often and rock&troll weekend

Did some more tinkering on the Marina this weekend. Changed the oil again (used the last lot as a flush) nice and clean now. Put an in line fuel filter in and changed the fuel pipe to carb. Also reset the timing. Made a boo boo last time, looked at Haynes and it said 8 degress so I set it that and it was a bit lumpy so relooked at it again and i'd misread the manual. That was for static timing, doh! SO out with the timing light again and set it at 15 degress at 1500rpm. What a differance, drives lovely now and pretty quick too.
Dont half get lots of comments and looks, it is currently on ebay for sale. As it stands i've had no contact from anyone regards it so does that give me more of a reason to try and keep it? I dont need to sell it so at least you wont see as an auction with no reserve and all the idiots that brings out.
It's always awkward trying to maintain a fleet of cars - oh not to have to work and have a great big shed !!!

Took a trip up to Scunthorpe to see Martec and the lovely Lesley yesterday. Dropped off some bits for Brian to play with.


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Glad to see you got home safe, No pressure on the build then!!??