Beta Spider 2000 engine rebuild/refurb

[mangocrazy]

The one time that I replaced a Beta head I fitted the exhaust manifold first. Isn’t that the easy way?

Probably so with the standard exhaust manifold, but mine is an Ansa/CSC that has been cut and shut. This is what it looks like. The manifold to head aren't the problem; it's bolting up the two flanges where the pipes have been cut (ironically to make fitting easier) with very little space around it and lying with your nose brushing the sump...

[Neil-yaj396]

The one time that I replaced a Beta head I fitted the exhaust manifold first. Isn’t that the easy way?

Probably so with the standard exhaust manifold, but mine is an Ansa/CSC that has been cut and shut. This is what it looks like. The manifold to head aren't the problem; it's bolting up the two flanges where the pipes have been cut (ironically to make fitting easier) with very little space around it and lying with your nose brushing the sump...

Realised that this must be the case just after my post. Good work getting that fitted in with no car lift for sure…..

[mangocrazy]

Well I did try, but in the end I ran out of time. When you're getting ready to exit a holiday home for best part of 5-6 months there are so many little tasks that need doing; I'm sure Peter will bear me out on that. Anyway, everything that now needs to be done in the build up to (hopefully) getting the car running again is now a one person job. The bonnet is back on and most of the jobs at the front of the engine are completed, and I reckon there are 2-3 hours of work needed to get it running, but I just don't have that 2 or 3 hours spare. The engine has new oil, but not coolant yet. Here's a photo of the engine bay as it will stay until spring 2024:

[peteracs]

Hi Graham

I can agree, last few days can be busy.

Getting house ready for long layoff in winter does take some work. Not sure of your setup, we are quite fortunate with ours now. All building/restoration work was finished pre Covid, also our house is just the house with a small lean to at the side. Main jobs are cutting back the shrubs, last grass cut (we have very little this year as has been so dry), then spend one of the last days on final clean and pack. Morning of leaving is early up to get any chilled stuff packed, put away last items such as Karen’s buggy and the. Final drain down of water. Again fortunate as we only have wood fires so no heating system to bother with.

All in all it is quite relaxed for us now having done it for many years, initially was quite a stressful leaving day. One thing which has reduced that is Eurotunnel’s flexibility in terms of which train you actually catch. Away from peak times they just put you on the next train going regardless of your ticket number. A very sensible and flexible system which allows for late or early arrivals.

Peter

[mangocrazy]

Hi Peter,

Yes, as the trips roll by you do get into a routine. I have an exit checklist that I tick off, which helps a lot. Having a cat that tries to hide in a still fairly disorganised old house when it senses we're moving adds to the hassle. Back home now, and while the journey throughout the whole of France was under cloudless blue skies, we've returned to grey and damp.

Plus ca change...   

Graham

[peteracs]

Hi Graham

Last off topic post, promise, but one of the first things wife did was checklist for leaving, she is the organised one, not me!

Weather here has been unreal for October, another day of no clouds and up to 30 degrees, due to change over the weekend thankfully a bit cooler. Have been here for nearly 4 weeks and one day of rain in an area that normally has plenty this time of year.

Peter