NEWS FROM ACROSS THE POND

[thebear54]

I'll be keeping ALL my fingers crossed (plus a few toes) that it will arrive complete...no real worries though.

This morning I was busy on the computer and added the DAF Museum & Research Center-USA to GOOGLE PLACES.
In about two weeks people will be able to Google search directions right to our front door. ;D ;D



Another giant leap towards making the DAF known again.


This week I also had a chance to install the Video Security system on the property to keep the unwanted at bay.
I've installed a 10 camera system (inside & out) to keep the insurance costs down for the collection and for my own "peace of mind". ;D

John

[thebear54]

A little more work on SARGE today....

A compression test was done today (fearing a blown head gasket) because of all the hesitation and sputtering when I attempt to drive the DAF.
He will not do it when stationary at Idle or being revved up in Neutral.
Cylinder 1= 10.0 kg./cm2
Cylinder 2= 10.5 kg./cm2
Cylinder 3= 10.0 kg./cm2
Cylinder 4= 10.0 kg./cm2

Factory specs (when new) calls for 12.2-12.9 kg./cm2.
The lower readings can be contributed to ring wear (??), since he has over 51,000 Km on the clock.
**There is a touch of "Mayonaise" on the inside of the oil fill cap.

I also did a full vacuum pressure test on the system;
At idle= o psi (perfect!)
at 3,000 rpm= 6.0 psi (perfect!)
at idle and Hill brake applied= 10 psi (perfect!)
So I know the Microswitch is adjusted properly and the rebuilt Vacuum valve is working properly.

Also did the "blow test" to the Primary pulleys.....the air leaked back and I felt it escape.
Conclusion: a torn Bellow or both torn ??

Can someone verify, please.

John

[macplaxton]

May 7, 2012 22:54:20 GMT thebear54 said:

**There is a touch of "Mayonaise" on the inside of the oil fill cap.

Don't read to much into this, as if the car is just used on short runs, mayo is normal as a result of condensation.

Have you not got a vacuum pump? Attach hose to pump, see if the primary holds a vacuum.



You can see the casting flash on the inside edge that needs removing from these perimeter support rings.



They can be just torn (left) or completely shagged (right).

[thebear54]

Thanks Rich....

Yesterday I proceeded to pump test the Vario on SARGE.


It appears that both sides are fine and held good pressure using my little handy-dandy air pump.
I also double checked the positioning of the vacuum lines
(one side had been reversed, so each side was working against the other) ...could this have been the cause of the hesitation ??

We'll find out as soon as I can get some new brakes on and drop his arse end back on the ground. ;D

John

[thebear54]

In the meantime......"back at the Ranch"

While awaiting some cylinder rebuild kits and shoe springs kits for SARGE, something needed to be done here;

Plastic boots...what were they thinking ??
They have "bit the radish", so time to replace!


All pretty...and green again. Ready to slap on some real rubber booties.

John

[thebear54]

Sarge and the CV situation has been completed.

Re-conditioned CV shafts, new boots and all new brake lines at the rear.

Poor old "Butterscotch"
I felt something was not right after the new front brakes had been put on...so I took the rear drums off to check.

Both rear sets of shoe material had become un-glued and were lying inside the drum. Must have been the water from the flood in August.

Oh well, at least she now has all new shoes.

I did have a slight problem with the left rear adjuster and took it off the backing plate.....BIG MISTAKE !!! One of the studs snapped of.
To the workshop where I applied the "FIRES OF HELL" to loosen the adjuster screw. That done the broken stud was cut off, drilled and retapped.


After a good coating of Never Seize everything went back together quickly and Butterscotch is back on the road. ;D ;D

The "fun" just never stops at DAF Central-USA. ;D ;D

John

[mattsdafs]

Well done John and these DAFS keep u busy don`t they

Its all a learning kerb and makes great reading,plus it helps others when they have to do theirs

[thebear54]

DIZZY is the word I would use, rather than BUSY Matt...but as you said others can learn from my "mistakes".

This morning, bright and early, the new interior arrived for Butterscotch. Magnificent !!!!
I wasted no time installing same.

At least four times better than the original factory and SO comfy !!

I spent the rest of the day prepping her for a Euro Car Show this weekend. With everything I have done to "Britify" Butterscotch I should keep people guessing about what kind of car this is and where it came from.

On the front we have a UK plate, a Tax Disc in the window, AA & RAC badges in the grille plate...


On the rear a great big GB magnetic (inside, a little teddy wearing a Union Jack T-shirt )

John

[mattsdafs]

Very nice John and i`m sure you will have fun keeping them all guesting with what and where Butterscotch is/from ;D

[thebear54]

The Judges, as well as quite a few spectators, at the show today knew immediatly that Butterscotch was a DAF from Holland even with all the UK decorations....I was surprised but delighted.

I've posted a report with photos on the DCA forum for all to read:
dafclubamerica.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=events&action=display&thread=713

Over 300 Euro and UK cars in attendance. It was a great turnout with perfect weather.


Even though I did all that work this week to Butterscotch I still drove 180 miles (round trip) without the use of my rear brakes.
The rear cylinders were not working at all. Luckily the handbrake worked on the rear and fronts worked perfectly. It took a little getting used to braking early.

Now to find some new real cylinders. should not too difficult, they are the same as the Volvo 66 as well as the early 343 units.
John