Success (or...at least took to the road....)

[Bryan Boyle]

Did 50 miles in 3291R this afternoon...Not totally dialed in (occasional clutch judder on starting off in 1st gear...haven't changed the clutch yet, and I know the adjustment is way off...but, will deal with it), lots of leaks to address (out comes the lump and tranny when I'm finished (or fed up) with the issues, but want to drive it a little), heater valve likes to open while driving along (will replace it when I pull the engine..for now, will just wire it shut).  But, it's busy marking its spot in my driveway right now, cooling off after a spirited run along the back roads of Bristol County MA, with some interstate to get home.  Pretty sure in this area that it's not a common sight from the number of stares I got at stop lights and folks passing me on I-195.

"Nice Ferrari, man...".  LOL.

Brakes work fine (reservoir is topped where I left it after bleeding), shifting is pretty OK...have to consciously keep it in the 3-4 line when downshifting...topped up the 365 with MT90 (it was down close to a quart...funny how the shift and synchros work better when the oil level is where it should be, and notice that the shift shaft seal is in need of replacement), but, oh, the sound when I turn the wick up while accelerating...wonderful note for an old steel muffler and cast header.  Bet a new tubular header and stainless silencer would not be a bad upgrade when that time comes.

A good Europa day (even with the niggles to take care of before the next run...it's not a destination, but a journey...)

[BDA]

 

Did I already tell you she's pretty?!

[Bryan Boyle]

Did I already tell you she's pretty?!

Thanks!  From 10', she's a looker, but when you get close...her age shows...as it does all of us...lol.

[BDA]

 

I try to think of it as the patina of earned wisdom. 

[Pfreen]

My clutch shuddered  until I installed pn Ref. 74Q0053 from RD Enterprises.
It changes the clutch cable pull position from the frame to the engine/transmission.
Huge improvement.  This was a Lotus change.
You also may want to check your engine and transmission mounts condition.  Degradation affects handling and clutch shudder without the above change.

[Bryan Boyle]

My clutch shuddered  until I installed pn Ref. 74Q0053 from RD Enterprises.
It changes the clutch cable pull position from the frame to the engine/transmission.
Huge improvement.  This was a Lotus change.
You also may want to check your engine and transmission mounts condition.  Degradation affects handling and clutch shudder without the above change.

I have the revised mount...but have to bring my angle grinder up here  to MA to cut off the old mount so I can fit the revised mount.  And the bolts (but have to cut them down; the shift tube interferes with putting the front one in...) and split washers, too. 

Engine mounts could probably stand to be changed (when I pull the motor this winter to do all the seals and gaskets); the rear transaxle mounts were changed in the last few years, so they're probably ok...but, like anything else, if the lump is out...might as well do those, too, right?

[Bryan Boyle]

I try to think of it as the patina of earned wisdom. 

Is that what it is?  LOL.  I thought it was just checked lacquer from the factory finish...

[Bainford]

Congrats on a successful shake-down run.
Nice looking Europa. I quite like well earned patina myself. My own original paint Europa wears its patina with pride.

[4129R]

I have the revised mount...but have to bring my angle grinder up here  to MA to cut off the old mount so I can fit the revised mount.  And the bolts (but have to cut them down; the shift tube interferes with putting the front one in...) and split washers, too. 

To get the front bolt in, I cut a slot in the side of the clutch cable mounting bracket so I could get the bolt started, slide the mounting plate in, then put in the rear bolt, and tighten both.

[Pfreen]

I also had to bend the mount some so the cable didn't touch the headers or anything else in the way.

[Bryan Boyle]

Congrats on a successful shake-down run.
Nice looking Europa. I quite like well earned patina myself. My own original paint Europa wears its patina with pride.

Indeed.  Earned it over 49 years of sometimes focused attention, sometimes casual neglect.  Lots of mileage on that chassis, I'd say.  (Now, to figure out how to replace the oil drain tube between the head and the block without pulling the head for now.  Seems to be the major leak I have at the present time....)

[4129R]

(Now, to figure out how to replace the oil drain tube between the head and the block without pulling the head for now.  Seems to be the major leak I have at the present time....)

That conical black rubber tube is quite flexible. I have put one in after the head was bolted on.

Just seat top and bottom with mastic.

[Bryan Boyle]

(Now, to figure out how to replace the oil drain tube between the head and the block without pulling the head for now.  Seems to be the major leak I have at the present time....)

That conical black rubber tube is quite flexible. I have put one in after the head was bolted on.

Just seat top and bottom with mastic.

Yeah, I have the replacement; it's a bit stiff...thinking of soaking it in boiling water for a bit to soften it a bit, pull the old one out with slip-locks, and then pull out of the hot water, dry off quickly, some black mastic, and push it in.  Make it easier, and pull the carb stack off so I have more room to work with it.