Once again (since the previous "farewell voyage" before I opened up the engine) it might well be the final jaunt in the old dear so i'd better make it worth it, even if it is going to be a largely random ramble. The temporary insurance expires at 10.30 tomorrow morning
I've got 170 miles to go before hitting the big 600 on running-in. Been gradually increasing speed and throttle from about 350 onwards ... now nearly up to 3500rpm from time to time, and possibly 60%
(have no way of measuring the throttle, i move off from a standstill quite gently and give it more as the speed rises. Whatevers neccessary for about 55-60 on the flat and less uphill)
Aim to be maybe up to 70mph and 75% (which is probably required throttle for that speed anyway) at 600, and maybe take it a bit further with a final, quite brief "what'll she do mister?" flat out spurt at the end of the return leg (though, only as high as the revs will go in top, won't be redlining). Because I might not get the chance again, scurf-ridding oil change needed or otherwise!
The gearbox seems to be mostly behaving itself, the trouble seems to be coming when it's been run to warmth and then allowed to sit and cool off for a few hours. Mornings are fine. End of a working day is... ok. A 6 til 10 visit to nan results in a squealfest! But it settles down again.
Can a worn bearing actually knacker the gearbox completely, or will it just get very noisy and provide increasing load on the engine til you can't stand it any longer?
Because I don't know if i can be arsed changing it, really. Might sell as is to someone with a similar tinkering mindset and let them sort it out. It still drives impeccably, excepting that, the slight feel of movement on the brake when you push the clutch, and the "air leak" ?? thats making the idle slightly rough and noisy. And that's all that matters really.
(anyone fancy it? sensible offers on a postcard. i can't charge *masses* as there's only about 10 days of tax left, but bear in mind that the engine's pretty solid now and the core body work is *mwah* according to MOT guy)
Right. I think I might amble down the M5, or roads alongside it, to the severn bridge, as i've never been across it, and back up through wales (maybe go see merthyr again) to rejoin that route. That sounds like about 200 miles. Autoroute agrees. See you soon
