The car hasnt been run for about 5 years. I played a game of Tetris recently and got it closer to the front of the shed. Just need to back out the quad and roll the jeep forward to get it outside now. It didnt want to roll, so need to play with the brakes. Popped the bonnet and it appears the brake fluid has all evaporated....
Some tell tale signs at the rear...
Seem to recall the last time I redid the brakes, that the spring was a pain to get off. I hunted around in the shed for my trusty meco brake spring pliers to assist. Phaffed for 5 mins or so before I figured out I must have used them on the FX not the EK last time. Alot of stuffing around but managed to get everything apart.
Cleaned as best as possible with out pulling it fully down and started reassembly. Greased the rubbers and pistons and put them all back in. Holding the cylinder adjusters together with one hand i looked at the brake shoes and spring and then looked at the spare hand.... Figured this wasnt going to work but thought here I am, it might magic into place. Wrestled the brake shoes on and had a one handed go at the spring with the pliers. Not sure how, but the only magic thing that happened was an instant black fingernail with things let go. Time to rethink. I knew I had brake cylinder clamps somewhere. Brank new pack, didnt want to open them, but figured I have them, might as well use them.
I had screwed the adjusters all the way in to make it as easy as possible. I ended up setting one brake shoe in place and leaving the other resting on the actual adjuster ring/cogs. (as shown in the above pic). Quite easily got the spring in place. Then pulled the brake shoe out and over and into correct position. Had a reverse go and it worked quite well to remove the spring as well. Dunno if thats bad for the spring, but it worked well.
Still need to adjust and bleed but figure Im most of the way there.
Then figured I should drain the fuel tank. I never used to put much in so that it had less chance to go stale. So, cant be too much in it. More than a 4 litres ice cream container though....
A question if I can (sorry basic one and a few more likely to come..). Do I need to drain the fuel bowl or lines? The fuel smelt surprising good given its age. Given I saw 98 for $1.90 on the boards in town this week, I should have saved the fuel for the mower.. I just didnt want to undo the fuel bowl for fear of it not sealing again easily. I just dont get a lot of time to play so minimising risk if I can get away with it. Can I run it with fresh fuel in the carby and tank but some older stuff in the lines that will splutter and fart for a while till it comes through?
Cheers, Andrew