Progression was taking place, more in the way of time than achievements. Luckily I’d given the car a service at the same time I took it for the MOT, so the spark plugs, oils and filters had been done. The state of the filters was telling, pretty black generally, which meant they had done the job, but were somewhat less effective now. I thought that I might see a difference in fuel economy, which had been showing around the 28.5 mpg mark on the computer, which turns out isn’t far off reality. The fuel cost at that rate for the trip was going to be in the region of £200.
Access to the spark pugs is underneath the DI Cassette (ignition module) which means four bolts and one connector to remove. It also means that it’s the kind of spare part that your local breakdown service isn’t going to be able to get their hands on instantly. Luckily I have a spare, which I really should test to see if it still works.
Last time out there appeared to be a slight blow in the exhaust at the front somewhere, not that it came up on the MOT and thankfully nothing looked untoward underneath. I think I have some bandages somewhere, although the usual tactic of carrying cans of diet Coke, jubilee clips and scissors has always worked. Exhaust sections can be bought relatively easily anywhere and consumed quickly enough if needed. Pepsi cans make for longer lasting joints, but Coke ones are easier to fit in restricted areas.
I wondered if I should tackle the electric aerial, which seemed to have stuck 2/3rd the way up. This doesn’t give much hope for picking up local French stations, so I’d better dig out something to play in case. I could unbolt it and see, assuming that I get the time, if not I can imagine doing bits as I wait for the Eurotunnel… or even whilst on the Eurotunnel. Steel coat hangers don’t seem to be as available as they once were and are obviously crying out to be the latest in retro inspired accessories.
Sourcing of stuff to take was easier, nipping out over lunch coming back with spare bulbs and transmission fluid, along with shopping for the obligatory hi-viz jackets and faintly ridiculous breathalyser kits. Quite why anyone who is so pissed that they have decided to drive is going to think to use one of those. Everyone else will drink just enough not to fail…. Although once on site I don’t think anyone will be driving anywhere, maybe a trip out to the local hypermarket for a while one day might be a good idea. Put some charge into the decidedly second hand battery.
So with the evening drawing to a close I got some light bulb replacement done. Wasn’t much point in getting underneath the bonnet to do too much at this time of night. I tackled the long awaiting heater control panel, it helps if you can see it at night, even if I wasn’t planning any night time driving, some may be forced upon us.
The weekend was coming and the final push in the race to Le Mans could commence. Then all I needed was to get there….
