From great to opps in one easy step!

New radiator fitted, also replaced thermostat (74 degree) and otter switch (88 degree) to lower temp ones (just because whilst I'm sorting the cooling system out - why not).

Fired it up and bled the system.
Took it out for a drive and heard something 'ping' off - followed by a worrying rumbling noise.
Was only up the road from home so pulled up on the drive and had a look - OH DEAR.... looks like I didn't tighten up the alternator pulley bolt enough - luckly it's just stripped the thread on the alternator and ruined the pulley.

Got a new pulley and have put the alternator in for a repair.

It's alive.....

Horray!

After weeksmonths of work, pain, bad advice, crap workmanship and cold weather the Chimaera is back together.

Started first time.
Next job is to get the radiator replaced/recored and switch the alternator our with my spare, because the charging light fails to go out.

Brilliant to have it back on the road.

Broken bonnet mount

I noticed when fitting my alternator that the passenger side bonnet mounting was broken. I have been wondering why it was rubbing so badly.

I purchased a pot of P40 Isofix and re-fibreglassed the mount back into place.

It's a two person job getting the bonnet off. Pretty simple as it's held in place by 4 allen bolts.

Here she is with her bonnet off.


I took the time to paint the exhaust manifolds with Very High temperature matt black paint whilst I had good access. A few more inaccessible bits to do - but need to get under the car for those. (note shinny new alternator and poly vee belt)

Agggh - Charging Light On

This is a scary light on a Chimaera.

My engine is a V8 serpentine which means it has a single 'poly-vee' belt that runs ancillary components. In my case:

• PAS Pump
• Water pump
• Alternator

The scary thing about this light when it's lit is that it might mean that the water (which gets bloody hot) might not be circulating quickly enough.

I pulled straight over and popped the bonnet. Belt intact and looks ok (a bit old) but ok.
Restarted car and it was fine....strange.

Went home and thought about it - possible alternator - possible 'poly-vee belt'

Decided I'd get the alternator out and replace it.
Also replace the poly-vee belt - I couldn't get hold of a 1850mm poly-belt so had to settle for 1855mm. (I bought 2 - one as a spare)

New alternator arrive and it had a strange cover - I managed to modify it so that it looked OE and fitted correctly.

Fitted belt and alternator. Started up and light flickered and went out..... superb.
Left it for a bit - thinking all was fixed, came back and restarted and OH NO light back on!

P*ssed off and tired I posted to the Pistonheads TVR forum - from the suggestions it turns out it might be the 100A fuse.


Looked underneath the car at the 100A fuse and viola - look what I found.

Cleaned up terminals and fitted a new fuse - perfect!