Servicing tips sought for a complete novice.

Post by **Mike Shipman** » Tue May 02, 2006 10:02 pm

Having just bought a 67 traveller, Im going to undertake my first ever service. Ive got some MM books which detail the jobs that havce to be done on 1k 3k 6k 12k services but Im sure there are loads of useful tips that you guys could give a total novice. Any thoughts on how to undertake what elements of the service would be appreciated.
The first couple of queries are:
- where should I start
- who's the best supplier of the parts I'll need?
- ref oiling and greasing - the manuals refer to types of oil and grease which would have been used in the 60's / 70's, what are the modern day equivalents?
Looking forward to a load of replies!.
Many thanks, Mike.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue May 02, 2006 10:14 pm

where to start... the choice is yours!
Engine, brakes, suspension, general greasing, axle, gearbox, cooling system.....

as for suppliers - most of the companies in the owners club magazine are pretty good. Most people will go for the cheapest supplier but this is probably why we have such an abundance of useless parts.
Quite a few of them will give free delivery if you order enough ££'s online, and getting stuff like 20/50 oil at the same time is an easy way to get your value up.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue May 02, 2006 11:17 pm

20W50 oil fom ASDA is fine - and cheap ! Ideal for engine and gearbox. Bullmotif have always given me good spares service - but maybe there is someone nearer you to save on delivery costs.

Post by **Welung666** » Wed May 03, 2006 1:12 am

In the links section on my website there is a service sheet (for Excel) that has mileage based servicing. Start with the most comprehensive service then count your next as a minimum service and so forth.

Lee

Post by **Cam** » Wed May 03, 2006 1:32 am

bmcecosse wrote:20W50 oil fom ASDA is fine - and cheap ! Ideal for engine and gearbox. Bullmotif have always given me good spares service - but maybe there is someone nearer you to save on delivery costs.

It does not show the minimum quality ratings on the can does it? You should use SE or SF rating minimum really. Any cheap £2.75 oil with no ratings will not protect your engine anywhere near as well.

Post by **stevey** » Wed May 03, 2006 9:43 am

Hi there, well I started with a good greasing. Multi purpose should do for suspension, brake cables (back) and the prop shaft. Dont forget the grease point at the bottom of the front suspension. Its easily missed.

Get youself some spare brake cylinders to have on hand. when they go you want to have them and not wait. Also at the next rally, or the national if you go invest in the small screws that hold the cylinders to the back plate. They are really hard to get out in one piece.

After that just be methodical. And it goes without saying to changing the filter when you change the enging oil.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed May 03, 2006 12:33 pm

one tip is to get hold of an owners handbook (the little servicing booklet) as it is full of servicing info.
A haynes manual is good enough for some jobs (eg setting plug gaps etc..)

Post by **Willie** » Wed May 03, 2006 7:45 pm

Change the engine oil every 3000 miles and the filter at alternate oil changes.
The gearbox will go at least 20000 miles between changes and the rear axle
oil does not need changing. Grease the Swivel Pins very frequently(nipples
top and bottom) any time you are playing around the car grease the swivel
pins! Buy a good lever grease gun and,if you have trouble getting the grease
to enter the nipples put a piece of cotton cloth between the nipple and the
gun. If you ever replace Prop Shaft UJs or handbrake cables make sure you
buy the type with grease nipples in them.