Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing September 2013 Service

Dave,

much appreciated! Didn't realise there are so many greasing points....

One question: your front brakes are rather different from the ones on my Roadster: no drilled or ventilated discs and the calipers are not the same. So what do you have fitted? The Aldermog's brakes work, but lack feel and progression, so it is an area to upgrade.

I've done the engine oil this morning. If you're newish to the forum, there are some of my servicing threads in "Dave's How To" in the Classic Morgans threads near the top.
The calipers were standard in 2005, Lockheed I think, but now "Caparo"? The discs are Greenstuff, but not fitted by me. To be honest they are not a patch on the yellow 4/4 which is 2012 standard. One day I'll do a front upgrade and consult Mulfab, but for the rest of this year I'll be 'busy' with fairy dust.

Oh and although I toyed with the idea of lifting the engine mountings a bit, I chickened out this time!

Caparo is the new name for the company we know as "AP"....

Yes, Mufab is the way to go, Certainly what we have as brakes isn't up to the rest of the car!

It's the new name for ONE of the companies we knew as AP.

AP Lockheed (Leamington Spa) are now Caparo and part of a huge industrial components group. Their braking products are 'mainstream' solutions, produced down to a price target.

AP Racing (Coventry) make specialist performance brake systems & are now owned by Brembo.

My 4/4 has Caparo brakes and my Aero has AP Racing - but these suppliers are two separate companies.

Interesting about the brakes....mine are Lockheed like Daves. I wonder if 2009 was the change point for brakes if you have Caparos fitted Peter. My 4/4 had Caparos fitted and I found them pretty poor particularly lacking in feel even with a change of pads to Mintex competition recommended and fitted by Williams. I had been recommended Mogsports "HiSpec" brakes by Mike Duncan but Williams were told by Mogsport that they would not fit behind the current 4/4 narrow wheels.

The brakes are not too bad on my Roadster but may well be something I look at next year.

I'd be surprised if you didn't start fiddling with it...

...but you must keep those alloys, they're lovely

I agree!
I like the idea of AP Racing: Brembo do know a bit about brakes.
I also see that Morgan offers brakes, as part of Aero Racing. I wonder from whence the come?

Finally a reminder about the filter. The alternative is the Zetec filter. Note that the ST220 Mondeo filter will not fit.
(Other branded filters are available).


Oil used was Mobil 1 0/40 synthetic, after a long discussion with my tame lubrication expert about the ins and outs of various options.
Roadster mileage:
From 30th August 2008 to June 2009 2,353 miles
To September 2009 3,332 miles
To September 2010 2,161 miles
To May 2012 (MOT) 304 miles
To September 2013 2,089 miles
Apart from a few doses of grease, I didn't service the Roadster in 2012. I had all the parts in stock, but being such a washout year, mileage was so low that it didn't seem worth doing.

I'll post a clearer view on Mr Bumble's brakes after a few miles, but they were one of two immediate differences I noticed in the first hundred yards. The other was the appalling roller throttle pedal!!

The Roadster brakes need a firm shove, almost as if unservo'd, but have excellent bite once warm with a tiny amount of judder.

Final note: I've also removed two of the badges on the front, and am assembling/have assembled a similar (not quite the same) collection for Mr Bumble.

Dave, having just purchased a 2004 Plus 4 I was interested to see your picture of the tool tray under the rear cover. Interested because under mine all I have is the rear axle! The previous owner did tell me, but I would like to replace it. Do you have a picture of the complete tool tray so I can decide if either I make one, or see if Mr rutter can supply.

Pete
The original is a flimsy plastic affair which has rested in my garage for the last five years.
My replacement is made of wood and screwed & glued together. It's not symmetrical because there is more room on the offside.