Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Plus 4 Service - November 2014

I put Mr Bumble back together this afternoon, and tidied the tools and interior.

For the record, (and we've discussed this before) this is what I carry in the back:

First aid kit
Wooden block to stand scissor jack on
Medium Thor hammer
Thick leather strap as a buffer between Thor and wheel spinner
Plastic bag containing bulbs, relays, fuses, garden wire
Scissor jack & handle
Aerosol can of magic tyre sealer
Tool roll containing basic spanners, pliers, hacksaw, mole grips, screwdrivers

I also keep a "travel box" containing things which go out in either Morgan:

Small storm cover
Large storm cover (if required)
Footpump (Also have 12v compressor in Roadster)
Yellow hi-vis waistcoat (MSCC branded)
Fold out warning triangle on large yellow reflective square.

Blimey Dave, where do you sit

First time I used the Eezibleed to replace cutch fluid I used the spare for air pressure.....the normal pressure pushed the clutch fluid out so fast I only just managed to re tighten the bleed nipple in time before introducing air to the master cylinder!
No issues with a seal of the reservoir to master cylinder, just check the screw cap is in good condition to create a seal and reduce the tyre pressure to 10 psi or less to slow down the flow.
is a retired nurse so I use a syringe with a long tube to remove / add fluid.... and before Aerotaff comments...
I don't wear a nurse's uniform!

Dave, I always look forward to each topic, very thorough with lots of details. Can't wait for the next one.
Have you considered producing a YouTube version?

Dave - I don't have the technology, or the inclination to do a movie. Although I could be the new Ed China if I grew a foot in height and lost 20 years.

My 07 Bmw z4mc also has a tool kit , jack , wheel spanner , tyre sealant can , compressor to pump sealant, reflective triangle , first aid kit , er what else .So only thing missing is some wire ?

Wire is essential for re-hanging things that drop off.........

Here's an update following today's test drive post kingpins and service. The steering is lighter already and I know this will improve as it beds in. The front suspension - now 3 clicks on the AVOs is well damped and quite supple. The brakes need a bit more time to bed in, but seem fine. What's most interesting is that the gearchange has freed up a lot and is now as I expected it to be from the start, given the reputation of the Mx5 box. I've changed the hydraulic fluid, but I don't see that this would alter the feel of the change. The new oil is to spec so you would not expect this to have an effect. But what I'm thinking is this - I tipped the car to one side to fill as the gearbox is angled so that the level plug is below horizontal. That way I could fill it to level. When I removed the level plug with the car level, no oil came out, so I know that there is more oil in the gearbox than before. So I'm thinking that the slightly higher level is lubricating the selectors more than before. It's a definite improvement.

Now to the bad news. A couple of miles in, the speedo stopped working. When I got back I stripped the front hub to gain access, because I was assuming that I had not refitted the sensor close enough to the hub assembly. What's happened is that when I refitted the sensor in the hub and nipped it up, the threaded tube has split and cracked the internal electronics. I'll post some pictures when I can, but I've learned a valuable lesson about the fragility of these sensors!

A very good result, Dave, apart from the sensor issue. Well done and well worth the effort.
I recall you upgraded the suspension in your 2005 Roadster a while back. I have a 2005 Plus 4 with similar (I think) damper blades (and "plastic" bushes). Did you find the change to the more modern bearings had a marked effect on making the steering lighter on the Roadster? My steering is reasonably light most of the time and but really heavy when turning whilst still braking (even under fairly light braking).

David - the Mulfab bearings will make a significant difference to your steering. But by the time I bought my Roadster, the first owner had replaced the stub axles with the upgraded stubs because he was very unhappy with the bump steer, so I inherited conventional metal bushes on the Roadster, but still with damper blades.
The time to decide whether to fit steering bearings is when the bushes & kingpins need replacing, then you also have the option of going for metal bushes. Opinions vary as to which is the better option.