Scream if you just want to go again . . .

Paul Goldsmith

Paul Goldsmith

0
Well, plenty of cursing certainly didn't work :(

Big, big breakdown today - our van is now seriously sick [xx(][xx(] Doubly gutted as means to camper to Glasters and could be tight for the Cambridge meet too :(

We had ignition problems so I swapped out our new electronic dizzy for the old mechanical one but turned out to be a coil issue. Still got it almost home on the mechanical dizzy but then disaster [:0] - somehow the mechanical dizzy seems to have seized, with the hideous consequences of shearing the drive from the engine.

For now I can't even comtemplate how much work will be required, and even if I can get a useable replacement shaft (or whatever else is required).


th_Commer_carpark.jpg

Commer 'Hi Tor' by TorCars
 
It's connected to the end of the oil pump - hopefully it hasn't damaged the camshaft drive.
To change the oil pump you need to drop the sump - it can be done with the engine in place.

'Harvey the RV'
 
oh no [:0][B)][xx(] i have a 25d dizzy you are welcome too if it helps :)

"you were only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
Pretty sure it's the split pin in the drive from the oil pump that may have sheared - so not as disastrous as you may think but still awkward to repair. The cam could be turning the oil pump but not the dizzy drive.

'Harvey the RV'
 
Thanks folks, feeling a bit more postive after a good night's sleep - after working so hard this last few weeks to get our van in good shape, I was feeling very dejected last night :(

Yes Panky, the visible damage is where the slotted top of the dizzy drive on the oil pump shaft has sheared completely - fingers crossed that's all ! If so, can I ask if I 'simply' get a replacement oil pump whether this part is integral or will I need something else too ? I've had a look a Speedy's catalogue but other than the oil pump and drive I can't see anything which suggests itself - might I need to source a part secondhand ?

Concerned why the dizzy seized, could it be that without the split washer and washer on the points that its fixing screw caught on something underneath the baseplate ? I will take it out again to see but feel unlikely as we've been running like this since we had the van.

Either way it's all sounding a bit beyond my current mechanical confidence, so I will need to farm out to a garage which will eat heavily into my engine swap / resto budget :(:(


th_Commer_carpark.jpg

Commer 'Hi Tor' by TorCars
 
i think the drive shaft is a seperate bit from the oil pump, its just the fitting of it thats lots of work :(
dizzys do seize occasionally as they run in bushes/bearings but it is quite odd [8)] something was wrong somewhere to start with if the ignition failed :)

"you were only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
Thanks again Tim, I will check the Rootes parts book tonight to establish what part(s) are required.

Apart from Speedys, if anybody can suggest a possible source I'd be most grateful (Martin don't suppose you got what I need here ?)


th_Commer_carpark.jpg

Commer 'Hi Tor' by TorCars
 
Looking at pics of Commer & Hillman items for sale on Ebay, it does look like the slotted dizzy drive is part of the whole assembly - but comments for the Hillman item reinforce that it's a big job to replace one :(

Still feeling more upbeat than last night though ;)

Food for thought time, compared to dropping in a working Rapier (engine which will clearly not be a quick job either) I'm wondering what the marginal effort will be for the additional benefit at this stage.

Any suggestions welcomed

Cheers


th_Commer_carpark.jpg

Commer 'Hi Tor' by TorCars
 
Electronic ignition without a rectifier (which that kit doesnt seem to have looking at the pic) will eat a coil fast. An upgraded coil should last longer, but still isnt best.
The mechanical dizzy seizing is bad luck - they do have a hole in the baseplate which says "oil" and its on the annual service schedule, but most people dont bother as it makes a big mess when you do it. The drive cog must have dropped to seize it so suddenly.
Bad luck. [:0]

Cheers
Jules

RatSport www.ratsport.co.uk
 
jules i think you mean a ballast resistor, a rectifier is for clipping a a.c sine wave into d.c for battery charging :)

"you were only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
The Simonbbc kit specifically says not to use a ballast resistor or sports coil - cos it knackers the electronics up [xx(]

'Harvey the RV'
 
Many thanks Woolfy. A most tempting offer, I will give you a call later to discuss possibilities - certainly be good to get the work done by somebody who's actually touched a Commer in the last 20 years !

We might be able to kill to birds with one stone and get a quote for an autumn/winter restoration too [8D]

However, I'd need to figure out logistics of getting our dead van over to you from us in Norwich.

th_Commer_carpark.jpg

Commer 'Hi Tor' by TorCars
 
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