Well it’s 25th January 2007, almost a year today that I started the build, and today I actually drove the car, not far it’s true, but perhaps second to the first fire–up, the first time you actually sit in the car and drive it out of the workshop is the finest moment. The anxious glances at the gauges checking oil pressure and watching for the water temperature to rise, feeling the clutch take up and move off, what a great feeling and one that possibly only fellow builders can truly relate to.
In fact, the only small drama was that as soon as the engine was warm, the coolant disappeared from the header tank. This was not unexpected as at the initial fill, it only took 4 litres. Once topped up again, the level remained constant and the temperature rose to just under 90 degrees at which point the electric fan cut in. In addition to the thermostatic switch, I also have a manual over-ride, which can be useful to switch the fan on early when you are expecting to be stationery for some time. The ignition light remained on so it looks like there is a problem with the alternator. |
