Sunspot 180 update [Archive] - theMGZS.co.uk

pheelay

08-09-11, 05:21 PM

I've joined the 180 club :punk:

I met up with Kai a couple weeks back and sealed the deal. Been away on holidays though so held off posting til I had a something worth saying. The car is, as the frenchies would say, mag-ni-fique! Goes like stink, amazing deep, throaty sound from the V6 and exhaust and immaculate inside and out. Kai has really done a good job looking after it.

No big mods planned, first thing is getting it certified here. Some mods may even have to go. I reckon the decat, hids and the tinted rear lights won't fly unfortunately, but will see what happens..

Planned:
- Empty catch tank
- Mist jets + better washer pump
- Fix rear bumper sag
I'm an electronics man so
- VIS indicators
- Sound system from the other ZS
- 12v socket in boot for ice-box & 240v in the cabin.
Eventually, would love cruise control, but the parts look tough to get.

Here's the interesting thing, I've already done a couple of long distance trips and if not driving like a tool, it's getting roughly the same distance out of a tank (340 miles = 32mpg) as the 1.4 (550km). Perhaps because the 1.4 needs to be pushed to 4200rpm to roll at 130kph. The 180 chews the motorway way more comfortably. I expect the comparison in city/traffic will be less palatable!

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0499s.jpg

Here's the fleet. The 1.4 is insured until end Decemeber. I have a couple of things to fix on it, then will sell it on.
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/fleetsm.jpg

talkingcars

08-09-11, 06:06 PM

Good to see it has gone to a good home.

I am working on a cruise control using parts mostly sourced from a ZT/Rover 75, there may even be a how to when I'm done, when I have proved it works.

pheelay

08-09-11, 06:53 PM

Good to see it has gone to a good home.

I am working on a cruise control using parts mostly sourced from a ZT/Rover 75, there may even be a how to when I'm done, when I have proved it works.

Was hoping for a response like that! Definitely interested to know how it goes so keep us posted..

Dan1971

08-09-11, 06:57 PM

Looking good .... Glad it's gone to a member on here.

pheelay

08-09-11, 07:08 PM

Catch tank emptied and cleaned. A lot of gunk came out, good to know its doing its job!

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0494s.jpg

Dan1971

08-09-11, 07:09 PM

Catch tank emptied and cleaned. A lot of gunk came out, good to know its doing its job!

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0494s.jpg

:sick: If ever there was a picture to tell people that they need to fit one - that is it !

MG ZS STE

08-09-11, 07:16 PM

pheelay

08-09-11, 07:18 PM

:sick: If ever there was a picture to tell people that they need to fit one - that is it !

lol. True! And it was fitted, I believe at around 28k so that's only 5000 miles worth

pheelay

08-09-11, 07:30 PM

interesting tank that. can you throw up a pic of it in situe. also, check none of your breathers are blocked before you put it back together. i had a blocked [squashed] silicon hose and my tank filled up with a condensation and oil mixture.

Pictures from a previous owner:

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_DSC_0007.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/?action=view&current=DSC_0007.jpg) http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_DSC_0006.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/?action=view&current=DSC_0006.jpg)

I found the site where it was purchased earlier today: clicky (http://www.alloyracingfabrications.com/1-ltr-alloy-catch-tank.html)

The 2 ports on the side are for a transparent hose. Allows the level to be checked in situe. It was solid black with oil which prompted me to check it. Here it is with new hose:

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0495s.jpg

I must check the breather hose as you suggest. There was already some mayo on the breather outlet. One thing that concerned me, the breather hose is piped down to engine tray level. Very low. Any risk there with water or in floods?

oh yeah, great looking 180 btw.

Cheers!

MG ZS STE

08-09-11, 07:31 PM

lol. True! And it was fitted, I believe at around 28k so that's only 5000 miles worth

thats never right. i'de imagine a tank to catch that much oil over a life time. this was the contents of mine after about 6K and like i say it was mostly condensation caused by the breather being crimped under the engine cover.

http://forums.xpowerforums.com/picture.php?albumid=89&pictureid=848

pheelay

08-09-11, 07:38 PM

thats never right. i'de imagine a tank to catch that much oil over a life time. this was the contents of mine after about 6K and like i say it was mostly condensation caused by the breather being crimped under the engine cover.

hmmm. not a good sign?
Contents were very watery though. Not pure oil at all so maybe similar situation to yours. If all that condensation is collected as your breather was blocked, what happens in catch tanks without a breather?

MG ZS STE

08-09-11, 07:39 PM

The 2 ports on the side are for a transparent hose. Allows the level to be checked in situe. It was solid black with oil which prompted me to check it. Here it is with new hose:!

Are the hoses directed back to the TB? i've always thought you need that induction to evacuate the tank and keep the air circulating or risk the hoses blocking up?

I must check the breather hose as you suggest. There was already some mayo on the breather outlet. One thing that concerned me, the breather hose is piped down to engine tray level. Very low. Any risk there with water or in floods?

Cheers!

I wouldnt have thought there was any risk capillary action from the outlet.

lawrence-zs180

08-09-11, 08:58 PM

Great to see its gone to a good home.. hope you get the high oil in the catch tank issue sorted.

stamford

09-09-11, 07:20 AM

pheelay

09-09-11, 08:52 AM

Good to see it is still around. Hope the frenchies look after it when parked, not a car I would take into the capital for sure! You sure that's 5k's worth of oil captured? Seems excessive as I don't think I've had anywhere near that much in the couple of years and several thousand miles done. Get some photos up of the complete installation and pipe runs.

hehe, for sure, they use their bumpers literally for parking over here. It's shocking. Car is kept nice and safe in an underground carpark.

Reading back through the car's history on this forum, I saw that Danny fitted the tank in Jan 2011 when the car had about 28k. It's got 32k now, so assuming it's never been emptied...
There is probably more water in that liquid than oil. It's very thin.

pheelay

09-09-11, 12:09 PM

Get some photos up of the complete installation and pipe runs.

What's the verdict, doctor?

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0521.jpg (http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0521.jpg)

petet16

09-09-11, 01:49 PM

I'm not sure thats plumbed in correctly, I dont run a catch tank on the V6, but I think the Black breather pipe that goes to the t/b should go to the tank, and then the return to the t/b.

Steves Cleenz

09-09-11, 03:37 PM

it dont need to, as you can have it venting to fresh air, but the only thing is that you get the oil smell through your heater vents having it this way, but you can plumb it that way

MG ZS STE

09-09-11, 04:56 PM

wouldnt have thought you need a tank then if your only venting to atmosphere?

Steves Cleenz

09-09-11, 05:25 PM

It just stops it from dripping everywhere

talkingcars

09-09-11, 05:55 PM

Have you guys noticed how much less slippery the roads get now adays comapred to 20 years ago, especially junctions?

Where does that tank vent to?

pheelay

09-09-11, 06:14 PM

Have you guys noticed how much less slippery the roads get now adays comapred to 20 years ago, especially junctions?

Where does that tank vent to?

The road!! :construction:

pheelay

15-09-11, 08:16 PM

Mist washers and Aerotwin wiper blades fitted. One of simplest + best mods to ZS IMO :)

Can anyone confirm if the above catch tank setup is good? (maybe tell us the theory of the plumbing). It doesn't seem to match any other setups I've found on the webs. Two pipes have been blocked off.

stamford

16-09-11, 07:34 AM

What's the verdict, doctor?

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0521.jpg (http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0521.jpg)

That looks an odd version. Picture is a bit dark to make out all the detail though. Mine has always been this way (see pic below) and has never given me any issues and does its job well.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l259/stamfordzs180/MG%20ZS180/17042009458.jpg

pheelay

16-09-11, 09:01 AM

Thanks for the picture. I did some research on the various forums last night to work out what's going on with this plumbing. So your catch tank is set up in series with the return to the manifold (no other changes)? This seems to be the most commonly used method.

Yes, sorry for my picture quality - no proper camera at the moment. I found this diagram which I have shamelessly borrowed :)

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/breather-tubes.jpg

I gather in the original setup, the front and rear crank cases are breathing in from the air cleaner, and breathing out into the manifold.

Here is how my one is currently set up:

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/breather-tubes-pf.jpg

If I have that right, then the circuit is not breathing at all - it's just looping through the catch tank (breathing in and out through the catch tank breather pipe?). Stevez is suggesting there are different ways of plumbing it, but this one seems a bit odd to me?

pheelay

28-09-11, 04:59 PM

Here's a better pic:
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0556.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0556.jpg)

No fresh air is ingested in this configuration. Is this ok?

pheelay

30-09-11, 04:17 PM

sorry to be bumping this again. Would like to know if it's setup ok like this or if I should be replumbing :)

petet16

30-09-11, 04:36 PM

Smokey

30-09-11, 05:20 PM

Is the catch tank the white plastic tub located near the coolant? Mine is almost full to the brim with oil. Is this the bit I empty?

pheelay

30-09-11, 05:32 PM

Is the catch tank the white plastic tub located near the coolant? Mine is almost full to the brim with oil. Is this the bit I empty?

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0521.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0521.jpg)

Catch tank is on bottom left of the pic, with the braided hoses connected. It's not fitted by the factory. The tank next to the coolant is brake fluid.
Don't be emptying that! :ohmy:

welshone

30-09-11, 05:33 PM

Is the catch tank the white plastic tub located near the coolant? Mine is almost full to the brim with oil. Is this the bit I empty?

No thats the clutch fluid, sheddist kit ;)

This reminds me I must get round to installing my catcher tank some time soon :)

Smokey

30-09-11, 05:37 PM

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/b6adc5bf.jpg

Is this more help? It's the wee White container. Defo aftermarket.

welshone

30-09-11, 05:41 PM

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/b6adc5bf.jpg

Is this more help? It's the wee White container. Defo aftermarket.

Thats the fluid reservoir for the clutch, sheddist kit ;) needs to be kept topped up :)

The blue tank with two black pipes coming out of it is the oil catcher tank. Looks like the same as mine as well :)

Smokey

30-09-11, 05:47 PM

Aaaah... I'm a lucky lucky boy! Just half way through wiring my vis indicator kit in then out tomorrow to test it :)

welshone

30-09-11, 06:34 PM

Aaaah... I'm a lucky lucky boy! Just half way through wiring my vis indicator kit in then out tomorrow to test it :)

Thats another job i need to get round too :(

pheelay

30-09-11, 06:37 PM

lol, sheddist kit. I really need one right now (http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=18610)!!

I've just started making my vis indicators :)

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0559sm.jpg (http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0559sm.jpg)

pheelay

30-09-11, 06:43 PM

I still think the catch tank should be connected to the blanked pipe going to the air cleaner on your diagram, I have a catch tank on the T16, and have one pipe from the cam cover to the catch tank, and one pipe from the tank into the turbo intake, that way it maintains the original method of operation but routes the breather via the catch tank.

Well, the pipe coming from the air cleaner would be clean air, right? No point trying to capture oil vapour from there. Or have I got that wrong? I guess the way it's plumbed now, there is no vapour at all being piped back into the manifold, which is good?
But if I have it right, the crank cases can't be breathing very well at all. Is that a bad thing?

petet16

30-09-11, 06:58 PM

Well, the pipe coming from the air cleaner would be clean air, right? No point trying to capture oil vapour from there. Or have I got that wrong? I guess the way it's plumbed now, there is no vapour at all being piped back into the manifold, which is good?
But if I have it right, the crank cases can't be breathing very well at all. Is that a bad thing?

We have some confusion here, the breather system allows any crankcase pressure to be routed into the intake, in the old days it was just an open pipe in the engine bay, the catch tank either needs to vent to atmosphere, or have a pipe back into the intake.

talkingcars

30-09-11, 06:59 PM

Originally the vapour goes from the engine back to the airfilter to be drawn through the engine and burnt before going to the atmosphere.

I have a problem with my viz lights in that they are ment to go where my cruise control master switch goes.

pheelay

30-09-11, 07:13 PM

Ahh, so I had the airflow direction wrong. Still none the wiser though if it's ok that the manifold and air filter have been removed from that circuit completely.

Are there cruise control controls on both sides of steering wheel?

pheelay

02-10-11, 12:16 AM

Well, it's been a busy day. Built my VIS indicators and installed them. That's when the fun started. The LEDs weren't showing either motor to be working properly! I guessed it was a problem with my indicators given that I'd changed the circuit a bit to use tri-colour LEDs. Spent a whole chunk of time playing wire bingo on the vis circuits but got nowhere.

Eventually, I pulled out the power motor out to have a play with it. I built a little VIS motor tester (found on another thread/forum) and you'll never guess...the motor was broke.

Took it apart and found it was a loose connection or dry joint on the PCB where the little relay is mounted. An intermittant fault. Resoldered and put it all back together and now the indicators on that motor report it opening/closing properly.

But I'm getting nothing at all from the butterfly motor. I'll try testing that one tomorrow. Getting it out with the brake master cylinder in the way looks difficult...

The other thing that was surprising was the oil I could see inside the plenum when the power motor was removed. There was a little pool at the bottom. Been there perhaps since before catch tank was fitted? I can't see how oil could be getting in there now??

Anyways, back at it tomorrow..after Ireland-Italy of course :)

peterzs

02-10-11, 10:42 AM

Is that the phillips screw at the back, that you say will give you trouble??

Read on here that a lot of the guys use a mole grip to hold a screw bit in so you can come in at at right angle.

If its not that forget this!!!!!

Best of luck with it, least the VIS indicator worked, even if it did show you it was buggered!!!

pheelay

02-10-11, 10:47 AM

I got that screw out using a flat bladed screwdriver at a crazy angle. Can't get the motor out though with master cylinder in the way.

Yep, a least it showed a problem! Seems these motors should changed on the yearly service!

KevG

02-10-11, 10:50 AM

pheelay

06-10-11, 09:12 PM

VIS and indicators problems solved.

I had tapped a wrong wire in the engine bay for the balance motor and also the motor was latching in the open position with the indicators connected. Increased the resistors (needed 10kΩ!) and all's good. The balance motor itself was working fine and power motor is now fixed :icecream:

Danny Coleman

08-10-11, 12:19 PM

Its starnge the motors haven't lasted very long, I bought them both new from, I think Browns? Can not remember now, in the time I had the car July 10, i fitted the catch tank then and in the milage I did there was never anything on the sight tube on the side of the tank, there is a breather on the tank and this was piped away down and under the car. Apart from the tank, exhaust fitment and HID head light kit I didnt do any more mods to it, didnt think it needed it. I just got rid of the horrid yellow steering wheel and chrome gear knob. changed all the belts, new thermosat housing and pipe work. I know Kai did some stuff to it like putting a hole in the rad and I think fitted a de-cat.

pheelay

08-10-11, 12:37 PM

Hey Danny,
Good to hear from you. How are you keeping?
Yep, I knew from your specs list that the motors were quite new. I read of cases of new motors having faults on delivery! Who knows. All fixed now anyway. Agree, the car needs no more mods. Just a sheddist clutch kit and rear bumper is sagging a little. I will probaby remove the de-cat eventually, as it's a bit too loud.

Cooling system is working fine so a good service now and should be all set.
:beer2:

Danny Coleman

08-10-11, 07:43 PM

You got it in the end then!

pheelay

04-11-11, 10:52 AM

Getting ready for the yearly winter Snowmageddon ... picked up some hairpins to fit winter tyres. A round trip to Amiens on the back roads to collect them. 160?, never used. Delighted.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/zs-hairpins.jpg

Also have a set of LHD headlights waiting to be fitted.

Sheddist kit should be on the way tomorrow :mml:

peterzs

04-11-11, 01:41 PM

Look a great buy, lucky to find them.

Hope we dont get snow, we live on a hill and unless we can park on the flat, down the hill, we forget the car!!!!!!

:):):)

pheelay

01-12-11, 04:31 PM

Full set of Nokian winters fitted to the harpins. All ready now for snowmageddon 2011 :shoot2: although I believe it's not due to snow now until January!

Otherwise, been busy over the last couple of weeks :music::music: So at the risk of being outcast here and sentenced to the ZR forums...

Set of ex-demo Focal K2s, half price at the local autobacs (a halfords equivalent over here). Bargain! And a great colour, lol :)

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0651.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0651.jpg)

Amp rack built and fitted on the wall of the boot, out of the way.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0617.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0617.jpg) http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0622.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0622.jpg) http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0637.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0637.jpg)
2 subs are overkill for me nowadays. It was a box I built when I was young and silly :whistle: I plan to downsize that to 1 when I get some time, but for now, the ZS boot is plenty big.

4 awg power cable, 2 pairs RCA, 2xspeaker cables for front, remote wires for amps and 2x relays. Properly fused at the battery.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0646.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0646.jpg) http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0635.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0635.jpg)

The relays are for 240v invertor and 12v accessory in the boot (controlled by switches next to drivers seat).
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_PC010059.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/PC010059.jpg) http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_PC010054.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/PC010054.jpg)

100% non-intrusive install, so only factory holes, grommits etc were used for mounts, running cables :thumbsup:

Speaker brackets for the fronts, not fitted yet :

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/th_IMAG0655a.jpg (http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa436/pheelay/IMAG0655a.jpg)

pheelay

01-12-11, 04:51 PM

Waiting now for sheddist kit. Half the kit arrived, second package must be caught up in the post somewhere :sleeping:

petet16

01-12-11, 05:03 PM

Good work.

I fitted my winter wheels and tyres about a fortnight ago, and my heated seat kit, and the engine pre heater, so all ready for snowmaggedon, I ain't scared of the cold :boxing: lol

lawrence-zs180

01-12-11, 05:30 PM

its looking really nice mate, how are they treating it out there.. you getting many looks etc?

pheelay

18-02-12, 07:46 PM

Finally got the sheddist kit installed. It took a long time for the kit to arrive in the post. Pedal height fixed, clutch bite point about halfway (was skimming the floor before). All driving much better now :mml:

Had a strange one on trying to start the engine after refitting everything. Turned the key but the starter motor didn't turnover. Can't think what we could have interfered with to cause this? I think perhaps it's the earth lead to the bellhouse which now has the new slave cyl bracket under it? It's definitely not flat battery or immobiliser. Anyway, after a couple of multimeter tests and zero changed, she just decided to start working again. A site search shows many had similar probs before so there's a job for Sunday...

Also got the bloody union jack badges off the sides! :p