Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Andy B on 28 May 2007, 20:11:30
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Who tows a sizable caravan with their Omega? What temp does your engine sit at?
I took our 'new' caravan (Lunar Delta 520/2 ... MiRO 1080kgs) out this week end for its maiden journey and have noticed that the engine temp is somewhat higher than normal. I know it's only to be expected to a degree but I now know that the red high temp warning light works! :-?
My car's temp normally sits at about 95 deg whilst 'solo' but I noticed on Friday afternoon that it was now more like 97/98, but on the way home after a long steep(ish) hill (M65) the temp went up & up to just over 100, which is when I noticed the high temp warning lamp, it cooled down OK to 97/98 when I got on the level.
All 3 cooling fans all ran when I ran the engine up to 97/98 deg on my drive.
Any thoughts?
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Did you lock the gear box down when climbing the hill?
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Give it a good Rad flush, and fill it with 50/50 red anitfreeze.
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I would recommend a good flushing of the coolant system to begin with.
Forte coolant flush is getting good reviews.
Then refill with 50/50 mix and see how you get on. :)
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Never had that sort of cooling problem
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I didn't use Forte, but the system had a flush a few months ago using some Halfords stuff. The car was then treated to a new header tank and Vx's red anti-freeze. I'll see what happens nexy time I go out with caravan in tow.
I didn't lock the gearbox, just left it in D, and pressed resume on the cruise which took me back up to 60 ;). I must admit the the temp wasn't really what I was looking at to start with - I was watching the instantaneous fuel consumption hovering around [size=14]9 mpg[/size] :o
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Never had that sort of cooling problem
How big is yours? Oooer! ;) ;D
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What speed were the 3 fans running at ? all 3 have 2 speeds low and high, at high they make a loud noise and if working will keep the engine cool even with full aircon towing a heavy cravan through France in 32 degrees.
regards
richard
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What speed were the 3 fans running at ? all 3 have 2 speeds low and high, at high they make a loud noise and if working will keep the engine cool even with full aircon towing a heavy cravan through France in 32 degrees.
regards
richard
Err? When I went back out to the car to have a play, I restarted the car and the 2 fans in front of the rad were still running slowly, while the single fan behind the rad had still to run. I ran the engine up to around 3000 rpm and watched the engine temp rise to about 97/98 deg which is when the single fan ran up. Whether the other two fans were running fast or slow I couldn't really say (I was trying to peer throught e car's grille) but there seemed to be a good airflow out from under the car.
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Never had that sort of cooling problem
How big is yours? Oooer! ;) ;D
Running too cold
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When the fans are triggered by coolant temperature the two front fans should come on slow speed (will already be on if air con is running) and the single fan behind the rad should run at slow speed. The second stage, if the coolant temperature gets higher, involves the fan behind the rad. running at full speed.
The two fans in front of the rad. will only step up to maximum speed if the aircon is on and the refrigerant temperature or pressure increase beyond a certain level.
In any case, the car should not be dependant on the rad fans at 60 MPH. There's plenty of airflow to cool it, even when towing. I think the problem is more likely to be poor coolant circulation (ineffective water pump or radiator perhaps).
Bear in mind that the auto gearbox also dumps heat into the radiator and this will generate more heat when towing, especially when under heavy load in a high gear. Holding it in 3 for uphill portions will be easier on the gearbox and torque converter and also give higher engine revs and thus more flow from the coolant pump. Having said that, mine changes down into 3rd on it's own accord when towing up any significant gradient.
Kevin
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In any case, the car should not be dependant on the rad fans at 60 MPH. There's plenty of airflow to cool it, even when towing. I think the problem is more likely to be poor coolant circulation (ineffective water pump or radiator perhaps).
Agreed
Bear in mind that the auto gearbox also dumps heat into the radiator and this will generate more heat when towing, especially when under heavy load in a high gear. Holding it in 3 for uphill portions will be easier on the gearbox and torque converter and also give higher engine revs and thus more flow from the coolant pump. Having said that, mine changes down into 3rd on it's own accord when towing up any significant gradient.
Kevin
Yes. Although I was still in D, the gearbox was actually in 3rd - it is a very significant gradient. I'll have a good look around hoses at the week-end to see what is hot or not.
Thanks.
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I know a similar situation from last summer, the reason was a blown fuse for the fans; at least one of the fans was not running and temps went up. One of the temp sensors (dunno which) was damaged during this. No further damage done (luckily), local Opel-shop replaced the fuse and sensor, all has been in order since. I, neither the guy thi shappened to, knows the reason why the fuse was blown...
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Who tows a sizable caravan with their Omega? What temp does your engine sit at?
I took our 'new' caravan (Lunar Delta 520/2 ... MiRO 1080kgs) out this week end for its maiden journey and have noticed that the engine temp is somewhat higher than normal. I know it's only to be expected to a degree but I now know that the red high temp warning light works! :-?
My car's temp normally sits at about 95 deg whilst 'solo' but I noticed on Friday afternoon that it was now more like 97/98, but on the way home after a long steep(ish) hill (M65) the temp went up & up to just over 100, which is when I noticed the high temp warning lamp, it cooled down OK to 97/98 when I got on the level.
All 3 cooling fans all ran when I ran the engine up to 97/98 deg on my drive.
Any thoughts?
sounds like a flow prob Andy,
We towed a Lunar delta 550/4 1120 plus all the junk swmbo loaded into it!!all round spain and the temp only got above 100 on an eleven mile climb up a humongous mountain pass both leccy fans on full speed and the viscous making a right howl third gear all the way but it was fiine on the top!!! did have me worried for a bit tho!!
mind you mine is a TD!!!
Omegatoy
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sounds like a flow prob Andy,
We towed a Lunar delta 550/4 1120 plus all the junk swmbo loaded into it!!all round spain and the temp only got above 100 on an eleven mile climb up a humongous mountain pass both leccy fans on full speed and the viscous making a right howl third gear all the way but it was fiine on the top!!! did have me worried for a bit tho!!
mind you mine is a TD!!!
Omegatoy
Mmm! It does then doesn't it, although 'Dr Omega' of Yahoo fame also saw his V6 in the red. It's a problem I've never had with the car before, I've not had a 'van while I've owned it. The car didn't put a foot wrong in France a few years back, the ambient was well in the 30's but the car stayed at around 95 degs. I want K549YTM back!!!! :( ;D ;D
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Further to my high(er) engine temp. Over the last few days I'd noticed that when 'pressing on' the temp was around the 98/99 mark, which is obviously a bit on the high side. I used a Holts 2 stage flush yesterday. After I'd used the 1st bottle I put a little caustic into the header tank just before I drained & flushed it out ready for the 2nd bottle. The sh1te that moved through into my nice new white header tank :'( was unbelievable! If it wasn't such an 4r$e to remove the main rad I think it'd be a good idea to flush it on its own.
I think that the Halford's flush I'd used on the car before I changed the coolant from blue to red/pink must've been good enough to just loosen some of the crap in the block and it's since moved and senttled in the radiator. :(
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Sorry Andy B I had missed this thread completely, as I was away.
A real good flush sounds like what it needs, sounds like you have that in hand. I found the Forte to be the most effective if that helps.
One bit of the rad you can touch (ie not through the fans!!!) feel if you have cold spots...
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One bit of the rad you can touch (ie not through the fans!!!) feel if you have cold spots...
I gave the rad a coat of looking at with an infra red thermometer, it's a bit difficult to get a decent reading due to the small amount of rad you can see, and I think the draught of the fans effected the readings a little, but there did appear to be some cooler spots. :( I think I'm putting off the inevitable, I think I'll be removing and cleaning (or even renewing :'() the rad at some stage, sooner rather than later. The acid test will after I've been to Devon & back with a big white rolling road block! ;D
All those that be in Devon/Cornwall raise your right hand, and stand by with cans of hot water in case I boil over. ;D ;D
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One bit of the rad you can touch (ie not through the fans!!!) feel if you have cold spots...
I gave the rad a coat of looking at with an infra red thermometer, it's a bit difficult to get a decent reading due to the small amount of rad you can see, and I think the draught of the fans effected the readings a little, but there did appear to be some cooler spots. :( I think I'm putting off the inevitable, I think I'll be removing and cleaning (or even renewing :'() the rad at some stage, sooner rather than later. The acid test will after I've been to Devon & back with a big white rolling road block! ;D
All those that be in Devon/Cornwall raise your right hand, and stand by with cans of hot water in case I boil over. ;D ;D
The rad comes out really easily, so easy to change. You may lose a little atf if its an auto.
May be worth using compressed air to blast through rad and condensor to help, but I suspect the rad needs changing. Petrol rads are not too bad pricewise, unlike the disel ones :(
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The rad comes out really easily, so easy to change. You may lose a little atf if its an auto.
May be worth using compressed air to blast through rad and condensor to help, but I suspect the rad needs changing. Petrol rads are not too bad pricewise, unlike the disel ones :(
I assume you mean to use the compressed air on the water side of the rad. :-/ I'll see what i can do tomorrow - weather permitting.
I really must use the auto gearbox filter & gaskets I bought months ago! :-[ :-[ ::)
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I really must use the auto gearbox filter & gaskets I bought months ago! :-[ :-[ ::)
You can use em on mine if you like. ;D
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I really must use the auto gearbox filter & gaskets I bought months ago! :-[ :-[ ::)
You can use em on mine if you like. ;D
I need to find 'em first. They are in a safe place ..... somewere!! ;D ;D
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An avid towwer too.... Last year, prior to my towing, I decided to flush and replace my coolant in my 3.0l auto.. all seemed fine, other than running a few degrees more than the norm... travelling S on the M6 after about 20 miles, had a funny smell pass into the cabin... (Wasn't me!) Pulled over and had a poke around, pi55ing down, 2am, V dark.... spotted some DEXIII on the gearbox sump.. overflow had spat some out.. carried on, smoothe gearchanges no problems. On the way back from Cornwall, 16 deg C ambient.. coming up over the A30 Bodmin and on several other steep banks thereafter, temp went to "FLASHING RED LIGHT STATUS!" Common sense took over, drop a gear to get the revs pumping coolant faster and DON'T STOP, keep the air rushing thru.. cooled down and no probs.. It's always towed OK before..
Temp been high since, 98 degC normal, NEVER LOWER.. decided to change the gear box DEXIII, cleaned the filter as suggested on here, SMOOOOOOOOTHER changes already :) Decided to swap the rad for a new GM 400, £100 inc vat (Nissens / Denmark) Applied Radiators S-o-T... All running at 93 deg C solo.. Waiting to tow next week... I'm really confident that all will be well again...
Even though the old rad is flowing well and clean, I'm pretty sure that it has a partial blockage at the bottom, causing restricted cooling.. :y
DC
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The rad comes out really easily, so easy to change. You may lose a little atf if its an auto.
May be worth using compressed air to blast through rad and condensor to help, but I suspect the rad needs changing. Petrol rads are not too bad pricewise, unlike the disel ones :(
I assume you mean to use the compressed air on the water side of the rad. :-/ I'll see what i can do tomorrow - weather permitting.
I really must use the auto gearbox filter & gaskets I bought months ago! :-[ :-[ ::)
No, I meant through the vanes/matrix to clear out the flies and other debris that will reduce airflow through it...
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No, I meant through the vanes/matrix to clear out the flies and other debris that will reduce airflow through it...
Ah! I was being a bit dim! :-[
Just had a look and about the only restriction on the air flow side is that some of the fins are a bit damaged on th engine bay side.
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bits of dead fly etc get in there, no blocking it, but reducing efficency, hence blast it through...
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I've just used a little more caustic and got a bit more crap out of the system, and in the process of flushing it out ready for the gallon of anti-freeze that I ordered yesterday. I'd considered removing the rad completely but the weather has been a bit hit & miss. Why can't a main dealer actually have them on the shelf? :-? I'll just suck it and see when I have my 'van on the back next week.
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I've just used a little more caustic and got a bit more crap out of the system, and in the process of flushing it out ready for the gallon of anti-freeze that I ordered yesterday. I'd considered removing the rad completely but the weather has been a bit hit & miss. Why can't a main dealer actually have them on the shelf? :-? I'll just suck it and see when I have my 'van on the back next week.
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Best of British, going anywhere nice?
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Best of British, going anywhere nice?
Cornwall. Most places on this island of ours are beautiful providing you get nice weather, unfortunately at the moment we all just seem to be getting lots & lots of weather! :(
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Best of British, going anywhere nice?
Cornwall. Most places on this island of ours are beautiful providing you get nice weather, unfortunately at the moment we all just seem to be getting lots & lots of weather! :(
Me too! Holywell Bay... just for the week this year, usually two, my mates getting married next weekend.. God speed, will be there Sunday..
DC
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Me too! Holywell Bay... just for the week this year, usually two, my mates getting married next weekend.. God speed, will be there Sunday..
DC
We're staying in Helstone and will be there from Tuesday - stopping in Tewkesbury for a few days on the way down. If you go much further you'll get wet(ter than the weather today!! ;D) we went as North as you can go last year.
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Me too! Holywell Bay... just for the week this year, usually two, my mates getting married next weekend.. God speed, will be there Sunday..
DC
We're staying in Helstone and will be there from Tuesday - stopping in Tewkesbury for a few days on the way down. If you go much further you'll get wet(ter than the weather today!! ;D) we went as North as you can go last year.
Will be that way on Wednesday, we go to a brill boot fair between Helston & Marazion / Penzance... then probably down to Lizzard point after that stopping at Culdrose..... My AVATAR PICCY was taken there !!!!
DC
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Will be that way on Wednesday, we go to a brill boot fair between Helston & Marazion / Penzance... then probably down to Lizzard point after that stopping at Culdrose..... My AVATAR PICCY was taken there !!!!
DC
So .... that's 2 of us for another OOF meet! ;D ;D Who else is coming? :y :y
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Will be that way on Wednesday, we go to a brill boot fair between Helston & Marazion / Penzance... then probably down to Lizzard point after that stopping at Culdrose..... My AVATAR PICCY was taken there !!!!
DC
So .... that's 2 of us for another OOF meet! ;D ;D Who else is coming? :y :y
I'll wear a red carnation in my swimming trunks, you'll spot me then!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I'll wear a red carnation in my swimming trunks, you'll spot me then!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Looking at the weather forecast I think you'll be able to leave your truncks at home. Full foul weather gear looks to be the order of the week. :( :(
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I'll wear a red carnation in my swimming trunks, you'll spot me then!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Looking at the weather forecast I think you'll be able to leave your truncks at home. Full foul weather gear looks to be the order of the week. :( :(
Body Boards and Wetsuits already packed in the van..........
Wey, Hey!!!! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
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Me too! Holywell Bay... just for the week this year, usually two, my mates getting married next weekend.. God speed, will be there Sunday..
DC
We're staying in Helstone and will be there from Tuesday - stopping in Tewkesbury for a few days on the way down. If you go much further you'll get wet(ter than the weather today!! ;D) we went as North as you can go last year.
Will be that way on Wednesday, we go to a brill boot fair between Helston & Marazion / Penzance... then probably down to Lizzard point after that stopping at Culdrose..... My AVATAR PICCY was taken there !!!!
DC
Lizard!
Where at Culdrose then?
I'm going in 4 weeks for 2 weeks!
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Me too! Holywell Bay... just for the week this year, usually two, my mates getting married next weekend.. God speed, will be there Sunday..
DC
We're staying in Helstone and will be there from Tuesday - stopping in Tewkesbury for a few days on the way down. If you go much further you'll get wet(ter than the weather today!! ;D) we went as North as you can go last year.
Tewkesbury is not far from me and not far from James
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Me too! Holywell Bay... just for the week this year, usually two, my mates getting married next weekend.. God speed, will be there Sunday..
DC
We're staying in Helstone and will be there from Tuesday - stopping in Tewkesbury for a few days on the way down. If you go much further you'll get wet(ter than the weather today!! ;D) we went as North as you can go last year.
Will be that way on Wednesday, we go to a brill boot fair between Helston & Marazion / Penzance... then probably down to Lizzard point after that stopping at Culdrose..... My AVATAR PICCY was taken there !!!!
DC
Lizard!
Where at Culdrose then?
I'm going in 4 weeks for 2 weeks!
Just calling at RNAS, two young boys... Helicopters! Not camping there.... And, just a visit to The Lizzard to see the seals... The Lizzard is the edge of the World.. so peaceful Try Flambards if you haven't already, rain or shine, the museum is brill... "Mothballed Chemist is astounding".....
DC
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Anyway, regrding the subject.... Hope the Engine Temp stays OK ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Anyway, regrding the subject.... Hope the Engine Temp stays OK ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Thanks for the thought - so do I :y
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Me too! Holywell Bay... just for the week this year, usually two, my mates getting married next weekend.. God speed, will be there Sunday..
DC
We're staying in Helstone and will be there from Tuesday - stopping in Tewkesbury for a few days on the way down. If you go much further you'll get wet(ter than the weather today!! ;D) we went as North as you can go last year.
Will be that way on Wednesday, we go to a brill boot fair between Helston & Marazion / Penzance... then probably down to Lizzard point after that stopping at Culdrose..... My AVATAR PICCY was taken there !!!!
DC
Lizard!
Where at Culdrose then?
I'm going in 4 weeks for 2 weeks!
Just calling at RNAS, two young boys... Helicopters! Not camping there.... And, just a visit to The Lizzard to see the seals... The Lizzard is the edge of the World.. so peaceful Try Flambards if you haven't already, rain or shine, the museum is brill... "Mothballed Chemist is astounding".....
DC
The cafe at Culdrose is pretty good, been to Flambards on Tesco vouchers, 1 Z in Lizard my dads family come from there.
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Oh well! It didn't got too hot :) but I had to buy a bottle of Barrs 'rad weld' to keep the bloody water in the engine. :( I don't really like using the stuff but what else do you do when you're miles away from home with a hole in your radiator? :'( At least those very nice people at the Inland Revenue had sent me a nice cheque while I was away ;D
I know Hotel 21/Broocie has a rad but I want to sort the car out within the next month so it looks like I'll be handing my 200 spondoolies over the parts counter at Vx tomorrow.
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Think that cdx will still be in metro salvage if you want to chance a scrapper.
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Think that cdx will still be in metro salvage if you want to chance a scrapper.
Ah! I'd forgotten about that one! ;) I'll phone 'em in the morning.
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You not tried pimhole, its on your doorstep?
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You not tried pimhole, its on your doorstep?
We only got back around 6 ish this evening, so I've not phoned anyone yet. I know there was a 2.5 manual in Autospares the other week.
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You not tried pimhole, its on your doorstep?
We only got back around 6 ish this evening, so I've not phoned anyone yet. I know there was a 2.5 manual in Autospares the other week.
manual and auto reads are different.
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Oh well! It didn't got too hot :) but I had to buy a bottle of Barrs 'rad weld' to keep the bloody water in the engine. :( I don't really like using the stuff but what else do you do when you're miles away from home with a hole in your radiator? :'( At least those very nice people at the Inland Revenue had sent me a nice cheque while I was away ;D
I know Hotel 21/Broocie has a rad but I want to sort the car out within the next month so it looks like I'll be handing my 200 spondoolies over the parts counter at Vx tomorrow.
Andy, My Omega stayed cool on the Cornwall jaunt, never went above 96 deg C... Got my new rad locally from Applied Radiators in Stoke... they have a web site...£100 collected, I think delivery is FOC though, Nissens rad, nice quality....
Did you see what was going on at RNAS Culdrose?????
Dave C
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manual and auto reads are different.
I know ;) just pointing out what they had last time I was there. Thanks though.
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Did you see what was going on at RNAS Culdrose?????
Dave C
err? No! :-[ I saw a sign for a Navy Air Day on 1st Aug
I did see Culdrose though it's huge!
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Can't remember if the CDX is auto or man tbh, they had a tractor in there too but again dunno if auto or man sorry, best to ring em.
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A new radiator was required in the end to mine developing a leak down in Cornwall. Today I flushed out the radweld infected cooling water and fitted the new rad. It's a pity you can't see very much of a £200 part. :(
The sh1te that I removed from between the radiator & the condensor was amazing, it's a wonder I ever got any cooling air through the condensor to the radiator at all. :o
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Did you see what was going on at RNAS Culdrose?????
Dave C
err? No! :-[ I saw a sign for a Navy Air Day on 1st Aug
I did see Culdrose though it's huge!
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Yes 'tis big 13m perimeter around the fence... run it twice it's a marathon!!!
They've got the viewing area fence, blanked off with netting, so you can't see in properly... over the back they've got some heavy gear on stand by.. including several very large landing crafts for despatch... they've also changed many of the colours of the copters too.. was told it's an SBS training sorte.. have my suspicions it's a real thing though..
Watch the NEWS.........
DC
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... run it twice it's a marathon!!!
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:-? Why would you want to do that? :-? :-? ::)
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... run it twice it's a marathon!!!
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:-? Why would you want to do that? :-? :-? ::)
Yeah! Dead right, bl00dy silly idea....
I'm just another Thick Stokie Youth ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D