Club 80-90 Forums

Hi I think I have a sticky bush whilst I am soaking my new ring in oil, what delights await me and my 13mm socket tommorrow evening, I take it I can do it with the engine still in? I have a vague recollection of syncro fuel tanks 'restricting' access to the top bolt.... (2.1 petrol BTW)

No need to remove the engine! Bit more involved to remove than on a 2wd though. You will have to undo the cv joint on that side, so that you can remove the diff actuator and bracket. Once all thats out the way, you will be able to remove the starter. Not sure how easy it is to replace the bush with the gearbox in place though.

Sam.

Not sure how easy it is to replace the bush with the gearbox in place though.

is it any different from 2wd? dont think gear box interferes with it then

Bob, the fuel tank 'cuddles' the top of the gearbox and the starter. Changing the starter is an utter utter cahnt of a job on a Syncro, unless you're as contortionist-like as Sam. To be honest, it is probably the job on Syncros I hate the most and is one of the least well-thought out pieces of engineering on the whole van.

Get some ramps and get comfortable - you're gonna be there a while.

As for the bush...... if you need to drill it out how are you going to get the drill in there while the fuel tank is there? Remember the tank isn't like a 2WD tank - it's blown moulded.

I can assure you im not 'contortionist-like', and it really isnt that awkward, Dh just likes to moan and exaggerate

If it is the bush that needs replacing, I really think it would be a lot easier to drop the gearbox (you still have to remove the starter!), then it is dead easy to change the bush.

Sam.

PAH!

You'll never catch me exaggerating.

HMMMM. I have no gear box removing tools stands or experience. as for the old bush removal I was hoping that I could use the screwdriver/expanding bolt idea that Simon suggests. I suppose Ihad better check that the electrical connections are OK before I go wading in there.It was definately making a scraping noise the other day on turn over. I've got 12.6 volts at the battery. plus a booster battery if needed. I get a click from the fuse box and a slight humm from the back which lasts for about 3 secs then nothing. lights on the dash are bright. bump started down a hill and it was fine.

Bob, are you going to SP?

Sam.

he he its a long way to push a van. Its my daughters birthday on Saturday so I cant really (however going for the day now and not camping....) Vans not happy in a number of ways still got an oil leak on the Shiplake recon that wants seeing to, cross threaded a spark plug, so one of the cylinders is running low on compression not offroad thrashing material really. And besides I cant really expect you to spend ANOTHER offroad event under someones van!

Thats a shame Bob, was looking forward to dropping your gearbox in the middle of a field

Try cleaning up the terminals, might help and wouldn't do any harm. Could be the solenoid sticking rather than the bush, or even a combination of the two.

Sam.

Could be the solenoid sticking

I think I need to short out the terminals to check this dont I? cant remember which two though! is it starter out if it is sticking?

You can drop just the front of the box a bit I think, to give some room

actuator off, mostly! do I need to remove this thing aswell?

didn't see a circlip so I'm not sure whats happened to it, pulled off the big bracket. must buy a head torch!
bolts holding starter on are undone aswell, saving the positive strap for tommorrow, had enough for tonight.

The circlip is on the 'big bracket' and would normally need removing before that. It may well be that it's collapsed some time ago.

I'd take off the snesor, to make sure you don't clout and break the plastic with the starter as you jiggle the thing out.