| What's
in the RV8 Workshop Notes series? The contents list below covers the whole series with some of the notes available online - see the links below. Latest notes added to the series |
What do
the RV8 Workshop Notes look like? There is summary of each volume in the series with an outline of the contents and a copy of the cover photo. Summary of the series |
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is also a detailed Index to the whole
series on this website which you can use to look up a subject or key word - for
example "alternator" or "clutch slave cylinder" - and then
you can see where the topic is covered in the series. The detailed Index is regularly
updated and available as a free download. So you can print off a copy from this
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Volume 1
Buying an MG RV8 or just acquired one? - some guidance notes on the checks you will need to make. Part of this note concerning the RV8 alarm transmitter has an important warning about ensuring the batteries in the transmitter are renewed regularly. You can view this note on this website as RV8 alarm transmitter.
1. Headlight units
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) provides a workshop note which highlights you can get headlamp glasses rather than the entire headlamp unit. This note has a tip which will save you money when replacing a cracked headlamp glass. (Sep 99)
2. Door mirrors
Bryan Ditchman
A cautionary note on removing and replacing the RV8 door mirrors.
3. Water pump
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan Ditchman's (Caribbean Blue 0265) researches have identified a supplier who will service water pumps avoiding the cost of a new unit. A useful tip on where you can get a water pump overhauled to avoid the cost of a new one. (Sep 99)
4. Hose and pipe clips
Bryan Ditchman
In this workshop note, Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) sets out the fruits of his research into the clamps and clips used on the MG RV8. It is a comprehensive checklist of the various hose clips on an RV8. (Sep 99)
5. Water hoses and breather pipes
Bryan Ditchman
Another checklist, this time of the various RV8 hoses and pipes.
6. Hydraulic hoses, cylinders and repair kits
Bryan Ditchman
Another checklist of hydraulic hoses, cylinders and repair kits with the Rover part number cross referenced to the Lockheed part.
7. Petrol tank, fittings and hoses
Bryan Ditchman
A useful workshop note from Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) which highlights the need for ensuring your RV8 fuel tank is protected from rust. (Sep 99)
8. Windscreen washer jets
Bryan Ditchman
With replacement washer jets NLA, this useful note suggests a substitute part and how to get at it for replacement.
9. MG RV8 toolkit
Bryan Ditchman
A checklist of the contents of the toolkit with their Britool codes, is set out below. Replacement tool rolls are available, see also Notes 63, 72, 73 & 78. (Sep 99). To view this note, RV8NOTE9.
10. MG RV8 road wheels
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) provides this note highlighting important differences between the road wheels and centres of early and later cars. (Sep 99)
11. Aerial replacement
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) has lost two aerials, broken off by overhanging twigs from overgrown hedges in the narrow lanes he uses in Hampshire. He feels the aerial would be better placed on the offside wing but prepared this workshop note for normal replacement. (Sep 99)
12. Dashboard fascia removal
Bryan Ditchman
This useful note is based on Bryan Ditchman's (Caribbean Blue 0265) experiences with getting behind the dashboard and sets out the stage by stage procedure, with some cautions for the unwary. (Sep 99)
13. Wiper blade adjustment
Bryan Ditchman
A brief note on a check all RV8s enthusiasts should make.
14. Clutch master cylinder cap
Bryan Ditchman
A suggestion for an essential addition to the RV8 toolkit - a Zyliss Strongboy jar and bottle opener.
15. MG RV8 wheel corrosion
Bryan Ditchman
Another useful tip from Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) which will help MG RV8 enthusiasts keep their wheels in good shape. (Sep 99)
16. MG RV8 exhaust system
Bryan Ditchman
A short tip from Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) on the importance of keeping a drain hole in the exhaust system clear. (Sep 99)
17. Leathercare for the MG RV8
Bryan Ditchman
A brief note with tips on leather care treatments.
18. Dirty gearknob
Bryan Ditchman
A brief note with a tip on cleaning up a grubby gear knob.
19. Throttle pedal resistance
Bryan Ditchman
With the smooth power available from the RV8 engine, it can be irritating to have a lethargic pickup response from low speeds. This note from Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) explains how to check and cure that situation. (Sep 99)
20. Hood rattle
Bryan Ditchman
A short note with a tip to remove an irritating rattle.
21. MG RV8 performance upgrade
Bryan Ditchman
For those RV8 enthusiasts who wish for a smoother response, improved torque and economy, Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) suggests you contact RPI International Limited in Norwich. Their kit is available without the need for a single spanner inside the engine compartment. (Oct 99). See RV8NOTE21.
22. Windscreen
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) had to remove his windscreen to cure water leaks and has produced a comprehensive note on the exercise which will be of interest to MG RV8 enthusiasts. (Oct 99) RV8NOTE22
23. The boot
Bryan Ditchman
For the enthusiast, Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) suggests removing the spare wheel, carpets and back board just to find out what is under and behind. (Oct 99)
24. Change points in the design and technical specification
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) has produced a detailed table of key production change points for the MG RV8 which will be an invaluable reference for all RV8 enthusiasts. (Oct 99)
25. Areas of rust and corrosion
Bryan Ditchman
Rust and corrosion are concerns for any classic car enthusiast. Here Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) sets out a checklist of RV8 parts which he finds rust easily. (Oct 99)
26. Inlet manifold gasket
Bryan Ditchman
A short note with a tip on sourcing parts.
27. Sill tread plates
Bryan Ditchman
A cautionary note on sill tread plate removal and a tip.
28. Starter motor
Bryan Ditchman
This note from Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue 0265) resulted from a repair to his starter motor. With about every fifth start there was no cranking, so under the car he went to investigate! Bryan provides a tip on where to get a starter motor serviced. (Nov 99)
29. Fuel pump, filters and fittings
Bryan Ditchman
This short note from Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue) highlights the need for care when removing the fuel pump as the mounting unit is no longer available. (Nov 99)
30. Seats and trim panel removal
Bryan Ditchman
A note which suggests you do your homework before working on the RV8 seats and trim panels, as some items are awkward and the fixings very tight.
31. Brakes
Bryan Ditchman & Roger Parker
A useful note on the front and rear brakes on an RV8. You can view this note as RV8NOTE31.
32. Shock absorbers
Bryan Ditchman
A note with a tip on how to get your shock absorbers serviced for 25% of the cost of a new set.
33. Hang on to your old parts!
Bryan Ditchman
A note with a plea to hang on to all old parts which have been replaced through maintenance or following failure.
34. Air intake mesh
Bryan Ditchman
A note with a tip which will be of interest to MGBV8 enthusiasts too.
35. Headroom
Bryan Ditchman
A note with a tip of interest to six foot enthusiasts!
36. Exhaust rattle
Bryan Ditchman & Roger Parker
A note on a possible remedy for fixing loose heat shields.
37. Filler plug spanner
Bryan Ditchman
A brief note with a suggestion for an additional spanner for the RV8 toolkit.
38. Front wheel bearings
Bryan Ditchman
A note highlighting the two front hub bearing assemblies used on the RV8 production.
39. Reimporting an MG RV8 from Japan
Ron Armstrong
A note on what needs to be checked and changed.
40. Rear wheel bearings
Bryan Ditchman
A note on rear wheel bearing replacement.
41. K&N filter maintenance
John Barnes
A note reminding RV8 enthusiasts this filter can be serviced and should not be replaced during routine services - this could save you a tidy sum!
42. General corrosion related issues
Roger Parker
A further note on some areas to watch for rust problems.
43. Noisy fuel pump
Roger Parker
A note on possible causes for fuel pump noise and how to cure them.
44. Air conditioning
Roger Parker
A brief note for members with Japan spec RV8s who are thinking of retaining the AC systems.
45. Electronic fuel injection systems
Roger Parker
This note sets out some useful information on the RV8 fuel injection system.
46. Stiff hood operation
Roger Parker
A brief note on the need for lubrication of the 32 joints on the RV8 hood.
47. Sheared hood pivot repair
Roger Parker
A note on dealing with a seized hood frame pivot point.
48. Alternator replacement
Roger Parker
A note describing a fault experienced with an RV8 which was traced to the alternator and how it was diagnosed and solved.
49. Tips for attending the annual 24 heures du Mans event
Victor Smith
A note providing tips for planning your visit to this annual endurance motor race together with some map extracts. You can view this note, which is also V8 Workshop Note 214, as RV8NOTE49.
50. Clutch slave cylinder
Ian Lloyd
Following a clutch slave cylinder failure, Ian was duly informed by his local Rover garage that the part was NLA! This note is probably one of the most useful - the part is still available but under another part number which you will need to quote as the RV8 parts list may show it as NLA.
Volume 2
51. Torque settings
Bryan Ditchman
A note listing the torque wrench settings for the RV8.
52. Gearbox mountings and cross member
Bryan Ditchman
A useful note which highlights the differences between the LT77 gearbox on the early cars and the R380 fitted from VIN0644.
53. Hood backlight replacement
Bryan Ditchman
A step by step guide to replacing the backlight.
54. Steering rack removal and maintenance
Bryan Ditchman
A note relating an investigation of play in the steering and how it was cured.
55. Tonneau covers
Bryan Ditchman
A note with useful tips on using the full tonneau.
56. Battery management
Bryan Ditchman
This note is essential for enthusiasts who leave their RV8 garaged for periods. Fitting an automatic battery management conditioner ensures your battery is kept topped up. You can see this note on this website as RV8NOTE56.
57. Fascia instruments
Bryan Ditchman
A note with several tips on RV8 door cappings and instruments. RV8NOTE57
58. MG Car Club badge mounting
Bryan Ditchman
A note explaining how to fit an MG Car Club badge to an RV8.
59. MG RV8 front coil springs
Bryan Ditchman
A note comparing the RV8 and MGBGTV8 front coil springs.
60. Advance and retard pipe
Bryan Ditchman & Roger Parker
A note which has proved to be very useful for members with Japan spec cars. See also RV8NOTE258.
61. Insurance for classic MGs
Victor Smith
Insurance is an important consideration for the V8 enthusiast and it is vital to ensure the policy provides sufficient cover in the event of a claim. (Apr 96) RV8NOTE61
62. Water leaks saga - an inherent fault?
Robert Lewis
A useful note on how to cure a water leak which the local MG Rover dealer was unable to remedy. The note explains how Robert solved the problem himself and on notifying the MG Dealer got the reply "oh yes we have started doing that on the MGF". Not so much an inherent fault as poor communication within MG and its local MG Dealer.
63. Replacement tool rolls are available again!
Malcolm Gammons
The answer to the regular question from new members with Japan spec RV8s - "where can I get an RV8 tool roll as the original has gone missing". To view this note see RV8NOTE63.
64. RV8 maintenance schedule
John Barnes
A detailed maintenance and service schedule prepared by John is set out at the back of Volume 2.
65. Replacement headlamps
Bryan Ditchman
A cautionary note and a sequel to the first RV8 Workshop Note.
66. A starting problem solved
Bryan Ditchman
A tale of an investigation into a starting problem and how it was cured.
67. Fuel cut off switch
Bryan Snedker
A useful note to store away in case the non starting gremlins strike your RV8.
68. Removal of door drop glass
Bryan Ditchman
A detailed step by step guide to removing and replacing the glass and a tabulation of the part numbers.
69. Radiator cooling fan switch - a useful modification?
Graham Bartholomew
A note on a non standard but nevertheless useful modification.
70. Wheel arch flares
Bryan Ditchman
A note which saves you puzzling over how the wheel arch flares or blisters are fitted. See also the research by Jim Dolbel into when the front wheel arch flares were discontinued on Japan spec cars.
Volume 3
71. Replacement of crankshaft rear oil seal
John Barnes
This note sets out how to tackle a major maintenance item
72. More on RV8 toolkits
Anon
Another note on tool for the RV8 toolkit. To view this note see RV8NOTE72.
73. Battery lifter or carrier
Anon
A note on an alternative battery lifter to the Brevette lifter.
74. Door mirror
Bill Wood
A brief note on smartening up the RV8 door mirror.
75. Rear brakes and adjustment
Bryan Ditchman
This note highlights between the rear brake set up on the RV8 and the earlier equipment on the MGBGTV8.
76. FM radio frequency converter
Bryan Ditchman
This note is very useful for enthusiasts with Japan spec cars and avoids the need for a new radio. See RV8NOTE76.
77. More on RV8 gear knob renovation
Ian Cranston
An inexpensive way of renovating a grubby gearknob.
78. Battery lifters or carriers, another source
Brian Jackson
Information on another battery lifter.
79. Radio fascia panel removal
Bill Ratcliffe
A note with amendments to RV8 Workshop Note 12.
80. Bonnet hinge alignment
Bryan Ditchman
A brief note with a useful tip for aligning the bonnet.
81. Wear on wheel lock nuts
Bryan Ditchman
A brief tip on how to avoid wear on the wheel locking nuts.
82. RV8 parts supply update
Bryan Ditchman
A brief note on the growing NLA problem with RV8 parts.
83. Dreams come true!
Peter Garton
A note relating how Peter reimported his RV8 himself.
84. Background note on the RV8 LSD
Roger Parker
A useful note with background information on the LSD fitted to the RV8.
85. Instrument & fascia switch bulbs
Colin Humphrey
A note with part numbers for fascia bulbs.
86. Trim colours
Bryan Ditchman
A note with colour changes on RV8 trim colours.
87. Waxoyling reimported RV8s
Roger Parker
A suggestion for treating reimported RV8s to help offset the effects of a double journey by sea.
88. Oil pump cover & washers
Bryan Ditchman
A note on finding an NLA part.
89. Windscreen glass & VIN number
Bryan Ditchman
A very brief note on how the get the VIN etched on the windscreen glass.
90. Water pump & air-con drive belts
Bryan Ditchman
A note with a changed part number RV8 enthusiasts will need to note.
91. K&N air filters & news of a water pump exchange or repair service
Clive Wheatley
A note with a spares update from the V8 spares guru, Clive Wheatley.
92. Alternative source for the petrol pump & filter
Bryan Ditchman
A note with an alternative source of key parts which will help reduce maintenance costs.
93. More of leaks & wheel corrosion
Bill Ratcliffe
A note with tips on silicone treatment!
94. More on front shock absorbers
Bryan Ditchman
A note on overhauling the RV8 front suspension at a reasonable cost.
95. Fitting the new, smaller V8 Register badge to an RV8
Bryan Ditchman
A brief note which will help you fit the new, smaller badge
96. Brake callipers - inspection for corrosion when carrying out maintenance work
Bryan Ditchman
A note on inspecting and removing the brake callipers.
97. Exhaust clamps - down pipes to cat pipes
Bryan Ditchman
A brief note with a useful tip.
98. Front coil springs
Bryan Ditchman
This note sets out a procedure which is not set out in the RV8 workshop manual.
99. Hang on to your old parts - a plea from the Editor!
Bryan Ditchman
Another plea from the Editor.
100. Catalyser - overheat sensors, overheat ECU & warning light
Anon
The first of a series of notes on sensors and RV8 diagnostics. RV8NOTE100
Volume 4
101. Differences between UK & Japanese specification RV8s
- cat overheat sensors
Roger Parker
A useful explanation of some of the key differences. The cat overheat sensors, linked to the ECU, were an addition to the RV8s exported to Japan. A number of members with reimported RV8s have reported difficulties with them (see RV8 Workshop Note 100 in Volume 3). This useful note from Roger Parker (Green V8 4092) provides some background on the subject.
102. Brake servo failure
Victor Smith
Fortunately brake failure because of servo problems is rare but unlike difficulties with slave cylinders early warning signs of potential servo failure are few and the consequences spine chilling! Although this note is from the sixth volume of the original V8 Workshop Notes series, we feel it has important information of concern to MG RV8 enthusiasts. The note is from Victor Smith (Harvest Gold V8 1089), with contributions from Roger Parker, Geoff Allen and Jim Gibson, examines a couple of cases of servo failure and considers the options
103. Radiator blanking panel
John Bolt
A practical tip. John Bolt (Nightfire Red RV8 1228) from Buckinghamshire sent in a useful modification to the radiator blanking panel as a solution to the fracturing by the fixing lugs where they are bolted to the slam panel.
104. More on brake servos for the RV8
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan has further thoughts on servos for the RV8as a brief follow up to RV8 Note 102.
105. RV8 spares - looking to the future
Bryan Ditchman
A topic that need some thought. Despite the fact that Clive Wheatley and Brown & Gammons are each putting in a great deal of time and effort to complement the availability of some of the RV8 spares which are no longer available or NLA, they are unable to cover the whole situation which undoubtedly will become more difficult as time goes on. Here Bryan Ditchman sets out his list of twenty items which he considers RV8 enthusiasts are well advised to acquire as soon as possible. The list is in order of priority and in the main indicates the items specific to the RV8.
106. RV8 toolrolls & handbooks - an update
Clive Wheatley
An update which will be of interest to members of Japan spec cars missing their toolkits. This note from Clive Wheatley (Flame Red RV8 0294) reproduces information provided to an Australian member seeking a tool roll and handbook for his Japan spec RV8.
107. Cleaning a coffee stain from an RV8 hood
David Lawler
A note which will be useful if you need to clean the RV8 hood. Whilst David Lawler (Woodcote Green RV8 1920) was having an alarm fitted, unfortunately a fitter at the installation company managed to spill coffee on the soft top. This brief note sets out how he cleaned up the mess.
108. Avoiding the rear window crease
Peter Garton
An imaginative idea from Peter Garton (Woodcote Green RV8 1238) in Germany who has devised a way of avoiding a crease in the rear window of an RV8 soft top.
109. Problems with the zip for the rear screen in the RV8 soft
top
Victor Rodgrigues
A note with some useful tips on RV8 rear screen zips. Victor Rodregues (Oxford Blue RV8 1621) from Switzerland reported a difficulty with the zip around his rear screen. This note explains how he resolved it together with some comments from John Barnes (Woodcote Green RV8 0636) in Wellington New Zealand.
110. Using fire extinguishers in V8s
Andrew Brown
Fire prevention in the car is something we should at least think about and hopefully fit an extinguisher. Like life assurance and writing a will, you will probably feel an article on fire extinguishers in cars is not an exciting topic. Few of us think about the possibility of fire in our cars and what we would need to bring it under control. In this useful note Andrew Brown (Flamenco Red V8 2501), from the West Midlands, provides the necessary background information and guidance for selecting a suitable extinguisher so early action with an interior or engine fire is possible.
111. Preventative maintenance on RV8 rubber water hoses
Peter James
A note with a useful check. Peter James (Woodcote Green RV8 1022) from Warwickshire has a brief but useful reminder on checking your rubber water hoses and replacing any which look suspect as preventative maintenance.
112. Reassurance on RV8 reimports following a BBC1 Watchdog
programme in July 2001
Chris Watkins
Members buying a reimported RV8 will find this note reassuring. We contacted Chris Watkins who runs the leading RV8 reimporters, HS Imports, following a BBC1 Watchdog programme on the Great Car Fraud with Quentin Wilson concerning a substantial flow of stolen 4x4s, stolen in Japan, which are turning up in the UK. Most of these reimports are high value vehicles like Toyota Land Cruisers, some involving some imaginative reinventions of vehicle identity at a staging post in Dubai on the way! Chris knows Japan very well and has considerable experience with reimporting RV8s to the UK. In this note explains how the system works in Japan and how the HS Imports team take care with the cars they reimport from Japan. You can view this note on this website as RV8NOTE112.
113. Renovo soft top care products
Victor Smith
Following RV8 Workshop Note 107 from David Lawler, Victor Smith (Harvest Gold V8 1089) called Renovo who provided a brochure with details and prices of their useful range of soft top care products. This note is based on the text of Renovo's brochure and provides a summary of that information.
114. Gas struts - an additional danger in vehicle fires
Andrew Brown
A cautionary tale. Andrew Brown (Flamenco Red V8 2501) provides a brief further note following an experience with a gas strut bursting whilst attending a recent vehicle fire
115. Diagnostic plug on an RV8
Anon
A fascinating note on RV8 diagnostics from a member who has the full range of hand-held equipment and databooks needed for electrical component testing and fault diagnosis on the MG RV8. He warns that although the RV8 may look like a cosmetically-reworked variant of the MGB with a V8 engine, it is in fact full of modern electronic systems which need training and sophisticated equipment to carry out relatively routine servicing tasks. You can view this note on this website as RV8NOTE115.
116. Reprogramming alarm transmitters on Japan spec RV8s
Anon
A note which should be read by all RV8 enthusiasts, especially those in Australia and New Zealand with Japanese-specification RV8s who need either to acquire new immobiliser handset transmitters or have their existing one(s) reprogrammed for some reason.
117. RV8 immobiliser requirements demanded by some insurers
Anon
An alarming trend of insurers seeking to escalate their requirements for the retrospective fitting of Thatcham 1 immobilisers on open top sports cars has been noted by our anonymous contributor. Here the contributor provides a briefing on the present situation. This note can be viewed on this website as RV8NOTE117.
118. Meeting the diagnostic challenge with the RV8
Anon
On a casual acquaintance, the RV8 can be seen as a car which appears simply a cosmetically-reworked, luxury MGBV8 but on closer inspection it is clearly a product of the modern era. Gone are carburettors, contact breaker points, choke cables and a simple wiring harness - a package the enthusiast can maintain and tune with ease - and instead you find, beneath that classic car body, the RV8 has a sophisticated engine management system. Ordinary test and dwell meters are not enough - you need sophisticated equipment and data to tune the RV8 and check out systems faults. Our anonymous contributor has been beavering away to gain a better understanding of what systems are in the RV8 and what equipment is needed to run the diagnostic checks your MG Rover dealer is required to do when your RV8 goes in for periodic servicing. This note will fascinate you and leave you better able to deal with any "flannel" from the service staff - the moral is find service people who know what they are doing and can handle the very sophisticated diagnostic equipment so your RV8 is serviced correctly!
119. K&N filter check
Godfrey Dance
Another useful tip.
120. Modifications on reimported RV8s
Godfrey Dance
An important note on a key modifications that has to be carried out on RV8s reimported from Japan. You can view this note as RV8NOTE120.
121. Locking wheel nut tip
Godfrey Dance
Godfrey Dance (Woodcote Green RV8 1210) from Surrey provides a useful tip on undoing your locking wheel nuts should you be unable to find the socket.
122. Where can I get the RV8 diagnostic leads?
Anon
A key question for members wanting to do diagnostic checks. John Hornabrook (Woodcote Green RV8 1781) from Australia contacted the V8 Register seeking help in finding the "computer leads to connect the RV8 to a Land Rover Discovery test monitor" as he had found there were no garages set up to service the RV8 out on the Gold Coast. The local Land Rover agent had offered to help "if they had the right plug and lead". Well our anonymous contributor has done a great deal of research in this area and provided a reply which is reproduced as this note.
123. More on RV8 electronics and diagnostics
Roger Parker
Roger Parker (Green 4092) from Staffordshire, a well know MGBV8 expert, has provided some useful observations and comments for the reply to John Hornabrook (Woodcote Green 1781) from Australia who contacted the V8 Register in February 2002 seeking help with RV8 diagnostics.
124. More legroom for the air-conditioned!
John Barnes
A modification that can provide real legroom benefits in an RV8 by removing the air-conditioning surround and using a modified cover box. This brief note explains the modification.
125. RV8 paint codes
Graham Burcher
Graham Burcher (Oxford Blue 1729) from Yorkshire had tried to confirm whether the colour of his car was Oxford Blue or Caribbean Blue and found the colour codes difficult to decipher. A call to Bryan Ditchman soon found he had a book with the colour codes listed. Graham has prepared this note as an aid for other RV8 enthusiasts, together with contributions from Bryan Ditchman and Roger Parker.
Volume 5
126. Hot RV8 cockpit
Graeme Renshaw
An Australian V8 enthusiast, Graeme Renshaw (Nightfire Red 0477) from New South Wales, reported hot footwells in his RV8. This note is based on some thoughts from Roger Parker. A copy of this note can be seen as RV8NOTE126.
127.
Fitting a windstop to an RV8
Ian Cranston
John Barnes (Woodcote Green
0636) from Wellington New Zealand had devised a windstop for his RV8 which was
revealed in a photo sent in from the NZ 50th Anniversary Event. Here Ian Cranston
(Flame Red 0342) from Worcestershire describes how he installed a windstop on
his RV8.
128.
Solving a problem with the RV8 heater control cable
John Hornabrook
John Hornabrook (Woodcote Green 1781) from Queensland in Australia has sent in
this useful note on a difficulty which a number of members downunder have faced
with their RV8s. John had the help of his chum, Greg Tunstall, who describes how
the problem was fixed. A copy of this note can be seen as RV8NOTE128.
129.
PAS options for the RV8
Ed Garing
Ed Garing contacted us from Melbourne
Australia enquiring whether power assisted steering could be fitted to an RV8.
This note is based on the reply with material from Roger Parker.
130.
Hunting down a misfire on an RV8
Peter James
Peter James (Woodcote
Green 1022) from Warwickshire experienced an intermittent problem, first under
acceleration and then on deceleration. In this note Peter describes how the fault
was eventually traced and solved by an expert.
131.
Play in the RV8 steering rack
Tom Hogan
Play in the RV8 steering is
a problem which has been reported on several occasions recently. RV8 enthusiast,
Tom Hogan (Nightfire Red 1910), from Cambridgeshire sought help with his steering
rack. This note is based on some thoughts from Roger Parker.
132.
Tired tyres with warehoused RV8s
Jim Rudgley
A caution which members
buying RV8s should note as part of their checklist of things to inspect and check.
Jim Rudgley (Woodcote Green 0696) bought his reimported car in December 2001 and
has a cautionary tale over tyres of cars which may have been warehoused by speculators
believing RV8s were about to rocket in price.
133.
Caution with space saver spare wheels
Brian Moyse
Brian Moyse (BRG
1714) from Surrey obtained his UK specification RV8 in May 2002 and just a week
later appeared at the Sunday lunchtime V8 Gathering at Hazeley Heath. Shortly
after he sent in this workshop note describing an essential check. You can view
this note as RV8NOTE133.
134.
Check your exhaust hangers, engine mountings & battery
fixings
Brian
Moyse
Another check made by a member following his purchase of an RV8. Brian
also highlights difficulty with his engine mountings. You can view this note as
RV8NOTE134.
Bruce Webster
A note for members downunder. Bruce Webster was one of the first overseas members to receive his RV8 Workshop Notes on CD and after a rapid read promptly produced a brief note.
136. A leak down ones right leg!
Bruce Webster
Another water leak note.
137. RV8 hardtop for an
RV8
Mike Simmonds
A note reporting on the current situation with RV8
hardtops together with photographs of RV8 hardtops requested by several members.
This note can be viewed on this website at RV8NOTE137.
138.
Strange noises on the left hand side
Peter Garton
Peter Garton (Woodcote
Green 1238) from Germany heard strange noises from the LHS of his RV8 and in this
brief note explains what was found and how it was cured. With all noises it helps
if you have heard of the case before so that should your RV8 suffer a similar
event, you will be able to identify the cause rapidly. (June 02)
139.
Stretching your legs in an RV8
Murray Baber
Murray Baber (Woodcote
Green 0886) from New Zealand has a brief note on his experiences with getting
a little more legroom in his RV8. (June 02)
140.
Erratic idle on an RV8
Mike Simmonds (Woodcote Green 1504) from Berkshire
posted a message on the bulletin board at www.v8register.net seeking help with
an erratic idle on his RV8. Roger Parker (Green 4092) the well-known MGBV8 guru
posted a reply. (Jun 02) RV8NOTE140
141.
Take care of your clips!
Colin Shaw
Colin Shaw (Woodcote Green 1397)
from Wiltshire had to remove the gearbox tunnel cover on the driver's side and
found the clips on the back of the courtesy light were broken. Here Colin explains
how he found it is not easy to replace them - so take care when working near those
lights. (Jul 02)
142. Retrofitting an alarm & central locking
system
Andy Granger
A note of interest to members with little or no
MG Rover dealer support nearby.
143.
Another windstop installation
Al Barnett
Al Barnett (BRG 1839) is
well used to long runs in his RV8 on autoroutes from his base in Luxembourg and
competes in the annual Prix des Alpes event. In this note he describes how he
had a windstop installed in Holland. (Jul 02)
144.
ECU location, removal & refitting
John Barnes
David Boniface (Oxford
Blue 1589) in Japan contacted the V8 Register for information on fitting an Optimax
chip and how to remove the ECU. We put him onto John Barnes (Woodcote Green 0636)
in Wellington New Zealand who produced this useful note based on his experiences
of fitting an Optimax chip supplied by RPI in the UK. The note provides a step
by step guide to removing and refitting the ECU. (Jul 02) A copy of this note
is available as RV8NOTE144.
145.
RV8 skirt removal
Jim Dolbel
Jim Dolbel (Woodcote Green 1705) from
Sydney in Australia has sent in this useful note which may assist other RV8 owners
in removing their side skirts for repair, respraying or checking the mountings
for corrosion. (Aug 02)
146.
What a sweaty business in an RV8 in Tokyo!
David Boniface
David Boniface
(Oxford Blue 1589) is working in Tokyo and sought the help of the V8 Register
in overcoming a sweaty experience with his RV8 in Tokyo this Summer. You will
sweat just reading this note but it is a useful message. (Jul 02)
147.
Why was the VIN stamped in the RV8 rain channel?
David Boniface
In
RV8 Note 23, Bryan Ditchman posed the question "why did they change the position"
of the VIN from the offside chassis rail to the offside channel under the boot
lid? David Boniface (Oxford Blue 1589) in Tokyo has come up with the answer. (Aug
02)
148. Blown
a fuse?
Tony Merrygold
Tony Merrygold( Woodcote Green 0551) from Warwickshire
who runs a classic car hire company called The Open Road which includes an RV8
in the hire fleet, provides this useful note on fuses. (Aug 02)
149.
Boot release
Tony Merrygold
Tony Merrygold (Woodcote Green 0551) from
Warwickshire who runs a classic car hire company called The Open Road which includes
an RV8 in the hire fleet, provides this useful note on how he solved an intermittent
problem with the boot release mechanism. (Aug 02)
150.
Plastic plug rot
Keith Rowson
Keith obtained an RV8 and from his checks
on the car noticed a difficulty with a plastic plug and posted this useful note
on the bulletin board on the bulletin board on the V8 Register website.
151.
Three replacements on checking over a reimported RV8
Erik Jeffery
Erik runs Mediterranean Classics in Taragona in Catalunya and on checking over
the RV8 he had recently acquired, provided this note on three items he had to
replace.
152.
RV8 brake hydraulic system and master cylinder
Bryan Ditchman
Another
of Bryan's useful notes which highlights another essential part which is reported
to be NLA so refurbishing the existing unit is necessary. You can view this note
as RV8NOTE152.
153.
Have you got a screw loose?
Bryan Ditchman
Workshop notes like screws
still come out of the metalwork! Bryan Ditchman has found, during a rebuild of
his MGBGTV8, another useful part which is used on the RV8 which can be used equally
well on the MGBGTV8. You can view this note as RV8NOTE153.
154.
Replacement door cappings
Tony Litchfield
Tony found the surface lacquer
on his RV8 door cappings had broken down in several places, with some damage to
the veneer too. He sets out how he cured this problem which was posted on the
Bulletin Board which attracted some follow up comments from several other members.
You can view this note on this website at RV8NOTE154.
155.
Dealing with a noisy back axle
Lowell Smith
Lowell from Yorkshire
had to get his back axle repaired and in this note he describes how an ominous
noise was assessed and a course of action determined - then how the necessary
spare parts were tracked down.
156.
RV8 back axle reconditioning service
Clive Wheatley
This note is reproduced
from the RV8 Spares Update as a sequel to RV8 Workshop Note 155 above. It describes
a back axle reconditioning service provided by Clive Wheatley who adds a footnote.
You can view this note as RV8NOTE156.
157.
RV8 front indicator lamp connector terminal corrosion
Brian Moyse
Brian Moyse had to replace the offside front indicator lamp assembly on his car
after it stopped working. The problem was traced to corrosion of one of the connection
pins of the bulb holder where the wiring loom connector is plugged in. You can
view this note as RV8NOTE157.
158.
RV8 coolant filler plug - worth changing to the brass plug
David Boniface
David describes how his plastic plug failed and suggests that preventative
maintenance could be a wise step. You can view this note as RV8NOTE158.
159.
Got a blown plastic coolant filler plug? - a tip to get you home
Tim Hipwell
Following the posting on the V8 website bulletin board by David Boniface (Oxford
Blue 1589) from Tokyo on his experiences with a blown plastic RV8 coolant filler
plug (see RV8 Workshop Note 158), Tim Hipwell (Oxford Blue 1133) from Devon posted
a useful tip on a temporary fix to get you home should you have a similar blow.
Editor
Peter Wallis (Nightfire Red 2178) from Hampshire bought a reimported RV8 and shortly after he contacted the V8 Register for information on replacement tyres. As most RV8s seem to be low mileage vehicles, the topic of replacement tyres had not been covered in the RV8 Workshop Notes series, so a request for members' views on tyres was sent out by email and a message posted on the V8 website Bulletin Board. This note is a summary of the feedback received from our RV8 members. You can view this note as RV8NOTE160.
Volume 6
161. Fitting a new glove box locker plunger switch
Peter Garton
Peter Garton (Woodcote Green 1238) in Germany posted a note on the V8 website bulletin board describing his marathon job to replace his glove box switch. Clearly his copies of the earlier volumes of the RV8 Workshop Notes were essential!
162. Check your replacement
brake shoes
Peter Ellis
Peter Ellis (Oxford Blue 1343) from Lincolnshire
has a brief snippet which could save you a wasted journey to your local MG Dealer
to return a box of replacement RV8 brake shoes.
163.
R380 gearbox lubrication
Nigel Steward
Nigel Steward (Red 1038) from
Hampshire posted a note on the Bulletin Board on the V8 website concerning lubrication
for an R380 gearbox he has fitted to his Factory MGBGTV8. A copy is available
on this website as RV8NOTE163.
164.
Exchange Lucas Alternator
Tony Merrygold & others
Tony
Merrygold (Woodcote Green 0551) from Warwick had a problem with his alternator
and replaced it with a Lucas one instead of Magnetti Marelli. (Dec 02)
165.
Ghostly lights in the footwells
Tony Merrygold
Tony Merrygold
(Woodcote Green 0551) from Warwick had a problem with his interior lights. And
describes how he found the cause and traced replacement
part.
166.
RV8 spares checklist
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan Ditchman (Caribbean Blue
0265) from Hampshire sets out a checklist of a further twenty or so items RV8
owners should consider ensuring they have in their stock of spares. This note
is a supplement to RV8 Workshop Note 105.
167.
Removing the RV8 headlamp cowl
Andy Klava & Gavin Brown
Andy Klava
(Woodcote Green 0532) from Yorkshire posted a brief note on the V8 Website bulletin
board seeking advice on how to remove the headlamps cowls on an RV8 with air-conditioning.
Within two hours Gavin Brown at the MG Car Centre in Tasmania posted this useful
note on how to go about the job. As this note is of interest to members with Japan
spec cars, you can view the note on this website as RV8NOTE167.
(Jan 03)
168.
Thatcham immobilisers
Richard Groves
Richard Groves (Blaze 1898)
from Kent has some interesting comments on the effectiveness of these immobilisers
which underlines the need to select an insurance policy that does not require
a system to be fitted to your RV8.
169.
Replacement RV8 rear brakes
Brian Perry
Brian Perry (Woodcote Green
1938) from Staffordshire provides a useful confirmation of a source of replacement
RV8 rear brakes and a special offer for V8 Register members following a brief
posting on the V8 Website bulletin board.
170.
Solving RV8 overheating problems
John Hornabrook
John Hornabrook (Woodcote
Green 1781) from Australia has solved serious overheating problems with his RV8
which will be of interest to other members operating an RV8 in high ambient temperatures.
(Jan 03)
171.
Why does the red "No Charge" warning light stay on?
Brian Moyse
Dr Andy Klava (Woodcote Green 0532) from Yorkshire was puzzled why his warning
light was staying on after a cold start and posted a query on the V8 Website bulletin
board. Brian Moyse posted a reassuring reply. (Feb 03). See the note as RV8NOTE171.
172. Choose
where you have your RV8 serviced with care!
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan Ditchman
(Caribbean Blue 0265) from Hampshire suggests you need to choose where you take
your RV8 for servicing and maintenance work with some care. (Feb 03)
173.
Sorting out an air conditioning fan that has rusted up
Gavin Brown
A chance inspection of the fans mounted on the air conditioning condenser resulted
in Gavin Brown at the MG Car Centre in Launceston, Tasmania finding rust and a
way of cleaning it up. This note will be useful for members with the Japanese
specification A/C system and it includes a couple of tips to help reduce future
rusting difficulties. (Feb 03) See this note as RV8NOTE173.
174.
Are your shock absorbers working for you?
John Barnes
John Barnes
(Woodcote Green 0636) from Wellington New Zealand has owned his RV8 for six years
and had always felt it was a little soft and did not perform as a sports car should,
so he set about finding an improvement. (Mar 03)
175.
Insulated air cleaner on an RV8
John Hornabrook
John Hornabrook (Woodcote
Green 1781) from Australia has had serious cooling problems with his RV8 and describes
a modification to insulate the air filter. (Mar 03)
176.
Changing indicator lenses from amber to clear on an RV8
Mike Price
Mike Price (Nightfire Red 1708) from Staffordshire posted a note on the V8 Bulletin
Board with details of the part numbers for members who wish to make this change.
(Mar 03)
177.
RV8 bottom hose problem
Al Barnett
Al Barnett (BRG 1839) from Luxembourg
highlights a problem that all RV8 owners should check. Al raised the matter on
the V8 Bulletin Board and a number of useful tips were posted by fellow members.
178. RV8 radiator
blanking panel radiator check
Peter James
Peter James (Woodcote Green
1022) from Warwickshire highlights a problem that all RV8 owners should check.
He would not have spotted if he had not had to change a water pump.
179.
More on replacement tyres and savings
Joe Gibson
Joe Gibson (BRG
0442) from Gwynedd had read the earlier RV8 Workshop Note on replacement tyres
for the RV8 based on a survey of our members (Note 160 in Volume 5) and relates
how he found a replacement tyres and a good discount too!
180.
Steering wheel locks
Brian Marshall & V8 Bulletin Board postings
Brian Marshall has an MGBV8 Roadster and posted a message on the V8 Bulletin Board
seeking views on steering locks for the V8. This note sweeps up the responses
and provides a useful guide.
181.
Replacement RV8 shroud stickers
Gavin Bailey
DR Gavin Bailey (BRG
0777) from Surrey sent in this brief report of the availability of a useful spares
item. RV8NOTE181.
182.
Recommended tyre supplier
Peter Kilmister
Peter Kilmister (Woodcote
Green 0320) from Hampshire recently changed the tyres on his RV8 and his posting
on the V8 Bulletin Board recommended a good tyre supplier for their excellent
service. (Jul 03)
183.
Replacing the MG badges - care
Gerard Jansen
Gerard Jansen (Woodcote
Green 1240) from Belgium posted a query on the V8 Bulletin Board seeking help
with the removal of the MG badges on his RV8 as he needed to replace them. Several
members provided some useful tips. (Aug 03)
184.
Should I keep the air-con system on a reimported RV8?
Graham Bartholomew
Graham Bartholomew (Woodcote Green 0810) from Bartholomew posted a query on the
V8 Bulletin Board concerning a fault and wondered whether to remove the system.
The key routine for members with RV8 aircon systems is you must run the system
regularly, even when the car is tucked away during the winter months! (Aug 03)
185. RV8 water
hoses
Keith Rowson
Keith Rowson (Oxford Blue 1764) from Hertfordshire
reported difficulty in getting replacement water hoses as a posting on the V8
Bulletin Board. The situation was soon clarified. (Aug 03)
186.
Spasmodic idle failure with an RV8
Ray Ganderton and others
Ray Ganderton
(Woodcote Green 1826) from Hertfordshire put a note on the V8 Bulletin Board seeking
help with an idle problem. Useful postings followed shortly after. (Aug 03)
187.
Off-side underbody knock on an RV8
Ray Ganderton
Ray Ganderton (Woodcote
Green 1826) from Hertfordshire posted a query on the V8 Bulletin Board concerning
an underbody knocking noise. Useful postings in response followed. (Aug 03)
188.
RV8 starting and running problems
Tim Whitely and others
Tim Whitely
(Oxford Blue 0935) from Lancashire posted a note on the V8 Bulletin Board seeking
help with this difficulty. A brief response followed. (Sep 03)
189.
Where does the air conditioned air enter the RV8 cockpit?
Peter Tothill
Following Graham Bartholomew's queries regarding his RV8's air-conditioning system,
he requested clarification on where the conditioned air is supplied to the RV8
cockpit. Peter Tothill (Woodcote Green 1636) from Oxfordshire has supplied a brief
note which covers this point. (Oct 03)
190.
Warning - an unusual RV8 fire risk
Lowell Smith
A cautionary note
from Lowell Smith (Woodcote Green 0384) from Yorkshire based on an unexpected
hot moment! (Oct 03) RV8NOTE190
191.
RV8 alarm ECU - suspected vulnerability
Brian Moyse
Brian Moyse (BRG
1714) from Surrey posted a caution on the V8 Bulletin Board concerning the risk
of damage to the alarm ECU if the battery runs down if the car is not used, typically
during the Winter months. (Oct 03) RV8NOTE191
192.
Reimporting an RV8 - what are the options?
Victor Smith and Chris Watkins
Many MG enthusiasts are buying reimported RV8s and the flow returning to the UK
is substantial - but what options are available to prospective purchasers of reimported
RV8s and what prudent concerns should they have in buying from either a local
agent in Japan or from a UK based specialist RV8 trader? This note by Victor Smith
provides a guide to the options together with a footnote with the views of Chris
Watkins, who runs the specialist RV8 reimporter HS Imports in Somerset. (Oct 03)
RV8NOTE192
193.
New mobile phone law in the UK
Victor Smith
From 1st December
2003 a new law is coming out in the UK that will make it a specific offence to
hold and use a mobile phone whilst driving. This is in addition to the current
laws governing safe driving. (Oct 03) RV8NOTE193
Gavin Brown
Gavin Brown at the MG Car Centre at Launceston in Tasmania has obtained a supply of replacement up-rated front springs. (Oct 03) RV8NOTE194
195. Factors causing Japanese RV8 owners to send their cars to auctions
Colin Shea
Colin Shea explains some of the economic and social factors which influence Japanese owners of classic cars like the RV8 to send their "ageing" car to auction from which they are generally exported to the UK or Australia. The flow of RV8s to auction in Japan is a key factor in the supply and demand balance in the RV8 markets in the UK and Australia so is inevitably of interest to RV8 enthusiasts there. (Nov 03) RV8NOTE195
196. Lowering the RV8 back end
John Barnes
Lawrie Steere (Oxford Blue 0933) who runs the MG Service Centre in Christchurch New Zealand races his RV8 and has been trying to get better handling. Here John Barnes (Woodcote Green 0636) from Wellington reports on progress so far. (Nov 03)
197. RV8 clutch slave cylinder repair kit
Clive Wheatley
Although repair kits are not available for the RV8 clutch slave cylinder, it is possible to use the kit available for the MGBGTV8. Here Clive Wheatley explains how. (DEC 03)
198. RV8 tyres - Michelin Pilots are available
Bryan Ditchman
Brian provides a workshop note update on the availability of suitable "V" rated replacement tyres for the RV8. (DEC 03)
199. RV8 front foglights - an alternative source of replacement units
Bryan Ditchman
Bryan provides a note on alternative source of replacement front foglights to help owners of UK specification cars (and owners of Japan specification RV8s wishing to convert them to UK spec) who are unfortunate enough to suffer stone damage. (DEC 03)
Volume 7
200. Timing adjustment on reimported RV8s
Chris Hunt Cooke
Chris Hunt Cooke (Woodcote Green 2038) posted a note on the V8 Bulletin Board with a useful reminder to have the timing checked on reimported RV8s, even after the modification to the vacuum advance mentioned in RV8 Workshop Note 60 has been done. (Aug 03)
201. Unichip connector problems
John Hornabrook
John Hornabrook (Woodcote Green 1781) has prepared this note on the improved performance achieved by fitting of Unichip to his RV8. (Jan 04)
202. Velcro pads on RV8 trim panels
Colin Shaw
Colin Shaw (Woodcote Green 1397) from Lancashire, provides an account of how he solved a problem by sourcing an elusive spare part from another Register member. (Jan 04)
203. Removing an RV8 nose cone
Gavin Bailey
Peter Kilmister (BRG 0320) from Hampshire posted a query on the V8 Bulletin Board for help in removing the RV8 nose cone and Gavin Bailey promptly responded! (Feb 04) RV8NOTE203
204. Hot feet!
Nick Grant
Nick Grant (Woodcote Green 0388) from Tyne & Wear was concerned that the legwell air vents were permanently blowing hot air onto his feet. - fine in winter but with the approach of Summer he was wondering how to cure it! Fellow members provided help. (May 04) RV8NOTE204
205.
Folding windstop for an RV8
John Bolt (Nightfire Red 1228) from Buckinghamshire
arrived at the V8 Gathering at Hazeley Heath with his new wind stop which is a
particularly neat installation. It even folds down and allows the tonneau to cover
the cockpit without the need to remove the wind stop first. This note is illustrated
by John's sketches. (May 04) RV8NOTE205
206. Redlining an RV8 tachometer
Stefan Matthaei
Stefan Matthaei
(Woodcote Green 1250) from Munich in Germany provides the VDO contact for servicing
a tachometer and adding a "redline". (Jun 04)
207. Your
RV8 temperature gauge is lying!
Stefan Matthaei
Stefan Matthaei (Woodcote
Green 1250) from Munich in Germany suggests a simple modification on the wiring
of the temperature gauge to allow for correct readings of the engine temperature.
(Jun 04)
208. Hoyle suspension upgrade kits - a step change in improved
handling
Victor Smith
The improved handling and ride characteristics
provided by fitting the front and rear upgrade kits supplied by Hoyle Engineering
are reported by V8 enthusiasts as a "marked change" and "handling
more like a modern car". So Victor Smith has taken a closer look and gathered
comments from V8 members. (Jun 04) RV8NOTE208
209. To lift or not to lift, that is the question
Gavin Bailey
DR Gavin Bailey (RV8 BRG 0766 and V8 Glacier White 0199) from Surrey describes
how he tracked down a hydraulic lift and has found it very useful. (Jun 04) RV8NOTE209
210. Fitting a set of uprated Konis
Gavin Bailey
DR Gavin
Bailey (BRG 0766) from Surrey provides a note on fitting a set of the uprated
Konis supplied by Clive Wheatley. (Aug 04) RV8NOTE210
211.
Uprated RV8 Koni shock absorbers
Tony Johnson
Tony Johnson (Nightfire
Red 1865) from the West Midlands has given his new Konis a real test on the Prix
Des Alpes Rally and reports complete satisfaction. (Jul 04)
212.
Replacing the reversing light switch
Martin Selwyn
Martin Selwyn
(Woodcote Green 0664) from London N provides a useful note on how to replace the
reversing light switch on an R380 gearbox. (Jul 04)
213.
Checking the gearbox oil level and/or replacing oil
Martin Selwyn
Marton Selwyn (Woodcote Green 0664) from London N provides a useful note on how
to check the oil level on an R380 gearbox and top up or replace the oil. (Jul
04)
214. RV8
suspension damper adjustment
Peter Tothill
Peter Tothill (Woodcote
Green 1636) from Oxfordshire has been working on his front suspension set up for
some time and has produced a useful note with his views on settings for the shock
absorbers. (Jul 04) RV8NOTE214
215. Australian
RAWS update
Gavin Brown
In May 2003 we first reported that a new set
of regulations had been introduced in Australia which had effectively stopped
Aussie enthusiasts importing RV8s. Gavin Brown, who runs the MG Car Centre in
Launceston Tasmania, provides an update. (Sep 04) RV8NOTE215
216. How many RV8s were there and in what colour?
John Bolt
John
Bolt (Nightfire Red 1218) from Buckingamshire has been doing some research at
the Heritage Museum at Gaydon and has produced an interesting chart which will
interest RV8 enthusiasts. (Oct 04) RV8NOTE216
217. Removing a number plate mounting panel from a Japan spec RV8
David Allen
David Allen (Oxford Blue (1629) from Cambridgeshire provides a
useful note with a step by step guide on how to convert the number plate mounting
on a Japan spec RV8 to the UK or European style. (Nov 04) RV8NOTE217
218. No longer a period of grace on motor insurance renewals
Victor
Smith
An important change was introduced during 2004 requiring insurers to
send up-to-the-minute data to the central Motor Insurance Database, or risk penalties
for late submission. There is no longer any period of grace with renewals
with insurers. (Jan 05) RV8NOTE218
219.
Curing an RV8 which is reluctant to start
David Allen
David Allen
(Oxford Blue 1629) was on the V8 Shropshire Tour 2004 and found his RV8 would
not start on the Monday morning. (Oct 04)
220. Frequency band expanders
for reimported RV8s
Roger Aldridge & Chris Watkins
This note is
based on information from Chris Watkins at HS Imports, Protech, and Roger Aldridge.
(Jan 05) RV8NOTE220
221. Changing the radio on a reimported RV8
Mike Simmonds
We noticed
in an advert Mike Simmonds (Woodcote Green 1504) from Berkshire posted on the
V8 Website offering his car for sale, that he had fitted a "new" UK
market radio rather than the alternative a frequency band expander on the original
Japan market radio. (Jan 05) RV8NOTE221
222. Emergency flares
on reimported RV8s
Gavin Bailey, David Bonniface, Jim Dolbel, Brian Moyse
& Chris Watkins
Paul Mascal (Nightfire Red 1473) from NSW Australia posted
a query on the V8 Bulletin Board over the safety of the RV8 flare in his Japan
spec RV8. (Jan 05) RV8NOTE222
223. First
RAWS approval granted to an RV8 importer in Australia
Stuart Ratcliff
Stuart Ratcliff of RV8 Cars Australia has completed the RAWS process so will soon
be able to carry out necessary works on imported RV8s to comply them for the Australian
market. (Jan 05) RV8NOTE223
224. Another
windstop which looks good and works well
Mike Simmonds
Mike Simmonds
(Woodcote Green 1504) from Berkshire fitted a windstop supplied by Tij-Power in
Germany. (Feb 05) RV8NOTE224
225. Windscreen
surround removal and the rust problem
Jeff Swann
Jeff Swann (Woodcote
Green 0519) has sent in a correction to RV8 Workshop Note 22 in Volume 1of the
series. Future issues of the CD will note this correction in RV8NOTE22. (Feb
05) RV8NOTE225
226. Rechipping
an RV8
Gavin Bailey
Pete Wallis posted a query on the V8BB in February
2005 seeking information on re-chipping an RV8. Here Gavin Bailey (BRG 0766) from
Surrey describes his experience of having a chip fitted at RPI in Norfolk together
with a V8BB posting from David Farrer-Brown and an earlier note from Chris Hunt
Cooke (Woodcote Green 2038). (Feb 05) RV8NOTE226
227. More on curing heat in an RV8 cockpit
David Boniface, Gavin Brown & John Hornabrook
A thread of V8BB postings
in February 2005 returned to the difficulty of finding a cure for excessive heat
in an RV8 cockpit. (Mar 05) RV8NOTE227
228. Windstop bracket modification to enable the hood to be raised
Paul Wilson
Paul Wilson (Woodcote Green 0929) from Yorkshire purchased a windstop
for his RV8 but found he could not raise the hood with the windstop brackets in
place. He set about modifying them to overcome the problem. (APR 03) RV8NOTE228
229. Wrench for the RV8 distributor clamp nut
John Dutton
John Dutton (Woodcote Green 1664) from Kent found it impossible to undo the distributor
clamp nut with an ordinary spanner and eventually found a special long reach angled
wrench. (APR 05) RV8NOTE229
230. Rechipping
an RV8 at RPI
John Dutton
John Dutton (Woodcote Green 1664) from Kent
had his RV8 rechipped recently and provides some photos. (APR 05) RV8NOTE230
231. Is castor reduction a wise modification for an RV8?
Victor
Smith
Over the last 12 months a castor correction
kit has become available which offers lighter steering for the MGB Roadster, MGBGT,
MGBGTV8 and RV8 models. Essentially the kit uses wedges which look like tuning
forks as a packing under the front mountings between the crossmember and
chassis legs which rotates the crossmember forwards, thereby reducing the castor
angle. This note highlights several concerns over the kit and its use on the RV8
model. (Jan 06) RV8NOTE231
232. Review of the B&G Castor Reduction Kit
Chris
Hunt Cooke & Victor Smith
Although this note was
prepared as part of the V8NOTES series, it is included as an RV8NOTE to provide
additional information not available in RV8NOTE231. An improved castor
angle reduction kit has been produced for chrome and rubber bumpered MGBGTV8 and
MGB models by Brown & Gammons, the MG specialists at Baldock. This note from
Chris Hunt Cooke and Victor Smith describes how fitting the kit rotates the crossmember
forwards thereby reducing the castor angle, reviews the engineering improvements,
provides some useful background information on the need for positive castor to
self-centre the steering at speed and give good steering response, and describes
how reduced castor with modern radial tyres gives a reduced steering load. (Jan
06) RV8NOTE232
233.
Lowering an RV8 seat
Roger Davies
If you are tall in the body like
Roger Davies (Woodcote Green 1800) from Berkshire then finding a way of lowering
the driving seat is essential. Roger posted a useful note on how he did the job.
(Jan 06) RV8NOTE233
234. RV8 alarm
resynchronization - not alarm ECU damage
Peter Steyn
A posting on
the V8BB by Peter Steyn (Woodcote Green 1678) from South Africa is a useful tip
solving a "damaged" Alarm ECU unit. (Jan 06)
RV8NOTE234
235.
Power assisted steering for an RV8
Peter Garton
Peter Garton (Woodcote
Green 1238) from Germany has had a PAS system fitted to his RV8 and explains how
the process went. (Jan 06) RV8NOTE235
236. Care with doublesided tape fixings
Peter Garton
Following
DR Gavin Bailey's RV8NOTE183 on removing MG badges and David Allen's RV8NOTE217
on removing Japan spec number plate mountings, and later a thread of postings
on the V8BB about badge fixings, Peter Garton (Woodcote Green 1238) has contributed
a useful note on doublesided tapes. (Jan 06)
237. Storing an RV8 over winter
Postings from the V8BB
An
interesting thread on keeping moisture off a V8 when stored in a garage during
the Winter months ran on the V8BB in January. It was started by Peter Garton from
Germany and attracted many interesting contributions. This note captures them
for the series and illustrates how useful the V8BB can be - compiled by Victor
Smith. (Jan 06)
238. RV8 Bosch starter
motor
Peter Garton
After experiencing some difficulties with his starter
motor, Peter Garton (Woodcote Green 1238) from Germany has produced a useful note.
(DEC 05) RV8NOTE238
239. Fitting a "modern CD stacker" in an RV8
David
Boniface
One of our members in Japan, David Boniface (Oxford Blue 1589), provides
a useful ICE tip for both V8 and RV8 enthusiasts. (Mar 06)
RV8NOTE239
240.
Replacement windscreen glass
Al Barnett
Sigge Redhe contacted the
V8 Webmaster for help in tracking down a source of supply for a replacement RV8
windscreen glass and Al Barnett provided a useful note. (Mar
06)
RV8NOTE240
Volume 8
241.
Warning for all RV8s
Brown & Gammons
Inspections
at Brown & Gammons of the steering rack mountings on a V8 Roadster built from
a LHD rubber bumper MGB roadster reimported from the US and on an RV8 have
revealed serious cracks in the steering rack mounts on the crossmember. As the
consequences of a complete failure would be serious, members with both chrome
and rubber MGBGTV8s, V8 Roadsters or GT conversions built from Factory rubber
bumpered shells or RV8s need to have the mounts inspected as a matter of
urgency. (Mar 06) RV8NOTE241
242. Strengthening the RV8 steering rack mounts
Brown & Gammons
Photos of the cracks in the V8 steering rack mounts have been sent in by Brown
& Gammons which show the extent of the crack very clearly. Details of the
repairs and strengthening of the mounts have also been provided. (Mar
06) RV8NOTE242
243. Cracked
RV8 steering rack mounts
John Dutton
A notice was posted onto the
website a week or two back that followed finding cracked steering rack mounts
on John Dutton's RV8. Here John provides a fuller report. Unfortunately no photos
were taken of the mounts before repair but earlier photos of a fractured mount
on Chris Hunt Cooke's V8 Roadster in RV8NOTE241 illustrate the problem. (Mar
06) RV8NOTE243
244. RV8
recall details
Dave Batten & David Boniface
Dave Batten posted
a note on the V8BB of a recall notice issued in Japan back in 1996. David Boniface
in Tokyo has provided a translation of the diagram. (APR
06) RV8NOTE244
245. RV8 hardtop
wiring loom
Gavin Bailey
Peter Steyn from South Africa posted
a note on the V8BB seeking help with wiring up an RV8 hardtop. DR Gavin Bailey
provides this useful note. (APR 06) RV8NOTE245
246. Replacing an RV8 windscreen surround
David Reid
David Reid
(Nightfire Red 0299) from West Lothian recently visited Clive Wheatley for one
of his carbon fibre replacement windscreen surrounds. (APR
06) RV8NOTE246
247. Checking the
heater valve turns off
Peter Steyn
Peter Steyn, an RV8 enthusiast
in South Africa, provided a short tip on the V8BB which could help you avoid roasting
in the Summer. (May 06) RV8NOTE247
248. Reducing heat from downunder in a V8!
John Hornabrook
John Hornabrook in Queensland Australia has sent in an idea for insulating
the floor of a V8 from heat generated by the exhaust system below. (May
06) RV8NOTE248
249
Checking
the PCV air intake is clear
Stuart Middlemiss
Stuart Middlemiss (Nightfire
Red 1215) in Norfolk posted a brief note on the V8BB which is a useful tip. (June
06)
250
Badge bar for an RV8
John Cumming
John
Cumming (Woodcote Green 0721) from Suffolk recently has made a badge bar for the
RV8 and describes how it is fitted. (Jul 06) RV8NOTE250
251. Optimax chip upgrade
Derek Squires (Woodcote Green 1262) from
Hampshire is another member who reports satisfaction with the Optimax chip upgrade
supplied and fitted by V8 specialists Rpi in Norfolk. (Jul
06) RV8NOTE251
252. RV8
towing caution
V8BB postings
Peter Doughty (Woodcote Green) from Hampshire
posted a note on the VBB seeking clarification of a towing caution posted on the
V8BB. (Aug 06) RV8NOTE252
253. Replacement lenses for the RV8
Stuart Middlemiss
Stuart
Middlemiss (Nightfire Red 1215) from Norfolk had to replace his front indicator
and rear fog light lens units as some of the internal reflectors had darkened
so he took the opportunity to replace the front indicators with clear lens units.
His note will be useful for many RV8 enthusiasts and save money too. (Oct
06) RV8NOTE253
254. RV8 bump stops
replacement
Jim Dolbel
Jim Dolbel (Woodcote Green 1705) from Australia
has replaced his bump stops and provides a useful note for fellow members. (Oct
06) RV8NOTE254
255. Adjusting
the engine mounts
Stuart Middlemiss
Stuart Middlemiss (Nightfire Red
1215) from Norfolk provides a useful tip on curing contact between the offside
exhaust manifold and the inner wing aperture or steering pinion based on some
hard work done by fellow RV8 enthusiast, Max Porter. (Oct
06) RV8NOTE255
256. Replacement
elm burr gearknobs
Terry Starkey
Terry Starkey (Le Mans Green 0786)
from Norfolk made a replacement gearknob on elm burr for himself and then a few
friends, and found they were a very popular replacement for the standard leather
knob. (Nov 06)
257. Batteries with an
increased capacity
Bob Owen
Peter Garton (Woodcote Green 1238) from
Germany posted a query on the V8BB seeking advice on whether it was wise to fit
a replacement battery with an increased capacity. Bob Owen's helpful response
is reproduced for this RV8NOTE. (Jan 07)
258. Converting the Japanese advance & retard setup to UK spec
Dave
Batten popped a note on the V8BB noting he has had his RV8 (a Japanese reimport)
for some years now and when he first brought it back from Japan he changed over
the vacuum advance to UK spec as recommended in RV8 Workshop Note 60, and thought
nothing more of it. "Recently I accidentally stumbled across Steve Newton's
note of 9 December 2004 in the V8BB archives and thought I would check the plenum.
Sure enough the male intake on the upper side of the plenum chamber has never
been drilled out, and for the last few years, without knowing it, I have been
driving around with no vacuum at all! Just thought I would post this note in case
anyone else out there might be in the same boat. RV8NOTE60 needs a footnote to
bring this to members' attention". (May 07)
RV8NOTE258
259. RV8 boot gas struts
Mick Watkins
Mick Watkins posted a note on the V8BB asking if any member had managed to
source a supply of the struts, other than from Clive Wheatley V8parts? He felt
£60 seemed a lot to pay for a replacement. Searching the internet had not
revealed an obvious supplier, so he wondered if a member knew more? (May
07)
260. Reprogramming an RV8 alarm fob to the ECU
Jeff Swann
Jeff Swann (Woodcote Green 0519) from Leicestershire describes
the do-it-yourself method for programming the RV8 alarm fob to the car's ECU.
(May 07) RV8NOTE260
261. RV8 alloy wheel refurb tip
Jeff Swann
Jeff Swann (Woodcote
Green 0519) from Leicestershire, describes a useful tip which could avoid damage
to the dummy wheel studs on an RV8. (May 07)
262. Replacing an RV8 hood
Mike Lane
Mike Lane (Oxford Blue
0855) from Andover Hampshire recently had a number of new hoods fitted.Here he
highlights a problem - there are two types of hood frame! (May
07) RV8NOTE262
263. Update on
rear axle oil for the RV8 Quaife torque bias differential
Stuart Middlemiss
Stuart Middlemiss (Nightfire Red 1215) from Norfolk has obtained a confirmation
from Shell of an improved oil for the RV8 differential. He also provides an important
reminder regarding the Quaife differential. First published in the May 2007 issue
of Safety Fast!. (May 07) RV8NOTE263
264. Experience with RV8 gearbox and back axle oils
Stuart
Middlemiss
It has been a while now since Stuart Middlemiss (Nightfire Red
1215) from Norfolk changed the oils in both the gearbox (his has the R380 which
was fitted to RV8s from VIN 0644 onwards) and the back axle. He thought it might
be useful to circulate the results. (Jun 07) RV8NOTE264
265. Refurbishing RV8 wheels
Jeff Swann
Jeff Swann (Woodcote Green 0519) from Leicestershire, posted a note on the V8BB
on how he refurbished his RV8 wheels. (Jun 07)
266. Solving a creak from an RV8 dashboard
Robert Crowson and
Michael O'Brien
In a V8BB posting Hugh Boddington sought help solving a creak
from the dashboard on his RV8. Michael O'Brien in Australia came up with a solution.
(Jun 07) RV8NOTE266
267. New RV8 mats
Roger Aldridge
Roger Aldridge (Oxford
Blue 1722) from Berkshire needed some new mats but found they were NLA so he found
a source for remanufactured mats. (July 07) RV8NOTE267
268. More on replacement RV8 hoods
Mike Lane
Mike Lane (Oxford
Blue 0855) from Andover recently had a number of replacement hoods fitted and
found discrepancies. (July 07) RV8NOTE268
and RV8 hood mini survey
269. Clutch master and slave cylinder repair kits
Peter Garton
Peter Garton found getting the right repair kits took time. (Aug
07) RV8NOTE269
270. Fuel gauge
not reading correctly
Bob Owen
Ian Fowler posted a message on the
V8BB saying "the fuel gauge on my RV8 will only register a little over half
full when the tank is full, and reads a quarter full when the tank is actually
at half full. Has anybody else had this problem? How do I test the gauge and sender
unit? (Aug 07)
271. Changing the oil on a type R380 gearbox
Peter Garton
Peter
Garton (Woodcote Green 1238) from Germany provides a useful guide to a gearbox
oil change. (Aug 07) RV8NOTE271
272. R380
gearbox oil change
Barry Martin
Barry Martin posted a note on the
V8BB saying he found changing the gearbox oil on his RV8's R380 gearbox a much
less arduous task. Here he explains how. (Aug 07)
RV8NOTE272
273.
RV8 windscreen VIN etch template
Gavin Bailey
DR Gavin Bailey (BRG 0766) from Surrey has provided a short note on the VIN etch
template. (Sep 07) RV8NOTE273
274. RV8 remote instruction card
Gavin
Bailey
DR Gavin Bailey (BRG 0766) from Surrey has provided a short note on
the RV8 remote instruction card. (Sep 07) RV8NOTE273
275. Photos of an RV8 gearbox oil change
Chris Yates
As a sequel to RV8NOTE272, Chris Yates has had his gearbox oil change done at
B&G at Baldock and provides a set of photos of the work. (Oct
07) RV8NOTE275
276. Removing
the Wee Nuisance
Robbie Stewart
Robbie Stewart (Woodcote Green 1626)
explains how he replaced the MG badges on his RV8. (Oct
07) RV8NOTE276
277. Refurbishing
the elm burr veneer on an RV8 glovebox lid
Peter Garton
Peter Garton posted a message on the V8BB concerning the refurbishment
of his glove box lid on the dashboard of his RV8. (Nov 07)
RV8NOTE277
278.
Fitting a set of Spax Krypton Gas Shocks
Rob Collier
Rob Collier
(Woodcote Green 1147) from Lancashire recently bought a set of the new Spax shock
absorbers developed for the RV8 and describes fitting them and the pleasure driving
an RV8 with much better handling and ride. (Jan 08)
RV8NOTE278
279.
Where can I get a set of clean
number plates?
Robert
Crowson
Robert Crowson (Woodcote Green 1147) from Yorkshire posted a query
on the V8BB "needing new registration plates for my RV8 I asked my local
garage to sort me out a new pair. When they arrived they had the maker's name
across the bottom. I don't want 'ABC Autoparts Ltd.' across the bottom of the
plates but my garage says that is the law now. Are they correct? (Jan
08) RV8NOTE279
280.
Why is there a glimmer from my ignition warning light?
Dave Hedger
Dave Hedger posted a query on the V8BB about a glimmer from the non charging light
on the dashboard of his RV8 and sought fellow members' help. (Jan
08) RV8NOTE280
281.
Replacing RV8 speaker grilles
Robbie
Stewart
Robbie Stewart (Woodcote Green 1626) provides a useful guide on how
to source replacement speaker grilles for the rear quarter panel on an RV8. (Mar
08) RV8NOTE281
282.
Relacquering timber trim on an RV8
Robbie
Stewart
Robbie Stewart (Woodcote Green 1626) provides a useful guide
to re-lacquering timber trim. (Mar 08)
RV8NOTE282
283. Cleaning
the stepper motor
Editor
Paul Clark posted
a query on the V8BB seeking help on erratic running and how to clean the stepper
motor. Here Geoff King sets out how to clean the stepper motor and points to other
causes of erratic running that might need investigation. (APR
08) RV8NOTE283
284. Replacement oil filters and sump gaskets for the
RV8
Peter Garton
Peter Garton (Woodcote
Green 1238) in Germany posted a query on the V8BB concerning replacement part
numbers. The responses will be a useful resource for fellow members.
(APR 08) RV8NOTE284
285. Caution with fuel pipe on an RV8
Max Porter
Max Porter was replacing the fuel filters on his RV8 recently and
spotted a split in what appeared to be an "as-new" length of rubber
fuel hose. This note highlights a useful safety check. (May
08)
286. Caution with the RV8 hood catches
Clive Wheatley
Clive Wheatley was returning from the Historic Le Mans and
became aware the windscreen frame toggle catches securing the front rail of the
hood were showing signs of coming loose! (Jul 08)
287. Rally plaque for an RV8
Hugh Boddington
Hugh Boddington has provided details of the plaque he has made up for his RV8
which looks very good. No more cable ties for Hugh! (Jul
08) RV8NOTE287
288.
Essential
spares when touring abroad
V8BB postings
Bob Grieves (Black 2778)
from Kent posted a query for ideas from fellow members of the essential spares
anyone should carry when touring overseas. Responses came from Geoff King, Bob
Owen, Victor Smith, Jim Gibson, Rob Lewis, Rob Collier and Mike Lane. So the combined
list below will probably cover most reasonable spares needs.
(Jul 08) RV8NOTE288
289. Fitting a door pockets to an RV8
Mike Sheehan
Mike Sheehan
(Woodcote Green 1703) from SW France has made door pockets for the drivers and
passenger doors from Connolly leather to provide more storage space in his RV8.
(Jul 08) RV8NOTE289
290.
No charge light stays on
Adrian Brook
Adrian Brook (Woodcote 1823) from East Yorkshire posted a note
on the V8BB about a difficulty he had with his no charge light and a few weeks
later reported the solution. (Aug 08)
291. RV8 handbrake modification
Hugh Boddington
Hugh Boddington found the position of the handbrake grip in the off position on
his RV8 was too high and uncomfortably close to the bottom edge of the steering
wheel. So he began thinking of how it might be modified so that it was lower.
Hugh decided the only way to lower the grip was to re-profile the handbrake lever.
(Oct 08) RV8NOTE291
292. Performance gains from removing the CATs
Matt Jones
Matt Jones posted a query on the V8BB and some useful responses followed as guidance
for fellow members. (Nov 08)
293. Brake
systems and servos on the MGBGTV8 and RV8
Bob Owen
Peter Garton (Woodcote
Green 1238) from Germany started a thread on the V8BB in August 2007 by posting
a message wondering what would happen if the brake servo on his RV8 were to fail.
This note brings together the responses to that thread, particularly from Bob
Owen. (Jan 08)
Bob Owen
Bob Owen has produced an excellent article which sets out the facts with a dispassionate assessment of the issues so fellow members can understand the DOT categories, the DOT fluid performance tests and the benefits and disadvantages of each fluid. He has also highlighted some concerns - key variables where there is uncertainty. In essence they are the lack of information on the composition of the replacement rubber seals and the effect of various formulations of glycol fluid available in the market on those different types of rubber seal - and the effect of silicone fluid on them too. They are being examined and a further report will follow. (Jan 09) RV8NOTE294
295. Cooling hoses layout
V8 Bulletin Board thread
Mike Howlett posted a query on the V8BB seeking help with the cooling pipes on his conversion. (Feb 09)
296. Where can I get replacement ignition keys
V8 Bulletin Board thread
Mike Giblenn posted a V8BB message asking fellow members where he could get a replacement RV8 key with the pivoting fob? (Feb 09)
297. Space saver tyre for the RV8
Gavin Bailey
Gavin Bailey (BRG 0766) from Surrey obtained an RV8 spacesaver tyre and as they are not readily available, he has provided some photos. (Feb 09)
298. Tyre sealants
V8BB posting
Roger Parker mentioned tyre sealants in V8NOTE247 as a way of coping with the removal of a spare tyre to make more room for luggage in an MGV8. (Feb 02)
299. Check the steel connecting pipe between the lower cooling hoses
John Holmes
John Holmes has a brief note but it is nonetheless a useful reminder of a check you should make when you change the rubber cooling hoses on your RV8. (APR 09)
300. Where can I get a touch up!
Angus Munro
Angus Munro posed this question on the V8BB and the response was most helpful. Surprisingly Miss Whiplash from Milton Keynes did not respond! (Jun 09) RV8NOTE300
Volume 9
301. Replacement boot bulkhead clips
Hugh Boddington
Hugh Boddington was looking for spare clips for his RV8 but had been unable to get them and then saw them in a magazine. (Jun 09) RV8NOTE301
302. RV8 windstop for the taller driver
Angus Munro
Angus Munro wanted a windstop but as he is quite tall had to think of ways of adapting the standard windstop. Here he describes the project and in a copy of this note, illustrated with photos, available on the V8 Website he provides a detailed guide to fitting a windstop plus provides a drawing of the new rail too. (Jul 09) RV8NOTE302
303. Renovo's plastic window polish works!
Angus Munro
Angus Munro posted a note on the V8BB of his experience with Renovo's product. (Jul 09) RV8NOTE303
304. Spacesaver wheel and tyre for an RV8
John Bolt
Following a V8BB posting by Alan Spence, John Bolt provides details of the spacesaver wheel and tyre he has used on his RV8. (Jul 09) RV8NOTE304
305. Take care with adverts for RV8 brake discs on eBay!
Julian Holmes
Julian Holmes spotted an advert on eBay for RV8 replacement front brake discs at bargain prices but discovered they were not RV8 discs. Later he spotted an advert on eBay from MG Services Heathrow offering genuine RV8 discs which included a warning for RV8 enthusiasts to avoid discs offered on eBay by some traders. They are not RV8 discs but quite probably Rover 800 discs. (Jul 09) RV8NOTE305
306. Curing RV8 speedometer faults
Peter Garton
Peter Garton, an RV8 enthusiast in Germany, posted a VBB note reporting he had a faulty kph speedo. The responses were very interesting and highlighted some concerns for UK enthusiasts who still have a kph speedo on their reimported RV8. (Aug 09) RV8NOTE306
307. Critical views on spacesaver wheels
Ian Quarrington & Bob Owen
Some of the feedback on the spacesaver thread on the V8BB was critical of the idea of a spacesaver following the release of RV8NOTE304 on Tuesday 4th August . (Aug 09)
308. Converting RV8 headlamps to LHD
Peter Garton
Normally the RV8 reimports from Japan, apart from being originally equipped with the speedometer in kilometres, also have the headlamps fitted which are suitable for the UK - the Japanese also drive on the left! – so will need changing if you keep your RV8 in Mainland Europe or other countries where they drive on the righthand side of the road. (Aug 09)
309. Finding replacement RV8 cats
Barry Martin
Barry Martin started to hear the dreaded death rattle from the underside of his RV8 and he knew he had to find some replacement cats. Here he tells us where he found a good supplier. (Aug 09)
310. What is a Hoyle rear suspension upgrade like?
Robert Crowson
This is a question owners consider when they consider whether the handling and ride of the standard suspension package on their RV8. Nigel Hylands-White posted a message on the V8BB seeking fellow RV8 members' views. Here Robert Crowson relates his experiences of a Hoyle set up. (Nov 09)
311. Fitting a Hoyle independent rear suspension upgrade on an RV8
Steve Newton
Steve Newton at Clive Wheatley mgv8parts has fitted a number of Hoyle rear suspension upgrade kits and provides an outline of what is involved. (Nov 09)
312. Not all suspension mods on an RV8 are a good idea
Angus Munro
Angus Munro bought an RV8 that was advertised with various suspension modifications supplied by a reputable company. He found the handling of the car was alarming. Here he describes what he found and how he cured the problems. (Nov 09)
313. LHD headlamp conversion on an RV8
Frank Labruier
Most RV8s were produced in right hand drive (RHD) form as the major markets were Japan and the UK, both of whom drive on the left However, many of the Japanese RV8s have been put up for sale in recent years due to the cost of passing the very stringent tests their regulations impose on older cars. Moreover, the recession in the UK has increased the number of RV8s for sale in the UK and the strong state of the Euro and has made them attractive to continental buyers. So as more continental buyers want to register their RHD RV8s in mainland Europe a key requirement for compliance is that the headlights should dip to the right and meet the various cut-off and light scatter regulations. Frank Labruier of Luxembourg has an RV8 he bought in the UK and has come up with an economical and elegant solution. Frank apologises for his 35 year old school English but in fact it is very good, so the following is Frank's explanation, with a few very minor amendments from Bob Owen. (Nov 09) RV8NOTE313
314. Refurbishing RV8 wheels
V8BB postings
Hugh Boddington set a V8BB thread running with the question "has anybody had any experience of stripping the lacquer from an RV8 wheel using Nitro Mors water based paint and varnish remover?" It soon became an active thread and finally David Sutcliffe from Australia posted details of how he had refurbished his RV8 wheels. (DEC 09) RV8NOTE314
315. Water pump overhaul
V8BB postings
Ross Boyd posted a query on the V8BB seeking help with his water pump overhaul. (DEC 09) RV8NOTE315
316. Space saver wheel
David Sutcliffe
David sent in a set of photos of his modified SAAB 900 spacesaver spare wheel he uses with his RV8 when he needs boot space. He had a local engineering shop to make a spacer ring which is permanently fitted to the inside wheel centre. His photos show the improved boot space. (Photos: David Sutcliffe) RV8NOTE316
317. RV8 wheel refurbishment sequel
Hugh Boddington
Following the contributions to a V8BB thread on refurbishing RV8 wheels launched as a query by Hugh Boddington, he set about cleaning his wheels and replacing the removable studs. In this sequel he provides a photo record of how he refurbished his wheels. (Jan 10) RV8NOTE317
318. RV8 tacho removal and wiring
Gavin Bown, John Brown and Hugh Boddington
Ross Boyd posted a query on the V8BB saying could someone please tell me how to remove the tacho without removing the whole dash? (Jan 10)
319. Fitting a tow bar to an RV8
Tim Hipwell
Nigel Ricardo posted a query on the V8BB seeking advice on fitting a tow bar to an RV8. Tim Hipwell responded with some photos of the tow bar he had fitted to the RV8 he used to own. (Jan 10)
320. What are the differences between the two types of drive - Phillips and Posidriv®?
George Wilder
The front of George Wilder's RV8 was hit by a pigeon as he was driving along a single carriageway. Fortunately on inspection he found no damage to the paintwork, but needed to remove and adjust the position of a headlight cowl on his RV8. He discovered the fixing screws were not Phillips but Posidriv®. This may not be a distinction which someone without an engineering background may be aware so this note explains the differences between the two types of drive so you will be able to make sure you have the correct screwdriver for the job. (Jan 10)
321. Wipers failed? - test the relay as well as the fuse
Simon Austin
Simon Austin recently imported RV8 (Woodcote Green 0590) to Canada from Japan and during the process of having the car MOT'd for licensing had run into a small snag. His wiper/washer system was not working. He thought he had isolated it to the relay/control unit on the back-side of the fuse-box. Unfortunately he found that this relay was not available in Canada so he ordered a new one from Rimmer Bros. Simon posted a message on the V8BB to see if any other RV8 owners had had their wipers fail and found the relay at fault. If not the relay, were there any other areas to check out? (Jan 10)
322. Concerns with modern antifreeze formulations for classic MG enthusiasts
Victor Smith
Concerns over the suitability of current antifreeze formulations for use in classic cars were raised in a recent newsletter from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC). When you refer back to the handbook for the RV8 published it recommends using an ethylene glycol based antifreeze, but on visiting the Bluecol website a small footnote states their Bluecol 5 Year product is "not suitable for classic cars". So what does an RV8 enthusiast use for antifreeze today, what are the issues behind the changes to an iconic motoring product like Bluecol and what are the concerns for a classic car enthusiast? (9.3.10)
323. RV8 boot lid struts
Peter Wallis
Peter Wallis from Hampshire posted a note on the V8BB with a useful, moneysaving tip on sourcing replacement struts at a competitive price. (Mar 10)
324. RV8 Engine mounts orientation?
[note is being drafted]
Replacing his engine mounts, Darren Jones wanted clarification on which way round to fit them, so he posted a request for help on the V8BB. (APR 10) RV8NOTE324 & Extract
325. RV8 rear bumper alignment
Peter Garton
Peter Garton in Germany posted a note on the V8 Bulletin Board and later sent in a set of photos which help explain how he got his nearside rear bumper correctly aligned. (APR 10) RV8NOTE325
326. Blocked fuel filters - an essential check for RV8 enthusiasts
Brian Kitching and Peter Garton
Useful threads appear on the V8BB regularly and recently two threads clearly have a link producing a useful reminder for fellow RV8 enthusiasts on the need to check the fuel filter and a possible cause for the rust particles that can accumulate there! (Jun 10)
327. RV8 oil pressure switch
John Bolt
Geoff Day, a new member from Suffolk, contacted Club Office with a query - "my car is an early one, number 13 made. I need a new Oil Pressure Switch, but have been supplied with part number GPS 181 twice, which does not fit. Can you help?" (APR 10)
328. Fitting a Classic Additions' windstop
Richard Wood posted a note on the V8BB seeking help as he has just purchased the classic additions windstop, but had found the instructions consist of some very grainy photos. Could someone tell me how to connect the windstop to the brackets and which way up the side brackets go. Also the bolts that connect the actual windstop to its side brackets seem far too long. Classic Additions sent us a useful photo.(Jun 10)
329. Unlocking a seat belt inertia reel
Erik Persson
When removing the seat the belt on his RV8, Erik Persson in Sweden found the belt completely rewound back onto the reel. Extending the belt proved impossible as the inertial lock appeared to have engaged and the belt could not be rewound further to get the lock to release. How did Erik solve the problem? (Jun 10)
330. Understanding and maintaining RV8 brakes
Editor
Christopher Allan posted a note on the V8 Bulletin Board seeking help understanding how the Rv8 brakes work and can be adjusted. This note provides links to copies of the sections on the brakes in the RV8 Technical Reveal and the RV8 Repair Manual. (Aug 10) RV8NOTE330
331. How safe is the jack in your RV8?
Chris Allan
Shortly after Chris Allan purchased his 1994 RV8 (Flame Red 1192) he decided to check the contents of the tool tray located within the spare wheel centre. What he found was not reassuring. (Aug 10)
332. Make sure your hood toggle catches are fixed correctly
Michael Bernhard
Michael Bernhard (Woodcote Green 1169) in Switzerland posted a useful caution on the V8 Bulletin Board. (Aug 10)
333. RV8 gear lever rubber gaiter replacement
Richard Wood
Richard Wood (Caribbean Blue 0370) from Lancashire found help from a fellow member via the V8 Bulletin Board on this occasional service item. (Sep 10) RV8NOTE333
334. Should the ashtray have an insert, metal or plastic?
Richard Wood
Richard Wood posted a note on the V8 Bulletin Board noting "as the RV8 is still new to me, but should the ashtray have an insert, metal or plastic?" (Nov 10)
335. Windstop installation from Holland
Leo Schetters
Leo Schetters has provided a set of photos and drawings of his neat windstop. (Nov 10) RV8NOTE335
336. Heater blower not working?
Richard Wood
Richard Wood posted a note on the V8 Bulletin Board seeking help with a heater blower that would not work. An RV8 enthusiast in Germany, Peter Garton, spotted a possible solution which solved the problem. (DEC 10) RV8NOTE336
337. What pressures do you use for modern tyres on an RV8?
Ron Gammons
Julian Holmes posted a message on the V8BB saying although much has been written about tyres on the V8BB, I haven't seen anything about tyre pressures used by other MGV8 members and wonder what they use?" (DEC 10) RV8NOTE337
338. Identifying the RV8 replacement cooling hoses
Steve Newton
Simon Austin in Canada posted a V8BB query seeking help in identifying a couple of hoses in the set of eleven in the replacement hose kit. So we have prepared a note identifying each one. (Jan 11) RV8NOTE338
339. Take care with excessive use of sump sealant
Steve Newton
On checking an RV8 for a sump oil leak, Steve Newton at Clive Wheatley mgv8parts was surprised by what he found! It could easily have lead to an expensive engine rebuild. (Jan 11)
340. Fitting central locking to an MGV8
Martin Ashby
Martin Ashby (Bracken 1346) from Coventry says after owning many modern cars all fitted with remote central locking, he decided to retro fit remote central locking to his MGBGTV8. He had fitted the same style of kit to other classic cars he had owned including a previous MGB with great success. Here he describes the kit you will need to get and how to carry out the conversion. (Feb 11)
341. Fitting cruise control to an MGV8
Ralph Coulson
Ralph Coulson acquired his V8 Roadster in 2007 and has enjoyed it a great deal including a memorable MGOT track day at Castle Coombe in 2009. Here he describes how he installed a cruise control system to his V8. (Feb 11)
342. RV8 "badge"
Chris Allan
Michael Gledstone posted a query on the V8BB saying "I note with some surprise that the RV8 does not display a badge, which says 'RV8'. I realise this is a matter of opinion or personal taste, however I feel a car of this class should have a visible identity. My car only displays ROVER - has any member fitted an RV8 badge? If so please could you say from where it was obtained?" (Mar 11) RV8NOTE342
343. RV8 rear window zip
Peter Wallis
Peter Wallis sought help on the V8BB with sticking zip and some useful tips followed. (Mar 11)
344. RV8 instrument bezels
Dominic Scott
Dominic Scott from New Zealand posted a query over instrument bezels. (Mar 11)
Intro. (Mar 11)
345. Folding windstopper design for an RV8
Leo Schetters
Dutch RV8 enthusiast, Leo Schetters, has generously provided a useful set of drawings for making folding brackets for an RV8 windstopper. (Mar 11)
346. Luggage rack options for an RV8
Chris Yates
Richard Woods posted a note on the V8 Bulletin Board seeking help with a replacement luggage rack. Chris Yates responded with photos of both a fixed and a removable rack. Peter Beadle provides several footnotes. (Mar 11)
347. Where does the coolant go?
Graham Cornford
Simon Austin in Canada posted a query on a cooling difficulty. Graham Cornford in the USA suggested a possible cause and a way of avoiding coolant loss. (APR 11)
348. Useful tool for fitting a hood press stud
Richard Wood
Richard Wood posted a useful tip on the V8BB on hood studs. (APR 11)
349. Heater rail modification to avoid a heavy indentation on a rubber heater hose
Steve Newton
Steve Newton has come across a number of RV8s with an indentation on an elbow shaped rubber heater hose on the end of the heater rail near the alternator. He suggests a cure. (APR 11)
350. RV8 driver's footwell water leak
Dominic Scott
Dominic Scott, an RV8 enthusiast in New Zealand, highlights how he solved a water leak around the pedals. (Jul 11)
351. Fitted luggage for an RV8
Peter Wallis and Ken Clayton
Peter Wallis and Ken Clayton have found some fitted luggage from a specialist supplier, Hillsalive, is an efficient way of packing for a weekend or a longer tour in an MGV8. (Aug 11)
352. Refurbishing a seat frame on an RV8
Olav Jansen
Olav Jansen found the seats on the ex Japanese spec RV8 he bought were rather dirty and the iron frame was somewhat rusty, so he took out the seats to carry out a refurbishment. (Sep 11) RV8NOTE352
353. Cautionary tale with a socket ratchet set
Nic Houslip
Nic Houslip provides a word of warning to those of you who use socket set ratchet handles that you need to push the spindle through and turn over to reverse the direction of operation. (Jan 12)
354. Power steering options
Victor Smith
Fitting power steering to a classic MG is a topic often raised, particularly in relation to the RV8 which many people find heavy to steer. Hydraulic power assisted steering (PAS) systems have been available for a while, and some RV8s reimported from Japan have been retrofitted there with the MGF EPAS (electric power assisted steering) system. With a new EPAS conversion available in the UK, how do these systems compare? Victor Smith reviews the available options. (DEC 11) RV8NOTE354
355. Official type approval for the EZ EPAS system in Switzerland
Michael Bernhard
A Swiss RV8 enthusiast, Michael A. R. Bernhard, has been working hard with his local classic car specialist and EZ Power Steering in Holland to get official type approval for the retrofitted EZ EPAS system in Switzerland. Here he describes how they have successfully obtained official approval for the retrofit. (Jan 12) RV8NOTE355
Volume 10 - working draft
356. First impressions of an EZ EPAS system
Mike Lane
Fitting power steering to an older MG is a topic often raised, particularly in relation to the RV8 which many people find heavy to steer. Mike Lane gives his first impressions of the pleasure of driving his RV8 fitted with an EZ EPAS retrofit from Clive Wheatley mgv8parts. (APR 12)
357. Draining and refilling the RV8 coolant system
Peter Garton
Following a query raised on the V8 Bulletin Board, Peter Garton sets out the procedure he uses to drain and refill the coolant system on his RV8.. (APR 12) RV8NOTE357
358
Replacement RV8 radiator cover
Peter Garton
The plastic radiator cover often breaks at the offside mounting point. Here Peter Garton describes his experience with the problem and how he fitted an upgraded replacement. (APR 12)
359. Refurbishing an RV8 brake master cylinder
Paul Ireland
As the hydraulic fluid in the brake master cylinder looked like old engine oil, Paul Ireland felt it looked as if the fluid had not been changed since his RV8 was built. So he decided to rebuild the master cylinder and the wheel cylinders. The master cylinder proved to be challenging because, not helped by an error in the RV8 repair manual - hence the reason for this note. (May 12) RV8NOTE359
360. Rechipping an RV8
Victor Smith
It's a topic often raised by RV8 enthusiasts and in a V8BB thread in May 2012 Peter Garton sought a clarification of the difference between the the Optimax and Tornado chips supplied by the rechipping specialist Mark Adams. (May 12) RV8NOTE360
361. Replacing clutch and brake return springs
Peter Garton
A useful note from a V8 Bulletin Board thread launched by Peter Garton. (June 12) RV8NOTE361
362. RV8 wheel refurbishment
Angus Munro
From time to time a discussion opens on the V8 Bulletin Board regarding refurbishment of the wheels fitted as original equipment to the RV8. Angus Munro has followed these threads for some time and with the information gained had planned to do the work himself, but then found a first class specialist providing a good wheel refurbishment service. Angus relates his experiences. (July 12) RV8NOTE362
363. Setting up a Hoyle IRS upgrade on an RV8
Angus Munro
When Angus Munro was considering the idea of putting the Hoyle Engineering IRS upgrade onto his RV8 he did as much research as possible before deciding to go ahead. He found the excellent article on fitting the upgrade by Steve Newton of Clive Wheatley mgv8parts published in Safety Fast! December 2009 was helpful but felt there was a distinct lack of information regarding the set-up of the system and moreover, what to expect of it. Here Angus describes his experience with setting up his Hoyle IRS. (Jul 12)
364. Spax shock absorber settings on an RV8
Angus Munro
Shortly after bespoke Spax Krypton replacement shock absorbers were made available by Clive Wheatley in late 2007, Rob Collier reported his experience with fitting them and the pleasure driving an RV8 with much better handling and ride. In a V8BB thread in July 2012, Angus Munro reported his experience with softer settings on his replacement Spax shockers. It proved an interesting topic as Angus relates. (Jul 12) RV8NOTE364
365. Bonnet gas struts upgrade
Simon Austin
In an effort to improve on the RV8 design, Simon Austin wanted to install gas struts to the bonnet on his RV8. He'd always wondered why MG Rover didn't use struts but it may have just come down to cost. As Simon has had previous experience installing the struts on two other MGBs he has owned, he felt this task could easily be accomplished. Here he describes how he fitted a pair of gas struts. (Aug 12)
366. RV8 boot lid lock and boot light switch
During a recent thread on the V8 Bulletin Board, Godfrey Dennis was able to solve two problems: first solving a problem with the switch forming part of the boot lock and second solving a missing tell-tale lamp on the dashboard switch for the boot lock. (Aug 12) RV8NOTE366
367. Radiator pressure caps
Tony Lake
The V8 cooling system just about copes with modern motoring so here Tony Lake provides this useful note on cooling, what is so "hot" it could be regarded as overheating and the importance of a correctly pressurised cooling system. (Aug 12) RV8NOTE367
368. Changing the small bulb in the RV8 dashboard boot release switch
Godfrey Dennis
During the discussion of how to solve a faulty luggage compartment lamp switch in the boot lock, Godfrey Dennis also checked the tell-tale light in the dashboard switch which opensthe boot. Here he describes how he tracked down a source of the small replacement bulbs and fitted one to his switch. (Aug 12)
369. Remote ignition module installation
Simon Austin
Simon Austin offers this modification saying you're not likely to find any reference to the remote ignition module kit in any RV8 manuals as the kit is actually intended for use on Land Rover vehicles. Since the RV8 uses the same ignition system as the mid-90s Land Rovers, this remote kit can be added to an RV8. The main reason for the kit is to extend the life of the ignition module by getting it away from heat. (Aug 12)
370. RV8 cooling fan modification
Peter Garton
Peter decided that a modification which allowed the cooling fan to run after the ignition was turned off would be a useful improvement. This note describes this modification. (Aug 12)
371. How to deactivate or disable the RV8 volumetric alarm
Peter Garton
Peter Garton explains how this adjustment to the burglar or anti-theft system can be made. (Aug 12)
372. Dealing with tyre punctures - a personal view
Peter Varley
Peter Varely responded to a V8 Bulletin Board thread discussing spacesaver wheels for the RV8 as a way of making more room for luggage when touring, with this personal view on his approach to the issue. (Sep 12) RV8NOTE372
373. RV8 cooling fan override switch
John Anthistle
Peter Ferguson posted a V8BB note seeking help making this useful modification saying “looking at the wiring diagram it looks to me that a switched, earthed wire to "85" on the cooling fan relay would bypass the cooling fan switch when required. However I am no auto electrician and would appreciate guidance from someone who has done it with success”. Helpful replies provided the answer. (Feb 12) RV8NOTE373
374. Tracing an engine misfire on an RV8
Oliver Libuda and Peter Garton
After a lengthy and expensive series of tests and replacement parts by a local distributor, the problem was traced to a failure of the RV8 mass airflow sensor resulting in negative exhaust emission values when the engine was at normal operating temperature and causing misfiring when accelerating. Here Oliver and Peter explain how the problem was solved. (Oct 12)
375. Fitting electric wing mirrors to an RV8
John Taylor & John Cumming
John Taylor made this reversible modification to his RV8 so he now has electrically adjustable wing mirrors with a heated element to remove condensation or frost from the face of the mirror. (Oct 12)
376. Preventative maintenance with the RV8 aircon condenser fan and motor
John Cumming
John Cumming found that when he took off the air conditioning condenser brackets and fans to repaint the metal work, the fan blades are mounted upside down and trap water in the closed part of the fan. This trapped water then rusts the fan motor case. He outlines a useful modification. (Jan 13)
377. More on electric wing mirrors
Tim Smith
Following RV8NOTE375 contributed by John Taylor and John Cumming, which described how the RV8 can have electrically controlled and heated mirrors, Tim Smith owner of Nightfire Red 1218 has added notes from his experience of fitting the mirrors. (Apr 13)
378. Next note
Contributor
Introduction. (May 13)
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