It has been a while since I last updated on this thread - and to be honest, the poor Hippo has been somewhat neglected recently. Too much "life stuff".
Overall, the little donkey has been soldiering on - but I think still has a slow coolant leak somewhere.
That is not the only problem. Time for a new list:
1. identify and rectify coolant leak. I think there is a pin hole in the coolant line from the heater return. I have a new hose to replace this.
2. The front nearside wheel bearing is noisy. Which is annoying - because I had the hub off to repair the failed ABS components! I don't have a press either - but the local MoT centre is happy for me to borrow theirs
3. The rust hole behind the rear door's exterior handle/ number plate is slowly enlarging. I have Philip's old silver door which appear pristine in comparison, but is the wrong colour (silver, not Epsom Green). Will need to strip the replacement door and get this re-painted inside and out. The thought of messing with the rear window mechanism when mine is causing no issues, is giving me the fear!
4. Advisory on the last MoT is becoming more noticeable: the rear back box has a hole in it. I have a cheap new replacement from the bay of fleas ready to fit.
5. There is some damaged interior trim thanks to a garage that did some work on my Hippo - I have replacement parts - I just need to fit them.
6. The clutch release bearing is partially seized - and the clutch master has "popped" so that the pedal now returns too high. That was thanks to the boys at Bell Engineering when they replaced the VCU. Probably a coincidence? But this means replacing the whole circuit, and I keep dithering as to which version I need to buy for a 2001 1.8
But everything else just works. Including the auto re-filling water feature in the boot floor
I think that I would like to take the Hippo on an adventure. Perhaps an excuse to go to the Sahara?
Has anyone used a roof tent on the 3-door's roof rails?