Sgt Flanders

Sgt Flanders

Member
Hi all,
Only just happened so bear with me. Approximately 7 miles after taking a corner in a somewhat spirited fashion I get a red flashing ACE light and bongs. I stop and discover the reservoir is empty. Halfrauds is a short distance away so off I go and fill the reservoir, fingers crossed. 10 miles on stop to go to supermarket, return to the disco to find a puddle of Ace fluid dripping from the rear, diff et al covered in fluid, reservoir dropped to half full. Get home and it's still dripping its sauce.
A quick search fills me with all sorts of dread.
Looking at ACE diagrams, I am assuming that it's the rear pipe/s that have blown as a result of the pressure during the spirited corner.
While I decide what to do, I assume it would be possible to block off the rear pipes to prevent fluid loss and keep the pump lubricated and still be able to use the vehicle. Any thoughts/advice appreciated along with advice on best way to block the pipe, ie bend and crimp, jam something in it etc. A little Heath Robinson I know but I could do with buying a little time. Thanks
 
Update: Ok, so I think I've decided that ACE can go, the system is 20 years old this year and I'm sure is just going to cause me more problems. I've pulled the ACE relay to try and stem the flow a little, I'm going to order a bypass tensioner and belt for the interim until I can source the conversion kit. Anyone in south Wales got the nanocom or equivalent to sort the ECU when I eventually complete the conversion?
 
If your compressor and bags are ok forget about the coil conversion. You'll be pleasantly surprised how just fitting the bypass tensioner has little effect on the handling.
 
Nig43 said:
If your compressor and bags are ok forget about the coil conversion. You'll be pleasantly surprised how just fitting the bypass tensioner has little effect on the handling.
Click to expand...
Sorry if I wasn't clear, no intention of getting rid of the bags and compressor, just the ACE system. My understanding is that I need to then replace with anti roll bars etc from the conversion kit.
 
Nig43 said:
You'll be pleasantly surprised how just fitting the bypass tensioner has little effect on the handling.
Click to expand...

+1, I couldn't tell the difference when I fitted the bypass tensioner and left everything else in situ. But I think it also depends on your driving style.
 
Sounds like you popped the hose between pipe and ram.

I took easy option and converted the ACE system to use hydraulic hoses.

All 4 on the front had split on the flanges in the block.

Quick bodge would be cut pipes and 10mm screw fitend caps.
 
I dont know if it re-programs ACE but i have a Hawkeye Total and am in Swansea. If it will work you can use it.
I would see about a used pipe and maybe keep it going? Unless your pump is now trashed also from low fluid
 
MJI said:
Sounds like you popped the hose between pipe and ram.

I took easy option and converted the ACE system to use hydraulic hoses.

All 4 on the front had split on the flanges in the block.

Quick bodge would be cut pipes and 10mm screw fitend caps.
Click to expand...
Thanks MJI, any idea where I can find 10mm screw fit end caps? Are they self threading or does a thread need to be tapped/died (is that a word?).
 
Found 10mm compression end caps at screwfix, I'm hoping that removing the relay has inhibited the system so that the 100+ bar pressure can't be achieved and the end caps stay put. Suck it and see I guess and get the bypass tensioner ordered. Thank you all.
 
Sgt Flanders said:
Found 10mm compression end caps at screwfix, I'm hoping that removing the relay has inhibited the system so that the 100+ bar pressure can't be achieved and the end caps stay put. Suck it and see I guess and get the bypass tensioner ordered. Thank you all.
Click to expand...
Ok, rear pipes now both capped off using 10 mm compression ends from screwfix and so far so good, at least I'm not coating any following vehicles with fluid, the back of the truck just needs a tan now and wouldn't look out of place on Miami beach!
 
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Getting what is left converted to hoses is cheaper than replacement bar kit.

Pipes about £100 - £120

Machining, depends on who you know
 
MJI said:
Getting what is left converted to hoses is cheaper than replacement bar kit.

Pipes about £100 - £120

Machining, depends on who you know
Click to expand...
I've only cut what would be replaced anyway. Are you saying I can replace the steel pipe with hydraulic hoses to feed the rams?
 
Sgt Flanders said:
Found 10mm compression end caps at screwfix, I'm hoping that removing the relay has inhibited the system so that the 100+ bar pressure can't be achieved and the end caps stay put. Suck it and see I guess and get the bypass tensioner ordered. Thank you all.
Click to expand...
Same happened to me and I capped mine with 10mm stop ends. My system is still fully pressurised. Keep an eye on the fittings as there is a fine line between getting them tight enough to hold and stripping the threads. You would probably have found them quite loose fitting after cleaning up the pipe. This is because (as i found out after fitting them) they should actually be 3/8" compression fittings.
 
It took ages to get 3/8" compression fittings for the hose conversion for the pump pair.
 
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