GRP shepherd's crooks!!! It's surprising just how low a current is required to kill if applied in the wrong place.
That's why I was so glad to see how heavily fused the Z3 is. It's a relatively large battery and even cheap ones can provide a cranking current >400A. That's probably why the later cars have the "explosive" cutout in the starter circuit.
On the electrical installations I've been involved with, we're talking 800kVA here, there's been an easily accessible breaker capable of handling that to shut it down. Usually some big red buttons, suitably relayed to do it as well.
My Fury has a battery isolator on the dash. I have a "magnetic ball" cut-out for my Jago.
I did get an interesting belt once from a moped engine I was playing with. Kept me doubled up for a few seconds. It was a Powerpak 50cc bicycle add-on. Basic Wipac magneto ignition.
Some of us are on the ZRoadster forum but I'm posting this here for those who are not.
I've been having intermittent starting problems. It was even dollied home by an AA man when it failed after an 8mile run from home to a spares shop.
My C110 scanner consistently showed an exhaust cam position sensor error. Clearing that allowed it to start.
So I went out to the Z300S yesterday morning and it would not start. I'd researched exhaust cam position sensors and their price range from £25 to £152. I cleaned up around the existing one- it's easy to get at on the front of the engine. I removed it and gave it a good go with WD40 and got it very clean. I replaced it and the engine started. Having been out for the day in another car, upon my return I tried- it started again. This could be a fix. I think if I'd got it to a BMW dealer they would have replaced the sensor regardless and charged about £300 for the OBD scanner diagnostic, full price sensor and labour to fit. Phew!!! And so much for the AA man's diagnosis of a fuel tank or pump problem... (I didn't have my scanner with me.)
I don't think that cleaning the sensor itself solved the problem. More likely is that cleaning and exercising the electrical plug/socket connection was the real cure. My point is that a simple maintenance/cleaning activity based on the OBD scanner evidence has renewed confidence in the car, saved me money and taught me to keep a scanner on board.
Further comment on ZRoadster has pointed to known failures caused by oil or water contamination.
Later examination showed a broken wire inside the rubber boot on the sensor plug. That's now fixed.
The pic shows yesterday's ZRoadster get together in Newbury. Mine was the only Tribute present but it did attract some serious interest.
I've just MOTed the Z300S for the 8th time. Just like the TFS last week, failed on emissions until the test rig was reset, then- no problem.
Afterwards I went to a mate's business just round the corner- he "electrifies" cars usually retaining all of the original chassis, etc but substituting motor(s) and battery packs. He had a nice selection in- E-Types, Beetles, a Porsche 365 cabrio, a 911, DeLorean, Stag, etc. Also a nice early Mini with a 150bhp motor- goes well apparently. Also working on a TVR track day car aiming for 0-60 in <4 seconds.
He has a silver Z3 2.2 with 200k, not intending to convert it, "some" lights on the dashboard and no MOT which he'd like to move on...
There's a Sammio body in the yard round the back as well.
For a basic low-ish power, short range conversion that would be OK. A mate in the Jago club just replaced the engine in his Fiat 850 with a fork-lift truck motor and added a few lead-acid type batteries and a basic speed controller.
To do a professional job, there are a few more things to consider. There's cooling for various components and the small matter of balancing the cells if using Li-Ion batteries. Smooth speed control is not simple as it is dependent on the spec of the motor used. I'm told that Tesla motors, whilst powerful are a bit on or off!!!
Malvern Show Tickets 3-4 June 2023
[url]nationalkitcarshow.co.uk/tickets/[/url]
Advance Tickets
FREE daily entry for kit car drivers
Kit Car Passenger (Day) ukp10
Adult (Day) ukp12
Child (Day) 12-16 yrs ukp5
Camping Kit Car Driver ukp10
Camping Kit Car Passenger ukp20
Camping Non Kit Car Adult ukp35
Camping Child (12-16 yrs) ukp5
On The Door Tickets
FREE daily entry for kit car drivers
Kit Car Passenger (Day) ukp15
Adult (Day) ukp15
Child (Day) 12-16 yrs ukp5
Camping Kit Car Driver ukp15
Camping Kit Car Passenger ukp30
Camping Non Kit Car Adult ukp45
Camping Child (12-16 yrs) ukp5
+ukp1 shipping fee
Saw this Z300S at Malvern. It's number 6 and lives in Shropshire.
That's a Bertini behind it.
I've just MOTed the Z300S for the 9th time after a measly 300 miles in the year.
No problems with the emissions test rig like last year.
50s Specials Show 2024
Down to the 50s Specials Show at Cotswold Wildlife Park yesterday.
Hot day yesterday brought them out- The banner names the makes now affiliated to the Fairthorpe Club who arrange the show. Also present were examples of Mirage (the show "winner"), Dellow, Gilbern, Lotus and Berkeley.
Lamp Rat
I drove about 18 miles after dark earlier this week.
The score:
1 headlight bulb (dip beam failed)
1 failed/shorted sidelight bulb holder leading to
1 blown 10A fuse
1 blown rear sidelight bulb
To be fair, the car is now approaching 10 years old and it is stored outside.
Getting ready for Malvern.