Engine Plumbing & Electrics (Part 2)

This post is all about fixing my mistake with the top hose when fitting the radiator, and taking the opportunity to fit the earth strap while access is just that little bit easier.

The first observation I made was that the replacement top hose is thinner walled and as a result significantly more flexible.

This flexibility meant the bend over the catch tank to the new 420 radiator entry location was much easier to achieve. This hose no longer applied strain to the radiator connection and I am much happier with the replacement than I was with the original hose. There was one down side though: the hose needed some trimming of both ends and that didn’t end well last time.

One observation you may have spotted from the photos: I removed the plenum again to fit the top hose, it would have been a struggle if I hadn’t.

Once the top hose was cut the right length (this time), I applied a slight twist to the radiator connection. This guides the hose away from the catch tank, and permits the emptying of the catch tank contents without discounting the top hose. As far as I am concerned this is a result.

This completes my plumbing for now, apart from the oil hose, which I can’t fit until the 420 comes off wheeled axle stands.

With the plenum removed (again), I had the opportunity to finish off the one wiring element I had neglected so far, the earth straps. I connected one earth strap directly to the chassis, by fitting it to the earth strap hole. I added two washer under the earth strap for clearance, to avoid it touching the powder-coated aluminium skin. The other earth strap I fitted to the engine by removing one of the bellhousing-to-engine bolts. Both will be connected the the battery once I am ready to start the engine.