Further progress. I'm getting there.
Connected the battery up and drove the car off the ramps (
).
Topped up Pas fluid and filled the system up after turning the wheel. Almighty noise to start with, but it was slient after the fluid circulated. Good stuff. Managed to get covered in pas fluid though which is horrible stuff!
Let the engine warm up at 2.5k as per Renault tech notes and the thermostat soon opened when the fan cut in. Added extra coolant and she was all sorted.
It was during this time we noticed the smoke from the exhaust. Our hearts sank. There was a little to start with, then there was a lot. I've not seen so much smoke since one of Nige's bonfire pics.
Dismayed that it was still smoking after 20 mins we turned the engine off. I had thoughts going through my head about where to get a new engine, borrowing engine tools again. Dad an I both went and got a beer.
After a while we started it again and the smoke was noticeably less. Infact, after a while we noticed it was steam, lots of steam. Where was the water coming from? Levels were fine and temp guage was perfect. Bizarre.
After half hour the steam began to subside. Eventually it all went. I can't begin to explain the relief!
All I can think of is that the exhaust has been sat in a cold garage for 4/5 months, it's stainless, and it must've filled with condensation?
Anyway, panic over.
After dinner I removed the rear bumper and fitted the new red one.
(It was pitch black at this point)
Offered up the front bumper
Fitted it, then remembered on the PH1 the grill has to go on first! Bumper off and back on again.
As she stands when I went indoors:
I've fitted the chav lights back to the front of it, but I do have an original set if necessary along with all the original silver bumpers. I'm aware some aren't keen on the colour scheme, but doesn't bother me in the slightest.
Finally:
I've got a few hours on it tonight, so i've got to finish of a few items of trim that need fitting, then the dash has to come out ready for the cage to go in.