Finally the strong winds we've been having in this part of the world cleared up and I was greeted with a lovely sunny day so was able to get to grips with doing a few jobs I've been wanting to do since I got her, two weeks ago today.

On my list was change air filter for new K n N panel filter, replace coils and change the oil in the engine, gearbox and diff'!

Well, happy to report, all done and have that nice warm glow of satisfaction for a job well done. My Rex now has lovely clean oil in all three of her major componants, combined with a better filter and new coils, she should be ready for many miles this year. 8)
I must say, who ever designed that airbox must like Rubics cubes and other puzzle games, what a faf that is to get out! I just love how it says in the handbook "undo the two clips and pull lid open to replace filter", YEA RIGHT!!!

The only other slight worry was the Diff' fill plug was an absolute cowson to crack, obviously the first time that's been undone since 2004 so glad I got it done in the end. Pleased to find that other than the expected light coat of dark gray film on the magnetic drain plugs in both Diff' and main 'box, there were no signs of metal shavings, same with main engine sump plug for that matter.

Finaly worked out how to get the airbox out to aid changing coils,


Old coils removed, was really worried doing this as i've read someone else here snaped one of the studs and my nuts were VERY tight on two of them, came off ok after a good soak in WD40 though,


Fortunately, the last owner had already done the plugs and new Magnecor leads so my ignition system should be 100% now,


All done and back together with NO parts left over!! K&N stickers finishing it off nicely,


Ahhh, time for a nice shower and a G&T now........

 

Woo! :D

I should go lose my virginity..

 

Congrats on popping that cherry! Keep at it cuz it gets easier each time you do it. Just my two cents, but you might want to replace your plugs and your wires to go with the new coils. A healthy ignition system = a healthy 8.

 

I'm about to do mine soon...

 

Nice! The first thing I ever did was replace my clutch. I bought my 8 as a project and had to tow it from KS.

^^ this

 

Think I mentioned that they had been done, brand new plugs and Magnecore leads about 6 weeks ago.

Yes indeed, from how tight they were, i doubt the gearbox and diff oil have ever been done. I plan to make that an annual thing now to keep all the cogs in A1 condition. I'll be doing the engine oil twice yearly, maybe even more often depending on the mileage. If there's one thing these cars like, it's good oil!

 

were the coils easy? i need to do some basic maintenance on mine soon. i will also be getting the k&n filter, coils, plugs, wires as well as the tranny and diff fluid. i take it anyone with some mechanical ability can do this pretty simple project.

 

Yes they were, the most difficult part was removing the entire airbox to allow good access to them. You have a couple of electrical connections and a vacumm hose to remove as well, just take your time and make sure everything is clear before pulling it out.

As for the coils themselves, a good tip is to soak their securing nuts in penitrating fluid (WD40) a few hours before. Two of mine were VERY tight even after doing this and I know a member on the UK forums who had one of the studs actually sheering off when he did his. Make sure you have a very long socket extension in your tool kit as well, the rear two coils can only really be undone with one of these.

Make sure you have a small pump or a special squeezy oil bottle for doing the Diff and Tranny fluids, gravity is not on your side here!