SVA and Misc

[Stu Kaynes]

Hi Guys
I am about to book my SVA test and I am unsure what the regs are for projections etc for the internal area below the dash (footwells) - any tips would be greaty appreciated.

Also has anyone any suggestions as to the best way to protect an engine from premature wear as it will be laid up for six months of the year in the wintertime - should I start the engine regularly to keep an oil film over bearing surfaces or is there a special oil or additive I could use to protect the engine.

Finally Vehicle wiring products (0115 9305454) do a 5mm Black Rubber split beading which I have found ideal for edging louvres, edging stone guards and filling channel in top of windscreen - no doubt other uses could be found.

I look forward to any replies.

Thanks guys

Stu Kaynes (

[dave]

Hi Stu.
The lower leading lower horizontal edge of the passenger side of the dash needs to be radiused to 19mm or made of a deformable material that is firm enough that when pressed with your thumb you cannot feel a hard edge behind (About as hard as a pencil rubber is the max).
Once past this edge a horizontal line projecting forward from the bottom of the steering wheel and the bottom of the dash on the passenger side, anything above this height is exempt as is anything below the 150mm up from from the seat cushon.
Anything between these two planes should be radiused to atleast 2.5mm......or is it 3.2mm......I cant remember, but better to be safe than sorry.
This includes pedals.
Covering the underside of the dash with carpet is adequate protection for SVA.
If your pedals are in the testable zone then some edging strip to cover the uprights will suffice.

Useless tip of the day: Don't lay up your car for the winter, take it out as often as possible.

Re: edgins strip.
If louvres are rearward facing (Like side vents) they are exempt from the 2.5mm radius rule.
The channel in the top of the screen has edges that are not contactable with a 100mm sphere.
Stone guards don't need edging strip if they fit well enough as they lie below the min height requiring a radius.

Good luck with the test.

[165]

Re-engine care,I had a lotus which i only used during the summer months and laidup winter time(The other 11 months in uk)Becouse it was stood idle for large periods at a time ...I fitted a hidden switch in the low tension feed to the coil....This enabled me to not only turn the engine over till oil pressure was registering on the gauge...But Also acted as a anti thieft device...I use the same arrangement on my family car to this day.....You get a slight resistance showing through the switch but saves your engine.....No good of course for a car fitted with a cat(not the furry type).....Also remove the old oil before the layup....even if its replenished with the cheap stuff....I started mine once a month...Brought the engine up to operating temp..Then when i intended to use/Tax the car the following year..Drop the cheap oil out and replenish with good stuff and filter....By removing the old oil for layup,Gets rid of the acids that CAN damage/eat at the lead indium on the bearings,It also removes the emulsified/carboned particles in the oil.....BY doing this my car engine lasted years and sounded as sweet as a nut with excellent oil pressure...

hope this helps......