Hello everyone and welcome back to when I'm working on my Astra. In the previous part, I was going to get the new radiator but I will get round to it in the next fortnight once I have more money in my bank account. This time, it's only the little things just to get out of the way before the big moment to hopefully get the car running again.
On Monday the 3rd of April, I was juggling between getting a new upper cover for the engine wiring loom or have a go gluing it being 2 pieces together and call it a job. I have called the Barry Bourke Berwick dealership in the spare parts department to enquire about the cover. Although there wasn't much outcome, we agreed I'll pop by providing the cover to make the job of a spare parts interpreter easier. But then, I've decided to tackle the repair myself and go from there.
So with the epoxy resin glue I have, I had a go sticking the 2 pieces together then using sticky tape and taping them against the shelf and letting the glue works its magic.
A few hours later, the adhesion is setting but unfortunately as I was snaking the cover to the spot at the back of the engine, it broke.
I've also got another job to do draining the remaining coolant from the punctured radiator. The annoying obstacle I come across is the car's lower engine cover as last year when I've done a radiator flush. I've been opening the tap at the bottom of the radiator and as the stream was hitting the cover, it spashed everywhere leaving a big puddle of coolant on the floor.
So anyway, I've jacked up the car and took this photo to show you what I'm talking about. Fortunately, there are only 3 torx screws holding this cover. I've unscrewed them and then the cover is out. I didn't need to unbolt the driver's side front wheel to gain access.
And with the cover out, I can get more access opening and closing the tap to drain out the remaining coolant.
There was one addition, I've grabbed a funnel to direct the flow of coolant into the oil pan. For those thinking I'm using an oil pan for this, don't worry. I've got myself 2 oil pans. One for when I do oil changes and the other for coolant, anything with water or even storing stale petrol when I've been flipping lawn mowers. Likewise, it does the job.
The last of the coolant is out from the radiator and is poured back into the coolant bottle for next time when I'll replace the radiator.
For the rest of the day, I've put the air intake snorkel back in along with the vacuum hoses and that'll be it for that day.
The next day on Wednesday, I've called into the dealership for the upper engine wiring loom cover and minutes later, the interpreter told me the part is unserviceable but getting a new one would involve buying the whole new engine wiring loom but that wouldn't be too viable for my Astra. But the other option is to find a wreckers yard and get one from them.
So then, I went to the Jollys U Pull It car wreckers in Dandenong South. It was a little space cadet moment especially not having the tools to unbolt anything so I went back home to get my Euro tool set and returned. I found one Astra and went about unbolting a few things out of the way to gain access to an upper engine wiring loom cover in one piece. I've detached the cover with a small flat head and carefully snaking it out, I was successful getting it out without any kind of damage. I've paid $7.10 AUD for it. It was mucky but is useable.
And I'm happy to say the old cover which is in 2 pieces can be consigned to the rubbish bin.
On the following day, I gave the cover a wash and left it outside on the edge of the kitchen window. And once dry, I've put it in place and my Astra has a complete cover.
And finally, the engine cover.
The engine bay is all complete for now.
Whilst I've had the bonnet open, I've checked the fan to see whether they're fine which they are and make sure whether there are any things to do before the radiator replacement and all is good.
And by the way, I've left the lower engine cover out until the radiator replacement is successful.
See you next time!
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