Jon investigated a brake binding issue on our 1964 Daimler 250 V8 that had been occurring when the vehicle was hot. Upon inspection, all wheels were free now that the car had cooled. Research into similar issues indicated that the brake servo is often the source of the problem in such cases. Continuing with the investigation, Jon removed and thoroughly cleaned the servo air filter before refitting it. He confirmed the brake pedal pivot was moving freely and checked for the presence of a creep valve in the hydraulic line to the rear brakes, which was not fitted on this car. With the wheels still free, the servo remained the primary suspect.
He then started removing the bolts securing the cover and mounting on the driver’s inner wing. To access the area more easily, he removed a small access panel behind the front cross member beneath the grille, followed by the grille itself. While in this area, Jon measured up for the installation of a cooling fan and took the opportunity to blow out the radiator matrix. Alongside John, he ordered a fan and controller kit and wiped down the front panel where the grille is seated.
The Daimler was taken off the ramp and moved outside. Jon drained the radiator and removed the associated hoses, including those connected to the heater. The system was flushed with water. He then removed the dynamator to gain access to the thermostat housing and thermostat. Once the system had fully drained after flushing, it was blown through to clear any remaining fluid. Back inside, the hoses were cleaned and refitted. The thermostat was tested and found to be inoperative, so a new one was ordered. Jon made a new gasket for the thermostat and cleaned out the bolt holes on the housing in preparation for refitting.
Once the new fan arrived, he mocked up its position in front of the radiator. He removed the viscous fan, mounted the electric fan, and pulled the securing ties through the matrix to fix it in place, then refitted and secured the viscous fan. A location was selected for the controller, requiring removal of the power steering reservoir and its bracket. He marked and drilled the bracket, cut bolts to the appropriate length, and mounted the controller. Clinton assisted by captively securing all bolts to the bracket. Jon then rubbed down and painted the bracket.
With some wiring in hand, he began planning the routing and determining the required lengths. The bracket was mounted in its final position, a 12V live feed was located at the fusebox, and wiring was routed through to both the fusebox and the fan.
