spheres

[messerschmitt owner]

Well, the deed is done, six of seven new spheres transformed the ride. One of the old ones had ruptured but all came off easily apart from the accumulator one which still needs fitted - how does one get it off on a 2.1td?

Had a good look underneath while it was on the ramp. The exhaust is new - so new it still has all its labels on it. The front subframe has surface rust and could do with painting - something I'll attend to after I have put a new shed up.

Rides well now.

[Dieselman]

- how does one get it off on a 2.1td?
Rides well now.

Easy, peasy.

Lower the car and then de-pressurise the system using the 12mm bolt on the regulator, then give the sphere a few sharp clouts with a lump hammer and it will unscrew by hand.

[messerschmitt owner]

- how does one get it off on a 2.1td?
Rides well now.

Easy, peasy.

Lower the car and then de-pressurise the system using the 12mm bolt on the regulator, then give the sphere a few sharp clouts with a lump hammer and it will unscrew by hand.

there's bog all space to thump it thanks to the intercooler pipe, numerous hydraulic pipes, a battery and fuel filter and a ruddy great radiator though!

[Dieselman]

Move the fuel filter and possibly the intake pipe and you can get to it.

[messerschmitt owner]

Move the fuel filter and possibly the intake pipe and you can get to it.

I'll try that - otherwise it'll be off to Weston's at Cambridge to get done.

[robertmnorton]

Hi messerschmitt,i have a chain wrench that consists of a 19mm hex bar with a hole at one end that has closed chain loop though it.I access the accumulator sphere from above, dropping the chain over the sphere and using a long 1/2" drive and 19mm socket.I apply the turning force with long a "T" bar on the end. This allows even force to be applied to minimise slipping.Lift sphere upwards to remove.No problem,never had to resort to a lump hammer.I use the same method on all the spheres.All new spheres are fitted hand tight with anti-corrosion compound on the threads.My 2 cars are both AUTO 2.1TD's with a/c,so you have g/box cooler in the way as well.
robertm

[messerschmitt owner]

Hi messerschmitt,i have a chain wrench that consists of a 19mm hex bar with a hole at one end that has closed chain loop though it.I access the accumulator sphere from above, dropping the chain over the sphere and using a long 1/2" drive and 19mm socket.I apply the turning force with long a "T" bar on the end. This allows even force to be applied to minimise slipping.No problem,never had to resort to a lump hammer.I use the same method on all the spheres.All new spheres are fitted hand tight with anti-corrosion compound on the threads.
robertm

Robert

I think there is one like that in my dad's old toolbox - in Scotland. Does Plaeidies sell such a wrench?

[robertmnorton]

Hi messerschmitt,i got both mine (one is a smaller hex,17mm with a smaller link chain)from HIS in Inverness.
robertm

[Dieselman]

No problem,never had to resort to a lump hammer.

I intended to use a strap wrench but wanted to give the sphere a few knocks first to help crack it free and found it had come loose with the taps so just undid it by hand.

I've found the trick to getting spheres off easily is to fully de-pressurise the system and give the sphere neck a few taps to shock the thread and seat. The only spheres I wouldn't do this on now are the rear suspension ones due to the rams turning.

[robertmnorton]

Hi Dman,yes,the rear suspension spheres need cracking while pressurised to prevent the cylinder turning.
robertm