Author Archives: Michael

About Michael

Who is this guy? Born in New Zealand some time back. Went to Maori Hill Primary School then Kaikorai Valley High before joining the RNZAF and an Airman Cadet in 1968. Graduated 1972 with an NZCE in Aeronautical Engineering. Then embarked on the typical Kiwis "Big Trip Overseas". Got to see quite a few places, and spent a while in the U.K. "home" as it was refered to by many New Zealanders in those days, before travelling on to New York and then to Canada by bus!! This trip is presently on hold (has been for the last 34 years). Met my dear wife Judy not long after arriving in Ontario and we have been happily married since 1976. After travelling around New Zealand and the pacific in 1979 I started Precision Sportscar andfor the next 23 years grew the business and helped raise 2 boys Drew and Robin.

2013 Nissan Maxima SV Alternator Replacement

Posted on 30, May2021 by Michael

I had a panic call from Judy a couple of days ago … her Maxima had stopped on the side of the road … HELP!! Apparently, the battery and brake warning lights had been coming on intermittently for a while … Continue reading →

Posted in Healey Stuff | Leave a comment

Austin Healey 100 Heater Valve Stem Repair.

Posted on 4, July2020 by Michael

The Smiths heater used in the Austin Healey 100 is controlled by a valve mounted on the engine cylinder head.There were 3 versions of this valve but all have an inherent weakness in that the stem is easily broken just … Continue reading →

Posted in Healey Stuff | 2 Comments

Austin Healey BJ7/8 Reproduction Water Pumps

Posted on 13, July2019 by Michael

Several BJ7/8 owners, after reading my blog post on BJ8 water pump rebuilds, have asked me to rebuild water pumps for them. One of the perquisites for my tackling this is that the owner provides me with an original water … Continue reading →

Posted in Healey Stuff | 3 Comments

BLEEDING AUSTIN HEALEY 4 WHEEL DRUM BRAKES

Posted on 21, August2017 by Michael

Adjusting the brakes and getting all the air out of the hydraulic brake system to produce a “hard” pedal can be particularly difficult when dealing with the all drum systems of 100 and 100/6 Austin Healeys. Here are tips that … Continue reading →

Posted in Healey Stuff, Restoration Techniques, The Restoration of Healey #174 | 10 Comments

IDENTIFYING BN1 GEARBOX GEARS

Posted on 18, August2017 by Michael

BN1 GEARBOX GEAR IDENTIFICATION There are essentially 2 types of gear sets for the BN1 gearbox because, in an attempt to improve durability of the gearbox, BMC changed the pressure and helix angles of both the input shaft gear and … Continue reading →

Posted in Healey Stuff, Restoration Techniques, The Restoration of Healey #174 | 1 Comment

Austin Healey 100 Crank Failures.

Posted on 3, January2017 by Michael

“Cumulative Fatigue Failure for Dummies” I broke a crankshaft while racing my 100S and that experience always haunted me because original 100S engine blocks are extremely rare and I knew that I had been very lucky not to have destroyed … Continue reading →

Posted in AHX12 A Very Special Healey, Classic Rallying, Healey Stuff, Restoration Techniques | 2 Comments

New and Used British Sports Car Parts

Posted on 12, December2016 by Michael

Below are links to lists of new parts available for purchase: Healey 6 Cylinder Water Pump Kits Lucas HF 1748 Horn Rims (Reduced price) MG TD & TF Cluster Gears Odd Smiths Heater Valves I also have a large number … Continue reading →

Posted in Healey Stuff, New British Sports Car Parts, Restoration Techniques, Used British Sports Car Parts | 3 Comments

MG TD TF Cluster Gears $US425.00 Exchange

Posted on 6, December2016 by Michael

In the early days of the last century one of the major considerations in British motor engineering design was to manufacture at MINIMUM COST and this principle was evident in almost everything that they produced. One area where this was … Continue reading →

Posted in New British Sports Car Parts | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

BN1 Gearbox Front Seal Replacement

Posted on 9, September2016 by Michael

BN1 gearboxes are somewhat renowned for their ability to leave pools of oil on the ground.  One of the most annoying of these leaks occurs when the car is parked facing downhill. This particular leak is inherent in the design. … Continue reading →

Posted in Healey Stuff, Restoration Techniques | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Tire Truing (A Home Solution)

Posted on 29, September2015 by Michael

After the concours inspections at Enclave 2015 in Gettysburg, PA I managed to catch the last few minutes of a tech session presented by Ken Beck of K & T Vintage Sports Cars of Allentown, PA  on the dreaded “Scuttle … Continue reading →

Posted in Healey Stuff, Restoration Techniques, The Restoration of Healey #174 | Tagged , | Leave a comment