What to do next?

[Grenville]

My '97 Z3 sat in a shed for most of 7 years before I swooped. The dood I bought her from said in that time he had done 1500 klicks and replaced the battery 3 times. I have fixed a few small things and am happy tinkering - and now it is time to replace the oil filter gasket and O rings (oil leaks). The beastie has 187000 kilometres on the clock and I know nothing of her history. Would you blokes consider it a wise move to replace the water pump, thermostat, and timing belt at the same time? Anything else?????

 

[andyglym]

A wise move on cars of this age. Also;
Fuel filter
Diff oil
Gearbox oil
Shocks, springs and top mounts are also worth looking at

 

[Grenville]

Thanks Andy.

 

[andyglym]

As an aside, the battery issue could be something as simple as the boot light staying on when the boot is closed. Easy to check, put your phone on video record, put it in the boot, close and wait a minute. Check to see if the light goes out.

 

[Grenville]

I checked - no boot light, probably because we have clear night skies in Oz. Heh heh. Maybe because the airbag light was on all the time, or maybe because it never got driven. A mate has a couple of MX5's that eat batteries because of the voltage drop along the cables from the boot? Could be a contributor.

 

[t-tony]

Timing belt?

Tony.

 

[Chrisr1949]

Indubitably my dear Watson

 

[Grenville]

Chain. Good.

 

[Grumps]

I would definitely change the entire water system including the fan blades. Mine shattered on a run out with the forum members and we changed everything after that and it's been spot on since.

 

[colb]

Given its history you would be well advised to drain and refill gearbox and diff as well as the engine.
Check out what the alternator is putting out with the engine running, you should see at least 14volts if its charging ok. I had an alternator that was only putting out 12v, use of headlights would see the battery flat the next morning. New alternator fixed that. I added a volt meter to the dash so I can monitor the charge rate.

 

[Grenville]

This is all good stuff you folks are sending me. Thanks to all.

 

[Grenville]

The Haynes manual says to use an 80 degree C thermostat. Jiggered if I can find one online and 80 does seem a tad low. What are your expert opinions?