thewatchmaker

Check that the fuel cap vent is not blocked. If /when it happens again remove the cap and see if there is a vacuum in tank. Think your barking up the wrong tree keep messing with the valve clearances.

Have you bled it via the bleed screw on the pump housing? I usually crack a couple of injector pipe nuts to help clear the air out whilst someone cranks it over.

Bit worrying that it should just fall out, or have I bent one of the lugs perhaps when lowering the box? Will have a butchers tomorrow.

Seems to have polished/wear area to it in places.

Update. Got the box out and split it to find the speedo drive gear wedged as rightly said by felicia 16v. Looks straight forward enough to put together although the light was fading tonight so will finish tomorrow. However When I removed the end cover to drop the box out I found a small 8mm x3mm (approx) metal key . Any idea what it's for or where it's from? I can post an image if it would help.

Right, looks like I am in for a long job then. Up here in north Wales scrapyards are few and far between and since the price of steel has been going up few have much stock. So it looks like I will have to split it and take a look inside.

I am hoping that if I turn box on it's side after removing I can get the speedo drive back out of the hole! probably be a waste of time but I am selling the car once it's fixed so not keen on spending too much cash on it. Box was great up until this idiot mistake!

Goodness! I notice in the 'Haynes bible' it says no need to remove drive shafts from the hubs, how can this be? I was planning on taking both off at the hub end after removing track rod ends and ball joints. am I making more work than needed?

Good idea, but how easy a job is it to change on a cold drive?

Right , I have a real problem. Whilst checking the gearbox oil I think the speedo drive has fallen into the gearbox as I can't find it! Also it's suddenly impossible to engage first gear! Obviously these issues are connected but how big a job is it going to be to sort out? The car is 1997 model so not worth a great deal. So.... Can the job be done without taking the box out or do I have to bite the bullet and drop the box? No garage so it would have to be done on the drive with ramps.

Is your screen not covered by your insurance? Usually no loss of no claim and £50 excess. Not really worth the bother of fitting yourself if you have to drive to pick up a second hand one ( £30, plus fuel, plus time etc) ?

Blocked vent in fuel filler cap perhaps, causing vacuum in tank?

Sounds like the water pump impeller might be shot. Some are plastic and it's recommended to change the pump when fitting a new cam belt. Not an easy job due to the lack of space to get to various bits. Although someone will be along in a bit to tell you just how easy it is to do!

It's madness as I am paying £260 for my 16k Merc. on renewal Best I can get so far is direct line @ £170 still far too dear in my opinion.

Just had my renewal through for insurance. It's gone up from £130 last year to £235 ! No claims or convictions, ridiculous! Any one else had there premiums go crazy recently?