Thanks guys, I'll be copying the SS scourer and baffle idea.
I'd hoped that forcing the air to pass through two layers of the perforated mesh would suffice, but judging by the amount of oily residue on the end of the vent hose it doesn't look to be very effective :?
I just got back from 4 days camping at Yarrangobilly. The trip down was pretty uneventful, I'm still a bit nervous about the cooling system but even loaded up with the 6 of us plus a full roof rack in 40* weather it barely ever got above 95* running down the freeway.
The long climb out of Talbingo was a different story, I was struggling to keep the engine from going over 110*. I drove it again the next day, this time taking it slower and with much lighter throttle and had no issues at all.
On the way down we stopped at Blowering dam for lunch. While I was checking over the car I found the oil level was very low, so headed back to Tumut to pick some up. I should have known something wasn't right...
Fuel economy averaged 15.4L/100km, not too bad considering the load, the drag inducing roof bag, and the fact that I haven't got around to properly setting the pump timing yet :doh:
The trip home wasn't quite so smooth though. Around Yass the clutch started slipping in 5th so I slowed down a bit and dropped back a gear but it was still flaring like mad.
When I pulled over, half a cup of oil drained out from between the back of the engine and the bellhousing :evil:
I nursed it home slowly, sticking to 95-100 in 4th and being careful not to let the turbo spool up because it seemed that anything over about 5 psi the clutch would let go.
I cleaned it down when I got home and after only a quick drive there's engine oil leaking out of the bottom of the bellhousing and from the clutch fork cover.
I was told that a new heavy duty clutch was fitted when the engine conversion was done (and the pedal certainly feels a lot heavier than my GQ did) but I'm guessing like with everything else they cut corners and didn't replace the rear main seal, and now 18 months later it's let go and wrecked an almost-new clutch. Not happy, Jan :angryfir:
This afternoon I've been researching clutches and getting quotes on the work. Paying ~$1k in labour is going to sting, but there's no way I can do this job at home myself.
I'm leaning towards going for an Exedy Safari clutch, but wondering whether the Safari HD would be a better choice?
Either way - once again just as I get the funds together to do the suspension, something expensive breaks... :evil: