It's got a pin hole, so I got under the car for a look today. Looks a bit worse than a pin hole. Now this is already a second hand replacement. I will weld on a plate for the time being but was wondering if there is a UK compliant aftermarket one available yet?



Had a look at the other side,and it does have a pin hole too, moisture showing through. I have a replacement second hand one on the shelf for this side but would prefer new if available.

 

Try the BM web site BM website

I just bought one but I couldn't get the old one out on my back on the drive so I took it to the village garage and we had a huge tussle but it did come out and the new go in. Wasn't all that expensive about £150 I think. The mounting bracket wasn't a perfect fit and it's not as robust looking as the original but it's £150 They have many stockists.

 

These are for the 4.0 not the 4.2, did you make them fit a 4.2?

 

Sorry, mine is a 4.0, they probably done one for the 4.2 - actually maybe they don't. I'd ask them they ae very helpful.

 

Hey RD, not heard from you for years.
How you've been doing.

 

Doing well thanks, lots of trouble free motoring in the XK8.



That will do for the time being.

 

While you're here with a welder in hand - do you disconnect the battery when welding? I was told you always should but latterly someone who I respect to a point said he always made sure his earth was the easiest route for the current to flow and he didn't disconnect the battery.

 

I always disconnect the battery terminals when welding. The problem, in theory, is the current flowing through sensitive electronic components and it can only flow to those components through the battery so you don't want to make it easy for the current to flow through it.

Richard

 

Thank you - I knew the theory and in my day I think the most vulnerable bit was the alternator. I was curious to know if you actually did it. I clearly know at least one person who doesn't. I'm pretty sure I'd feel most comfortable disconnecting the battery as well.

 

I suspect that the risk is very low because electricity always takes the most direct route (as in lowest resistance) so provided that you have the earth clamp close to where you are welding, which is always best from a good welding point of view, then I can't see why there would be a problem. However, on most vehicles, it's so easy to remove the risk that we might as well do it.

 

I do if I remember but didn't bother in this case as the welder earth was on the cat itself.

It's probably good practice to remove.

 

I'll print that and frame it.

Good to hear.

Graham

 

The original disconnect when welding was from when alternators were the only electronic thing on the car and gas welding was being superseded . It was the voltage induced when the arc was broken that was said to cause the trouble. I have seen demonstrations of welding on the actual alternator stator while it was running to "prove " the idea was rubbish.
Your car your choice.

 

Well that's interesting. I guess caution is the best policy although a PITA.