DFB's Garage

DFB said:
Yesterday I went on a day trip to Mitchelton Winery for my sister's birthday. I don't drink, so I wasn't there to sample the wares other than lunch at The Muse restaurant.

https://www.mitchelton.com.au/pages/muse-restaurant

Having been there a number of times in recent years, what interests me most when visiting this venue is the work put into the grounds, which consists of manicured gardens blending seamlessly into the native backdrop and riverbank. I particularly love how they have used hedging cut at apposing angles to the buildings they flank, as if they are part of the architecture.







Being a long weekend, the place was packed with well healed, toffee nosed Melbournians, most covered in fake tan and swimming in perfume. Oh honey, my tan is all natural. I'd make some pot shot at the carpark full of Audi's, BMW's and Porsche's, but my sister arrived in a Volvo XC60 and me in a Jaguar!

Taking the Jaguar was twofold. One, it was a chance to get some miles on it before rotating it back into storage, including a few Italian Tune-Up moments as well. 😉 Two, it gave me an excuse to wash it. :D



Surprisingly, there was very little bug strike to deal with, just some dust from the gravel carpark. Tyres were cleaned with Brake Buster, followed by Reset for the wheels and body. Drying Aid was ADS Amplify, Stoners for the glass and InnerQD for the interior and leather. For the tyres, I decided to give them a deep clean with mineral spirits, then applied Angelwax Elixir, then some Bead Maker for the wheels, which I find makes wheels pop and shimmer on the move!

Back to spec, the Jag then traded places with Big Blue, back home for the first time since late January.



Before returning home, I took the XR6 for a bit of a drive around the outskirts of town to stretch its legs. Of course, every time I get back into this car, it takes a little while to reacclimatize to the awkward driving position, which is so pronounced coming from the Jaguar's super-low seating position and how the cabin wraps around you. Also coming from the Jag, the big Falcon feels so heavy, where the Jaguar is agile and pointy in the front end.

But then on the flipside of that, the big Falcon is so effortless to drive. The Jag's 2.0 EcoBoost certainly needs the short gearing of the 8-speed auto to keep it on the boil, whereas the 4.0 inline 6 will do the same job without breaking 2000 rpm. Looking at the numbers, despite the Falcon being nearly 200 kg heavier and down two ratios over the Jag, capacity and torque do their thing and ensure the XR6 is faster.

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I HATE BUGS 🦗🦟🐞🪲🐛 on the car! 🤬 Deyon I thought Meguiars Synthetic spray wax was slick but the OG drying aid is slicker.

I bought 1 litre just to try i know it's cheaper by the gallon but the bugs came off the front of the Amarok ute so easy.

And so did the brake dust off the wheel faces.
 
Tasmania said:
I HATE BUGS 🦗🦟🐞🪲🐛 on the car! 🤬 Deyon I thought Meguiars Synthetic spray wax was slick but the OG drying aid is slicker.

I bought 1 litre just to try i know it's cheaper by the gallon but the bugs came off the front of the Amarok ute so easy.

And so did the brake dust off the wheel faces.
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Like P&S Bead Maker that went before it as Matt's preferred drying aid, Slipstream (OG Drying Aid) is based on a polymer sealant. This means it offers that wax-like look and feel, but with the convenience of a Si02-based detailer/spray sealant. I know it's a well-worn analogy, but Bead Maker and Slipstream variants have a warmer and deeper glow, while Si02 products have a starker, glassier look without the same depth.





I've been using it on and off since it was released and prior to be becoming available here. DS, AB and TDS now stock it locally. Expensive, but it goes a long way. You can use it on any surface, including wheels, trim, glass and unpainted plastic.
 
DFB said:
For the Ranger this week, I decided to mix things up by going rinse-less, in turn giving me a chance to try Koch Chemie Rapid Rinse-less Wash.









RRW is certainly a very nice product, smells lovely and when teamed with QS, it produces a glossy, slick finished result.

Full review here - https://autogeekonline.net/threads/koch-chemie-rapid-rinse-less-wash-rrw.127071/
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Work vehicle looks better than most people's "pride and joy", that white is WHITE & GLOSSY

BTW Deyon I've noticed a little less traffic here lately, in a good way

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DFB said:
Like P&S Bead Maker that went before it as Matt's preferred drying aid, Slipstream (OG Drying Aid) is based on a polymer sealant. This means it offers that wax-like look and feel, but with the convenience of a Si02-based detailer/spray sealant. I know it's a well-worn analogy, but Bead Maker and Slipstream variants have a warmer and deeper glow, while Si02 products have a starker, glassier look without the same depth.





I've been using it on and off since it was released and prior to be becoming available here. DS, AB and TDS now stock it locally. Expensive, but it goes a long way. You can use it on any surface, including wheels, trim, glass and unpainted plastic.
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What in the world did you use on the Blue paint? It looks extremely wet and glossy!

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DETAILROOKIE said:
What in the world did you use on the Blue paint? It looks extremely wet and glossy!

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Thanks, its an amazing colour that really rewards, one could say that it's "Sensational". ;) I was at the bank today, looking out the window while I waited in line, the car was glowing in the sunshine! Can't ask for more than that.

On that occasion, I would have used OG Drying Aid, which is a polymer sealant that is also sold in some variations by other companies. I mention that because not everyone wants to support OG, so Adam's Slick-n-Slide, Ethos Pro-Shine and Xtreme Solutions Topper, although I wouldn't support that last one. I also suspect Shine Supply Synergy Spray is the same.
 
Well, well, well!
28°C and 71% humidity today in the garage, So i grab the Trace-less and Clean in interior tinted windows and using Rag company towels just like the ones you use on glass Deyon.

So i go to spray on the glass which i don't do but had to, Trace-less and by the time I got the second towel in my hand "FLASH" gone not a trace.

Didn't even get to wipe the product in or around it was frustrating
Last time not a problem, this time was a struggle.

Did the exterior glass with ONR.
 
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DFB said:
Thanks, its an amazing colour that really rewards, one could say that it's "Sensational". ;) I was at the bank today, looking out the window while I waited in line, the car was glowing in the sunshine! Can't ask for more than that.

On that occasion, I would have used OG Drying Aid, which is a polymer sealant that is also sold in some variations by other companies. I mention that because not everyone wants to support OG, so Adam's Slick-n-Slide, Ethos Pro-Shine and Xtreme Solutions Topper, although I wouldn't support that last one. I also suspect Shine Supply Synergy Spray is the same.
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An amazing color indeed if that is what you get from just a drying aide!

Out of curiosity, why shouldn't people support Xtreme Solution? I don't know anything about any of the brands other than the products they sell.

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DETAILROOKIE said:
An amazing color indeed if that is what you get from just a drying aide!

Out of curiosity, why shouldn't people support Xtreme Solution? I don't know anything about any of the brands other than the products they sell.

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I'm the same as you, they're just brands to me, but cost alone would rule them out for me, at least here in Australia.PSX_20250314_083217.jpg
 
DETAILROOKIE said:
An amazing color indeed if that is what you get from just a drying aide!

Out of curiosity, why shouldn't people support Xtreme Solution? I don't know anything about any of the brands other than the products they sell.

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I mean, somewhere under all of that is Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant................................





Xtreme Solutions were hawking that Topper stuff everywhere, now they have fallen on their face. They were telling people they were mixing the products on their own, but in reality they were made by B&B. Now, a lot of products come from B&B, but be honest about it.
 
DFB said:
I mean, somewhere under all of that is Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant................................





Xtreme Solutions were hawking that Topper stuff everywhere, now they have fallen on their face. They were telling people they were mixing the products on their own, but in reality they were made by B&B. Now, a lot of products come from B&B, but be honest about it.
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HOLY MOTHER OF GLOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
 
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Big Dave said:
I'm the same as you, they're just brands to me, but cost alone would rule them out for me, at least here in Australia.View attachment 138167
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Good lord that is expensive! It is definitely not that expensive here in the states. I don't blame you for not buying their products at those prices!

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DFB said:
I mean, somewhere under all of that is Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant................................





Xtreme Solutions were hawking that Topper stuff everywhere, now they have fallen on their face. They were telling people they were mixing the products on their own, but in reality they were made by B&B. Now, a lot of products come from B&B, but be honest about it.
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Wow, looks amazing!!!!

Ah I understand! I didn't know any of this. I agree, companies should be honest with their customers from the beginning. The truth will always come out.

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DETAILROOKIE said:
Good lord that is expensive! It is definitely not that expensive here in the states. I don't blame you for not buying their products at those prices!

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Someone was selling the brand locally, Topper was about $40 from memory. It's since been abandoned.

Whatever site that was taken from is basically telling the buyer "don't order this" rather than it being worth $150.
 
DFB said:
Someone was selling the brand locally, Topper was about $40 from memory. It's since been abandoned.

Whatever site that was taken from is basically telling the buyer "don't order this" rather than it being worth $150.
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It was on Kogan, which is just plain bizarre. Deyon you might know this already, but for the others, they started out selling cheap Chinese TVs online, but now they sell almost anything. They are widely regarded as having just about the worst customer service in Australia. If you want to return something they ignore emails and don't have any contact numbers to call them, they just hope you give up. I cropped their name out because no one is buying at that price.
 
Big Dave said:
It was on Kogan, which is just plain bizarre. Deyon you might know this already, but for the others, they started out selling cheap Chinese TVs online, but now they sell almost anything. They are widely regarded as having just about the worst customer service in Australia. If you want to return something they ignore emails and don't have any contact numbers to call them, they just hope you give up. I cropped their name out because no one is buying at that price.
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I've never bought anything from Kogan, and I won't be after reading that.
 
So, this Stihl BG55 has become a learning tool rather than about getting something old running again.

The new carburetor kit arrived last week, and with the machine stripped down, it was a matter of installing the new parts and firing it up.

The new carburetor slides into place and the fuel lines connected. This kit came with a molded fuel line assembly, which was clearly designed for the line trimmers that use the same engine and carb. I had to trim one of the lines as it was just too long and was kinking. OEM parts would fit like a glove.



New fuel filter, which was attached to the pickup line before feeding down into the fuel tank.



I've been buying some specific Stihl service tools from OutBushMan, which specialize in OEM Stihl parts and tools. For example, this hook tool comes in handy for retrieving and then holding fuel lines and filters that are submerged in the tank. It might look basic, but its surprisingly effective and makes this task quick, easy and mess free.

STIHL Genuine Fuel Tank / Fuel Line / Fuel Filter Special Tool # 5910 893 8800 | Outbushman
Chainsaw parts | OutBushMan Australia Pty Ltd



And while this tool was designed for removing carburetor limiter caps, it's also superb for installing and removing fuel lines without stretching or puncturing.

STIHL Limiter Caps Fork Puller Special Tool # 5910 890 4501 | Outbushman





With the carb on and throttle hooked up, it was then a case of installing a few basic service items. The kit was supplied with a "Super Power" spark plug................which was NOT going in the machine. Instead, I used an NGK BPMR7A, which is common to the chainsaws. Later BG blower models take a smaller CMR6H.





Being a Bosch WSR6F, I'd say this could very well be the original spark plug.



New air filter supplied with the kit.



I also replaced the muffler outlet/spark arrestor. The one on the left is from the more powerful BG 85/86, the one on the right is the original smaller outlet.



I ended up buying a couple of new ones as I needed a replacement for another machine as well. Again, this is the larger 9.9mm outlet which allows the engine to reach a higher top speed.

LiiQuu Stub Spark Arrestor for Stihl Blower BG85 BG86 BG55 BG56 BR200 SH85 SH86 SH55 SH56(Pack of 2) : Amazon.com.au: Garden





With the recoil reinstalled, I fired it up for a test run. To recap, before doing this work, the engine only briefly fired but nothing more. I determined it was due to aged diaphragms, which was verified once I pulled apart the old carb. So, the fact I got the engine running and idling, I'd consider that a win..........................but..................

While the engine had good response, it would briefly rev up to full speed then drop down, as if the engine couldn't breathe. From memory, this is why I retired this machine as it just wasn't running hard enough to be efficient, I just assumed it was old and needing carb work.

There are really only two main things that affect these BG blowers, the carb or a blocked muffler screen. Well, I had just addressed both, as well other red flags such as the intake gaskets, the spark plug, fuel lines, fuel filter and air filter. So, I was stumped. Now, the obvious answer would be to open up the high-speed jet on the carburetor..............but not in this case. These very early BG models came with a fixed jet Zamma C1Q carburetor, the only tuning adjustment being the LA adjustment, which only effects the idle speed. Later models came with a more conventional arrangement, which allows low and high-speed adjustments in addition to the LA. And because of the different throttle arrangement, you can't fit the newer design unless you get the corresponding throttle rod and trigger. For some reason, they have H and L cast into the body.



Now, there is the chance the aftermarket carburetor is bad, which is not unheard of. However, as I said earlier, the unit was doing the same thing when it was sidelined a decade ago, ie the original carb.

After some more research, I came across a video that described a similar running issue, which then had me looking back on something I did prior to the carb replacement...............


When I had the flywheel off, there was some oil buildup around the crankshaft. The image below was after giving it a quick wipe. While this residue was dry, that would be from it not running for more than a decade. After watching that video, then looking at the photos I took, a leaking crank seal seems to be the cause of the engine not holding full revs.



A leaking crank seal on a 2-stroke might not sound like a big deal as there is technically no sump full of oil here, however a 2-stroke needs to be completely air-tight for it to run properly. So, a leaking crank seal effectively depressurizes the crankcase and prevents building sufficient vacuum to draw enough fuel. A leaking cylinder gasket or crankcase gasket will do the same thing.

So, now I'm waiting for new crank seals from the local Stihl dealer. As shown in the video above, these can be replaced without stripping the engine down. If this doesn't yield the result I'm looking for, I'm going to set fire to thing.......................should make for an entertaining video! :giggle:

With the amount of money I've spent on parts for this machine, its most likely more than the blower is worth. So, not a financially smart thing to do, but I'm learning how to do things I've never done before, something that is hard to put a price on.
 
Air Compressor Oil Change

I was given this Kincrome air compressor about 10-years ago. These units were specific to the Australian market, going on sale in 2011 via a partnership with the Italian manufacturer FIAC. Mine is the 2.5 HP 50-litre unit with a twin piston cast iron cylinder, but they also did a larger 100-litre 3 HP version as well. Kincrome has since discontinued these units and no longer offer air compressors.



Changing the oil on this unit has been on the "one day" list for a while now. Kincrome suggested an oil change "within the first 100 hours of duty". I wouldn't say this compressor has done a lot of work, initially it was used for tyre inflation and a blow gun, but in recent years, its been powering a Tornador and a pneumatic Rupes polisher, both drawing a lot of air and running the motor and pump quite a lot. Even then, an oil change is probably overkill......................but that's my MO.





First of all, I gave the whole thing a good wash. At one point, I had stored my battery powered Stihl MSA 140C chainsaw on top of the fan housing..................which doing what chainsaws do, it leaked bar oil all over the compressor. I wanted that off! My go-to for machinery cleaning is Bilt Hamber Surfex, which basically melts away oil and grease. After some brush work where required, I rinsed with the pressure washer and applied Hydr02. A quick blow off using the EGO and it was time for the oil change.

While these have a drain plug at the bottom of the block, the location of the drain would end up making a giant mess.................which not my MO. Instead, I used my small oil extractor to suck the old oil out through the filler.

Briggs & Stratton 5430K Oil Extractor Pump, 1.6-Liter | eBay
Briggs & Stratton Oil Siphon Kit 5430K, SP00001 – Power Mowers



I went with Amsoil synthetic compressor oil. No quantity figure is provided by Kincrome, or even a dipstick. Instead, you fill with fluid while watching the sight glass on the side of the block. In the end, I put about 500ml back into it.

Amsoil SAE 40W/ISO 100 Compressor Oil 946mL Bottle PCKQT | eBay



The oil that came out was perfectly acceptable, but I see no harm in overserving tools.
 
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