Hi, just getting to grips with my new Townace Royal Lounge 1989 model. It has a manual gearbox - is that unusual? - lots of people seem to talk a lot about auto gears. I'd like to check it over for fluid levels etc. I have found what I presume is the radiator reservoir, near to the engine in a plastic box with 2 pipes coming off of it. It is low, whatever it is. Will tap water do to fill it? And does it mean there is a leak? Some people asked about curatins - why not make your own? My wife made up some new curtains today (for the 2 windows that did not have)and I just fitted them with self tapping screws and the white stretchy cord use for window nets. They look great. We will change the whole lot in time... We have noticed a high pitched squeal (barely noticeable really, but my wife says I am going deaf anyway)when I press the accelerator. Had a quick look through the archives and can't find anything similar yet! It is absolutely brilliant to find a site like this which would otherwise mean that we would entrust our money and vehicles onto the 'pro's' more often than we need to. I will be spending a great deal of time here - so look out for lots of very basic questions... - (#917) Jim, 29 Aug 01

Hi Jim,
For the cooling system, you could use tap water but as you seem to be in the business of gradually working your way thru the van, I would suggest you drop the coolant, back flush with a hose pipe and refill with a 25% antifreeze mixture (25% should do for our climate). Most antifreeze products incorporate additives which should protect the system etc. This way you will be set up for winter. Check that the expansion tank has the rubber hose connected from the cap into the bottle and that you fill to the full mark. The noise you can hear is probably the turbo charger kicking in. With the passenger seat up and the engine running, gently increase revs while watching the dash panel. The little green light for the turbo should come on about 1700 rpm. Listen for the turbo kicking in and ask your missus if this is the noise she hears. If so and it is not too noisy, then all is well. As for having a manual box, yes it is more rare than the common auto box - a collector's item !??
Regards
Ian - (#918) Ian Dunse, 29 Aug 01

Thanks Ian, I'll have a good look before flushing the radiator (would I just undo a drainage stop or undo the pipe?). The squeal happens at any press of the pedal, but I'll check with the engine in view as you suggest.
Jim - (#920) Jim, 29 Aug 01

hey welcome to the club - only the second person I have met with a manual box
It took me 6 months to source a manual townie, and then I found 4 in Ireland! Both myself and a mate bought two of them, and I for one, would never swap for an auto (much better for towing)
for the record mine is...
1990, Masterace Surf, 4WD, manual - also has a much more chunky bumper than any I have seen before (sticks out about 2ins further forward) - (#923) skippy, 29 Aug 01

Squeak could be nearly anything. Try fan belts (spray some Mr sheen on with the engine running, see if it goes quiet...)and idlers, there's also a cambelt idler - (#924) David MIller, 30 Aug 01

Jim
If it's a squeal rather than a whine or whistle then could very likely be a belt. Again check with the seat up and have someone press the accelerator, and take it from there. There are quite a few belts so it may not be too obvious. Remember to keep fingers, hair away from moving parts. And Yes, take the hose off if you can't get a hose into the drain hole. I can't remember if the drainplug comes out of the rad or not. Remember to remove the cap first so the water has somewhere to come out. Top hose off would be better.
HTH
Ian - (#925) Ian Dunse, 30 Aug 01