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BATTERIES Wl The battery cover offers good protection from th

31st July 2003, Page 36
31st July 2003
Page 36
Page 37
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Page 36, 31st July 2003 — BATTERIES Wl The battery cover offers good protection from th
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elements but it's easy to overlook the back termina Do it once too often and it won't be long defer corrosion begins to form. It only takes a few minutes t give it a good brush up and rinse off, then a wipe off leave it clean and dry, Don't forget to check th battery electrolyte levels at the same time. CAB TILT HYDRAULICS

N The Magnum's cab is no lightweight, so take note of the tilt speed and movement as you operate the lift mechanism, It works electrically but you still have to turn the switch on the hydraulic tilt pump first. Check the level of the reservoir and if it's low, look around the system. Rams or pipe unions can seep, so check for any oil stains. Like the air and hydraulic system, each supply pipe has a coloured marker so you can follow the system through.

ANTI-ROLL BAR BUSHES

• As you start to raise the vehicle's front axle, keep your eye on the entire movement. Watch the anti-roll bar bushes as the weight comes off them, to judge if any are beginning to wear Watch the area around the kingpin thrust washers because if either of them are worn, you'll see movement there.

AIR SUSPENSION m Air suspension system test points have rubber caj attached that are designed to protect the valve insid They are occasionally knocked off or, more often, technician in a hurry will leave them off. When he doe he may be triggering off an expensive problem for ti operator. Located close to the test points is the low sensing valve, so spend a moment checking the joints on the operating linkage. Exposed to road grim they eventually wear and when they do, they w interfere with signals to the brakes. ELECTRICS FUSE BOX • The Magnum's main consumer board, with its fuses and relays, is located in the cab under the dash. However; the chassis ARS/E.R.S relays are all In a cabinet mounted against the chassis. It is pretty well insulated against water ingress, especially at the rear where the rubber sleeving on the harnesses has double seals that fit tightly into the back panel, However, after repairs, the two lips must seal correctly otherwise moisture will seep in and cause havoc. The technician should always check that it is properly sealed; spray some inhibitor on it for good measure. WASHER BOTTLE WIRING N The Magnum's windscreen washer system is served by a small pump unit in the base of the reservoir. Although the harness is well protected by corrugated sleeving, the washer pump motor is powered by two single wires that emerge from the end of the loom. They look flimsy and rather vulnerable but should a fault develop on a cable or connector; they're easy to reach.

FLEXIBLE EXHAUST PIPE

• The stainless steel flexible exhaust pipe is directionally wound to prevent gas pressure waves from unravelling it. Nonetheless, the coils do eventually weaken so it's important to keep a sharp eye out for the first signs of leakage, especially near the ends. When the engine is cold, check that the end clamps have been secured properly as well.

HOSE orrointw, r I !ID

• The Magnum's components and fittings are generally robust and well proven, but the P-clip holding the water hose running across the front of the engine seems to be the odd one out. The metal used is far too thin and isn't strong enough to last as keg as it should, especially if it has been over-tightened. In contrast the opposite clip, which attaches to a welded bracket, is much sturdier.

COOLANT PIPE RETURN SPRING

• The thin hose here allows air to bleed from the systen and thus prevent airlocks from forming. To avoid it foldin over as the cab is lowered, a specially-shaped wire sprini loops around the hose. Occasionally, the spring or it retaining bracket snaps and unless it's spotted quickly, thi broken part will soon chafe Its way through a hose. Shenk a repair be needed, remember to use only Renault's owl Aquacool Uttracool mix. Water or other antifreezes wil cause a reaction, according to &sten.

POLLEN FILTER

• The cab air and pollen filter is located in the base of the intake stack and held in place by a few small clips. Although it's meant to be cleaned out annually, it's so easily removed that a driver should be encouraged to do the job himself more regularly. After all, he's the one who'll benefit.

RADIATOR HEADER TANK

• The radiator header tank is located above the righthand corner, behind the cab panel. To enable the plastic container to expand and contract In the heat of the day, its two mounting straps are spring loaded. Test the tension of the springs; if they're too slack, they'll allow the reservoir to shift but If they're over-tightened, a strap might cause a split in the reservoir and an expensive breakdown.

SUSPENSION DAMPER

• The hydraulic dampers on the rear air suspension aN bolted to the chassis, top and bottom. In time they will wonl loose, and here the top mounting on the right hand ha: indeed slackened. It already looks quite rusty, so there's ni chance of avoiding the inspector's beady eye. Such jobs an passed immediately to the owner for a repair sanction.

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