Blingo update and new problems!

[Micoclarke]

Hello all, thought I'd give an update on the slightly troubling Blingo 1.9 that I recently purchased! Just enjoyed a 350 mile trip to Glasgow, which the Blingo took in its stride - only breaking down once.

Some things have improved/been fixed since my last update, some things have become worse/appeared.

Things fixed:

• New air filter, fuel filter, oil change, new glow plugs(3/4 OK, 1/4 over tightened and sheared) throttle and clutch pedals and cables greased, a few rattles and squeaks quenched.
  
• New cambelt and auxiliary belt by garage (they took a look at my knocking issue, but couldn't find anything. Seems to have improved since so perhaps tightening something up or placebo effect)
  

Existing problems:

• Engine overheats in general at low speeds (stop/start).
  
• Something smoking in engine bay (front, near alternator) when engine warm. Acrid smell. (potentially unrelated to overheating).
  
• Bad smelling air vents (improves slightly after vents on for a while, worse when hot). Dusty and acrid.
  
• Knocking suspension/engine mount/clutch. Yet to be diagnosed. More annoying rather than disastrous.
  
• A little grumbly when starting cold, but much better than before.
  

New problems (the fun bit!):

• Just noticed an interesting and mildly terrifying fuelling issue - When nearing empty tank (1/4 to light on) hesitations in power up hill with constant throttle, better downhill. Engine completely konked out when come to stop on motorway sliproad up hill. CPR on fuel primer and full throttle needed to re-start.
  
• Battery light occasionally comes on and beeps, not sure why - thinking aletrnator but need to check.
  

I realise that's quite an essay, but thought it might interest some of you bored at work tomorrow. 

[ron]

Your smell from the air vents sounds like a leaking heater matrix.The acrid smell looks to be antifreeze.The fuel issue could be a pick up pipe not sealing/perforated.Keeping above 1/4 tank will keep you out of trouble.

[oilyrag]

Lucky you have a sense of humour! The fuel problem might just be a dodgy tank sender, telling you there's fuel in there when there isn't much at all.
When the engine gets hot does the cooling fan actually come on?
Anti-freeze tends to smell of spice/curry so could be, but may not necessarily be that. Sounds a bit electrical - check for any damaged wiring as it could sort out all of your troubles, assuming you're covered for fire on the insurance. Also alternator might be over-charging and boiling the battery, which certainly does stink.
Have you looked at the exhaust routing as it can hit the floor pan - mine rattles but only up hill in pouring rain when the rubber hangers get wet and let it wriggle. Also check that all of the hangers are there and in good nick.
It'll be a good'un once you've rebuilt it all!

[Micoclarke]

Lucky you have a sense of humour! The fuel problem might just be a dodgy tank sender, telling you there's fuel in there when there isn't much at all.
When the engine gets hot does the cooling fan actually come on?
Anti-freeze tends to smell of spice/curry so could be, but may not necessarily be that. Sounds a bit electrical - check for any damaged wiring as it could sort out all of your troubles, assuming you're covered for fire on the insurance. Also alternator might be over-charging and boiling the battery, which certainly does stink.
Have you looked at the exhaust routing as it can hit the floor pan - mine rattles but only up hill in pouring rain when the rubber hangers get wet and let it wriggle. Also check that all of the hangers are there and in good nick.
It'll be a good'un once you've rebuilt it all!

Actually that's something I forgot to add. I can see a harness/wire socket in the radiator-fan assembly (top LH part of assembly from drivers POV), but there's no harness connected. I can't find any harness to plug in either.

Does anyone know the routing for the radiator fan power harness? Where it comes from and where it's meant tp plug into?