YOUR MERLIN ORDER - delivery couldn’t be easier!

At Merlin we use multiple couriers to try to ensure the best possible delivery service to our customers. We’ve recently made the following improvements to the way that your orders are shipped.

You choose your preferred courier
On the Merlin website where possible we now give you the option to choose which courier you would prefer to deliver your order (you can also request courier options on the phone). We know from customer feedback that some couriers are better in some areas than others. We know that this will help to make many customers shopping experiences better.

Confirmation of your order dispatch – by email
We’ve also introduced email confirmation of dispatch of order and, where possible, we also provide you with a web link to enable you to track your parcel. Whilst many companies provide a complicated way of cutting and pasting tracking numbers into carriers own websites to email them – we’re simplify things.  We aim to provide you with just one link to click on which will immediately tell you where your parcel is.

Please note - If you change your email address or don’t believe we have the correct address, please email us at sales@merlinmotorsport.co.uk with your correct details, or call us on 01249 782 101.

THE LEARNING CURVE

This problem came from a very competent builder of specialised 4X4 vehicles. He was using Girling master cylinders. The problem was that after applying the brakes one circuit retained the pressure and would not release. Opening the bleed valve released the pressure; the brakes could then be applied but would again not release the pressure. We had seen this problem before. It is caused when the brake pedal hits a stop and does not allow the push rod to retract fully. This means that the piston in the master cylinder does not uncover the port and allow the pressure in the system to release. The solution is to make sure that when the pedal is released there is a small amount of play in the push rod.

The customer was adamant that the pedal was releasing fully but still the brakes would not release. He returned a week later to explain what had happened. The analysis was correct but for a different reason. He had changed the push rod and when replacing the washer and circlip he had fitted the washer the wrong way round. The washer is about 3mm thick with a chamfer on one side to accommodate the ball on the pushrod. The chamfer should be on the inside which allows the ball to fit in the chamfer. The other way round stops the piston from retracting fully.

Go Pro Wide Digital Camera
This month’s toy of the month! New in at Merlin is the Motorsport Wide On-Board Digital Camera from Go Pro. This state the art camera features super wide 170° wide lens to capture all of the action and can be fitted to nearly any vehicle.

Using just two AAA sized Lithium batteries, this camera can record up to 56 minutes of footage on one 2GB SD Memory card, with the batteries good for 2 hours of recording. See here for more details and an example of the film quality available from this amazing little camera.

Monit Rally Computers
With the rally season now in full swing interest is high in our range of Monit Rally Computers.

We offer both the TC100 and TC200 models which incorporate the same sunlight viewable display, compact housing measuring only 20mm thick and weighing less than 100grams. The TC100 is ideal for the club competitor and incorporates interval & total distance counter, current & maximum speed readouts and built-in stopwatch.

The TC200 is designed specifically for professional competitors that need a top line rally computer at a competitive price.  It has all the features of the TC100 , but with the addition of average speed readout, accurate time of day clock and advanced fuel measurement system.

ARAI Helmet - Cheekpads
If you’re not happy with the fit of your ARAI helmet – replacement Cheekpads are available in the following thickness; 12mm, 15mm 20mm, 25mm and 30mm.
Please ring or email for further information.

TECHNICAL CORNER

ZircoFlex

This is a new heat shield material coloured grey.  ZircoFlex is a revolutionary flexible ceramic heat shield material offering superb thermal barrier performance at minimal weight and minimal thickness. The material is produced as a thin aluminium backed foil that is:-
• Flexible - ZircoFlex is easily bent and manipulated and can be folded tightly through 180 with out damaging the thermal barrier.
• Light weight - Weights only 0.46kg/m
• Extremely thin - (0.25mm overall) needing only minimal space for installation.
• Aluminium backed - so that the material is robust and easy to handle.
• Easily cut and fixed with high temperature adhesives.

It is supplied in standard sizes of 900mm by 550mm and is suitable for temperatures up to 500 degrees C .

Cobra FIA Aluminium Side Mounts

Cobra are developing a revised version of the FIA approved 5mm thick aluminium seat side mount. Heat treated aluminium from an aerospace supplier these are as tough as steel but much lighter.

Willans Tow Strap

Willans now make an easy to fit tow strap. One version has a fixed length another version with an adjustable strap.

END OF SEASON ‘TOP TIPS’ FROM MERLIN

Batteries
If using a Varley or Odyssey battery remember that these batteries need to be kept fully charged. Remove from the car and leave on a freshening charger or fully charge. Make sure the charger that you are using produces at least 14.4 volts otherwise you will never fully recharge the battery. Fully charged, the batteries when checked with a volt meter should give a reading of about 12.9 volts. See the Data sheet.

Fire extinguishers
Extinguishers should be serviced every two years.  Make a note of when your extinguisher next needs a service, this will allow you to arrange the service ideally a couple of weeks before the start of testing for the new season. With the cylinder removed - check and grease the mechanical pull cables as they have a habit of rusting and sticking. Better to deal with the problem now than in a panic when you have failed scrutineering. Extinguishers manufactured outside the UK may need a longer lead time for service.

Harnesses
Check the expiry date. If the harness has to be replaced and you do not intend to keep the car for more than a couple of seasons  -we normally sell last years manufactured harness at 20% off, depending on what’s left in stock.

Engine builders
They are quiet at the end of the season and funnily enough frantically busy at the start of next season. If you are keeping the same car you will get better service and be ready in plenty of time if you send the engine and gearbox for rebuild before the year end.