Backyard Mechanic

 In my teenage years I thought I knew a bit about fixing motors and other mechanical parts of cars from the mid 30's to the mid 70's. With primitive tools and very dangerous jacking and blocking methods a typical Saturday was spent on my cars in the family driveway. From valve grinds to crankshaft replacements. Many of these jobs involved taking the engine out of the cars. That's another story.

Now in my late 70's I have lost count of the 'flash' cars I have owned and driven as work vehicles. None of these meant that much to me except for the driving experience. Meaning I have not ventured under the bonnet for years. That was until two days back, and OMG what is this thing under the bonnet. See what you think. The first two pictures below I took from the web as any I had are long gone.

A mid 50's Mk1 Ford Zephyr. I knew this guy inside out. (Actually horrible..It took all my money and time.)

A Morris Minor same vintage. (Also horrible but cute.)

Then this was the site that took my breath away. My 2026 2 litre Toyota Hybrid. I think I recognise something, the 4 spark plug leads or are they injectors?!

The morale of the story is don't look away and expect to know what you are looking at when you do look back.  This bonnet will only be reopened in future by Toyota.

😀

 

Then all is revealed with these diagrams. There's a LOT going on. And this is only the bits that can be seen on the top layer of the engine bay.

I surrender. 

Remembering A Few Great Day

 A few years back we traveled to the deep south for a bit of luxury living at Millbrook Resort and tripping around some of the amazing natural spots,

Rob

Iconic scenery

Millbrook. Very manicured and stunning place to stay.