December 2000
i own a rover 820si n reg which seems to emit an excessive amount of white smoke soon after starting, would it just be burning off condensation or could there be another problem, the tail pipe has a rusty appearance inside, the car has covered 71000 miles any answers? Read more
I had a persistent cool-running problem with the Audi 100 that I sold last year. It surged and stalled, sometimes in dangerous circumstances. None of the Audi main dealers who serviced it regularly over most of its 10-year life with me solved the problem, which was almost certainly attributable to coking up because of short-trip usage. I did solve it finally, with VAG's own fuel additive (part number G 001 700 03), which eliminated the problem entirely and gave me first-feather-touch-of the-key starting as well. I've sworn by it ever since and it's cheaper than the stuff you can get from accessories shops. Read more
Dear Roger,
That's right. I use it too. But keep the bottle away from children and don't get any of the stuff on your hands.
HJ
I am currently spec'ing an upgrade to the running gear of my 1956 morris
minor. It currently has a 948cc engine with 4.55 diff. On 14" wheels.
The proposed upgrade is to put a 1275 Marina engine with a 5 speed Siera
box and a marina back axle (with either a 3.7 or 3.9 diff). This means I
will also use 13" steel marina wheels.
I am trying to calculate what an acceptable cruising speed I will get out
this combination. The problem is factoring the tyres. If I know that the
tyres are, say 175/55 can I calculate the diameter of the tyre?
I need to know this so that I can calculate the speed that I can get on
the road.
Can anyone help, or do I need to measure actual tyres?
(the car will be running disk brakes, front roll bar, and spax
adjustable gas shockers to cope with the increase in power) Read more
John,
thanks very much, much clearer now. Just need to confirm the sierra box ratios, but looks like I can use either a 3.9 or 3.7 diff and get decent cruising speeds.
thanks for the help.
Hugh
My 74500 mile 1998 Fiat Bravo needs some new pads. It may possibly need
some discs too. Is 74500 miles a reasonable mileage to replace the discs?
Are there any positive experiences with the fastfit type places? Is there anyone
I should avoid?
Thanks,
Neil. Read more
Dear Neil,
I have answered your question by e-mail already. It'd perfectly nromal for a 75,000 mile car to need new front discs as well as pads. If the fastfit outfit fits the same discs and pads as supplied to Fiat, fine. If it doesn't, you might save a few quid only to find your brakes don't work properly at a crucia moment.
HJ
Quick one this time:
Got a Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 CDX auto, all the toys, 93 model. Looking to change for either an Omega CDx or a Mondeo Ghia x, 2 or 2.5 litres in either case.. Which would be the better buy in terms of ride quality and reliability? Any thoughts? Read more
I hate it when people are sensible. Sigh. I know I should do that, but no cruise control? How can I possibly career dangerously off the road when half asleep without cruise? But actually that's excellent advice, HJ - thank you very much.
It seems to me that my insurance premiums increase yearly. It also seems to me that the amount the company would pay out to cover the cost of replacing the car if needed decreases. Shouldn't my premiums therefore decrease in line with that? If I pay (arbitrarily) £500 in year one, and they would pay out (arbitrarily) £8000 if the car is written off, why next year do I pay £550 but they would only pay £6500 (or whatever). By year five or six I'm paying perhaps £800 for £1000 worth of cover! Read more
I think Chris Williams is right. the big issue with insurance are the third party claims - you can cause the same havoc and injury with a banger as you can with an expensive car. Compared to a major injury claim the car value is not so significant. In many cases the third party insurance cost is very little lower that fully comp.
Despite the downsides of swapping companies, it pays to shop around, and this years cheapest broker isn't necessarily next years cheapest broker. This year I saved £70 for a few phone calls, and the cheapest deal was with CGNU, not exactly a small company.
Regards
John Slaughter
On taking my car in for a service I was offered a courtesy car for the duration. Sounded good but I casually asked whose insurance applied and was told it was mine. But my insurance only covers me for 3rd party on anything other than my own car, so running the courtesy car was a big risk. Is this usual and I wonder if it is generally appreciated?
Regards Don Read more
Basically the same arrangement applies when I use my local VW main agent for servicing.
It worries me too.
I have a 96 N 1.8 Vectra which irregularly suffers engine cut-out when I slow to near zero at junctions and roundabouts. This results in very heavy stearing just when it gets dangerous, especially if I'm preparing to proceed onto a busy roundabout! Vauxhall garage has had it 're-programmed' without revealing the cause. This seemed to do the trick but its back again after a few thousand miles. Does this problem ring a bell; a known bug?
Thanks in anticipation & seasonal greetings. Don Read more
Is cleaning out the throttle body and replacing the IAC valve a DIY job? My local delaer has quoted a whopping £230 to do it, or has anyone come up with an alternative.
HJ
I wondered what your respected view was on the new Audi variable service intervals? I just bought an S3 and don't feel comfortable about waiting 2 years or 20k until the first oil change. I average only 6-7k a year. Am I a luddite or is this the way of modern technology?
Colin
PS Great site, singing your praises over on the Audi and import newsgroups. Read more
Thanks again!
Anybody have experience of the 4 speed box, I am 6ft 4 tall so will I fit in it? Read more
Dear Tony,
Depending on whether your height is in your back or in your legs you will probably sit in a Yaris Verso 1.3 auto. This works very well and does 40mpg. Road test at www.olderdriver.com
HJ
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Dear P.H.,
As long as you are not losing coolant, the white smoke is nothing more than condensation which, of course, is much worse in the cold, damp atmosphere of this time of year.
HJ