February 2002
My sisters L reg E220 estate is having cold start problems - It does not idle properly when cold and one has to stomp on the accelerator. Our local Merc specialist changed the throttle body (300 quid), still no joy, he now says that the diagnosis computer points to the ECU (1000 quid). He also got a merc engineer to look at it.
We have referred HJ's FAQ in the process but the problem seems to be different. Is there a way of avoiding 1000 quid by re-conditioning the ECU or getting an exchange unit. Your suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance Read more
A very interesting article from the BBC News site which mirrors my own views on global warming.
news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1833000/...m
Sadly another of today's article contains information regarding the Congestion charges and why it will be so "good" for us all...
news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid_1839000/183967...m
Happy reading!
Dan Read more
Good reading - cheers for that Alwyn
Dan
One of my remote plips has died on me - tried changing the batteries and using the reprogramming sequence, but the light doesn't come on when its pressed and it seems dead. Those dandy highwaymen at Rover want to charge me 50 quid (50 quid for a tiny circuit board and piece of plastic!) for the fob plus 25 quid to reprogram it (something I can do anyway) get this, plus labour! If thats the case, I will use the key! No wonder no one buys British any more Read more
Part of the new block exemption rules is for manufacturers to make available technical information, software, wiring details etc to the independants.
When, or if this will actaully happen, and how, has still to be worked out, but it's looking promising. But please bear in mind that a number of independants don't want to move with the times, or invest in the correct equipment.
My mothers Audi 80 estate has just snapped it's cam belt.
It would appear to be related to the water pump - steam appearing from under bonnet before engine stopped - so probably the water pump seized and led to the belt snapping.
Does anyone know how badly these engines are affected by the belt snapping? I know very few engines have enough clearance to stop a valve / piston contact but I'm hoping this is one of them.....
Any recommendations of cheap Audi parts suppliers?
Piers Read more
I think about 100,000 miles - or there abouts. L reg SE Avant (estate) auto. Quite a recent service and full history of pretty much on the dot servicing. It's a very nice car, very solid, tonka toy looks in a metallic charcolish black.
Piers
Two year old 1.2lt 16 valve model, that has had a lot of town driving. Yes you've guessed it - the time has arrived, after approx. 20 years, when it is no longer possible to remove the cover plate at the base of the clutch bellhousing. Cable has been replaced. There is no judder or slip. No problem when engine is cold. When the engine is warm or hot the clutch action is 'graunchy', like walking on snow! With clutch fully down there is some squealing.Has anyone 'out there' got a second opinion as to where to drill a very small hole to allow a small amount of lubrication to be tried? Our reference points are - Release arm pivot and selector cover bolt. Best Regards to you all, Joe. Read more
It sounds like the release bearing is going to disintegrate at any minute.
fancy a passat 1.9 110 can get one off the forecourt for 10.000 for a s reg . with 35.000 on the clock. what would i pick this up for at an auction. Read more
I used to buy a magazine which just dealt with car auctions, its in A5 format, i will try to get the name.
I have an '86 Carlton Auto which has done about 96000 miles . It has just been MOT'd -needing a couple of brake pipes,front pads and downpipe and rear box-middle section and rear shoes were replaced last year .The reason it needed pads was a sticky sliding caliper which obviously had worn the pad down on one side. Only hiccup was two of the studs at manifold to downpipe were sheared ( thats why it failed as it was blowing at that joint)-no other MOT problems.
The interior is excellent and outside there is a bit of work needed on one wing and also the rear quarter below the bumper is needing attention due I think to water getting in to the boot .
What i wanted to ask is how long can these cars be expected to go on for . Considering the age of the car I thought the MOT was pretty good.
Stuart Read more
A mate has a 88F with 225,000 miles on it he has replaced the cylinder head only because he got hold of a low mileage (100,000!!) engine cheaply however the gear box is original, It goes much better than his brother's 93L !! The interior still looks pretty good as well and will no doubt be still going in 225,000 more miles!
Still regularly gets over 30 mpg in it aswell
To add to Lee H's previous thread about faces to people. He inspired me to scan in some photographs I have, showing the cars that were in the Juan Fangio museum in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If anyone knows anything about any of these cars, I would be please to hear about them. Just post a message on the message board of the community page.
I also have a load of photos from the Bonneville salt flats in Utah from 1998 which are very varied and some quite unusual. If anyone is interested I would be pleased to sort one out for these too.
Juan Fangio Museum
Regards
Jonathan Read more
No
That's my brother (he ain't heavy!)
The salt air does funny things!?!
People frequently moan on the backroom about car programmes on TV. I have just turned on to the weekly Two Wheels magazine on Men and Motors, to find once again that most of the show has been devoted to Wayne Kershaw presenting indoor trials from Sheffield. Bikings equivalent of Cilla Black presenting synchronised swimming. Come on Beeb, why don't you have a go? Theres a lot of old rockers out here. you know. Read more
Yes Alwyn, the same. I think Arthur was a trials rider too. His son Doug, rides his bike up and down telegraph poles and waterfalls etc.- indoor trials.
Mike
does this mean that my clutch is on the way out Read more
Phil, most likely causes are a stiff or partially seized cable (If it is cable operated), or the diapragm spring weak/ distorted. 1st is a new cable, 2nd a new clutch. Rarely, a release bearing can get stiff on its shaft or mechanism, which again needs the box out unless you have a FWD oldish Vauxhall.
As Johnathan says, what car is it?
Regards
Mike
Browse
You could try ATP Electronics on 01543 879788 or 467466 - they can check and report on the ECU or supply rebuilt units, but I would suggest a new temperature sensor first as the easiest, cheapest, quickest first option.
Regards, Adam