June 2002
Thinking of changing the supplied five 18" brake dust traps with these easier to keep clean jobbies. Anyone know where the best prices are likely to be? Dealer prices quoted were silly of course. Quite happy to look at reconditioned or light used. Read more
I know this subject has done the rounds and I've read Longhurst's oil bible but sensible comments will be apreciated.
I have recently been asked to take care of a 1989 Volvo 740 with the B200E engine, genuine 98K on the clock. Three owners, the middle one used it as a school bus on 5K/year. For the last oil change they used VW Synta 10/40 semi-synthetic. If I use fully synthetic oils will it be OK or am I best leaving it at semi-syn.The owners would like another 100K/13 yrs out of it. Ever optimistic but it is a sound car and worth keeping.
Many thanks
Peter
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As HJ says they dont handle well but they do maga miles.
I have the same B200E on open loop (ie non cat), same year.
The simplest and cheapest answer is say where you are, use semi-syntheic as it is a very low stressed engine. Change the oil before the winter and before the summer. ALWAYS use a Volvo filter. Check oil breathers regularly, as if they get blocked the back pressure from blow by can/will blow out oilseals. This will give you 200k in my opinion but you may have to fill the box sections, doors etc. with Waxoil.
However, I changed to 5/40 fully synthetic at 57k then 0/40 and at 125k 0/30. Received wisdom says if you leave the change too late this may destroy carbon oil seals which high mileage engine are said to build.
Oh and join the Volvo Club and read HJ's books.
I've had a fire extinguisher in the car for years, but the only times I've used it was twice on other people's cars, both times nipping the blaze in the bud before it spread from the engine compartment to the rest of the car (One case was a petrol leak, the other a shorted battery which melted and ignited the wiring loom.) However, in both cases I ended up £25 or so out of pocket, since I didn't think either before or after the event to ask if the owner would reimburse me for a replacement extinguisher.
Isn't it time that some form of fire suppression was compulsory in new cars? Perhaps similar to the 'Graviner'system used on 'planes. Does any car manufacturer fit anything like this?
P. Read more
But with an engine fire, many cars would be written off, anyway due to the high costs involved in repairing the damage
MG-Rover Questions? Click on www.mg-rover.org
Hi
I have a Peugeot 205 1.1 XL and it has developed a problem of cutting out, while decelerating and the clutch to the floor all the lights on the dash light up, and the engine cuts out, I have replaced all spark plugs, fuel and oil filters and I have changed the oil, any help would be great
Many thanks
Chris
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Hey greaspsy any chance of letting me in on the secret of the flat spot, i have a pug 205 and its doing exactly that and sometimes cutting out...
cheers
Millay
Not long ago I hired a 1999 Vauxhall Corsa with 6000 on the clock. When I got to 70mph on a motorway I found the steering to be very twitchy and the car felt quite unstable. A friend who owns one finds his much the same. Does anyone have experience of this? Is it a characteristic of the model or are they very sensitive to tyre pressures/tracking/castor/camber/ make of tyre or what have you? I have been offered a low mileage, immaculate Corsa but do not want to buy one for an experienced driver if the fault cannot be cured. Read more
John,
Dont' forget Auto Express Driver Power Survey recently voted the mark 2 Corsa (i.e. not the latest one) the car with the worst handling.
What Car has commented on the excellent cruising ability of the latest Corsa on the motorways, (even the buzzy 3 cylinder 1.0 model).
Regards
Rob E
I have been offered the chance to buy a 1996/97 Honda Civic 5 dr.hatchback 1.4i, 77k miles, full spec.inc. aircon,sunroof, c/l,etc.etc. fsh,new cambelt, exhaust and tyres. I have known the buyer for 30 yrs. and they've owned the car from new.(Daily mileage about 50.,main road/m.way)
What would be a fair offer?
Thanks in advance,
Regards,
P.
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When using aircon, will more fuel be used on a similarly powered petrol or diesel?
For example; the Peugeot-Citroen 1.8 117 bhp 118 lb/ft petrol and the 2.0 HDI 110 bhp 184 lb/ft diesel? Read more
Agree with what you say Dave.....
I'd rather run a Diesel with a/c as the engine (due to the torque?) seems to be unaffected by the compressor load, unlike a petrol engine
MG-Rover Questions? Click on www.mg-rover.org
Any legal eagles know the answer to this?
I have just been approached by a local chap who is complaining that his driveway is being obstructed by the local idiot. (Yes he really is, knife threats to neighbours etc.)
This access is from his property onto an un-made/unadopted road which he has used for 40 years. There is room inside the property to park his caravan but he is unable to do so because the idiot insists on parking across the entrance and refuses to move his car to allow access. Because of this, the complainant has to pay £10 per week to park the caravan elsewhere.
The property is surrounded by Comomon land but nevertheless, I feel he is entitled to access his own property without interference from idiots or anyone else.
Is there anything we can do to pressurise the landlord as his tenant is a nuisance to others?
Thanks in advance. Read more
Why? Are you planning to become an auctioneer?
My Dad was driving along when a car with trailer pulled out of a garage turning from the right onto the road in front of him. Dad had two choices-he would have had to brake sharply or he could overtake smoothly. He chose to overtake the car but whilst overtaking, the car decided to pull back into the next entrance of the garage and clearly without checking blindspots or mirors, he crossed my father\'s path and despite his braking, they collided fairly heavily. Who\'s fault is it and why? Thanks. Read more
I would say that the other driver was at fault as it seems to me that he was driving without due care and attention.
1. He failed to notice and or anticipate the closeness of your Dad's car by pulling out directly in front of him.
2. Having pulled out, the other driver failed to look in his mirror to see that he was being overtaken, in which case he should have not carried out his intended manouvre of turning right into the second entrance.
Good Luck, I know these things can be very tricky. No hope of any independent witnesses, I suppose?
For anyone considering fitting a reversing aid system, Maplin are offering their kit for £20 instead of £30 until June 15.
maplin.co.uk/ Read more
Many thanks Richard, it was the big one that had been recommended
but I have a sloping screen, so will save my money
Simon T.
Browse
I got my Green Stuffs from JRT Automotive because they give discount to Rover OC members - try them on 01494 792211. Demon Tweeks also stock the full range of EBC products (and several other makes) - try them on 01978 664467 or at www.demon-tweeks.co.uk.
According to the blurb I got with my GSs standard pads have a coefficient of friction of 0.25 to 0.35. GSs have 0.46 and they exhibit great progression. Contact EBC on 01604 583344 or at www.ebc-brakes.com