June 2002

Question Mondeo petrol tank

Onetap on 17 June 2002

SWMBO reported a smell of petrol when her 1996 Mondeo goes over bumps. There was no smell of petrol under the bonnet and no sign of a leak, so I thought that the petrol cap might be leaking.

There was no sign of a leak around the petrol cap, but when I unscrewed it there was a hiss of air under pressure rushing out (or it might have been in). The pressure difference was only slight (2 or 3 psi, I'd guess); the tank was near empty so there was a large volume of air. Is this supposed to happen? Every vehicle I've owned has had a vent for the tank somewhere. There seems to be an air inlet (or outlet?) valve built into the cap, and it seems to move freely. I'm not keen on having a petrol tank under any sort of pressure. Any ideas?
Read more

Keith S on 17 June 2002

Try the fuel gauge sender seal under the back seat.

The charcoal canister might have had a knock. It is plastic and in front of the petrol tank under the subframe.

Question Strong Stuff

Steve S on 17 June 2002

I quote the recent Telegraph HJ column - "On current form I wouldn't be considering anything built in Solihull". Superb. Good to see unequivocal guidance for buyers rather than the usual caveats or "you may have been unlucky" nonsense. If there are vehicles with a more consistent history of appalling build quality and unreliability they certainly don't come with Land Rover price tags. Is Ford going to be the saviour? The signs appear good with Jaguar. If anyone still hankers for the pre-Ford Jag days, they obviously didn't spend enough time waiting for the AA. Read more

BrianW on 17 June 2002

It's all down to image.
The general public see Land Rovers on film bouncing through Africa up to their axles in swamp or savannah and are impressed with their ruggedness.
They go along to their local dealers, buy a Range Rover or Discovery and only realise later that it isn't the same vehicle.

Question Corrado consumes power steering pumps

Ross D on 17 June 2002

Hi all.

I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice.

I own a 1.8 16v Corrado and about 6 months ago my power steering pump started giving up the ghost. At full lock it would squeak, then a month later at slow speed it getting a jerking sensation through the steering wheel accompanied with a squeak.

I got local independent VW specialist to replace the pump. they replaced it with a second hand one which (apparently) came off of a low mileage mark 4 polo. Everythings been fine for a while but I have started to experience the squeaking/screeching again. was the pump from the polo inappropriate. Or is there another reason why the pump has given out. (assuming it was from a low mileage car)

at a service a year or so ago, I was told my power steering pipes were corroded could this be a reason for the pump failing (contaminated power steering fluid?) The car has passed 2 MOT's since the corrosion was pointed out to me so it's obviuosly not sufficient reason to fail the car.

Any suggestion, comments, feedback wold be appreciated.

Cheers
Ross Read more

John S on 18 June 2002

martyn

It's true that avoiding using full lock is often recommended, with good reason, althought using full lock isn't a problem in itself if you're careful. The system responds to torque on the steering column, so it's really holding the wheel hard over at full lock which causes the system to run at high pressure, lifting the relief valve, and causing the problems you describe. If you hit full lock and then ease back on the wheel when manoevering it eases the system's life no end.

Regards

John S

Question BMW Service

Dogbreath on 17 June 2002

Decisions....decisions...

My beemer is showing one blob to service. I am going to France in August and will be driving about 1500 miles. Do I get the service down now or after I get back? Read more

Mark (RLBS) on 17 June 2002

Don't fancy getting it done in France ?

Question Honda Civic mpg

Robin3 on 17 June 2002

I am interested in getting one of the older model Honda Civics (1.4l - probably an auto) dating from around 1997-1998, but I'm told that one of the things counting against these cars is that they are thirsty. I know on balance they are pretty reliable cars but I don't want to be forking out all the time on petrol. Can anyone verify this for sure ?

Thanks

Robin Read more

Robin3 on 24 June 2002

Oh dear ! My suspicions have been confirmed. DAK if the new Hondas are any better ?

Forum Offences with sold car

Austin England on 17 June 2002

Late last year I sold my car after months of watching its value slip. The purchaser paid cash and in my haste and excitement at having sold gave him the entire V5 and took no note of his address.
You've guessed it, I'm starting to receive penalty charge notices for parking offences. I'm worried this can only get worse. I have checked all my paperwork and have no evidence or proof of sale although my insurers can confirm change of vehicle details.
Any ideas for the best way to close this one with the DVLC etc? Read more

Stevieboy on 25 June 2003

Girl I sold my last car to didn't get a receipt / V5 'lost in the post' when she sold it on. One evening she got a phone call from the Police asking if she knew that her car was *inside* a newsagent.

She's still sorting out the problem with both the newsagent's insurer and the Police.

Question Gearbox Oil Change

Dave E on 16 June 2002

Previously Honest John has recommended a change at first service. Based on this I booked my Mondeo II in for a first service last week and requested an oil change. Main dealer says the box is sealed for life. True or False? Read more

Cyd on 25 June 2002

Checked under my bosses Mondeo - the 'box does have a drain plug. It's at the front. You'll need an 8mm hex (allen) key by the looks of it. Couldn't spot the fill plug, but I was on the floor in my suit!!

I'd find out what oil it takes then refill with a full synth. Check out the Red Line & Torco ranges at www.demon-tweeks.co.uk

Question Rover Cars

Roger K. on 16 June 2002

Has anyone had any dealings with Customer services at Rover Cars by letter?
I have written to them twice with a technical enquiry, but have had no reply in over a month.
I wonder whether they do not wish to put anything in writing, for fear of the outcome if they get it wrong! Read more

David Lacey on 17 June 2002

Roger - I maybe able to help....what do you need to know?

If you're after technical advice, they will refer you directly to your nearest dealer

I'll do what I can do to help :)

MG-Rover Questions? Click on www.mg-rover.org

Forum Radar detector recommendations please.

Godfrey H {P} on 10 June 2002

Has anybody either purchased or seen one of theese GPS based speed camera/road information systems in action? I am thinking of buying one as I am rather worried about the the amount of my attention is taken up looking at my speedometer looking for speed cameras etc when driving in an unfamiliar area. There are 3 of these GPS systems on offer now and I rather like the look of this one. Read more

Brit_in_Germany on 7 February 2021

Thread t=1 no longer seems to exist but t=2 is still there

VW Passat Electrics | The Back Room Archive | Back Room Forum | Honest John

Question Fiat Punto - Leaking camshaft cover

Drage on 16 June 2002

My wife's 1999 (old model) Punto was serviced 1 month (500 miles) ago by our local Fiat dealer. When I opened the bonnet today I noticed a thin film of oil had leaked over the front of the engine from underneath the camshaft cover. Closer inspection revealed that the front nearside camshaft cover mounting bolt was loose.
I tightened it up and checked the oil level, which was full.
I don't know that much about cars ( which is why I get the car serviced by a garage) but I wonder whether any damage is likely to have been done by this leak? Can anyone advise? Read more

Dynamic Dave on 16 June 2002