September 2002
Is there a way of removing the fine scratches resulting from someone attenpting to remove a stubborn sticker from a windscreen using a Brillo pad? Read more
Bit of a techie question this one but here goes..., Just changed the cambelt on my 1987 GTi 8v and was setting up the timing marks as per the Haynes manual and can't seem to work it out. I changed the cambelt on my previous Mk2 GTi several times with no problems, but on this one the intermediate shaft has 2 marks on it, and lining up the crankshaft sprocket circular mark with the intermediate shaft with the camshaft no.1 valve closed and the camshaft mark flush with the top of the head (as per the maunual) resulted in a car that would not start...
Is there a way to statically set up the timing independent of the crank and intermediate shaft marks? ie set the no.1 valve to closed with the camshaft sprocket mark flush with the head, maybe set the crank to TDC using the flywheel mark and then turn the intermadiate shaft to some position which I don't know?? ? The crank/intermediate sprocket marks appear incorrect and a static way of setting up should at least get the car running, then I could tweak it dynamically using the usual strobe method... Any help appreciated Read more
Good news Ian. I think DW's touch-up pencil hint ought to go in the Top Tips thread
Phil
Can anyone clarify the law on driving a car with a KPH only speedometer?
Is it illegal to drive such a car on UK roads? Or will it only be a problem when the MOT is due? Read more
In January 2001, I personally imported a 1994 Mercedes G-wagon (bought used in Germany) with a kph-only speedo. The car has since passed 3 MOTs (at 2 different MOT stations) without even a comment made about the lack of MPH markings.
Hey they click, they can be adjusted, they're somewhere in the head. What are they!? What do they look like and what do they do? Read more
ED(M)
Yes, the 16v Dolomite Sprint used this as a 'cheap' way of converting a single OHC engine to 16 valves. 8 operated direct by the cam, and the other 8 driven by rockers off the back (top) of the cam. I imagine it limited options for optimising inlet and exhaust timing independently, but it worked, albeit apparently not the most reliable of beasts.
Regards
John S
Just been offered a pre-reg 52 (reg 3 weeks ago, still in wax)5 miles on the clock Picasso 2.0 Hdi SX in silver by my local dealer for immediate delivery for £11,240 OTR and he's offered to take my 1992 ZX diesel Citroen Aura as a trade in for £1,000 off that price, i.e. £10,240. Not being well-versed in buying new motors, this sounds like a good deal considering I can have it now and dont have to travel halfway across the UK to get it. (plus I reckon private sale of a 100.000 miler ZX 1.9D is around £500?)
Any opinions will be welcome from those more experienced in dealing in new cars, or can tell me if there is a problem with pre -reg that I've missed. I intend to drive it into the ground.
Regards,
Alf
PS He also quoted me an unregistered one at £12,240 and offered £750 against the ZX (£11,490) Which is the best one to go for? Read more
Got the deal done this afternoon, £10,240 OTR pre-reg 24 Sept 02! In my favourite colour.with my old ZX inc. as p/ex,full tank of derv, floor mats but only 6 mths tax, however, £50 given to my mate (by the dealer) who has a Picasso and recommended it to me-a few beers to celebrate methinks.
I weighed up your welcome opinions and taking into account the saving and absolutely zero waiting and zero stress,zero hassle in shifting the ZX, my colour of choice (arctic silver)proximity of dealer, courtesy car when serviced etc,etc. I can live with being listed as second owner on the log book.
Once again many thanks all,
Regards,
Alf
Just got my 8v GTI back on the road, passed MOT fine but now is suffering from poor running below 2500 revs, particularly noticeable in 4/5 gear. It's almost like the feeling you get when you take your accelerator off the acclelerator for a fraction of a second (I'm not!). Fuel consumption down by about 6mpg. Car has new plugs, oil, fuel filter -next move is to check mix but I'm assuming its okay as it passed the MOT? Any ideas out there? Help!
Tim
p.s. engine runs smoothly above 3000 revs Read more
Tim,
Glad you seem to have sorted the problem. You said in your first post "assume the mix(ture) is OK as it has just passed the MOT". BAD assumption. The MOT only has a maximum for CO and HC on your car, and it is very common to find the testing garage, having found a slightly rich mixture, have then gone at the adjustment hammer and tongs ( and on K-Jetronic systems the adjustment is VERY fine), with the result that it is then far too weak to run well. BUT, as it is now below the limit, it passes.
The thoughts on air leaks are all very sound advice, but my bet is you have hit the nail on the head. Bear in mind, however, that should you have adjusted the CO too high you could fall foul of a roadside check at any time. Best to get the CO checked independantly, then.
Regards, Adam
Spent an enjoyable hour today looking at an xj6.
96,P plate showing 80k with FJSH,from an independant jag dealer.
But why was the sunroof lip rusting in 3 places?
My M plate Citroen AX has no rust anywhere!
(Yes i know half of it is plastic!)
The jag also had a frayed drivers seatbelt.
I came away unimpressed, is this normal for such a fine looking brit luxobarge? Read more
"For the price of a Bentley one could have three and throw them all away!"
And the Bentley would still last longer...
I have bought a new Seat Alhambra, delivery of which is tomorrow. I negotiated hard for the deal, but ended up with my dealer matching the best broker price, which I was delighted with.
I deferred a decision about upgrading the radio/cassette to a CD tuner as this was a dealer fit option. I was quoted (and expected) £150. I asked for the CD to be fitted 2 days ago, but now there is the cost of an hours labour on top (£40). Is this usual practice for dealer fitted options on a new car? When I got my last car there was no charge for the same. It might seem silly to worry about £40, but it seems a little odd.
Opinions gratefully received
David Read more
I'm afraid the tape's final action was to shuffle both itself and the Philips Radio Cassette off their respective mortal coils!
Sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to replace it, Phil looks like he's got it sorted in his reply.
Cheers,
Lee.
I bought a 320dSe(150 b.h.p.) earlier this year on the premise that the fuel consumption would be approx 50 m.p.g. To date I have done 6k miles & it is only averaging 39 m.p.g. I was wondering if this will improve (say after 20k miles) and if any backroomers with this model could pass on their fuel consumption figures?? Read more
Just sold a 320td Compact (6-speed manual 150 bhp) - over two years plus I averaged 49.3 mpg - I live in a rural, hilly area - no commuting.
PS. I'm currently averaging 49.4 mpg with a 2.0 TDI DSG Golf, but that includes a trip to UK from Spain and return earlier in the month.
The handbook for my K11 Nissan Micra recommends letting the car idle for at least 30 secs after start up, presumably to let the car warm up.
Surely some mistake? Isn't the best policy to drive off straight after starting -- the engine will warm up quicker that way, anyway.
Or does the engine management system need 30 secs of readings to get its bearings?
Mike Read more
Its not just when the engine is clock cold.
Some years ago traffic patrol cars (Grandad's with the DOHC engine) had a problem due to sitting up on top of the little observation hills by the M1. If the engine had not been left idling, on getting a shout, the process of firing it up and immediately getting underway caused wear problems with the camshaft and valve gear.
Equally bad is sitting there with the engine idling for ages of course. (Cue for a post from the ranters)
Liked the idea of oil temperature gauges, and wait for a decent reading before giving it some clog, equally it tells you if too much welly means a spell of easier running is needed or an oil cooler upgrade.
There's a simple reason for the difference - glass is a hell of a lot harder than a plastic. Most of the marks on a well-used glass screen are arcs from gritty wiper blades. Can't get rid of those either!