October 2002
What is the best position for your right foot when driving the car on the cruise control?
I ask because today while driving on the motorway in the BMW 320 on the cruise, I was sat with my right foot flat on the floor. Suddenly, someone pulled into my lane without looking. I couldn't pull into the 3rd lane because of traffic and when I went to hit the brake, I found the clutch instead.
By this time, I was nearly on top of the other car and managed to hit the brake pedal second time of asking. Question is, where should you rest your right foot when driving on cruise?
I tried to gentle rest it on the brake pedal but this felt uncomfortable after about 10 mins (brake pedal set higher than the accelerator?) plus, I don't know if this was activating the brake lights.
Anyone any sensible suggestions? Read more
The new Ford Fiesta (and the Fusion) share the same 1.4 TDCI engine with the Citroen C3. The C3 has both a 70BHP 8 valve version and a 92BHP 16v version, but the Fiesta only has the lower spec 8 valve.
Are there any insiders on this forum with any ideas or rumours as to when Ford will release the 16 valve engine for the Fiesta? Read more
16 valves instead of 8, variable vane turbo, intercooler. There are a few differences which I know of.
The torque is about 150 lbs/ft on the 16 valve (about the same as a 2 liter petrol engine)
I know that Diesel car tested it when new and said that it would not pull below 2000 rpm, I can confirm that mine was like that new, but now with 8700 miles on the clock it will pull strongly on full throttle from about 1300 rpm.
The performance is blistering for such a small engine, that may be due to correct running in Citroen say no more than 3000 rpm - about 90 mph in top gear!
All this and about 68 mpg with air-con always on and a good thrashing every time it is driven.
Rather than re-use fish fryers' oil, take a leaf from the book of a garage proprietor I knew. He saved oil from customer car servicing, filtered it and used nothing else for his three family cars, one business car and a breakdown truck. He reckoned it was o.k. Read more
Air quality in London - or parts of it - fails all known standards at present.
Frankly I would never use recycled cooking /other oil. What you save on fuel costs is likely to be lost in gummed up injectors, coked up engines and fouled catalysts - in the long run.
And for older diesels which have fuel pumps that rely on diesel for lubrication , I suggest they may be affected as well..
Just received their latest regular offer of 3 months free sub. but this time includes car competition on top of Which? car guide. Win either Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVTi 5 door + £10,000 or Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec 5 door + £8,000 or BMW 318i or £20,000 cash! Guess most people would just take the money....
I am looking forward to driving the BMW as it must be my turn to win something in these competition entries! Read more
Perhaps the enlightened.
Simon T.
Having seen pictures of the new TVR T350 I have a question for you all - is it a case of form dictated by function or is it just ugly? I'm going to reserve my judgement until I see it in the metal at the motorshow next week but just wondered what zou all thought. Read more
TVR's are made just around the corner from me. They are different and not your run of the mill runabouts. Some have been ugly but, to say they all have\are is an overstatement imho.
The Cerbera is a good loking car. Compared to many 'exotic' cars they look good.
Good afternoon All,
I have a 306 2.0Ltr 8 valve, it’s a 1994 model on a M, about 65K Miles. It’s regularly serviced and seemed to be running fine. However today it’s developed an annoying fault. Basically the car starts fine, but it’s tick over is a little low (600 rmp, normally about 900 rmp). If you blip the throttle it revs fine, however as it returns to tick over it stalls. I have tried a ECU reset and there are no fault lights on the Dash. Any suggestions?
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Good afternoon All,
I have a 306 2.0Ltr 8 valve, it’s a 1994 model
on a M, about 65K Miles. It’s regularly serviced and
seemed to be running fine. However today it’s developed an
annoying fault. Basically the car starts fine, but it’s tick over
is a little low (600 rmp, normally about 900 rmp).
If you blip the throttle it revs fine, however as
it returns to tick over it stalls. I have tried
a ECU reset and there are no fault lights on the
Dash. Any suggestions?
I had this happen on a similar (N reg) 306 Xsi. I gave up and stuck it in my garage while I decided what to do. After 24 hours, everything returned to normal. It started to misbehave after I was stationary at traffic lights alongside someone who was using a mobile phone. Electronics expert colleague said that some mobile phones can make the car's engine management system get it's knickers in a twist for a while. If this is what's happened to your Xsi, it might be OK by tomorrow. Hope so.
Is Shell Optimax 99 ron? I have read that it is in the backroom archive pages, but there is no mention of this on the Shell pumps or at the Shell web site. My car seems to run better on Optimax but then stays that way for a tank or two when I fill (from empty!) with 95 ron fuel.
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I don't think the moderators will be too happy about this new thread when one with the same subject already exists.
However, to answer your questions:
1. The www.shell.co.uk/optimax site does say:
"What is the Octane level of Shell Optimax?
Shell Optimax has the highest octane specification of any petrol in the UK. It is greater than 98 Research Octane Number (RON). "
2. Your fill-up with Optimax may just be cleaning up the fuel system for you to be able to claim "My car seems to run better on Optimax but then stays that way for a tank or two when I fill (from empty!) with 95 ron fuel"
Son been offered this by trusted acquaintance. Neither knowledgeable on motors. Have looked at c by c breakdown but would appreciate help in identifying this particular one.
Price 800. Looks good and cared for , believe has FSH.
Can you good lads and lasses tell me please
General reaction to this offer
Any specifics to be wary of
What is mpg like - pretty important as he and family live in the sticks and it's to do about 200 a week to and from work
does that little 'i' in the title mean nasty things like high insurance, big expensive tyres, exhausts etc.
Any sort of comment about it would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards Colin S Read more
Oh no. Still, what he saves in petrol costs he'll be able to put towards fixing it... :)
Hi all,
I'm a new poster on this BBS so go easy on me if I'm asking a daft question!
I need to change the glow plugs in my N plate 1.8TD Mondeo.
I've had a look and it looks like a complete nightmare to get to the plugs! Does anyone have any experiance of this job?
Thanks guys........ Read more
You'll find it hard with ring spanners but with a set of small sockets all you should have to remove is the top mounting of the dipstick tube.
Can anyone recommend a good independent LR service centre in the West Kent/East Sussx area? Read more
I have used RCV in Kent some time ago (Roberts Country Vehicles) (rcv.co.uk).
Contact details are:
Maidstone Road, Hale Street, East Peckham, Kent TN12 5AT
Tel: 01622 873000 Fax: 01622 872727.
They seem to know what they are doing. (I have no affiliation with them.)
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Each to his/her own. I fully agree that if you're not confident with a technique, don't do it. This one suits me, that's all & I've never had a prang in 14 years/300k miles (touch wood). Every day at the wheel is a learning experience, I never cease to be amazed that I get home in 1 piece driving the 6 miles home from central london, let alone when I see the tailgating lunacy on the m'ways. I've got RoSPA, bike licence & ambo training & still discover more about my driving daily. Attitude is the hardest with the blatant lawbreaking that goes on now (overtaking on the wrong side of bollards? De rigueur in south london, darling)
Crumbs that turned into a right old rant, sorry it's off thread, I'll get back to work now.
ES