February 2003
Nearside tail light on my '88 Golf won't come on using either position on light switch. Have replaced bulb, and checked fuse (separate circuit for 'sidelights' on each side), applied WD40.
It WILL come on using the parking light setting (left indicator on, ignition off)
I must admit, I'm confused. I've thought of taking a live feed from the offside tail light.
Any suggestions anyone?
Tim Read more
I want: five-doors, diesel economy, everyday reliability, no surprise bills, preferably ABS and aircon. Not that bothered about miles - I'm doing probably less than 5k a year in it. But I only want to pay £1k-£2k. Am I a dreamer, or is it out there somewhere? Suggestions please... Read more
Body's not bad on these cars but there's no such thing as a 525 tds before a K. Rust is usually only a problem on the back arches (sometimes) or where there's been accident damage, which is to be avoided.
The cheapest diesel 5 in Autotrader is a 98k M plater at £2950, a bargain compared to the next, a 92K with 175k and LHD for £3000.
Motorway tolls is to be restricted like the central london congestion charges or not? please if any one would like to give me or discuss with me on this particular topic. Read more
Solution? Tarmac over rails and make them exclusive to PSV and Lorries.
When you think about it every freight train journey requires two lorry rides at each end anyway!
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These are my own opinions, and not necessarily those of all Toads.
I am driving a 1.4 LX Escort on a k plate.
The engine is i think giving up after 117k, it puffs out black smoke at high revs.
having spent a lot on it i am considering replacing the engine, what are the implications of this insurance wise?
I was thinking of upping to a 1.6. Also what price am i looking at for a 1.6 CVH from a breakers?
Im guessing a recon will be a lot more?
Read more
Im not sure your engine is in need of an overhaul- if it's just black smoke (not blue) i should check the the carb/injection system over unless theirs knocking/heavy oil consumption.
A secondhand engine might cost you around £ 3 - 350 from a 'posh' scrapyard (i think they call themselves vehicle dismantling centres these days).You pay heavily for the priveledge of having the parts cleaned up and wrapped in cling film.. I prefer the old type DIY scrapyard where prices are much lower maybe £60-120 for a CVH is the going rate..Engines in clean lightly accident damaged cars are usually best rather than something that looks like it's been run into the ground.
recon might cost £300 for parts such as gaskets, rings, bearings + crank regrind..i think reconditioned short engines are availble from ford which will might work out cheaper than having your own engine rebuilt
steve
There were some instructions in the BR a couple of weeks ago about copying a link directly into the forum. I can't find it, so can anyone repeat the instructions or point me to the link please.
Thanks Read more
Thanks for that MB its excellent..
alvin
Can anyone help me with Bosch injection nozzle use for my above car.
i am not willing to dismantle it before getting replacement parts.
citreon or bosch part number or any number identification on nozzle would be greatly appreciated. Read more
My daughter has a 99 Toyota Corolla GS that's making a clunking or grinding noise in the front end when the brakes are applied hard. She also has trouble making quick stops. A mechanic checked it out and said the pads and disks are almost new, and he suspects the anti-lock braking system may be at fault.
In the past I've always looked after her car, but now she lives in the UK and I'm in western Canada, it's hard to be a remote mechanic.
Does anyone know of similar problems in this model of car, and what may be causing it?
Thanks!
Scooter
pjacobs@islandnet.com Read more
Just a suggestion realy but have had experience of this with a friends Volvo - after much expense (new Master cylinder, Servo) we found the problem to be mis-fitting pads. When presented back to the garage that had done all the previous work they checked their inventory & found the pads had been re-packaged wrongly. Might be worth getting a friend to check the pads are sliding OK in the calipers.
Does anyone know (the easiest way) how I can obtain details of the current registered keeper of a car as I have the full registration and chassis and engine numbers and wish to try and cut out the "middle man" (car dealer) The dealer is advertising the car, but not yet got it, due to awaiting the seller to get his new car from elsewhere!!! Read more
Unless a naive seller has just offered the dealer a gem without realising it and could have got a more realistic market value if they were a bit more clued up. This sounds like a million shades of grey, but I'd agree that if someone with this info popped up on my doorstep I'd feel it was a bit creepy and would want rid of the car PDQ.
What would it be for?
Kids in back without seatbelt.
Broken brake light camera.
and my favourite: Dodgy brake and tyre cam.
This weeks Autoexpress has an interview with an ex traffic cop (now on regular duties) as gatsos now do all traffic work.
Ben Read more
For those people who are so damn lazy that they can't be bothered to take the supermarket/DIY store trolley back. They just leave it in the car park so that it can roll away and......
You lot seem unusually sharp by comparison to the 'net norm so here's a quick theory question: Why does grease on the back of pads stop brake squeal? I've cured it a few times in my life but can't figure out why it happens in the first place......
Also, does anyone have a recommendation for cleaning alloy wheels that doesn't cost £14.99? I'm thinking home-brewed remedies of the old hag variety 'cos I'm that cheap.
Brian Read more
I used to spend ages cleaning the cross spoke alloys on my BMW318 using Wonder Wheels. About 3 years ago I fitted a pair of brake dust shields to the front wheels and the problem of brake dust has gone completely.
Thank's Peter : gosh, that was quick! I'll try to identify from the Haynes manual which it is. If you're able to identify it by number for me (when you're back in the workshop?) let me know!