April 2003
Having read Fernblatt`s very interesting website "The Oil Bible", I was wondering if any of the B.R`s have used the re-usable magnetic collar called "The Bear Trap", that is fitted to the outside of the standard through-flow engine oil filter, to remove fine metallic particles. I would also like to know if there is a U.K. supplier, or does one have to order direct from Canada via the internet. Any info would be much appreciated. Read more
The current Mrs T and I are execting a new arrival within the next few days, and there is a chance that Mrs T will be unable to drive for up to 7 weeks after. Yep, it's looking like a 9 pounder!
Should I do anything with her car during this time to ensure that bits don't seize up? It is a Fiesta, 1.25 Zetec, S Reg with about 33k on the clock.
My only thought was to give it a blast up the A38 to Lichfield and back once a week (about 10 miles).
Thanks,
TT Read more
HJ's FAQs no 36 has the full story. See the link on the left and away you go!
Just read that MG Rover are going on strike.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2934827.stm Read more
All Rovers are zinc coated and Rover have been electostatically painted since 1963. One of the first manufacturers to introduce the paint system, patented in 1962. Zinc galvanization came in 1976 for the SD1 but only a certain number of panels. The 800 did not have galvanised doors or boot for some unknown reason same with the Metro. I haven't a clue why.
I recently had to replace the electic window catalever on the driver's door of my 600, it's seen a lot of action with getting my workpass into the car park gate reader. I had a good look inbetween the door skins. Bearing in mind it's a seven years old but not a bit of rust and the drain holes were fine.
The P6 is another matter ;) Always checked over, at it's 31 years old. Rust is a problem because they weren't designed to prevent it with plastic deflectors under wheel arches etc, etc. But that's when waxoyl comes into it own :) It's just come back indoors as I've been painting the stuff onto the underside for its yearly application taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather. Apart from two aching shoulders, no rust for another year, not even the battery box which hangs through a cut out in the boot, even the outer sills were looking good and the seams on the panels. Oh yep, they were unbolted to have a closer look last week. I need some new shims though, they are only a couple of years old and they are ....... rusting.
I'm looking at buying a new car for my GLW,(Citroen C3 Hdi 16v) I bought mine on Credit card using 0% interest and switching to a new deal every 6 months. I am not in a position to do the same for her purchase.
I was considering going for a regulated HP car loan over 5 yrs which gives you the option of returning the car when it has reached 50% depreciation. Then I would just get another new car and continue with the monthly payments. I'm not a 'must have a new car fanatic' It's just for the peace of mind aspect.
Cars are getting too clever fot their own good and once the guarantees run out any garage bill will be in the hundreds thats for sure. So I'm thinking this way you'll have trouble free motoring and no big bills.
I would welcome any comments and suggestions or experiences on other alternatives. I would never buy any car using cash as you have far less consumer protection.
Regards,
Alf Read more
The APR is the same either way. However, I think Alf is proposing two loans of £4500 each, thus halving the deferred amount at the end. This increases the APR of each loan to 11.9%; you can shop around on the classic loan but the CPP is unique as far as I can tell.
Increasing the APR to 11.9% does bring the total repayments (half classic; half deferred) to within £2 of the all classic scheme.
Two loans 4 years apart would be no problem; to do it this way would either require paying a higher rate of interest (i.e., two applications at once through A&L) or two applications no more than a few days apart.
can anyone please tell me when PAS was introduced on this car?
looking for a small cheap runabout diesel so any advise would be more than welcome. Read more
thanks guys for your help.
went to look at one "P" good runner but had no PAS and felt very heavy for £1600, 117k miles. still looking & may look at the 306D or TD. keep um coming i am most greatful for your help
Very occasionally, the temp light on my 94 1.4i Cit ZX comes on. Its usually after about 30 mins of town driving. Doesn't seem to lose coolant, no emulsification of the oil.
I'm going to test the thermostat at the weekend and thought while its out I'd give the radiator and engine a flushing.
The only thing that bothers me is that the bottom hose of the rad looks a bit fiddly to get to - has anyone done this before on a Cit and got any pointers? And the rubber o ring - does anyone know what size this is?
Thanks y'all Read more
The aforementioned hose chaffed thru the lower plate by the crankshaft pulley on my wifes car result new hose and head gasket 2 weeks later £80 for hose anti freeze vat and labour £480 for new gasket head skim etc etc leave it to the garage at least then you have a comeback if they get it wrong if you get it wrong it,ll prov to be expensive.
Hi,
when I open the sunroof or window of my Vauxhall Corsa (new shape). The noise in the cabin becomes really destorted . Is it just my Corsa or have overs had this problem ? Read more
If you've got the sunroof opened rather than just tilted, make sure the deflector flap has popped up. Sometimes it has has a habit of sticking down - especially if the roof hasn't been used for a while.
After 8 weeks of dispute between my new car supplier and Kia regarding the origin of my car I'm getting desperate. One swears it's a fully warranted European model imported last year, the other insists its a grey import with no warranty. Having browsed many internet sites I have found a lot of examples of VIN numbers matched with cars for sale and I think I've found how to decode most of the number. I also suspect that the VIN contains the proof I need that the car is European spec, as all US Mentors (or whatever they call them over there) start with KNAFB while UK/Euro ones appear to have KNEFB - A for Asian or American, E for Euro?
If I give the VIN of my car can anyone out there confirm what precise information it gives about my car. The VIN starts
KNEFB 227 225 followed by the serial number 097565.
This number is not on Kia's database and worryingly US decode software spits it out with "illegal - checksum error".
Paul Edgington
Read more
Try this link which has been mentioned by other backroomers.
www.autobaza.pl Good luck!
Hi,
Does any Peugeot drivers (or others if applicable?) have any comments to make about using Express fit to service my 405 TD. Are they good, bad, cheap, etc. I'd be looking at the general servicing rather than broken items replacement but any comments would be great.
Thanks.
Steve. Read more
David,
Thanks for the response, I was hoping for more but at least you've given me a feel for what it's like.
Steve.
I have a company car on order, an A4 1.8T SE which I ordered without a test drive.
I have since read in various publications that the 1.8T engine is getting old and is noisy and unrefined compared to the very latest engines, e.g. the FSI (which is sluggish on paper).
Has the recent uplift to 163hp addressed these points ? Does anyone have hands on experience of an A4 1.8T(163)?
It was the torque figure/curve that attracted me. I know the 1.9tdi130 is torquey, but I find them unacceptably noisy from the outside, with the stigma that brings when boysin suits compare their wheels.
So, how is the 1.8T ? Read more
Woody, you have made the right choice, i had the latest 1.8T quattro while mine was in for service last year, that had the less powerful 156bhp (approx.)engine and to be honest performance was as good as my older 180bhp Quattro, the handling and brakes also an improvement. The engine is very refined at low revs but can get boomy at higher revs, but to be honest i prefer the sensation of speed this gives. The torque is as you say over a very wide band (1950-4500 approx.). Having driven the 130 diesel for a day, while i found it quick it was also a very crude engine, and i was unable to fully use the power from standstill due to the traction control cutting in, there was vibration through both steering and pedals, i would like to try one with the Quattro drive to compare, perhaps the next service?.
Browse
That's because you didn't leave a gap between the close bracket and the url. Amended now. DD.