July 2003

netcar

I have a year 2000 OMega 2.5 which is refuses to start on odd occasions. No throttle is applied during the starting attempt, so I don't see how it can be flooded. If left for 15 minutes it may start first turn, sometimes however, it won't start for longer periods. The battery is in very good condition and turns the engine normally, but no cylnders attempt to fire. Anyone else experienced this ? Any ideas ? Read more

smithi

Not sure if I am too late here. but I have a 99 2.5 omega. Similar symptoms at 3 years old for around 6 months on and off. Always started eventually.

After numerous visits to garages to see if there was any fault codes registered (Never was) it was diagnosed as the crankshaft sensor. This was circa £200, then replaced under warranty after 3 months. That was over a year ago and it is still running sweetly.

Phoenicks

Whats the fastest anyone has ever driven in a car?
Read more

THe Growler

I followed two Ducati motorcycles.

>>Until they broke down in a cloud of steam, puddle of oil, >>accompanied by their own electrical storm........

>>Whereas a Triumph Daytona would have just stopped with a >>wheeze and a splutter.

....and I'd have cruised on by on my Harley with a friendly wave.
Actually I wouldn't, the real bro's stop for bikers.




Question Skoda Coolant
volvoman

Hi Gang, need to get some coolant to top up the wife's Felicia Bohemia. The handbook only says use coolants complying with: TL-VW 774 B which I presume is VW's own identifyer.

If I don't want to bother finding a VW/Skoda dealer, which type do I need and is it a good idea to top up with a compatible coolant from Halfords say ? Read more

Flat in Fifth

set humour switch = on gentlemen!
---------------

Without sin there is no fun: Rasputin

andy n

hi all i have just bought from a car boot sale a what appears to be quite old brass footpump it is very nicely made with brass body and fittings and a steel frame with the words "kismet baby" cast into the footplate, on the body are the words "turner and bros sheffield", any one any idea how old it is likely to be, or any other info many thanks Read more

ashtree

I have the Kismet Trolley Compressor made in 1946 it has been left outside for some years and became sized solid, If you turn it on it"s side and block it up the pin that you going to unsize needs a soild lump of metal both sides of the pin, leave just enought gap for the pin to pass between both lumps of metal, you will need a good quality punch abought 9" long a shade smaller than the pin , a 7 lb lump hammer a mate to assist you would be handy, if have problems blocking it up under neath you can use a short piece of thick gauged metal tube underneath the pin you will need somebody to help you to do this nodout , make sure it is all soid before you hit it. the pins are aprox half inch in die, get it all solid and hit hard they will both move. good luck with it all i did that with mine it worked well . the problem I have got is getting leather washers I am trying to make them at the moment not a lot of sucess yet . steve

Question Cambelt change
Garyw

I have a Ford Galaxy TDI which is 5 years old. It has done 42000 miles. According to the service guide it should have the cambelt changed at 50,000 miles or 5 years. Is this really necessary? It is mainly used for school runs, shopping and family holidays.
Also Ford want £265 inc for the job. Can you recommend somewhere better and cheaper in North West London/Watford area?

Regards ... Gary Read more

eMBe {P}

The belt itself only costs £15 and is a doddle to
fit. I've done loads, but live in Leeds. Are you anywhere
near and I'll change it for you (1 hour needed? )

>>

It is a real generous offer but unfortunately he lives near London as he said in the first post. However, a tale that I know happened recently.

Kind man offered to help neighbour with undoing a tight "jubilee" clip on a radiator hose. While standing next to the car, he slipped and fell, gouging a deep scratch in the paintwork. Worse, he put the screwdriver through his foot. Now the two parties are suing each other for damages!
Rosanbo

Is it legal to tow a car, with a tow bar (note not a tow rope, solid tow bar), if the vehicle being towed:

1. Does not have road tax

2. Has road tax but no MOT

3. Has road tax & MOT But is not directly insured (i.e. the vehicle has no specific insurance policy but person behind the wheel has comprehensive insurance else where..)

4. Has no bonnet
4a). Has severe front end damage but steering is good, no bonnet, no bumper crushed front end. etc

5. Has no doors, no engine, no bonnet, crushed front end but steering is good?

Your 2p's worth are welcomed and thankyou.

Kev Read more

Dwight Van Driver

Kev

The short answer No - it would most probably be illegal as a 'Road' is a 'Highway' and Highways Authorities have a statutory duty to maintain Highways and remove obstructions ,which the object would become, to ensure a free flow of Traffic.

Because if we say it is no longer classed as a motor vehicle then proceedings can not be taken under Road Traffic Acts for obstruction/parking offences . However, Highways Act 1980, Sect 137 creates an offence of wilfully obstructing the free passage of the highway. A conviction under this can result, in
addition to a fine, an Order can be made compelling the removal of the obstruction. Without digging, then I suspect there will be other possible offences contrary to other Acts such as Litter Act , Public Health Act or even local Bye Law.

Hugo

Whilst a rigid bar is better, then a rope or chain is not illegal providing the distance between vehicle and trailer is not more than 4.5metres and shall not exceed 1.5 metres unless said rope/chain is made clearly visible to any other person using the road within a reasonable distance from either side.
(RV(Con and Use)Regs 1986 Reg 86).

DVD

Sheepy-by-the-Sea

My daughter is called Fabia (seriously).

Skoda have very kindly named a car after her.

Can anyone think of other models (possibly) named after people famous or otherwise?

I'm thinking: Nissan Serena, Nissan Cedric (whoever Cedric is etc etc).

Or does anyone have any relatives named after cars? (relative must have been born after the car went on sale - calling your daughter Cortina only counts if she's nearly 50). Read more

sean

Not really named after people, but how about "named after a place"?

The lovely Fiat group produces a Sellafield auto gearbox paddle shifter.

Don't I mean Selespeed?

Just ask anyone in the trade.

Fear of them blowing up means no-one will touch them just like Sellafield (Windscale if you're old enough to remember).

catalyst

My driver's side electric window does not work properly.
In your experience, how much is it likely to cost me to get it repaired ? Is it an MOT failure ? Read more

David Lacey

Window glass jumping out of the rubber or felt guides is commonplace - if only the owners lubricated them from time to time all would be well.

£600 repair bills are way OTT, IMO

sean

Just reading "used car buyer" this month.

"Quirky,wacky,weird" words you'll use when discussing Renault's short-lived model range flagship. The Avantime was introduced in April 2002 and killed in April 2003. They sold 4500 worldwide and 300 in the UK.

People paid £27,000 for the Privilege model new, and the value now is plummeting "like a spanner down a lift shaft".

Makes one glad one bought German? Oh yes.
Read more

Altea Ego

Read what? (smirk)

I hated the Aventime when it appeared, I went for a prod and poke shortly after it came out and didnt like what i saw.

I have seen it on the road, been for subsequent prod and poke sessions and now love it! What a glorious beast it is.

Being passed by one is a "what the ???? in the mirror" and a "Woooooooo" moment as it appears and passes.

Ben {P}

cut in half- is it a good idea?

What about vinega?

Been cleaning a car up for sale, and reduced to using turtle wax bug and tar jockum_what is the best?

If i have a car absolutely covered in dirt from years of neglect, what is the best stuff to use before polish (obviously after i wash it). T-cut mettalic?? And do i need to be careful how much pressure i use with this stuff? I remember nearly polishing an audi i had down to the metal with t-cut because the paint had oxidised so bad.

Ben Read more

neil

Well, you could try cutting a nectarine in half... although you may find you get yellow smears all over the interior and a few more flies, but hey they're cheap and organic!