February 2004
I\'m not too happy with the way my Passat behaves on rough roads - at the NSL it tends to be fairly bouncy/wallowy with too much tilt/lean on sharp bends, and has even scraped the ground, which is obviously not something I want to happen again. New shocks all round (fitted FOC under used warranty) helped to reduce but not eliminate the yo-yo problem - dealership has since checked again but found no problems (so they say). Anyway, I reckon that if I want to keep the car I\'ll need to sort this out myself, but I don\'t feel I have enough basic knowledge about the way shocks, springs, bushes etc work - I\'ve come across various brand names (eg Koni, Bilstein) and ratings but have no real understanding of their meaning. I don\'t want to spend a few hundred just to ruin the ride of the car, don\'t want to lower it because I think that would make the problem worse. I\'m thinking stiffer springs, but I don\'t know if such a thing exists which will keep the ride height the same while delivering the improvements I\'m looking for within a reasonable budget.
So - two questions: can anyone suggest a cure, and does anyone know where I can educate myself a bit better about all this? I\'ve tried searching this site and the forum, tried the how stuff works site, tried a couple of others too but if it\'s there I must have missed it and I\'m starting to get square-eyed from staring at the screen too long!
Thanks in advance.
andymc Read more
afternoon folks!
here's a snippet from last nights local paper,
a police officer escaped punishment despite admitting smashing into another car, when she jumped a red light during police training.
magistrates accepted the defence plea that "special" reasons did exist in the 35yr old officers case.
the prosecution stated that, as the officer approached a set of traffic lights that were on green, they suddenly changed to red, the officer switched on the blue lights, wailing siren, and flashing headlights, but as she crossed the junction, she collided with a subaru pick-up, causing it to be spun 180 degrees. both vehicles were extensively damaged, and the occupants of the subaru were treated for whiplash injuries. the officer, was being accompanied by an instructor, and another police officer who were unhurt.
magistrates, said they had weighed the evidence,and given considerable thought to the case, and decided that she should recieve an absolute discharge, no fine, and not have any points put on her licence.
a police spokesman said, police drivers must take into account the road conditions, and other drivers at all times, and they are still subject to the laws of the land. we support the magistrates decicions, whether they go in our favour or not.
would you get away with it!!
billy. Read more
For the record - any ambulance may exceed the speed limit and/or jump red lights, etc if the crew deem the call an emergency.
Would you like an ambulance to obey all speed limits and road signals/signs if you or yours required urgent medical assistance?
I sincerely believe this applies to all emergency vehicles and this depends on a degree of trust and faith from the public.
Trust that they aren't abusing the privilege and faith in their advanced training which is mandatory.
I would venture to suggest that most if not all B-R's would be most cautious approaching a junction if they heard/saw blues and two's - the fact the officer concerned was undergoing training is irrelevant.
If this was an ambulance and the delay after the accident led to the patients death who would you blame, the ambulance crew for trying to do their best or the Subaru driver for ignoring the blue's and two's?
People,
As you may have realised I have only just returned from my Christmas break and therefore there was quite a delay in me replying to e-mails. (6 weeks in South America).
I think I've done them all now, but if you haven't received an expected response, perhaps you'd do me the favour of resending your e-mail.
Thanks and apologies,
Mark. Read more
Actually I was staying in my own house, although was visiting the in-laws quite a lot.
A friend will soon be selling his P reg E240 automatic saloon which he's had since it two years old.I've known the car since he's had it and it's in excellent condition with FMBSH. The only problem he's had was a new gearbox( at150K!).I would use the car mainly at weekends and only do about 6k a year hence I'm considering the car.I've read HJ's C by C breakdown and am aware from recent posts that the more recent Mercs do not appear as good as the older models and am concerned that the car could become a moneypit at this mileage. Any advice would be appreciated. Aprilla, your views would be welcome!
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There are plenty of reputable breakers specialising in Mercedes (I can recommend several), who make running cars such as these a very realistic proposition.
I have noticed that correspondents on this forum often quote oil consumption rates for modern engines. In the past, only old bangers used oil ? a measure of an engine in good condition was that it did not need the oil topping up between changes.
My first car, a Triumph Mayflower which cost £10 of carefully saved pocket money, left a smokescreen behind when it pulled away, because the piston rings were worn.
But all my subsequent cars have needed no oil at all. My Volvo on 290,000 does 20,000 miles a year and I never see the oil level dropping by so much as half a millimetre.
Why is it normal for some modern close-tolerance engines to burn oil ?
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Dizzy
Fair comment. Yes, oil trapped in that region tends to cause problems - sticking top rings on 2-strokes being one example. The key point I was making, though, is that oil consumption has to be far worse than 1 litre/1000 miles to have any effect on emissions, even if it's not burned very cleanly.
I perhaps should have qualified the answer a little. As I'm sure you agree, the usual first cause of high oil consumption is worn inlet valve stem seals and/or valves and valve guides. This allows oil into the inlet port and (up to a point) this will tend to burn cleanly in the combustion chamber. Wear here is more obvious on overrun. Manifold vacuum is higher and there's less petrol being burned, hence the classic blue smoke. Given that the MOT emissions test doesn't include overrun, this isn't a problem 'till the valves, guides etc are very worn.
However, once the bores and rings are worn, then exactly the problem you describe comes to the fore. Too much oil is left on the bores, and this won't burn cleanly. By this stage though the engine is on its last legs; oil consumption is very high and the engine is smoking under load.
Regards
John S
Returning to UK after 3-1/2 years, and my previous insurers say that there is no way I can resume insurance with my full no-claims after this time out of the country; any of you know of insurers who will?
I will have 9-10 grand to spend on a diesel saloon and was thinking of a 2000 BMW 320SE, or an Audi A4 1.9. Moving back to the north of Scotland so, judging by the car prices I may need to make a car purchase trip down south; any info welcome! Read more
Thanks to all who replied. Funny thing is, I was with DL before I left and had four years under my belt, but they inform me that, although they are willing to go to 3 years (with supporting documents) there are only certain countries from which they will accept the documentation. . . . . . . where I've been isn't one of them.
Looks like I'm hosed!
Further to your posts in December have you resolved the noise on your espace? I only ask as mine has now started making a noise from about 45mph onwards, increasing in volume. I am hoping it is a wheel bearing but knowing this bastorial moneypit it is going to be more serious!!
Andrew
Simplicate and add lightness!! Read more
With the benefit of hindsight I tend to agree with you. I would never ever run another Renault or any other French car.
Andrew
Simplicate and add lightness!!
Browse
Heheh - thank gawd it's not, or I'd be rightly scuppered! Fortunately, I get to drive the Leon most of the time (had a nervous passenger the other day who brought out my evil side, bwahahahaha), but I'd like a more rewarding drive when SWMO fancies a bevvy or we're going on a longer journey, plus the ability to drive on bad road surfaces at more than 45 mph.
Thanks for that link, it's brilliant - just what I was looking for. In fact it could even be a useful addition to the site links here.
andymc