October 2004
I am toying with the idea of importing a Nissan Skyline from Japan - probably around 7-8 year old example.
Has anyone done a self-import? I would be interested in first-hand accounts.
I've found a company on the web (www.autoadvan.co.uk) - seem to be based in Leicester - who will act as an auction agent in Japan for a few hundred pounds. Anyone able to recommend them?
I gather that vehicles under 10 years old will need an SVA test, which shouldn't be a problem, but I've read on some websites of the need to have a 'model report' for the SVA. Can anyone shed any light on exactly what is required in the 'model report'? Read more
Hi, I have menaged to foolishly snap a bleed nipple thing on one of the injectors on my 306td, anyway truth is I cannot afford to replace the injector but what I do have is 4 spare injectors off a 306 diesel. I know the pressures are different on the 2 injectors but what I want to find out is if it is the bottom section of the injector that is different? I basically want to swap the top half of the injector over so that the bottom half remains the same spry pattern / flow rate etc and the top half still has the bleed nipple bit. Just want opinions on safety of doing this Read more
There is also one under the "nose" of the injector.
www.traffic-england.co.uk/TCC/
This new website has just appeared, predicts traffic problems and has real time monitoring, aswell as length of time roadworks due to run etc.. Seems very good. Read more
Informative site, with a bit more detail than the AA's roadwatch site. I will use it again.
But the trouble is, these sites don't tell you what's about to happen. An hour ago, my daughter used the AA site to check the A14 - all clear westbound from Cambridge.
Just checked again - she's probably stuck in the 40 minute westbound congestion holdup approaching Huntingdon right now.
Ian
I've never done a cambelt change before but I thought I'd give it a go on my 1994 MK3 Golf Driver (1.8 8V SPI petrol, code ABS, power steering, no air con). However.....
Actually everything went well except for the first time I think I got the intermediate shaft one tooth out so it ran badly. I re-did the job and engine ran fine, except for a 'whirring' noise. I've traced this to the cambelt rubbing on the alternator pulley that bolts onto the crankshaft sprocket. I've tried another new belt and have also changed the tensioner, no joy. I've turned the engine without the alternator pulley attached and found the belt moves right up to, and past, the edge of the crankshaft sprocket so about 2 mm of the belt is sticking out - hence when the pulley is in place it is rubbing on it. I did not undo any of the crankshaft, camshaft or intermediate shaft sprockets so I can't understand why this is happening. I've even fitted the original belt back on and this is still happening. HELP!
Any ideas much appreciated, my pregnant wife is not enjoying the walk to the station and getting the train to work.
Cheers,
Doug
Read more
Oh, and in terms of tension I've tried varying tensions of the belt, but I have followed the Haynes manual suggestion of just being able to twist the belt 90 degrees at the front of its run, between acmshaft and intermediate shaft sprockets
Hi all,
Has anyone experience of adding one of these to a car without one factory fitted.
Rumor is that the wiring is there and there is no code to enter.
Is this true?
Thanks in anticipation.
Robert Read more
AFAIK all E46 models to UK spec come with the cables. You can fit a BMW unit or other makes e.g. Sony can be fitted with an adaptor. See www.connects2.com/ I fitted a Sony unit 3 years ago and have had no problems.
anyone know how I can find a pulse signal on the 306 td?
basically the td engine is in a n/a derv, the n/a didnt have a tacho as standard and I got fed up off dodgy incorrect speedo on cable drive so I'm putting aftermarket gauges in but the tacho requires a signal, assuming the engine will be sending one as the dt had a tacho and they use the same loom. Also need to find out if it is 2 pulse??
Thanks
Richie Read more
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=18873&...f describes the 306 diesel's TDC crankshaft position sensor and associated wiring for the rev counter.
Ian
Have had the brother-in-laws car on loan recently and just about to return it.The 1st and 5th gears can be sticky to get in and I wondered if this was par for the course or can I remedy this cheaply before I hand it back.The car has done 99,000 and has the FIRE 1000cc engine,mucho gracias Read more
Thanks for the suggestions will try them out next weekend
I've had a cursory look at both the Saab 9-3 and Audi A4, as both do diesel automatics. In the Saab it's the 150bhp engine and in the Audi it a choice of 130bhp 4-cyl or 163bhp 6-cyl units.
I know most about the Audi 130bhp engine and the need for it to bed in properly and to check the oil before it gives of its best. But what about the other two. The Saab engine is a GM unit, right? Is it noisy and rumbly compared to the Audi units?
What about the cars themselves. I had a very quick look but the only thing I could tell was that the Audi doesn't have folding rear seats but it it seemed to have a less cliff like dashboard.
Any thoughts anyone?
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Espada III - well if you have a family and need a Lamborghini, what else do you drive? Read more
For what it's worth, I've now done a little over 3000 miles in my Vectra SRi with the 150PS diesel engine, and have been very impressed. It performs very well, with loads of torque. I've never felt safer during overtaking manouevres, and it returns around 43mpg for me. If this is the standard of diesel engines today, I can't see me going back to a petrol.
Four friends of mine are in probably the worst rock band in the world. Imagine a more prog rock Darkness, without the looks or talent, and you're probably along the right lines.
However, they've managed to acquire a fair bit of kit and some gigs. They all drive small, recent cars, however - and are more than happy to continue to do so.
As a result, they've been thinking about a van. A Berlingo which they sometimes borrow isn't big enough for the four huge speakers, mixing desk, amps, drums, keyboard and two guitars (plus two more speakers they're planning to get).
As a result they're considering something full sized and cheap. As they also work full time, something that might need mechanical attention isn't an option. However, as they're reasonably well paid, something relatively recent and car-like to drive probably is.
So if we have an arbitrary budget of £6k including VAT (only £1,500 each in essence, and of course it should retain its value quite well) what would be the van experts' suggestions? Due to the very light use it would get, 150k miles wouldn't be a problem on the van if it were pretty new and well maintained.
I'm thinking that £4k all in should be enough to buy a four year old Citroën Relay or Desptach or the equivalent Fiat or Peugeot. Can anyone suggest any better than that? Read more
DavidHM
This is what all successful bands start out with as credible transport:
- Something that is guaranteed to break down on the way to the most important gig attended by record companies.
- The back doors always have a hasp and staple for a padlock roughly bolted and welded on.
- A hideous brush painted paintjob.
- Regular checks by the local constabulary for hidden stash.
Think about it. You can't turn up to Glastonbury in an immaculate polished and reliable 4 year old van. It just wouldn't be cool - man!
What say Growler??
Anyone bought a Modus yet? In this month's 'Diesel Car' magazine it is very well written up. For 10K this seems a cracking little car and certainly it felt thoroughly well built when I went to the dealer today. It seems to have the charm and character of the old Renault Five but obviously better engineered given the newness of the design. I like the nifty 'boot chute' as they call it.
Would be interested to hear what any owners have found before the cheque book comes out. It's going to be a present for an ill friend - infact wouldn't mind it myself...
Silly thought - Focus Focii - so Modus Modii?? :) Read more
Jazz, despite its virtues and label, is served only with one
engine, which is neither fast nor overwhelmingly economical
Last time I looked, the Jazz was much more economical than its petrol-engined competitors. Unlike its conpetitors, it's also available as a highly-economical automatic.
As to the Modus disappearing fron trace like others including the Megane: have you looked at the sales charts? The Megane sells very well indeed: I think I read that it outsells the Golf across Europe.
Renault doesn't have a great reputation for reliability, but that hasn't dented sales of its smaller cars.
Browse
One for sale in local paper today.
NISSAN SKYLINE 1996
silver s/Turbo six months tax/MOT 51,000 miles immaculate condition for year. Too much spec to list £9,995
Tel 01952 - 541392 or 0779 332 3674
01952 is a Telford Number; perhaps No Dosh will have a look - but its not a diesel though!!