November 2004
Mondeo Mk 2 estate, '97R 104k miles. When my screen washers wouldn't work yesterday, I assumed it was ice. However, when I got home and topped up the reservoir with water/additive, I found that foaming water was pouring from under the front wing when the pump was operated. It looks as though the reservoir had been emptied, not iced!
There is no water loss when the pump is not operating so I guess that the reservoir is OK but the pipe has been damaged or detached from the pump.
Has anyone experienced this problem, and is it difficult to fix? I fear that the reservoir is in an unaccessible position somewhere behind the wing! Many thanks. Waino.
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I recently road tested a Mazda 6. The procedure was: go into showroom, give them driving licence and passport, which they photocopied, sign a simple form stating that I'd pay speeding/parking fines, etc, and away I go with SWMBO and two kids in back.
Wifey and I went today to sort out same in Mondeo with my local Ford Dealership.
"No, sir, I'll have to come with you".
"But there are four of us"
"Ah, Sir, it's a five seater"
"But that means my wife will be sitting in the back between the car seats. Also, she won't get a chace to drive because I can't fit in that gap"
"Well, then, Sir, I'll go for a drive with her, then with you"
"But we want to try it for a couple of hours - try in on the motorway, round town, along a B road; try to get some idea of whether we'd like to live with it"
"Can't do it, Sir"
"Honestly?"
"There is one way, Sir. What you do is call us a few days before you want to go. We'll give you the registration number, then you call your insurance company and set up your own insurance, at your own cost. Then, come in, show us your insurance document and you can borrow it for a couple of hours"
"You're joking"
"No, Sir"
"Well, we're not going to be buying a car from you, then"
"I'm sorry to hear that, Sir"
"Cheerio"
V Read more
We have been looking at various cars over the last week or so. Quite a varied experience really. Both times we went to the local Ford dealer the salesman was straight over to us; at one Honda place there were no cars in the showroom and no salesmen either - the one we did rustle up didn't look happy to be dragged outside to look at cars. At another Honda dealer we were offered a test drive of a nice new Accord or CR-V on the spot; I only declinced cos it was getting a bit dark. Audi were immediately attentive and Volvo were similar. VW were awful - I wandered around the showroom opening cars for ages and was studiously ignored. I have found that going with my wife normally results in much more attentive salesmen (no funny comments: I guess it is because a couple appear to be more serious buyers than a bloke on his own).
Only thing we need to do now is decide what to buy: Passat, Accord or Mondeo. A varied list: would like an Accord but will probably spend less dosh on a Mondeo.
I own a Fiesta Finesse 2004. Thereis a knocking noise coming from the rear of the car that I am unable to identify. I've tried the usual, i.e. removing everthing from the boot etc. Any ideas? Read more
Thanks for that Ian. Indeed, the rattle disapears with the rear seat backs down. The car is still under warranty but I wanted to take it back with something specific. It saves a lot of time & mucking about.
cheers
I have a 306 DT and a warning light has recently come on that I can find no explanation for. Basically it looks like 3 wavy horizontal lines (water??) with what looks like a saucepan lid on top. Does anybody have any ideas what this is?? Read more
As usual, Pugugly is right. The warning light with wavy lines and a pan-lid is Coolant Level (I just checked my 306 manual). It *may* mean the coolant level is low (check) but it may also mean a fault in the sender.
Im a new entrant to the backroom, though Ive been a visitor for a year or so. I?m also new to the world of older cars. SWMBO sought to rejuvenate my flagging interests by providing me with an old sports car. The first that caught her eye was a red 924. But the elder son told her that was not real Porsche. So I have a grey 1988 Supra. Automatic and not twin turbo but it has all the bells and whistles and has power enough for me. Cosmetically it needs a bit of work. And despite a total lack of mechanical dexterity Im going to have a go myself. I am having trouble finding information on the web. Supra enthusiasts havent provided what I need and the Toyota ditto have not replied at all. So I turned here. Thommo posted a question about a car of similar age, though I note he was not overwhelmed with replies.
I am looking, initially, for a replacement for the trim (rubbing strip?) that runs along the drivers door. Any suggestions as to a source, or how to construct a search will be welcome. References to any sites which offer very basic guidance to the mechanically inept will also be appreciated.
Fortunately I previewed this before posting as I see what effect apostrophes have.
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Headgaskets go on these. Ensure that the radiator is in good nick change the coolant regularly (min every 2 years) - be sure to use the OEM 'Toyota Red' coolant from the dealer.
They are fiercly expensive on parts - Parts Direct of Derby can order parts cheaply direct from Japan if they have a VIN number.
Tonight 9.30pm BBC1, usually strong motoring links. Read more
Motoring? Really?
No.
::reaches for padlock::
No Do$h - Alfa-driving Backroom Moderator
mailto:moderators@honestjohn.co.uk
HI,
I understand there is something which can put in to the engine which will temporarily cure a failed head gasket as my car is blowing out a ton of steam and won't go anywhere at the mo.
Any advice much appreciated Read more
What car? Rover or Peugeot / Citroen perhaps?
From a forum search, I think Daz is refering to his Omega.
Hi - Can anyone give me a few things to check for improving the start on my 405 Turbo Diesel.
It has done over 200,000 miles and I suppose now starting to show its ex-taxi history. when runing it is beutiful it is just on start up it helds a little stroking.
It takes a long time cranking before the engine gradually takes over the speed of the starter moter, chug chugging before firing into life with a lot of smoke.
Is the engine wearing out? can I extend it dying life by serviving or replacing anything here. is there anything I can test?
In other topics I have read about tappets, glow plugs but what about changing any filters?
cheers folks
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Since the thread is nine years old, I expect the car has long gone to the scrappie.
I went to a funeral on Thursday and between church and cemetery was in a 14 car cortege. As we trundled off at low speed (as you do), most other people stopped to let us through, and we carried on through red lights, roundabouts etc. This was in East London. Having never been in that situation, i went with the flow and carried on.
Only problem was, one of the junctions had a camera and flashed seven of us in succession.
I know that i went through a red light and that was wrong. It was discussed at length about red lights on roundabouts a little while ago.
I would say that no one was at risk because the oncoming drivers stopped to let us through, but someone is bound to contest that. All i can say that it appeared safe to proceed and the other drivers gave way to us on signal controlled junctions and roundabouts.
Now, assuming the camera had film in it (do they still have film? or are they digital now?) and so on, do i accept the fine and (gulp) the 3 points on the licence, or would i get anywhere appealing to their better nature? Note i said appealing, not denying the offence.
Thanks Read more
The other thread reminded me. Over a month and no ticket! Phew
(kiss of death - what until Monday's post!)
With the seasonal tip at the end, I thought this might be worth sharing:
From the Autoglym manual:
"Do not be tempted to use household products on your car. They are designed for very different purposes and can cause harm and even danger when used on cars. Glass cleaners designed for household use, for instance, often contain elements that will cause smearing and consequent impairment of visibility. Washing-up liquids are also potentially harmful as they contain high levels of salt and heavy concentrations of detergent that will quickly remove wax polishes that have been so painstakingly applied the week before.
Neither do we recommend rotary brush attachments for your hose as they can scratch badly. An adjustable nozzle is a must, however.
. . . Finally, do not be tempted to use a broom to remove snow from your car, as again you will certainly scratch the paintwork."
They would say that, wouldn't they? But I'm inclined to heed their advice. Read more
I live in an area with very hard water and always have to leather off the car or it dries very streaky.
However, on Sunday it was persistently raining but i had to wash both cars as they were truly filthy and the visibilty from windows was being affected as well as light effectiveness so I bit the bullet and washed them.
Obviously didn't bother to try and dry them!
Got up on Monday morning and they were both positively gleaming! The difference is so great that from now on guess when I will be washing the cars?
Browse
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In conclusion to this one, I couldn't find any spaces bit enough for a spider to crawl through, let alone get my great mitts into. I gave in and took the car to my local independent chap who cleared the system and refixed the pipes with a couple of clips. The cost was an hours labour. Thanks to all for comments.