November 2004
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
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?
Hi,
I have been advised after my cars service that it will shortly be needing a new exhaust, my question is how much is that likely to be for the part? It's a 1999 Renault Megane 1.6 Alize I have been very happy with the car I just need to know how much I need to be planning on spending - it sounds expensive!
Thank you for any help you can offer, thanks to Vanboy too for spreading the word about the site.
mini Read more
I fitted a new back box on my Megane (1.6) a couple of years ago which involved chopping the original one in half. Apart from the awkwardness of sawing while lying of your back it wasn't that difficult. It seemed to go together OK, and never vibrated.
About a year ago the cat died after an HT coil gave up (unburnt fuel and all that) so the whole exhaust system needed replacing. My local garage did it, but the thing does sometimes vibrate (it hits the rear crossmember) if you drive roughly, particularly so with reversing. I have tried tweaking it a bit but only improves things a tad. I think the problem is with the two mounting points on the back-box where the rubbers attach to. If they were moved slightly around the box then the bend in the pipe will be a slightly better angle giving more clearance about the crossmember.
As a side issue, I removed the rear strut brace thing the sits just below the exhaust by the crossmember last night, and it was totally rusted away! Something I recommend others checking.
The Blackpool illuminations thread has reminded me of something I find most odd.
I thought the people on TV driving around at night with the interior light(s) on was simply to aid the camera shot but have noticed quite a few drivers doing exactly this.
Surely this considerably reduces their ability to see out, although it could explain why they need their headlights and foglights on all the time? Read more
Funnily enough I had that very thought coming in this morning. I noticed a coach with the drivers cab brightly lit up. The driver looked as if he were sitting in a greenhouse surrounded by a ring of spotlights. It didn't stop him batting along an unlit road at 60 mph though.
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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