November 2004
Hello all, resident car hypochondriac here.
I've only really noticed now in the cold mornings but when I start the car, there's a constant squeak. Once it's warmed up, quiet as a mouse - runs sweet as a nut. I've heard the words alternator and air-con something or other mentioned - particular on the Focus and either something needs lining up, or tightening.
Any ideas?
Next "problem" (and I say this because they don't bother me but I wouldn't mind getting them sorted. Again, when cold, I'll be driving out of the estate so using around 1st to 3rd. When the revs get to around 2,500, there's a strange noise. It's almost like a vibration - seems to be coming from the engine (my sister noticed it before me). I noticed this when dipping the clutch and the revs rose but upon investigating the problem, it does this when revving in neutral.
I can't be more specific than that I'm afriad although this too disappears when warm. Crazy.
I would be most appreciative of any ideas. If it's a garage job, I'm not going to bother but I would like to know what they are.
Many thanks,
--
Adam Read more
Hi Back Roomers,
I've been trying to sell my very nice 5 series privately. The car that, in the national motoring press a couple of years ago when I bought it, was The Best Used Car In the World. I put ads in Auto Trader and E&M (both online and in the magazines), waited for the phones to light up and... Nothing. Not a dickie bird. The only phone-call I've had in 3 weeks was from one of those pesky agents that claims it has lots of buyuers for your car etc, etc.
I honestly don't think I've done anything wrong. I started out at a realistic price according to Parkers and other guides, checked the price would be competetive against other advertisements, and put in a straghtforward ad, all the good facts, didn't say "First To See Will Buy" or "Drives Superb". I've brought the price down to what I think should be a bargain, and still nothing.
So I'm a bit fed up. Is the market really slow at the moment? Is autumn a bad time to sell your car? I thought it was only the market for convertibles that was seasonal. The only thing that might mark the car down is that it has cloth upholestery rather than leather. I know that's not the preferred option, but surely it can't turn everyone off. Can it?
I was wondering about trying ebay. Have any of you experiences that suggest it would be worth it?
Somebody feed me some crumbs of comfort... please! Read more
Well I've actually had it advertised 5 weeks all told, without a single call. So it wasn't as if I hadn't given it a fair chance. Perhaps I could have tried selling it again after Xmas, but it would have been getting to the point it would have been needing its next service before long, more advertising fees, further depreciation, I figured it best to cut my losses.
Got to say I found the whole selling experience rather depressing.
does anyone know where I can get a 2.0 16v cylinder head for avauxhall cavalier cheap cheap preferbly with the valves cams and followers as a comlete head preferblt scotland? Read more
had the alternator belt go on a pegout 306 v reg just put a new one on but have noticed that there is a litle chunk out of the pulley was wondering if any one knows if i can just get the pulley or have to buy a brand new alternator
hope for some help Read more
Pulleys usually held on with a nut, and the difficult is holding the pulley when you undo it. If you take your alternator to a rebuilder for an exchange unit they often have to swop the pulley
Your problem may be getting one. Try a rebuilder
Oh dear :o(
Took an ML270CDi Auto out for a brief spin this afternoon. Admittedly, not long enough to get a full impression, but enough to have me wondering why they are so popular with the wives who lunch and the schoolrun set. Compared to the L200 recently acquired for Mrs ND this thing was cumbersome and pedestrian. Whilst loaded with every toy on the planet, the dash and controls seemed to be some kind of afterthought. Not at all what I expected.
On the plus side the chap in the dealership was helpful, courteous and was happy to allow the testdrive at a couple of minute's notice. Quite the opposite of the reactions many have commented on when visiting Merc dealers.
So 10/10 to the salesman, and a dubious 6/10 for the ML270.
Off to pester the local VAG dealer at the weekend for a play in the Touareg...... Read more
It's OK SjB: tax "avoidance" is perfectly legal and despite what many think, the UK has an extremely lenient approach in the circumstances you mention compared with shall we say the US or Australia. It's tax "evasion" that gets the beanies in suits slightly irritated. Taxation is only legalised theft by governments anyway....
Zafira is here where I live as a Chevrolet I do believe.
Flat battery on my Herald...
I realise this is basic, but how long should I leave my battery on charge?
It is a 40ah battery and the charger on low setting reads 3 amps. Does this mean I should leave it on for 13 hours?
Thanks for your help.
Read more
Sorry. Should have added - depends on reason battery is flat, in the first place.
I have always assumed the manufacturing costs of a diesel engine are higher than for a petrol engine; but wondered by how much.
Looking at the current UK price list of some cars the discrepancy between prices for their diesel and petrol models, with the same specification, is quite marked.
On some expensive cars, the Mercedes E320 and Alfa GT for instance, the diesel version is cheaper.
Yet on the new Fiesta Zetec S the 90bhp diesel is £900 more than the 100bhp petrol version. The 99bhp versions of the Focus have the diesel a whopping £1,700 more. Peugeot 307 are in the same league as the 90bhp diesel is £1,600 more than the 90bhp petrol version(with the same trim)
Whilst 'dieselheads' will extol the driving characteristics of compression ignition machines, most people buy them for their superior economy.
I accept, that even with a £1,700 differential, over many many miles that sum can be recovered. However that isn't the point; surely these huge price differentials cannot be justified.
A cynical marketing exercise?
Read more
UK - BMW 120i = £18,320 120d = £18,850
Spain 120i = 28,600 euros 120d = 28,600 euros
Diesel fuel approx. 80% of petrol price here. As noted above marketing sets prices, not costs
Hi, i am in a very messy situation at the moment. I lost my keys, and tried to use the spare one to get in my car. However it does not work, ive changed the battery on it and still no good! Can anyone help me? where can i get another one of these remotes from or get this one fixed? I will even attempt fixing this one.
Thanks
Dave Read more
Try this site:
www.remotekey.co.uk/
This is really a continuation of the 'gearbox oil' thread but I couldn't find it since I last logged in.
How did BMC get away with using the same oil (20w50) in the mini gearbox?
And what would happen if I tried to top-up my K-series metro gearbox with 10w50? Read more
RE: "I don't know if you could top up your gearbox with engine oil, I would think so unless the gearbox is filled with some sort of special high tech synthetic stuff. (It might affect synchro operation though)"
thanks - I just wanted to know in case of an emergency
Hi,
Friend of mine has a 51 plate Citroen Saxo 1.6 VTR. Three times now the engine diagnostic light has come on. The engine runs and performs perfectly. It's been to the Citroen garage and been fixed by changing a switch. Yet again it's come on and she wants to know if this is common and fixable.
Thanks
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These are the views of Robin the Technician with 35 years in the trade. I fix, therefore I am... Read more
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Something I have mentioned on here several times - Holts Rubber Lubricant Spray.
So long as the belt hasn't already gone hard and shiny, give it an occasional blast with this stuff and it will keep it flexible and pliable. It's good on door rubbers, washing machine belts,........
Those who think squash is competitive should watch flower-arranging.