May 2006
My 320d is approaching the 100k mark fairly soon and has had the coolant and brake fluid changed and it just struck me that the fan belt might be getting tired by now.
I was wondering what life expectancy would you get from these? Read more
G'day All, I am a frequent lurker and infrequent poster but this may be of interest to you as oil gets more expensive.
After 32 yrs of drilling for oil and gas I have come to Australia for a month to learn about a different style of drilling holes in the ground (drilling while under pressure 5000 psi). We are drilling to penetrate hot rocks, water will be pumped down the holes and steam recovered from other holes the steam will be used to generate electricity, there are already geothermal projects in operations around the world, but this is different as it is deeper and bigger with the potential to supply Australia's electricity for 100yrs. The rock formations we are targeting are not everywhere in the world but it does give us some options for the future as long as battery technology keeps improving. Project is being run by a company called Geodynamics, check out their site it's all good stuff. My kids think the old man is becoming a tree hugger - Heaven forbid!
Cheers
Jim Read more
Cool ! Solar energy uses energy that has already been released
from the Sun. Geothermic energy uses energy that is stored and
maintains the earths core temperature but I guess stealing some of
that will do less damage than other fuel sources we rely
on. Regards Peter
Nope, if they were cool, it wouldn't work...;-)
I want to take out breakdown cover for when I go abroad at the end of May, but all the companies require me to have a credit card to gain a hire car if needed, does any BR know of any company that doesn't reqire me to have a credit card? (I've never had nor desire a credit card!) Read more
I would ask your bank if they provide breakdown cover. My own the HSBC give breakdown cover along with other benefits in one of their schemes. All normal UK add-ons such as accomodation, recovery and hire car.
I would think all banks provide a similar scheme.
They say regarding the hire car 'If Green Flag arrange a hire caryou will have to keep to the terms and conditions of the hire company, and pay any deposit the hire company asks for'.
I was looking at a 2nd hand Charade I was interested in buying. One thing I noticed was that when the engine was started from cold it discharged some black looking water from the exhaust. This was only on start-up and then ceased. Could this be a serious problem. I've never noticed this on any cars I have owned
Read more
Thnx for your reply
Have just bought a radio adaptor kit for my i-Pod, it plays your music through an FM channel. There is a (very) small warning on the box that says "may not be legal to use in UK".
Is this true, does anyone know? If so, why? Setting up a playlist before getting in the car and pressing play has to be safer than messing with cassettes, CDs and radio channels, surely?
Can any of the fine intelligent folk here tell me? Read more
Ofcom are about to change the law on FM i-pod player transmitters and similar devices.
They also plan to deregulate CB if anyone's interested!
www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2006/07/nr_20060714b
It's done 218000 miles and it's time for another timing belt change, but perhaps I should get rid of it. It runs fine no major faults. It has never had a clutch change though and the alternator's done about 140,000 miles, the water pump about 90,000 miles. There could be expensive jobs approaching this year and therefore it really isn't worth spending spending on it. Should I risk spending £130 on having the belt changed and hang on to it for another 12000 miles? Read more
Thanks people excellent advice. I'll take my time looking for another motor and forget the belt. If it snaps or I bin the car when I get a replacement I'll post the mileage
I'm looking for a newish supermini (02 on) with a reasonable amount of space for carrying stuff around. Maximum 1.2 litre for insurance purposes. My dad suggests the new Fiesta, and I like it a lot, but have seen brand new Kia Picantos at under 5k. What do you think, any suggestions?
Dont like Punto, Clio or 206. Read more
Corsa 1.2 SXI.
Looking on the shelves I can only find price guides that start from 1997 models. I thought there was an older car price guide but can't find it, does it exist? Read more
Looking on the shelves I can only find price guides that
start from 1997 models. I thought there was an older
car price guide but can't find it, does it exist?
The Parker's website has an "older cars" section going back to 1989, but you have to pay for access. I was under the impression they also did a separate magazine for older cars, but they don't seem to (any more).
Hi:
I have had a lot of running problems with this car but I have now ran out of ideas!!. The car was running really poor and I have now completed the following: Service including new plugs/leads. New crank shaft sensor. New exhust complete including cat. Timming checked and all comprestion test which came back ok.
Although the car is running a lot better than it was, I still have a lack of power. This is worse in 1st and 2nd gears. I also have a certain amount of juddering/missing only slightly now and again.
Has anyone any idea what I try next? I keep chasing the error but not getting very far!
Many Thanks
Stef Read more
www.candrenterprises.co.uk/
Not to far from you (Nottingham) and Steve knows his stuff.
Hi All.
Does anyone know of known issues with intermittent starting problems with Accents (1.5 CDX 2001 30,000 miles) ?
For no apparent reason, the car sometimes won't start ... leave it for maybe half and hour and it starts.
The problem doesn't appear to have a pattern. It cranks very fast but it's like there's no spark or petrol.
I've tried the tips from Hyundai like only putting the key in to start the car (immobiliser design fault ?) but it doesn't help.
It will probably be Ok for two weeks but will then do it again just when you need it most.
Reluctant to pay a lot at a garage for them to start changing things with no effect apart from an empty wallet.
How can you test for an intermittent problem ?
If anyone has experienced this, please let me know !
Cheers. Read more
No not yet. Will be going in next week.
Do you know how to find the crank shaft sensor ?
I'd do it, as if it goes, you can guarantee it will be at the least convenient time and place and noone will have the correct belt at the time etc...
Don't let failure dictate your replacement and maintenance schedule.