August 2006
I have a long term oil leak on my car. It isn't huge, just a few drips each time on standing, but enough to make a mess on the drive.
The leak is on the rear face of the engine and appears to be below head gasket level. Because of the sloping installation of the engine, it's impossible to see, from above, where the leak might be. I'm hoping that someone can give me some guidance before I get out my spanners and dismantle everything in sight - or, rather, not in sight, on that side of the engine!
Thanks in advance.
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Apologies if this should be in the "discussion" forum, or my title is confusing.
A few months ago when I took daughter's car to the local independent for a query he was good enough to consult his "expert" system to locate a relay, and analyse time to find and replace it. You professionals will be familar with the sort of system I refer to. The sort of thing you will routinely consult before estimating a job.
Very expensive, and impressive. 3 dimensional display of vehicle, and summary of work including time required. All technical data for every component you could wish for. Covered wide range of vehicles, and updated quarterly.
I was so impressed I emailed the maker and queried whether they supply the same information on a one-off basis for a particular car, as it seemed far more useful than the usual Haynes manual. They did not respond to my email.
Has anyone made similar enquiries, but with more success? Read more
Thanks for the replies.
Car model does not really matter, but it was a 1995 Punto diesel (looks like a Punto but sounds like 2 skeletons having sex in a filing cabinet)
No, it certainly was not a pirate video. The cost of the quarterly DVD would buy me a replacement motor.
No it was not Autodata, but along those lines. Not just how to do it, but times, 3d views etc.
Hi, my Seat Ibiza has developed a strange clunking sound at the rear lefthand side which occurs when going over potholes and speedbumps. Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts or suggestions about where to take it. Also - while we're on the subject it's a reshaped end of 99 'S' model by the way - it's got a very stupid red screen which gives info about the radio/cassette and heating/fan which turns itself on all the time so we have to remove a fuse from under the steering wheel whenever we get out! I understand it may be a short in a metal box (stop me if I am getting too technical) behind the screen, so an electrics specialist would be useful too! Thanks! Read more
Hi, my Seat Ibiza has developed a strange clunking sound at
the rear lefthand side which occurs when going over potholes and
speedbumps.
Might be worn suspension bushes, those are the classic symptoms.
Do car chassi (?!) suffer from metal fatigue? I read somewhere that spotwelds can even fail as cars age.
Can a chassis literally 'fail' after x years or will it last forever if washed and kept rust free etc? Read more
No-one yet mentioned Fords and the famous failures where the tops of the mcpherson struts were mounted, or the bulkhead where the clutch cable went through
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
I have a Seat Alhambra Mk1 20V turbo. The aircon display unit reset every time the ignition is turned on. I have the two lives plus the two ignition lives to the unit along with two earths.
The aircon is not blowing cold but this may just need topping up. I want to sort the electrics out before paying for regasing.
Am I missing any live feeds, could the unit not be holding memory, is there a fuse in the dash unit, has anyone seen this fault before.
Any help please.
Steve.
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If low gas was the cause, then it won't be long before the display is flashing again.
As the price of petrol climbs inexorably toward £1 a litre, I have decided it is now time to part with my beloved Subaru Impreza Turbo. I would very much appreciate the BR's opinions on what to replace it with.
Performance, handling and reliability are priorities. Badge and status are irrelevant.
I drive over 15k miles per year, so a Diesel seems to make sense. If my next car returns 45mpg, i will save £1300 a year on fuel alone. A no brainer.
I don't need a big car, something Golf sized would be ideal, certainly no bigger. Aircon and a decent sound system are essentials.
I would prefer a car still in manufacturer's warranty and with under 50k miles. My budget is approx £10-11k.
I am considering a Seat Leon Cupra TDI.
Any other ideas?
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I agree with TVM.
A late model Leon 150 TDi Cupra is an excellent replacement - with many options for tuning and suspension modification to make it go and handle better. Check out SEAT Cupra.net if you haven't already.
Be sure to get one for a good price however as the new 170 FR looks to be a worthy successor and will knock the value of the old model. Personally I stil prefer the old model shape and interior (A3 based).
My lowly 110 TDi (unchipped) feels stronger and faster than its specification, and I would have no hesitation replacing it for the Cupra.
Go for a metallic colour like silver, as the black and Extreme Blue (like mine) chip and mark easily.
Steve
is there a difference between 'power steering' and 'power assisted steering' ? Read more
Large cherry pickers have hydraulic steering.
Steve.
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Xantia HDi.
Buy a Citroen and get to know the local GSF staff better...
I've recently seen pictures of this. It will debut at Sept's Paris show.
Although it must be extremely similar to other MPV's, like Zafira for example, it somehow looks really good. I also assume that, like other C4's, it will also be extremely cheap!
Funny really, now the kids have grown up, I really fancy an MPV!
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The best thing about the C4 Picasso is that it is going to have self-levelling air suspension at the rear. Shame its not a full-on Citroen hydropneumatic system.
Speaking as the former owner of a Synergie and the current owner of a C8, I could never understand why PSA didn't build these cars with hydropneumatic suspension (C5 and 407 share same platform but with different suspensions), or even allow the other badged vehicles to have the 'Citroen' suspension. The problem with all MPVs is that their conventional suspension is a compromise between load-lugging and comfort. With hydropneumatic you have no such compromises.
Fit C8s/807s/Ulysees with hydropneumatic and they would have a major advantage over their competitiors. Self-levelling rear suspension will give the C4 Picasso a major selling point over Zafiras, Scenics, etc. and will justify the high (for a Citroen in the UK) selling price.
The massive windscreen looks good, too.
Not a loophole we have over here then.....
www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1935225.html?menu=ne...e
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Being disabled with the highest rate for mobility component of DLA I do not pay road tax (VED or whatever it's called this week)
BUT there are limitations:
The vehicle has to be used for the benefit of the disabled person (me).
I.E. missus can go shopping in it on her own if she is, for example, collecting a perscription for me at the same time.
HOWEVER she couldn't drive to work in it as that doesn't benefit me (people do argue the point that earning money benefits the whole family including the disabled person but it is a 'grey' aera).
Also I have just discovered (whilst ordering a new Yaris) that by registering the vehicle as disabled tax class on first registration, the £38.00 first registration fee is waived.
Add to this that the fitting of my wheelchair hoist before I take delivery of my new car (the fitting carried out by a 3rd party and billed on the vehicle supply invoice) makes the car VAT exempt as well!
(Got a higher spec for less money than the base model OTR price!)
Sorry to go 'off topic' a bit but the relief is out there if you 'qualify'.
Does anyone know whether the new vvt engine vx are using is a big improvement on the old one, and what are the benefits of it? thanks Read more
Lucky you .... but wait for all the other non-Vauxhall suggestions that will inevitably come along this evening! I'm not normally a great fan of mid-life facelifts but Vauxhall seem to have done a really good job with the Vectra's recent re-vamp.
Browse
I have managed to solve part of the problem. A part was not refitted properly by a garage!. The remainder of the leak is the head gasket, but will live with it and sort protection for a 'drip area' on the drive.
Thank you all for your contributions and help.
Mair