March 2008
I have accidentally disconnected a clear thin plastic hose, 7 mm o/d, 380mm length, having a black plastic elbow connector on one end. The end (approx 50mm) without the connector, is blackened with carbon or oil deposits. The hose was located in the centre section of the engine compartment where the battery is located. I think the hose may relate to the operation of the fuel consumption computer, which now fluctuates erratically. Can anyone explain where/how I should reinstall the hose? Thanks.
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I've just changed the in tank fuel pump after it failed and fuel filter. I've read horror stories of the high pressure pump failing and being costly. Am I at risk of this?
its done 180,000 miles but still feels smooth. Its due for an mot and requires a new rack and maybe clutch but i dont want to spend money on it if its going to cost loads for a pump
{year/engine details added in (found via forum search - points to those 3 separate requests that ask for it to be included - DD} Read more
I've replaced tens of tank pumps on Peugeot HDi engine'd vehicles and have only had to replace ONE HP pump.
I don't think you need worry.
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
The modern car is complex. So complex that many of us would no longer attempt to do more than the most basic of maintenance on them for fear of making an expensive error or simply because it just looks too hard. Now I know that many good features have been incorporated into the most humble of production cars in recent years but in turn the technology involved has alienated all but the most determined of home tinkerers.
Conversely, I can recall as a young lad being able, with the most basic of tools, to virtually strip down and rebuild my early cars if I chose. Now I pretty much stop at filling the washer bottle !
I think there could be quite a following for a modern day "simple" car. Think of a 21st century Mk1 Escort to get an idea of what I mean. Kept as straightforward as possible within the confines of modern regulations but with the advantage of perhaps galvanised components or the judicious use of fibreglass panels etc. surely it should still be possible to produce a car that could be worked on domestically. There was a great deal of satisfaction in having "fixed" your car on a Saturday afternoon and still having it back together again in time to go out that night.
If the Backroom were to be given the brief of contributing the critical ingredients to a design team for such a car what would be on the list of requirements and why ?
To start things off my tuppence worth would include --
Rear wheel drive - simplicity of layout, ease of engine access when longitudinally mounted, practicality of non-assisted steering when not coupled to FWD system ( oh yes ..and more fun )
Modular interior trim - In other words eveything should be removable / replaceable with no more than a screwdriver and a socket set.
No carpets - just removable rubber matting
Wind up windows
An engine you just put "oil" in having only had to establish if it is suitable for cars or bikes !
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I don`t want to go back to following cars emitting puffs of smoke like old Fred used to do in team meetings with his pipe 30 years ago...
Followed an old diesel from the bygone era recently and shut the cabin external air supply off even though it was two cars in front. Remember your car headlining getting grimy after years in the `traffic of the day`?
Think I will stick with modern emission systems. I wouldn`t have said that a while back but just returned from the petro chemical smog of Hongkong.
hi there folks.....before i start, i DON'T have a porsche......But i do have a part from one, which im trying to get some help with.....im hoping one of you lovely people can help.
Its the cold side of a turbocharger....part number is 5324 101 5075....i understand it to be a kkk26 from a 993/911 turbo - prob 3.6L 6 pot, 1995-1999 ish
Can someone confirm any of these details.....to explain......im building a hybrid turbo, and im very happy to say its now build, and will be offering me a HUGE increase over the std item..... the main problem is, i can't find a actuator bracket to fit it.....im hoping if i can confirm the car/turbo setup, i can find a oem actator bracket....to which i can adapt a -31 cosworth actuator to.
For reference, this is a kkk16 - from the C20LET vauxhall engine.....its only the cold side im having problems with
Pictures
www.the-duignans.co.uk/tub/2.JPG
www.the-duignans.co.uk/kkk1.JPG
www.the-duignans.co.uk/kkk2.JPG
www.the-duignans.co.uk/kkk3.JPG
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Hi, I have a 2001 '51' Civic Sport SE and the air con has stopped working. I've owned the car for 4 months and had it re-gassed when I bought it as the air con wasn't blowing very cold. It worked for a while but gradually stopped. The garage that re-gassed it for me put some dye in the air con system to see if there was a leak somewhere. I'm taking it back next Saturday for them to look at, but I've recently read on this forum about an extended warranty by Honda for the aircon on Civic's. Anyone know if my car would be covered if it's year of manufacture is 2001? Regards
{3 separate requests missed, so I'll add the year for you - DD} Read more
Hi I have a 2001 '51' Civic Sport SE and the air con has stopped working.
snipquote
I have just successfully arranged for a free fix on my 52 '03 model (note the year, 03 Reg + 3 years standard warranty + 3 years extended = Jan 2009, so was eligible under this scheme - but you could try your luck - after all if it is this particular fault (corrosion on a condenser or something) then it is a manufacturing issue and they didn't exactly go out of their way to make it public, I only found out on Honest John.
Just had a chance to try the new Subaru Diesel, in an Outback. Very surprised at how long it took to warm up, even after idling for some minutes outside the dealers (why?). Didn't feel much heat from the heater either. Much depends on this long-awaited engine. Hope its going to be ok. Read more
........... it is well known that an efficient diesel takes a very
long time to warm up.
That's no good on a cold frosty morning when the windows are all iced up and the inside of the car is at ambient air temperature.
Hi
Can somebody tell me if I am understanding the road tax mess ?
I am now looking for another car but if I buy another 2ltr after 2001 I will have to pay more tax as it is the size of the engine that they are taxing .
But if it is before 2001 like my old car it is done on the emissions test . £190 ?
So if I want cheaper road tax I would have to look for a small engine sized car 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 or 1.8 or do they change and it would be from 2005.
would it matter for road tax if the car was petrol or diesel ? Read more
Just read in a car mag. I50g/km will attract £30 of road tax and 130g/km will attract zero from 2010. Seems that older cars of 2000 vintage will miss the hike in road tax. I reckon we will be studying road tax bands very carefully. There again there could be some bargains on larger cars impossible to resist!
When I come back to blighty for a visit, I need to stop the lights dazzling. But my lights (Isuzu D-Max 2008) are those funny ones like a Ford Puma - clear lens, no reflector, and the bulb sits behind a sort of round glass ball. So how do I convert them for driving on the left?
I spoke to Isuzu here and they didn't seem to understand what I was talking about. Read more
I'll do that, thanks for the info. I'm driving down to Calais, then taking the tunnel. I've got 4 dogs, so it's easier to take the quickest/easiest crossing. It's 1000 miles, and takes about 30 hours door to door with a few hours kip along the way.
My aunt and uncle have just purchased a 56 plate Octavia. In about a month's time they are going to drive (leisurely) to their villa in Bulgaria where they will stay till Oct and come back.
Their route has been dictated by what countries their insurance will cover them for!
Anyway, I suggested that they should maybe consider buying an in-car "safe" for keeping documents, valuables in as they are in effect going to take 4 weeks to travel there.
Anyone bought such a thing? I remember seeing ones advertised for storing sat navs in but not sure if they bolt down or were secured by a secure loop.
Any advice will be much appreciated. Read more
They could go to all the trouble of finding and welding a "strongbox" into thier car, then have some "un-savoury" type nick the car, and they would still lose them.
A better idea would to put all valuble docs etc into a "money-belt" type garment and keep them on thier person when the car is left un-attended.
Billy
i just got a mg zs 2002 and i have noticed that the fuel gauge is a bit dodgey. one min its on the 1/4 mark and the next its in the red.... is it a common prob or does it look like i may need a new sender unit ?? Read more
I'd agree - lower down the gauge on the 400/45/ZS the reading can become a little wayward!
Nothing to worry about.
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
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Thanks Screwloose, your a star! Your rapid diagnosis is spot on. I obviously disconnected the hose when removing the old battery - has always been straightforward on my previous cars, but a bit of a pig on this passat. Come to think of it, I have never come across a battery vent hose before. Thanks again.