August 2008

Mapmaker

All I've worked out is that it's not what I imagined it to be, which was applying stickers, go-faster stripes and the like.

So what does it mean?

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Baskerville

Oh you're right. I'm cancelling the window cleaner immediately.

Mapmaker

I was (un)loading the car this morning which was on a residents' parking space (on the road). As I returned to the car and drove off, I noticed a traffic warden 15' from the car scribbing on his pad.

No doubt I am in for a ticket, but is loading permitted on residents' parking spaces?
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b308

Kiddy, at least thats what I thought they were doing - they had a book and go round the limited time road parking making a note of numbers than later on go back and check them... how do the others do it then?!

skorpio

As a car driver for over 20 years and someone who cycles to work everyday come rain or shine, I experience a fair few close shaves with motorists. What really rags me are car drivers who still insist on overtaking me when I'm almost in the middle of the road with my arm stuck out signalling to turn right on a mini roundabout.

What part of a right turn signal don't they get? How far over would I have to be before the idiot car driver would decide to stop trying to pass me and wait until I'd turned?

What thought process (assuming said driver has a brain) is being played out which makes that person think its ok for them to pass me whilst I'm signalling?

They wouldn't get away with it if I was in a car or on a motorbike but for some reason their tiny brains think: Cyclist. He doesn't count as a proper road user so therefore I can do whatever the hell I like. I'll speed up, squeeze past and then I'll get to work 1 minute earlier.

It's like some motorists are simply on auto pilot in the morning and all they can think of is getting their personal transport device into work as quickly as possible with no thought for other road users!

So if you fancy your doors being dented and being sued following a personal injury claim, just overtake whenever you see a right turn signal.

p.s Yes I wear a helmet. Yes I wear a bright green hi-vis jacket. Read more

Mapmaker

I think cyclists in London are out to terrify drivers. When you set off from a set of lights with twenty cyclists around you - to the left, right, before and behind - it's terrifying as a driver.

RobertyBob

I greased Mrs RobertyBob's hinges yesterday... or at least those on her Ford Fiesta. I noticed that my trusty, one pound (weight) tin of Shell Retinex 'A' was down to about 20%.

I must have bought the tin around 1970 to grease the six universal joints in the drive line on my Triumph 2000.

I realise that grease technology will have moved on but the old stuff is good enough for hinges and locks. It must have cost all of 2/6d at the time and will hopefully outlast me.

Do other BRs still use consumables from the quandam days? Read more

cheddar

Got some old Duckhams grease circa late 70's >>


I have had a look, it is LB10, anyone know anything about it?
Archie

I have water collecting in the passenger footwell after periods of heavy rain. I have looked under the plastic scuttle under the bonnet and there does not appear to be a build up of leaves or sludge. I assume that the water is supposed to drain away by the bonnet hinge into the wing, but this appears to be clear. Have I missed something obvious? Read more

Wolfan

Has it ever had the windscreen replaced? I had a mk111 Cavalier that had the screen replaced by a well known company and when they removed it they damaged the paint around the apperture which rotted and allowed water to enter the car which eventualy rotted the floor, unfortunately this took place over a long period of time so I had no redress from the company.

fin2020

I read recently that VW are to launch the Mk6 Golf next year and as such wish to PX my 2004 Mk5 (1.9 TDI SE) to get the maximum price. I want to upgrade to an 04/54 Audi A3 (probably the 2.0TDI SE approx 50k); however I've just checked and read that similarly, Audi are to launch a new version next year. What is your view on how revamped models effect residual prices? Will I get better value on a A3 if I wait until the new version hits the streets next year? Read more

fin2020

Ok, maybe not upgrade but change! What would you suggest for a 9k budget then?

Pat13151

I have a 2001 Chrysler Voyager. 6 months ago my drivers side window started working slow then quit. Tried a new master switch it didn't work the drivers window either. Spent 100.00 to have it diagnosed and was told it was the motor. Couldn't afford a new one so drove with the window up argggg!!!!!! Recently the power window locks started working intermittently and now the vents and passenger window too. Was told it could be the power window relay but I don't know where it's hidden. I'm on a fixed income and have very little money add to that the fact that I'm a woman and you can see the problem. A lot of mechanics will tell you anything and take your money figuring you're a woman and won't know any better. Does anyone know where the window relay is hidden? it's not in the fuse box under the hood. Also could it be a short? Help!!! I'm getting ready to beat my head against the wall...lol Read more

MerlinTec

Hi
The windows are powered by the accessory relay in the IP module (fuse box under the bonnet) but the motors are a known problem and most likely your fault with the window. not sure what you are saying about your other faults can you tell me more?

sunbeamer

Not sure if this topic has been discussed before, but for a £349.00 kit www.convertnow.co.uk claim to give 50% fuel savings on petrol and diesel engines. Anyone know of an indepenent test for this? Any harmful effects on the engine? Is this another case of snake oil? Has anyone on this forum tried it? Read more

Number_Cruncher

>>(for example, what ?transmits? gravity, IIRC?)

Quite true tunacat. Working in support of scientists who are looking at exactly this problem is what has been providing some humble meals in the NC household for the last few years. SWMBO, however, has a proper job, and is responsible for the odd feast!

How gravity travels, and what happens to gravitational attraction at very small seperations are two currently unknown aspects of gravity, and provide ways to test both the inverse square law, and the existence of Gravitational Waves, which were a prediction resulting from the General Theory of Relativity.

The difference between this work, and the electrolysis machines is that testable theories exist, which can, although with difficulty, be verified. Testing the veracity of the electrolysis claims are, by comparison, child's play. That the tests haven't been done allows only the obvious conclusion to be drawn.

The NASA research is quite interesting, although, thanks to political meddling, it represents a dead end. The addition of hydrogen could provide more stable flame initiation, and enable an engine to run further into the lean burn regime (even accounting properly for the extra hydrogen fuel) without the misfiring, and cyclic dispersion which normally affects engines running lean. Of course, such an engine would produce NOx, which, owing to the excess oxygen in the exhaust could not easily be reduced.


Alby Back

Just a quickie, found out about an hour ago that I have to be in Somerset v-early ( 07.30 ) tomorrow. Can't be bothered to set off from Cheshire now so will just get up early. Normally I use the M6 toll to get past Brum in a morning but as I'm heading towards the M5 the more direct route would be down the "old" M6. Is the traffic likely to be OK between 4.45 and 5.15 AM ? Or should I still use the toll. Can't afford to be late. Fairly important meeting scheduled.

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Alby Back

Apols for the schoolboy humour PU. Stressy couple of days and steam appears from nowhere sometimes !

Re the Mondeo. Interested that you quite liked it. Petrol or diesel ? You know that thing ( or is it just me ? ) where it takes a while to get used to the general shape of a new model and for a while you prefer the old one ? I admit to having had that feeling from Cortinas through Sierras early Mondeo's etc.

Thing is, the new Mondeo has been around a while now. I just can't like it yet. It would have to be a stunning drive to make up for it. Maybe it is.

mr k

hi there, have any of you experienced a tapping noise at all rev ranges on a tdi a4, its had new tappets, new head gasket, all the main/big end bearings removed and inspected to be found ok, a friend of mine has run out of ideas? Read more