June 2009
I think we will go back to to the Normandy beach areas in September - but when is the best time to miss all the UK and French Holidays?
We went around 23rd of September last time - but is it as quiet as that at the beginning or middle of September?
We seem to have always gone around 23rd Sept and also around 10th May - but once went another time (can`t remember when) and were swamped with screaming kids on the ferry.
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Can anybody help? I get this constant whining noise from the passenger seat when travelling. It appears to be at it's worse when my wife is sat next to me. Any ideas? Read more
Got it in one Lud. Sorry guys, I was just having a go at the missus with this one.
i have a 1.6 petrol ghia with no compression on 1 cylinder.i also have lying about an engine out of a 1.4 focus.does anyon know if this will be a straightforward swap or am i best finding another engine.is it worth stripping my 1.6 as somebody told me you cant rebuild them. thanks in advance dave Read more
thanks for all the advice eveyone.looks like its burnt an exhaust valve will keep you updated .cheers dave
hi doing a engine swap does anyone done one before what i really need to know whats the best way to take it out ?out from the top or drop it out with subframe etc.any ideas would be welcome thanks in advance
{'txt' talk substituted for proper words as you're not restricted to how many words you can use here} Read more
Drop the whole lot out the bottom in one go including subframe. Word of warning! the carp design that attach the hoses to the rad! replace with new hoses at whatever the cost! once they have been disturbed they blow off when you least expect it!
its not too bad a job but heavey & time consuming. Do a clutch while its all apart.
Take car replacing off side drive shaft into g/box housing as there is a plastic speedo drive that fractures really easy
drivers were revving the nuts off them parking them on the quayside then sprinting back
to get another one. They must have been paid per car.
It would put me off buying a new one.......
I'm not sure this is a bad thing - we bought a new boat last year, and run-in instructions with the 115hp engine was to use maximum revs for 1 minute in 10, for the first few hours!
I think the problem is if you rev a new engine for long periods, which allows excessive heat creation due to the tightness of a new engine - a short fast burst helps it bed in properly
MVP
Talk about Rip off Britain
Just looked up the cost of the cambelt and water pump change for my 130 TDI passat in France.
Total cost = ?877 (including TTC(VAT)) at the local VW dealer in the Charente!!
Checked with Gilbert Lawton in Manchester, they quoted £395 plus £30 for the water pump including VAT.
No prizes for guessing where it will get done!
{subject header amended to give a clue as to what the discussion is} Read more
Negotiate isn't a word with a French equivalent. They just don't understand what it even means. It's a cultural thing.
tinyurl.com/ndplsc
I wonder what they regret most, the fact that allegedly speeding motorists have escaped the prospect of prosecution or the fact that a nice wedge in fine money has been lost ? Read more
and another one
tinyurl.com/lgycjy
Never has a law been acted out in such a haphazard, anything goes way, than that surrounding the operation of speed cameras and the resultant prosecutions.
My N/S front door won't open. The central locking works (button goes up and down as usual), but the door won't budge!!! Any ideas on how I can open it? T.I.A Andy Read more
GOt it sorted. Good kick from the inside and loads of WD40!!!!
In particular, when pushing back the brake piston.
In recent years I have adopted a technique, particularly with cars equipped with ABS, that prevents flow of hyrdaulic fluid back up the hydraulic system, as I'm led to believe this can damage the ABS.
It's simple really, I put a hose clamp on the flexi, open the bleed valve then push back the piston.
The reason I ask is that I have suggested this simple procedure on another forum dedicated to Fiats and have had an avalanche of replies suggesting it's not necessary.
What's the expert opinion on this site? Read more
I wedge the brake pedal down with a cricket bat - adjust the driver's seat to suit. This is quicker than clamping a hose and does not cause damage.
It's a very bad idea to allow any form of contaminated fluid to flow into an ABS unit. By keeping the general flow of fluid in the system "outwards", cleaner fluid with a higher boiling point is kept where it is needed - in the calipers. The point about keeping the bleed screws free is also very valid - I wrap a small amount of PTFE tape around bleed screws fitted to iron calipers.
659.
Somehow managed to book a weekend away this weekend in Newton Abbot and now realise that its Glastonbury.
I need an alternative route than A303 as I am travelling on Friday afteroon, and this cannot be changed. Considered M4 and M5 but think this might also be affected by Glastonbury traffic.
Anyone know what the A31 via Dorchester is like as a road? Is it similar to A303 in being a fast A road?
Thanks
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Whilst in Newton Abbot, get yourself in to the Locomotive in East Steet for Sunday lunch. The pub's hardly salubrious but you won't get a better roast dinner in N A and at £5.50 it's a steal - the afters is a bit dear though - £2.....for fresh fruit and ice cream!!! See you in there.
Browse
Honfleur is a delightful, if slightly touristy. fishing port, just across a very large toll bridge over the Seine, South from Le Havre. Google for images and you will see how nice it looks.