Search found 316 matches

by Rolebama
Sun Nov 23, 2014 12:05 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What would you do?
Replies: 39
Views: 19594

Re: What would you do?

For many years I ran the oldest car in the area. I had a carb and a set of points and the only electronics were in the radio/cd. I know it upset some of the neighbours to see my older car sitting outside, yet it was probably the best-maintained car in the area. What really got to them though, was th...
by Rolebama
Sat Nov 22, 2014 11:09 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: What would you do?
Replies: 39
Views: 19594

Re: What would you do?

I would be inclined to spend the money and get the Mondeo sorted. It will last another few years, and it will give you breathing space to save a bit. Regardless of how old a used car is, I think we all know that there is a possibility it could turn into a money pit during the first few months of own...
by Rolebama
Thu Nov 20, 2014 11:21 am
Forum: Engine, Clutch and Transmission
Topic: Topping up the coolant
Replies: 9
Views: 5337

Re: Topping up the coolant

The chances are that you have lost antifreeze. It has a higher 'creep' capability than water, so in the event of a very slow loss, it is probably the antifreeze that has 'escaped'. If you had to replace more than half a litre, I would be inclined to have the strength tested. Everybody keeps telling ...
by Rolebama
Wed Nov 19, 2014 10:08 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: When should you change PAS fluid?
Replies: 12
Views: 6632

Re: When should you change PAS fluid?

The ability to work at 100bar is a bit of a misleading comment as the system rarely works that hard. Maybe if you tried to turn the steering with both wheels stuck somehow you would generate that pressure, but probably don't even come close in day-to-day usage.
by Rolebama
Tue Nov 18, 2014 1:37 pm
Forum: Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels and Tyres
Topic: new disks and pads still poor efficiency
Replies: 13
Views: 11649

Re: new disks and pads still poor efficiency

FWIW, i put new pads and discs on my 306 and they were rubbish. Between London Colney on the A414 and the M25 (J21A) there are three roundabouts, the M25 being the fourth. I was driving at around 70mph, and slowing for the roundabouts until I came to the M25, at which point the brakes faded to the p...
by Rolebama
Tue Nov 18, 2014 1:27 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: When should you change PAS fluid?
Replies: 12
Views: 6632

Re: When should you change PAS fluid?

I have never changed PAS fluid. After all, it isn't subjected to particularly high pressures. The only checks I know of (apart from level checks), is to get a drop on a piece of kitchen roll and after it has soaked in, check the colour and for any particles. (Which usually indicate component wear). ...
by Rolebama
Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:53 am
Forum: Pug pictures
Topic: Anyone else noticed the number of users on this forum?
Replies: 12
Views: 25587

Re: Anyone else noticed the number of users on this forum?

Personally, I only ever did up my cars for myself. Other people may have been impressed, or they may have had negative thoughts about what I did.
by Rolebama
Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:41 am
Forum: Electrical System and Diagnostics
Topic: 12 volt feed that works thru ignition accessory switch.
Replies: 13
Views: 11219

Re: 12 volt feed that works thru ignition accessory switch.

I would not advise using an existing feed for a second cigarette lighter. You could piggy back from your radio to a relay to fire up a second socket, but I still think it would be easier to use the original lighter power supply and run a relay to both lighters.
by Rolebama
Sun Nov 16, 2014 12:09 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Had my car TerraClean'd
Replies: 15
Views: 10209

Re: Had my car TerraClean'd

The last garage I worked at, the owner was an ex-BMW mechanic and he had a similar machine for petrols. I have to say that at first I was very sceptical, but after it had been used on a couple of older 3 series, I was decidedly impressed. FWIW, I was running a 50/50 mix veg oil on the 306, and the e...
by Rolebama
Sun Nov 16, 2014 11:56 am
Forum: Engine, Clutch and Transmission
Topic: Hydrolock!
Replies: 6
Views: 4288

Re: Hydrolock!

During my time with the AA, we always removed glowplugs. After removing them, turn the engine over at least twice with a spanner on crankshaft nut before spinning on the key. Either remove and dry the filter before refitting or replace with a new one. The air filter trunking will also have water, so...
by Rolebama
Sun Nov 16, 2014 11:49 am
Forum: Electrical System and Diagnostics
Topic: 12 volt feed that works thru ignition accessory switch.
Replies: 13
Views: 11219

Re: 12 volt feed that works thru ignition accessory switch.

FWIW, on a previous car I fitted a cigarettle lighter socket in the back. I ran the original feed wire to a relay, and a fused live from the battery to both lighter sockets via the relay. I am not sure that the ignition switch would take an extra socket as most of what it does power is already relay...
by Rolebama
Sun Nov 16, 2014 11:38 am
Forum: Pug pictures
Topic: Anyone else noticed the number of users on this forum?
Replies: 12
Views: 25587

Re: Anyone else noticed the number of users on this forum?

When I first bought my 406 I had a look around for relevant Forums and found four. This one was by far the most active. One of the negatives I have noticed on some Forums is that as the cars become older and more 'affordable', so the number of younger members, who only want to know how to make them ...
by Rolebama
Sun Nov 16, 2014 11:31 am
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Energy Efficient Lighting
Replies: 25
Views: 9878

Re: Energy Efficient Lighting

Welly, the dimmables I referred to are CFLs, the 'straight' type with with 2 U elements. A friend saw them in Homebase, (Hayes, Middx branch) and told me about them. I bought two to try them, but they only lasted about 18 months.
by Rolebama
Thu Nov 13, 2014 12:35 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Energy Efficient Lighting
Replies: 25
Views: 9878

Re: Energy Efficient Lighting

We have been using CFLs for nearly 25yrs now, and I have to say that they are now much better than they were. The coiled ones are, as has been said, much better than 'straight' ones, but not only in light output, but they don't seem to have to warm up before giving their optimal light. The original ...
by Rolebama
Mon Nov 10, 2014 12:48 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: Headtorches
Replies: 11
Views: 7041

Re: Headtorches

I must admit I have been impressed with some of the headlamps some of my friends use. Having said that, they don't compete with the underfloor lighting we had in the last garage I worked in.