Car D.I.Y.

[raleighnut]

The TU3 series of engines seem to thrive on revs. They're not a refined engine by any means but they really rev out and appreciate being driven like that. I've hot 60 in 3rd often but have never tried for any more although it would do more. I suspect the 1124cc engine would safely rev a little higher than the 1360cc as they usually find the extra capacity by lengthening the stroke.

It is the one thing that I noticed in the Skoda (the 3 cylinder 1200cc engine) is that it just doesn't want to rev. It's all about low down torque which can be relaxing in some circumstances but I would prefer a wider power band. VW seem to have made a small petrol engine with the power characteristics of a N/A diesel I suppose it's easier driven around town.

Nah Pams had the earlier 'X' engine that was laid nearly flat with the rocker cover right at the back against the bulkhead, you had to do the exhaust clearances by feel as you couldn't actually see them and getting the cover back on without damaging the rubber seal/gasket was a nightmare and if it leaked the oil went straight onto the exhaust manifold DAMHIKT.

 

[fossyant]

My car is due it's MOT. Checked the last one and I've done 3000 miles this year. Usual is 7000-8000 (Wales trips).

Anyway, the front shock gaiters have 'vanished'. They haven't been in good nick for a long time. Pulled what was left off (not much), checked shock, all looked OK. Got new gaiters, cut them, popped over shock, then used two cable ties to keep in place, whilst I glued them back together. Wasn't pulling the suspension to bits to fit.

 

[fossyant]

Son is just finishing replacing the front suspension bushes. The FAG ones we ordered have compressed leaving a 5mm gap with the top cap (only fitted in November). Replaced with upgraded poly bushes. Downside is one of the bolts on a drop link snapped on removal so I'll run him to Eurocarparts in the morning.

 

[cosmicbike]

Cross posting with the Volvo thread, I repaired both the heated front seats on my 240 this morning. Looking forward to warm bum motoring

 

[fossyant]

Cross posting with the Volvo thread, I repaired both the heated front seats on my 240 this morning. Looking forward to warm bum motoring

Both now...

 

[fossyant]

Son is also doing pad change, oil, plugs etc tomorrow. Then needs to get two new front tyres (that I bought via ebay) on pronto as one front is very near the limit.

 

[fossyant]

Ran my son for parts. New anti-roll bar drop links fitted, oil change, filter and spark plugs done. The Brembo pads that we picked up were the wrong size (blooming Europarts) so took them back and exchanged them for some other Brembo's on 'the parts list'. Whilst there picked up a piston push back tool as my son had to remove his calipers to change pads - I just undo one bolt on mine and flip them up, and can use a bar to push the piston back. He's just re-fitting the wheels now. Tomorrow's job is off to the garage to swap the tyres over.

 

[Adam4868]

Don't know about anybody else but I find Eurocarparts expensive now.I get barely anything from them.Maybe use them as a price guide at best.Thats even with a mechanics supposed mates rate.Far cheaper places around me

 

[gbb]

Don't know about anybody else but I find Eurocarparts expensive now.I get barely anything from them.Maybe use them as a price guide at best.Thats even with a mechanics supposed mates rate.Far cheaper places around me

I agree, I had some terrible service from them, vowed not to go back and since then, comparing prices, even Halfords can often come up as csimilar prices on some stuff. It's also worth seeing if there are any maker specific independent parts suppliers out there. I got my coilpack, Delphi...really good make, cheaper than some cheap parts elsewhere from AutoVaux, Vauxhall specialists.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Don't know about anybody else but I find Eurocarparts expensive now.I get barely anything from them.Maybe use them as a price guide at best.Thats even with a mechanics supposed mates rate.Far cheaper places around me

Like with everything these days you have to shop around, they have some silly offers, once bought a two cans of Plusgas from them for £8.98, they were flown in from Germany on Free delivery. But by the same token needed a radiator, for the daughters Auris, they wanted £179 including the discount, I paid £65 for a branded one.

 

[keithmac]

I put some fancy diesel in ours from BP (Ultimate Diesel?).

I've never put any credence into thoughts of expensive diesel being better than Tesco fuel but I'm sure it's running a lot smoother.

Might have to eat my words!.

 

[keithmac]

Don't know about anybody else but I find Eurocarparts expensive now.I get barely anything from them.Maybe use them as a price guide at best.Thats even with a mechanics supposed mates rate.Far cheaper places around me

They nearly always have discount codes online, so their normal prices are nigh on double what it should be but the "discount" makes it look like a good deal!.

I bought a battery a while back, £200+ before the code, £115 after which was the going rate..

 

[Adam4868]

Even after discount codes I can usually but cheaper locally.

 

[Pale Rider]

Cross posting with the Volvo thread, I repaired both the heated front seats on my 240 this morning. Looking forward to warm bum motoring

A mate of mine switched on the heated seat in his Volvo and something caught fire.

Turns out he had stuffed an empty McDonald's bag under the seat and forgotten it was there.

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

I had a productive weekend fettling the Caravelle. The rear calliper's had seized up, probably made worse by the lack of use, so replaced both callipers - should have ordered pads as although they are only about 50% worn, look very glazed. Not too surprising seeing as the o/s brakes were smoking at one point.
Next job was replacing a steering arm as the ball joint was showing wear. I had soaked the rod thread with PlusGas a week earlier and was pleasantly surprised to find it undone very easily, the biggest fight was shocking the ball out of its taper. Not sure if it was the original part, but it did had the VW/Audi stamp on it, not bad at 9 years and >250k miles.
Also, as the work had involved removing 3 of the wheels, decided it was an opportune time to put the winters on.