Honestjohn Backroom Posts

Smallish 4wd cars (Adampr)

Adampr — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 13:02:42 +0000

A week or so into it, how is the Vitara stacking up for you Adam? All good, thanks. I'm used to the noise now and don't really notice it. Spare wheel is now in, so progress there. I don't know if I'm getting used to the gearbox or it's getting used to me, but the kickdowns seem to be reducing. The engine is pretty feeble - I can see why people prefer the Boosterjet, but the nice linear power delivery is a bit more relaxing than being constantly thrown about. Still finding the seats a bit narrow!

Honda Stream RSV - Hot brake discs (gordonbennet)

gordonbennet — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 11:51:31 +0000

Yes, it was only imported last year, but not everyone wants to work with an unknown import. But thanks for advice, will ask around local garages. There must be a forum for rare Honda models like yours, such forums are a mine of information such as part numbers and/or parts from other (UK) models that fit others, finding friction materials (pads) isn't usually any trouble. Your calipers could probably be refurbed back to as new condition by Big Red, but the turn around will be a week or so, maybe this could be done whilst you take a holiday? Alternatively keep an eye out on any forums you find, after i renewed the front calipers on my Landcruiser (new was more cost effective for my vehicle than refurb as well as time constraints) i offered them to anyone who needed them on the LC forum, a chap contacted me and had them so he could get them refurbed at Big Red and then do the swap at a later date at his convenience, no money changed hands, he paid the postage.

Smallish 4wd cars (gordonbennet)

gordonbennet — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 11:37:37 +0000

Subarus are great till it comes to spark plug changes, makes life slightly easier if you undo the engine mounts and jack the engine up. Sadly because they are a pita they often get neglected and left in too long there is always a danger of snapping a plug off in situ (luckily given your sort of budget that shouldn't be an issue even if they've not been renewed before), other than that indeed they are easy to work on, my recent swapping out of rear shocks and springs on the Forester was easy enough considering the car is 16 years old, nothing snapped or seized in place. Hope the Vit works well for you.

Hybrid Car Mid Size (Rotin)

Rotin — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 11:08:58 +0000

Maybe look at a 5 or 6 year old Prius. A properly serviced one will be good for another 5 or 6 years, very reliable, very economical and easy 2 pedal driving. Does well over 60mpg round town or on slow country roads.

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (Des Jennings)

Des Jennings — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 10:56:53 +0000

No , it’s not a weather tight seal . Once the wiper arms and the securing clips are removed, it should just pull away from the gutter at the base of the screen . Remove it slowly and carefully. Thank you.

Smallish 4wd cars (Alby Back)

Alby Back — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 10:17:47 +0000

A week or so into it, how is the Vitara stacking up for you Adam?

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 10:12:10 +0000

No , it’s not a weather tight seal . Once the wiper arms and the securing clips are removed, it should just pull away from the gutter at the base of the screen . Remove it slowly and carefully.

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (Des Jennings)

Des Jennings — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 10:03:21 +0000

Wiper arms will need to be removed for access. Thanks. One last question. Is the scuttle below the windscreen sealed in any way? Thanks.

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (daveyjp)

daveyjp — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 09:57:33 +0000

Add the Astra to the pile next to a freind's 1.4T Mokka which also has a dead engine. It suffered problems before it went bang including the AA misdiagnosing a failed water pump. Suspicion is head gasket failure leading to terminal failure.

Recommendations £9k to £13k Automatic reliable (John F)

John F — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 09:37:08 +0000

Maybe I have to go up a bit for my budget to say £16k You definitely should be able to get into a Toyota Corolla for that, any particular reason why you have not looked at one? And any particular reason why you haven't mentioned considering or trying Stellantis cars with their ubiquitous powertrain consisting of the 1.2 puretech plus Aisin auto? I've mentioned our Peugeot 2008 in just two posts above, now difficult to find amongst the lengthy numerous contributions from others. As long as you avoid pre-2019 examples they are likely to be reliable. This excellent powertrain is found in many other Stellantis models, e.g. Citroens and Vauxhall Crosslands. Here's a typical example... https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404168699085?sort=relevance&twcs=true&advertising-location=at_cars&fuel-type=Petrol&make=Vauxhall&model=Crossland&postcode=NN9%205GL&transmission=Automatic&year-from=2021&year-to=2021&fromsra

Honda Stream RSV - Hot brake discs (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 04:19:25 +0000

If you cannot get the bits, I'd doubt that it is impossible to re-use your existing ones, IF you can find someone willing to try it. This isnt generally done, but thats mostly because the high cost of labour means it isn't cost effective, rather than because its impossible. When I was rebuilding my calipers years ago, everyone on the Internyet, and his Internyet dog, told me I was wasting my time, but they were (eventually) fine. The slider pin bushings were VERY stuck, Using a hydraulic jack as a press (which a garage would have) they would support the front of the car, but they would not support the weight of a shipping container, plus unknown contents, and with one BIG BANG they were free. Cleaned up nicely with aluminium foil as an abrasive, and with silicone grease, and a PTFE thread tape wrap they were still fine years later when the cops got the car

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (Big John)

Big John — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 23:56:14 +0000

but all else being equal a turbocharged engine will use more oil than a naturally aspirated engine, Why does a well running/ maintained turbocharged engine use more oil? My 120k miles 2014 Skoda turbo 1.4tsi uses negligible between 9.5k services., likewise with my previous Skoda turbo 2003 1.9pd. I had a problem with oil consumption with my old 2001 Skoda Octavia 1.416v (N/A) which was a blockage in the oil breather system - cheaply sorted, I've had a mixture of turbo & N/A engines over the years and have not really noticed a difference in oil consumption. The best was a Saab 9000cs Light Pressure Turbo that did a huge mileage without any mechanical issues - horrible for long term rust though but I don't think a turbo affects that. Amazing seats! For me worst engine for oil consumption was a 1300 pre crossflow Ford Cortina mkII.

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (Metropolis.)

Metropolis. — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 23:11:18 +0000

There are many variables obviously, but all else being equal a turbocharged engine will use more oil than a naturally aspirated engine, so maybe the KA stands a better chance - if I am correct in my assumption that it isn’t turbocharged.

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (bathtub tom)

bathtub tom — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 22:47:17 +0000

Why did the Astra fail? Lack of checking fluid levels? If so, the Ka could suffer similarly.

kia soul 1.6 petrol 2014 - kia soul oil light (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 19:02:35 +0000

Think I’d be getting the actual oil pressure tested with a gauge , and move on from there .

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:43:35 +0000

That’ll be the Ka + . Built in India. Also known as the Ford Figo

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (Adampr)

Adampr — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:40:32 +0000

Probably sell the Astra, but I wouldn't want to do 80 miles a day in a Ka. If he's happy with the La, sell the Astra. If not, it's slightly harder. In may case, I agree that buying a second hand engine is not going to be the way to go.

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (FoxyJukebox)

FoxyJukebox — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:35:23 +0000

Sell-What are We Buy Any Car offering-polish it up , vac it out…see what they offer?

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (SLO76)

SLO76 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:31:51 +0000

Later model Ka will be the re-badged Fiat 500 . Perfectly fine, 1.2 Fire engine. The final 5dr Ka wasn’t based on the 500. Though at this money it would be a bit of a bargain if it was one.

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:10:59 +0000

Later model Ka will be the re-badged Fiat 500 . Perfectly fine, 1.2 Fire engine.

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (SLO76)

SLO76 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:58:54 +0000

The second hand engine trade are notoriously shady. I’d take the Ka and bin the Astra too. The Ka uses the final version of the old Yamaha designed Zetec SE motor which has a very good rep for reliability so it’ll make a very decent little commuter.

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:44:33 +0000

These Astra J models don’t have a good reliability record for their engines. I’d wave it goodbye, and take the Ka

Recommendations £9k to £13k Automatic reliable (Heidfirst)

Heidfirst — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:15:49 +0000

Thanks headfirst I'll give the Toyota a look , what about an electric car , I'm quite appealing with the low moving parts I hope this translates into less potential problems and if course the cheap MPG Obv the down side is the potential mileage distance etc Unless you get an early 1.2T (& which was not fitted with an auto box) the current generation of Corolla in the UK are hybrids, so you will be partway there .... Indeed, no doubt that is partly why they are regarded as so reliable & subsequently beloved by hire car drivers :)

2015 Astra 1.4 turbo - Replace engine or sc*** (galileo)

galileo — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:50:05 +0000

Son's Astra (90,000 miles) went into the garage after loss of power, suspecting head gasket. Investigation shows camshaft deeply grooved, suspect other key parts also FUBAR and a fresh engine is required. (Ebay has one for about £1280). He is currently using a (genuine) 40,000 mile Ford Ka which his brother was planning to sell, valued at £ 2500 - 3000, if I were him I'd buy the Ka and sell the non-running Astra. ( He commutes 40 miles each way so the Ka would have lower running costs). I would appreciate opinions as to which option is likely to be best.

kia soul 1.6 petrol 2014 - kia soul oil light (tbg)

tbg — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:36:30 +0000

hello all The wifes 2014 kia soul 1.6 petrol has just shown a yellow oil light ,upon checking the level level was on low so it has been topped up but still the light remains indicating ( according to a quick search ) oil pump or sensor issues . However I did come across the possibility that once topped up go for a 3 mile ish drive to try to build up oil pressure , is this a valid option or will it cause more problems . thanks for any help tom

Any AFAIK (Yamaha RZR in this case) - New Trick for Brake Piston Removal (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:28:52 +0000

Visible surface droplets when flushing the syringe and reservoir with water tend to support the silicone hypothesis. Id guess any damage is already done, though, and it wont be made any worse by flushing with DOT3

Honda Jazz Hybrid - Multiple Honda 2020 model Brake Servo failures (Theophilus)

Theophilus — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:23:43 +0000

That's great news Chris ... hopefully indicates a change of heart by Honda UK (incidentally what email address did you find for the MD?)

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (Des Jennings)

Des Jennings — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:31:51 +0000

Wiper arms will need to be removed for access. Thanks.

Nissan Leaf - Leafing my wallet alone! (SLO76)

SLO76 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:11:50 +0000

Milk-float update. I’m now using the Leaf daily after SWMBO commandeered my C class. This isn’t a bad thing though, my commute is now costing a fraction of what it was and the car itself is smooth, comfortable and quick. As a second car I maintain that a good Mk II 40kw Leaf at under £12/£13k is possibly the best option out there. There's less to go wrong, it costs buttons to charge overnight and it drives very well. Supply is outstripping demand on these so they are great value.

The perfect cheap used car (John F)

John F — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:08:36 +0000

Absolutely no reason to change at all then - unless you are embarrassed by the date on the numberplate .... Beyond 4yrs old, no-one except petrolheads and mathematicians know what year a car is from the plethora of 0 and 1 or 5 and 6 followed by any number from 1-9 without resorting to a reference table. https://www.nationalnumbers.co.uk/dvla-guide/year-of-issue-149.htm But 'personal plates' are a great idea (£2 billion for HMG!) and provide much amusement. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/30-years-on-6-million-personalised-registrations-sold#:~:text=The%20personalised%20registrations%20website%20allows,suit%20all%20tastes%20and%20budgets.

The perfect cheap used car (Alby Back)

Alby Back — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:00:53 +0000

Oh well, so far so good! But thanks! ;-)

The perfect cheap used car (John F)

John F — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:47:19 +0000

Doesn’t use any oil between services John. AB, you should know that is scientifically impossible! No need to add oil for 10k miles is indeed a good sign of engine health (or cack-handed overfilling at service time) but beware fuel dilution, especially in old diesels (is it a diesel?). If fuel dilution matches oil consumption, bearing and cylinder lubrication will soon be compromised after a few thousand miles.

2017 Merc B-Class B180 - Recommended run flat tyres (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:29:17 +0000

You didn’t go with run flats , but did it have them fitted ?

2017 Merc B-Class B180 - Recommended run flat tyres (Colin Bicknell)

Colin Bicknell — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:25:32 +0000

The car has done 30,000 miles and 3 of the tyres were original tyres and cracked around the rims. One of which was punctured. Decided to replace all 4, my choice Chose Continental All Season Contact 2 225 40 r18 tyres from Blackcircles @ £109 each, fitted cost incl disposal NB I didnt go with run flats Many thanks for all the replies

The perfect cheap used car (Alby Back)

Alby Back — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:04:59 +0000

That is not something that gives me the slightest concern.

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:46:58 +0000

Wiper arms will need to be removed for access.

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (Des Jennings)

Des Jennings — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:35:57 +0000

Tracing water ingress on cars is a very time consuming process. I would think the dealer would remove all the load area trims and rear seats and carpet for inspection. However, I’d start by checking the drains on the scuttle by the windscreen wipers before anything else. Thanks for your suggestions. Does the plastic area below the windscreen have to be removed? There has been a leaf build up to the left and right of the scuttle but that is with the scuttle in place.

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (Des Jennings)

Des Jennings — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:34:01 +0000

Thanks for your suggestions. Does the plastic area below the windscreen have to be removed? There has been a leaf build up to the left and right of the scuttle but that is with the scuttle in place.

2017 Merc B-Class B180 - Recommended run flat tyres (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 08:40:37 +0000

Run Flats are the work of the Devil. Most forum posts are about replacing them with standard tyres. They totally destroy the ride of a car, crashy and hard. I would investigate a little before you make an expensive mistake!? I think that ship may have sailed! Ignoring the likelihood of this car proving reliable, I'd be more than a little miffed if I discovered that a car I'd just bought needed four new tyres (unless it was very cheap). More so given the size of the tyres involved, because they aint going to be cheap (assuming you want decent quality) even if the OP did decide to replace with standard rather than run flat tyres!.

Recommendations £9k to £13k Automatic reliable (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 08:33:48 +0000

Thanks headfirst I'll give the Toyota a look , what about an electric car , I'm quite appealing with the low moving parts I hope this translates into less potential problems and if course the cheap MPG Obv the down side is the potential mileage distance etc I'm not against the idea of an electric car myself but there are one or two caveats, most obviously the ability to charge at home. Assuming that is a yes, then you need to consider the miles you do and/or how much you trust the charging infrastructure. mcb 100 seems to have no issues, but SLO's experience hasn't been very positive, though that may be (at least in part) Scotland vs England? Re the MG, I've had cause recently to worry about their quality, long term reliability and parts prices. Not necessarily relevant to the electric drivetrain, but would have me reluctant all the same. Surprisingly, they are also not the cheapest option unless you are comparing battery range like for like (in which case the 61kWh MG5 is best value). But right now on Autotrader there is a 2024 Nissan Leaf with the smaller 39kWh battery for £13995. If you can manage with that battery, that seems almost suspiciously cheap!. But also plenty of Stellantis cars (Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall etc) with the 50kWh battery, £16k is enough to get you into a 2023 Peugeot e208 or e2008, a Corse-e or Mokka-e.

2017 Merc B-Class B180 - Recommended run flat tyres (mickyh7)

mickyh7 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 08:28:58 +0000

Any AFAIK (Yamaha RZR in this case) - New Trick for Brake Piston Removal (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 06:59:52 +0000

. Rubber fluid top diaphragm very swollen but doesn't seem to have any holes in it. Hmm...maybe not so good. Seems to be a possibility that this swelling is due to the use of Silicone brake fluid by a previous owner in the distant past. The residual brake fluid in the master cylinder has a milky appearance which might also be compatible with the use of Silicone fluid, which wouldn't mix with water contamination or DOT 3 or 4. Don't remember seeing that with even VERY old and dirty (as in, Taiwanese old-and-dirty) brake fluid in the past. Contamination with petroleum-based products could also swell rubber components but it would have to be extreme to give visible cloudiness. Some background here http://www.adlersantiqueautos.com/articles/brake1.html I'll syringe off a sample for possible testing, though I'm not sure yet if that'll be practical or definitive. If that is whats happened decontamination might be difficult or impossible

BMW 1 Series Convertible - Mot fail due to Lambda reading 8.199 (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:12:58 +0000

<< " Any number seriously divergent from 1.0 would mean an engine in dire need of tuning. A figure like 8 would mean the engine was getting hardly any oxygen at all." but if its the wrong way around, it all falls neatly into place . >> Sorry if I got the lambda ratio backwards :-) I'd be sorry if you hadn't Because then I'd be confused.

Any AFAIK (Yamaha RZR in this case) - New Trick for Brake Piston Removal (edlithgow)

edlithgow — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 03:56:45 +0000

75% ethanol very widely available here post-covid, as it is the standard hand disinfectant. Not the case in the UK? I used to be able to buy 100% (perhaps actually 96%, the azeotrope, dunno) and other useful stuff like acetone, in a local chemist, but that place has closed and I havn't located another supplier, though I havn't tried very hard. While I'm pleased with this piston-popping technique, Yamaha main dealer did the usual "maybe part of an alien spacecraft?" thing when shown the caliper, so I guess I'll be re-using the corroded pad pin and damaged piston, and improvising the rubber bits, and so it may not turn out to be actually very useful in this case. On a sort-of-positive note, brake fluid master cylinder lid screws came out surprisingly easily with a fluted screw extractor. Not at all corroded, just the standard mysteriously useless JIS/neoJIS/crosshead problem. Rubber fluid top diaphragm very swollen but doesn't seem to have any holes in it.

Recommendations £9k to £13k Automatic reliable (Honda jazzer)

Honda jazzer — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 23:34:33 +0000

The perfect cheap used car (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 23:17:55 +0000

Doesn’t use any oil between services John. Still starts stops and steers as it always did. No rattles or squeaks and never had so much as an advisory at MOT time. Can’t fault it so far! Absolutely no reason to change at all then - unless you are embarrassed by the date on the numberplate ....

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 23:12:08 +0000

My Peugeot 207 collected water in the rear footwell, found to be getting in at a wiring grommet near the tailgate hinges. Any chance of that ? EDIT - as you mentioned REAR footwells specifically, it seems unlikely to me that the source will be at the front of the car ? Can't speak for Fords, but Peugeots usually have a significant hump between front and rear, if only to support the front seats.

The perfect cheap used car (Engineer Andy)

Engineer Andy — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 22:55:25 +0000

"I keep thinking I should probably change it, but then I falter and ask myself why." That scenario isn't a concern for SLO as he has Mrs SLO to make the decision for him :) In case I missed it, what's the new car been named SLO? Merv the Merc.? Truth! She has named him “Maverick” the Merc. Hopefully she won't be doing an 'cobra' manoeuvres in it using the handbrake! ;-)

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (catsdad)

catsdad — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:15:19 +0000

In addition try to smell the damp carefully. This might indicate that its coolant from a failed heater or screenwash fluid from a leaking tube. Also clean the drain holes at the bottom of the doors with a wooden cocktail stick in case water is building up inside. Then check any grommets in the floor plan are present and effective. We had a Corsa that was ex-BSM and the dual controls had been removed before we bought it but the holes hadn’t been sealed. if it has a sunroof check any drain holes. If that all fails use an indie to trace it.

Ford Focus 2016 - Wet footwells. (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:17:58 +0000