Ask a Shiter

[gm]

this bit is now gas tight but it turns out there are another couple of leaks further up the system, one where the four braches meet and another just after the lambda sensor - if this gets a pass, I'll buy everyone* a beer ! the test isn't due for another month so I'll just enjoy it for now and worry when the time comes.

 

the hanger / clamp device seems to work well though

 

[scaryoldcortina]

What year is the car (looks like a MX5?) cos if it's a H plate it won't get a cat test anyway, and J and K plates get extra leniency.

[skattrd]

I like to mention the phrase "low volume import" when putting anything imported in for a test.. If it is an MX5 an it's a grey import then it should have a relatively lenient emissions test.

[scaryoldcortina]

Did you know all Q plate cars get treated for test as if made in 1971 with 1975 emission levels?

[gm]

well spotted, it is a 1990 (H plate) imported mx5 so should get a basic test - there's never been a cat fitted in the years I've owned it but last year the emmisions were borderline - I'll give it a good thrashing on the way to the garage this year, just in case

[doug]

Did you know all Q plate cars get treated for test as if made in 1971 with 1975 emission levels?

My Q plate gets tested as a 1971 and emissions are only for visible smoke.

[nacho man]

I have a pair of original cats of the c43 merc I just got rid off, will a normal scrap dealer no what there worth or do I need to go to some specialist catalytic converter seller bloke of the World Wide Web.?

[dome]

Can anyone identify my fuel pump in the Scim? I think it's playing up.

 

 

[scaryoldcortina]

My Q plate gets tested as a 1971 and emissions are only for visible smoke.

 

Is it a diesel?

[doug]

No petrol.

[scaryoldcortina]

Vehicles having a Q plate registration when presented for MOT are to be treated as follows:  For emission purposes only, all these types are to be considered as vehicles first used before 1 August 1975. For all other testing purposes they are to be considered as being first used on 1 January 1971

 

Guess what? Visual smoke only is correct. More stupidity on the part of the manual, gas testing starts for vehicles built on 1st August 1975, so why bother with the whole 1971/1975 thing? The procedure is the same for both!

[Danblez]

Recently had a car tested within a month of the expiry and it came back with a pass with the expiry of the day it was tested meaning I have lost almost a month. Has something changed with the new system or has it cocked up? Is it worth pursuing or not?

[Pillock]

I have a pair of original cats of the c43 merc I just got rid off, will a normal scrap dealer no what there worth or do I need to go to some specialist catalytic converter seller bloke of the World Wide Web.?

Wasn't dodgytom off here offering good prices for branded cats?

[Craig the Princess]

My brother has a W-reg Rover 25. How difficult is it to programme a new key fob for one as his broke, was soldered by the RAC but after a few months is being temperamental. Is this the turning the key 8 times thing?

[Noel Tidybeard]

Cheers for the offer. I recon I'd need to go and see it then get it delivered back if I bought it .

Cos what I need is another project . Flippin cars. I just need one more hit. One more hit and that's me clean

[Negative Creep]

I'm starting to get some vibration through the clutch pedal and a slight judder when pulling away. Could that mean the clutch itself is on the way out?

[andy18s]

On what car?

[Negative Creep]

The 406 coupe

[cort16]

 

It's now down to 650 quid. How can I say NO? Tell me???

[scaryoldcortina]

Recently had a car tested within a month of the expiry and it came back with a pass with the expiry of the day it was tested meaning I have lost almost a month. Has something changed with the new system or has it cocked up? Is it worth pursuing or not?

Something cocked up, the rules haven't changed. You could go back and ask about it, the new system has been doing wierd things at times recently (when it works at all!)

[Pillock]

Do you still have to hand over last years pass sheet to get the extra month or does the computer now know when the anniversary is?

 

Maybe an issue with the computer not working, might it rectify itself when logged? Check your expiry date online.

[scaryoldcortina]

Computer knows the expiry date, and if you are within one calender month will automatically add the extra time. If you have more than a month to run you lose the extra and get a 12 month ticket.

[HH-R]

My brother has a W-reg Rover 25. How difficult is it to programme a new key fob for one as his broke, was soldered by the RAC but after a few months is being temperamental. Is this the turning the key 8 times thing?

 

I think if you do the key dance in the door, it disables the immobiliser until it's locked again with the fob (so if it's buggered, it shouldn't come back on anyway).

 

To get another programmed, T4 or Testbook at an ex dealership or Land Rover place will be needed to code them again. I think you can use new or 2nd hand Lucas 17TN or 3TXB fobs (they look the same, the 2 button with embossed padlock on one button) but not 100% on the 2nd hand ones.

 

There are online shops who will code new aftermarket fobs but you usually have to send the ECU away.

[sierraman]

I'm starting to get some vibration through the clutch pedal and a slight judder when pulling away. Could that mean the clutch itself is on the way out?

Judder is usually an overheated clutch or one that is misaligned in someway. Could also possibly be a failing DMF. I'd keep going whilst it isnt slipping.

[Negative Creep]

Judder is usually an overheated clutch or one that is misaligned in someway. Could also possibly be a failing DMF. I'd keep going whilst it isnt slipping.

 

 

Don't think mine has a DMF? Anyone know how much of a ballache it is to do on these?

[sierraman]

Rear caliper is sticking on civic. Is it worth rebuilding them or just replacing them?

Can get a rebuild kit including pistiper said are going to be £200

A sticking caliper will usually free off, but inevitably seize up again in short order so often a rebuild is on the cards. Is it rear discs with internal handbrake working on a lever? The returns on these can seize, usually you can free them off but inevitably you end up replacing the unit. Nothing to lose in giving it a go.

 

Id also check it isnt a seized handbrake cable as again these have a habit of seizing in the sheathing

[sierraman]

Don't think mine has a DMF? Anyone know how much of a ballache it is to do on these?

Depends, if you have use of a 2 post lift then its do able. However doing it on the drive is a swine. Ignore the sadists who say theyve tackled several on the drive, this is a big undertaking if you are on your hands and knees, taking the weight of the gearbox as you will need to split these as well as disturbing the suspension and subframe. If you farm the work out id be tempted to take it to a garage that regularly deals with clutches as they are most likely to get it right and quickest/cheapest

[Pillock]

There was a bloke on ebay selling fobs, plus a little gizmo that plugs into the OBD port which fires the right code into the ECU for the fob. Only works as supplied, the code is just for the fob that came with it so it's single use.

[Negative Creep]

No chance I'd even attempt it myself, such a thing is way beyond my skill level (which is somewhere around the region of being able to change an air filter whilst only losing half the bolts and skin on my knuckles).

[Station]

Rear caliper is sticking on civic. Is it worth rebuilding them or just replacing them?

 

Can get a rebuild kit including pistons for about £40 whereas caliper said are going to be £200

Is it handbrake integrated calliper? They're fun to do with the correct tools. You'll need motorcycle fork cur lip pliers and something to compress the spring to reassemble. Cleaning the hardened gunk out and having it working again is very satisfying.