Ask a Shiter

[Stanky]

A colleague at work has given me a aerosol of graphite oil, what on earth would you need that for?

 

Isn't this used to lubricating locks and stuff? You can use WD40 but as that attracts dirt which then sticks to it, it actually makes things worse over time. Graphite oil shouldn't do this.

 

If you want to come and test it on my front door lock you are most welcome, its an ungrateful sod and locking the door is becoming farcical.

[DodgeRover]

Depends on the promotion.Never in the back seat but some allow anywhere in engine bay. For this we use a micra rad behind the engine with the fan running constantly. Some promotions insist on original position. The idea is to cut down on massive OTT hits in a beginners formula. In practise you just save the big hits for the last couple of laps

Drivers door hits, following in on a stationary car unless the drivers waving them in and turning round have got no place in a beginners formula but the crowds seem to love it....

[artdjones]

Early Sunbeam Imp Sport?,but I don't know where the mesh grille is from.

[GrumpiusMaximus]

Stupid question:

 

If I'm changing the oil in my MKIV Golf TDi, would any modern oil with 'suitable for VW' be ok?  I'm just a bit confused because I know I should use the 'right' oil but when I look for the code on the back, nothing has it - not even the 'VW' oil.

[Stanky]

Stupid question:

 

If I'm changing the oil in my MKIV Golf TDi, would any modern oil with 'suitable for VW' be ok?  I'm just a bit confused because I know I should use the 'right' oil but when I look for the code on the back, nothing has it - not even the 'VW' oil.

 

whack the reg into euro car parts website and they'll tell you what to use. Probably 5w/30 or 10w/40 semi but I'm not sure. I've found their Triple QX stuff hasn't caused massive engine failure in any of the half dozen or so cars and probably 200k miles I've used it for, and its approved for the VW standards from what I remember.

[cort1977]

You need to find the VW code, not just the grade.  So should be something like 505.01, 507.00 - I'm sure someone on here will know exactly but basically google around to find the VW requirement for that engine.  Then you need to find an oil that meets that specific code, in the small print on the back of the can.  'Suitable for VW' is not enough. 

 

Or as above, use the rego but how far do you trust ECP?

[GrumpiusMaximus]

Cracking.  Thanks a lot.  Really helped this ignoramus.

[Talbot]

Yeah I can turn the flywheel as it was spinning when undoing the pressure plate bolts.

If it was spinning around while undoing the pressure plate, then something is very tehfucked.

 

However.. the starter motor runs on the ring gear of the flywheel, and the engine still starts, so one assumes the flywheel is still connected to the crank for that to happen.

 

It's not a completely failed diaphragm spring in the pressure plate is it? Did the fingers move/relax as you undid the pressure plate retaining bolts?

[danthecapriman]

So back to the fiesta with no drive whatsoever, start it in gear and nothing happens. Stripped it down and all looks ok except for a very worn friction disc. Twist the input shaft and driveshafts turn ok. Here's the stupid bit .. I'm not convinced there isn't something else buggered as I've never come across a clutch that won't make any effort to move the car, also do these have dual mass flywheels ? Petrol 1.25

image.jpeg

My sisters 54 reg Fiesta 1.25 did this. It was driving one minute, then wouldn’t move the next. You could run the engine and just shove it in gear and it wouldnt even try to move! It was the clutch, which looked similar to yours on removal ie; not the worst I’d ever seen. Yet oddly the car was totally immobile, almost like the gearbox had failed.

[tooSavvy]

G67

 

SUNBEAM means (obvs) North America/Canada export. IMP.

 

Front has been messed with. Looks like a 'rivet on' over grille - cheap UNDERfinch lol

 

 

TS

[mercrocker]

That Imp face is similar to the ones J C Whitney used to sell for Corvairs so they didn't freak septics out who thought a weird car was hurtling towards them in reverse.   

[omegod]

If it was spinning around while undoing the pressure plate, then something is very tehfucked.

 

However.. the starter motor runs on the ring gear of the flywheel, and the engine still starts, so one assumes the flywheel is still connected to the crank for that to happen.

 

It's not a completely failed diaphragm spring in the pressure plate is it? Did the fingers move/relax as you undid the pressure plate retaining bolts?

 

Actually no it didn't as I recall and it does start and run well so definately got some crank connectivity, I've had enough encouragement to go clutch shopping tomorrow, now do I go LUK or throw the cheapest shit in that I can find ,OE was Valeo and lasted 80k so may have a mooch at them, thanks chaps!  

[bigfella2]

Stupid question:

 

If I'm changing the oil in my MKIV Golf TDi, would any modern oil with 'suitable for VW' be ok? I'm just a bit confused because I know I should use the 'right' oil but when I look for the code on the back, nothing has it - not even the 'VW' oil.

It depends on if your car is running the PD TDI lump or the older VE TDI lump. Pd engine needs specific PD oil, triple QX do a version but it's not much more expensive for proper genuine quantum oil off eBay, VE engine should be ok with semi synthetic 10/40.

[Jifflemon]

Does anyone know of places that could reproduce plastic light lenses?

 

I've given up with google, tried China (promising, until "we can reproduce lenses" actually meant "here's lots of generic lenses that you should use instead") and got bored of watching videos on how to do it myself (lack of time and skill).

[Guest Hooli]

Don't we have someone on here with a 3D printer? that'd do it if you can get the right 'ink'.

[Jifflemon]

Clear plastic though? It's an interesting idea if such a thing exists

[GrumpiusMaximus]

It depends on if your car is running the PD TDI lump or the older VE TDI lump. Pd engine needs specific PD oil, triple QX do a version but it's not much more expensive for proper stuff off eBay, VE engine should be ok with semi synthetic 10/40.

 

It's a later PD 130.  Thanks!  Will continue my reads...

[bigfella2]

Don't forget to buy a new sump plug too, available cheap off eBay because the washers on the plug can't really be changed/removed from the plug. And you may need the tool to remove plastic lid so you can change the oil filter element, unless you already have one.

[GrumpiusMaximus]

Don't forget to buy a new sump plug too, available cheap off eBay because the washers on the plug can't really be changed/removed from the plug. And you may need the tool to remove plastic lid so you can change the oil filter element, unless you already have one.

 

Going to get an extractor after reading about it on here.  Figure that will work better given that my driveway isn't very level and it's difficult to raise safely on.  Cheers on the tip about the tool, saw that in my earlier research.  Will triple check.  Total n00b.

[inconsistant]

Hello, I have an aerial connector question. I'm swapping stereos, I've got an aerial lead plug looking like this:

 

 

and the old Blaupunkt has a hole in the back that it fitted into nicely like this:

 

 

but the 'new' stereo, also Blaupunkt, has a sticky outy aerial socket like this:

 

 

I'm guessing there's a magical connector/adaptor that I need, can someone please post an idiot proof pic/link/spec of what I need pretty please. Thanks!

[cobblers]

ebay aerial adapter, £1 or so:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PC5-55-CAR-CD-STEREO-RADIO-DIN-to-ISO-AERIAL-ADAPTOR-ARIEL-ANTENNA-EXTENSION/360686659487?hash=item53fa99a79f:g:FDsAAOSwtypalSdk

[inconsistant]

Great thanks! I've finally got around to fitting it. I've been waiting for the worst weather in ages to get out there and swap stereos.

[gm]

the mot on the crv is due on 3rd march, I've got it booked in for tomorrow but omgsnokaos might well put the kybosh on that plan - realistically it might be the end of next week until I can get it sorted, how much of an issue is it to be using the car with the mot overdue ? it's taxed, insured and has no obvious faults

 

cheers all

[Mally]

We have forgotten and run over a time or two.

Only a problem if you get pulled.

Of course you forgot like me, it was snowing and you had things on your mind.

There are penalties, but unlikely to get pulled and not the end of the world if it happens.

Of course I never said this.

[sierraman]

Are you still looking for a 2.0 Mondeo engine? There's a 2.0 Mondeo mk2 on eBay at moment BIN £275. It looks like a pile of steaming shite but the engine might be OK.

[gm]

I'll get it sorted as soon as possible but hopefully a few days over won't do any harm. it'd better not fail on anything major though

[Mally]

Are you still looking for a 2.0 Mondeo engine? There's a 2.0 Mondeo mk2 on eBay at moment BIN £275. It looks like a pile of steaming shite but the engine might be OK.

 

We have 3 spare at the moment so no urgency, they tend to last half a season at least, but some last half a race.

I haven't got room for more than engines and pay between £100 and £150 for engine only  dependent on distance.

Thanks for letting me know though.

[Eddie Honda]

how much of an issue is it to be using the car with the mot overdue ?

Very little. If they're being an arse £100 fixed penalty. Non endorsable.

[gm]

I just drove past the garage I've got it booked into for tomorrow and, judging by the pristine deep snow on their parking area, they've been closed all day. I'll give them a ring in the morning and see what the crack is.

 

Ive had the whole week off work and only one job to do - I'm hopeless, me.

[gm]

that'll be a no then !

 

 

lucky I didn't just spend half an hour digging the sodding car out then