Eyerseys Motoring Adventures.

[Eyersey1234]

Looks like Henry might need some new front springs, it's a bit hard to tell from this photo but he seems to be leaning slightly on the o/s/f corner and the spring seems to be flaking. 

[Eyersey1234]

Another mileometer moment in Henry earlier on

[Eyersey1234]

Henry is in at the garage today to get the front suspension looked at, I'm certain it's a spring that has broken 

[Dan302]

Hope it gets sorted

[Eyersey1234]

19 minutes ago, Dan302 said:

Hope it gets sorted

Yeah it will do, probably cost about £200 or so based on looking round online so not the end of the world. Fortunately it seems to have broken fairly high up so doesn't seem to have been catching the tyre

[Eyersey1234]

Turns out to be the gearbox mounting, just under £150 to replace so not too bad

[Eyersey1234]

Apparently Henry needed a dog bone gearbox mount, presumably it is in the shape of a dog bone. The labour was more than the cost of the part lol. 

[Eyersey1234]

It appears that Minnie, my old Fiesta is back on the road again as she is taxed according to the DVLA

 

[Eyersey1234]

2 weeks off work coming up, hopefully Henry will get his first long trip of the year, a run up to Northumberland to see family that I've not seen for about 18 months. 

[Eyersey1234]

Henry had his first long run this year yesterday, a 400 mile round trip to Northumberland to see family. Clicked over 210k on the A1  on the run up.  The 2 weeks off has become a week as I am back on National Express next week 

[Eyersey1234]

A blast from the past, I found this photo while sorting through some boxes earlier. My first car with my late Gran stood by it, the photo was taken at Kiplingcotes some time in the early 2000s. 

[Dan302]

My brother had that shape fiesta in the late 90s when it was nearly new. I've got a great memory of him driving us to Lincoln for the day in it. It was dark blue iirc.

[rob88h]

I love the mk 3 fiesta. It’s got 1st car nostalgia for me too, but it’s also a good car overall anyway IMO. Practical little local journeys car 👌. I keep thinking of getting another one as a long term daily before they get overpriced. 
These were my first two:
 

 

[Eyersey1234]

M355 GAT was a 1.3 Equipe, which was basically a 1.3LX with power assisted steering and different wheel trims. My grandparents bought it new in 1994 from Richardsons of Driffield and I remember the salesman showing my grandad the brochure and saying it was a different colour, to which my grandad responded its OK I'll get a wax crayon out later. 😂 It was Garnet Red which I don't think was an official Fiesta colour, I saw Escorts and Mondeos in that colour but not another Fiesta 

[Eyersey1234]

Henry resting in Mablethorpe today 

[Eyersey1234]

Gave Henry a much needed wash today 

[Eyersey1234]

Henry's MOT booked for the 24th along with an oil and filter change. Also reached 211112 miles today, no photo though as I was on the A63 at the time 

[Eyersey1234]

Just dropped Henry off for his MOT

[Eyersey1234]

Henry has failed, needs a new n/s/f suspension arm. Could explain the steering wobble at high speed. 

[Eyersey1234]

Henry now through his MOT for another year 

[Eyersey1234]

Henry reached 212k miles today

[Eyersey1234]

I think the clutch is on the way out on Henry as its biting very high and won't stall if the pedal is lifted with it in gear and the engine running. Anyone any idea roughly how much a replacement clutch will be?  There's no sign of it slipping 

[Eyersey1234]

Henry in for 3 new tyres today. I am at a crossroads with him though, with the clutch being on the way out do I get the clutch done or do I bite the bullet and upgrade? 

[rob88h]

I’d get the clutch replaced. Better the devil you know and all that. Also, the clutch is a wearing item, it’s inevitable that it’d need changing at some point. It’d be a shame for this car to die because of that. 

Here’s to 250,000 miles!

[Dan302]

I would say get the clutch done (as long as there's isn't any other huge bills expected) 

[AndyIggs]

7 hours ago, Eyersey1234 said:

Henry in for 3 new tyres today. I am at a crossroads with him though, with the clutch being on the way out do I get the clutch done or do I bite the bullet and upgrade? 

Looking through your thread and the amount of maintenance, time and money spent on it, I'd definitely get it done! 

[Eyersey1234]

Thanks for the advice everyone. The garage are preparing me a quote so I will make a definite decision when they give me it, though I have booked a slot at the garage at the end of next month in case I decide to get it done. 

[sierraman]

On 7/16/2021 at 9:34 PM, Eyersey1234 said:

I think the clutch is on the way out on Henry as its biting very high and won't stall if the pedal is lifted with it in gear and the engine running. Anyone any idea roughly how much a replacement clutch will be?  There's no sign of it slipping 

With a DMF at a VAT reg garage maybe £6-700. Worth it as it’ll go for another 120k minimum on the new one. Good Focus diesel estates are few and far between, I’d check if you’ve a wet belt though, you don’t want a clutch dropping in then the wet belt shit itself a week later. DIYable just loads of labour. 

[Eyersey1234]

19 minutes ago, sierraman said:

With a DMF at a VAT reg garage maybe £6-700. Worth it as it’ll go for another 120k minimum on the new one. Good Focus diesel estates are few and far between, I’d check if you’ve a wet belt though, you don’t want a clutch dropping in then the wet belt shit itself a week later. DIYable just loads of labour. 

It was made May 2007 and as far as I know is one of the last with lower chain. Cambelt was replaced August 2019. I don't have the facilities to do a clutch myself. 

[Eyersey1234]

I should have a quote for the clutch by Monday, I'm more likely to be sticking with Henry than not having given the matter a lot of thought.