Grogee's spannering (Maestro, Avensis & Favorit). TOYOTA UNREMARKABLENESS

[grogee]

I've buttoned up the Skoda now, and I started it to clear the drive so I can wash the Maestro in readiness for a mini charity car show at work tomorrow. 

Is it my imagination, or did it run a little bit smoother from cold start? 

I suppose it's possible, if the combined MAF and intake air temp sensor is disconnected, maybe the car assumes 'worst case' conditions of -30°C ambient...?

Anyway no pics because the intake and filter is even more of a lash-up than it was before - although I have given it some semblance of quality by using corrugated plastic shielding on the wiring. 

The next 3 weeks are a bit busy for me with trips to Wembley, Newcastle and Ironbridge coming up but after that I'm going to stick it in for a test with 'Jeevan' who has always been pretty kind to me in the past. 

After that it'll be FOUR SAIL with or without a ticket. 

Crap pic of it behind a tree

[Yoss]

There must be some sort of joke there about a Škoda and two wheelie bins. 

But seriously, I'm hoping this works nearly as much as you do. It's something I should have figured out myself in three years although it's also something the previous owner should have done in the first place. Good luck. 

[grogee]

1 hour ago, Yoss said:

There must be some sort of joke there about a Škoda and two wheelie bins. 

This morning I met our new neighbour who moved in a couple of days ago. 

He said: "That's the car they used to make all the jokes about. Eg if you see a Skoda driving uphill, stop them and get their autograph, because it'll be the son of Jesus." 

I told him the one about why they have heated rear windows. 

We bonded. 

[grogee]

Today I changed the front brake pads in "Toby" the Toyota (I didn't name him, honest). 

When I serviced it a few weeks ago I did notice the pads were a bit low which made me paranoid on the six roundabouts on my commute. I needn't have worried though as there was still plenty of meat left, but I don't want to be doing this job in sub-zero weather. 

I did more than just a Kwik-fit job, as I took off the caliper carrier and cleaned/regreased the sliders and wire wheeled the pad mountings and shims. 

Even fitted Delphi pads for that name-brand reassurance next time I arrive at Copse a bit too quick. 

I was so pleased with my work* that I even did the tyre pressures and hoovered the interior.

He'll keep on trucking through the winter I think.