AnnoyingPentium's Adventures - Once, twice, three times an MOT

[AnnoyingPentium]

On 3/28/2023 at 10:43 PM, AnnoyingPentium said:

time will tell.

Things are looking good, for once. I've got a more normal fuel economy and the warning hasn't come back, so I believe changing the valve has sorted it out (@SiC seems you were right). The trip computer is seeing over 42mpg on average with fairly hilly areas around here. It took about 240 miles for it to go below half a tank too. That's promising. We'll see when I go to fuel it up at least.

[JMotor]

@AnnoyingPentium

[AnnoyingPentium]

Just been running about in the Fabia for a bit, proving to be a useful hack when we've needed it. The photos included with the update were taken on the Mavica, mainly because it's solid as fuck, but also because I haven't paid my bit in the forum fundraising yet as I'm skinto so I'm saving space... or something, since each photo is about 100KB at most.

Been using it daily to do a couple of miles to take the dog out for a walk as he's a bit of a prick when it comes to walking around the village itself. Speaking of, here he is, preoccupied with staring into the void.

Since the Skoda has been better behaved recently than what the dog has, the car got a nice wash down and some CarPlan posh gloss shite added for additional shininess, or something. The bodywork has picked up a lot more scratches and the dozy bint that clubbed my not-so-long-ago painted mirror has definitely damaged the paint, but it's fineeee. 10 footer etc. On the plus side, the roof looks good.

So, the eagle eyed may have picked up on the Saltire on the rear bumper. That's my prufeshnal paintwork repair. Big stone chip oot the bumper? Nae bor m8.

She's mint.

 

So anyways, that's all. Car is being an car, nothing to see here folks, move along nicely.

[Split_Pin]

Glad it's serving you well!

Bonus doggie points too.

[AnnoyingPentium]

3 minutes ago, Split_Pin said:

Glad it's serving you well!

Bonus doggie points too.

Aye its been fine.

I went back out and had a look at the paintwork, it's not bad, and the paint I got back on the sponge is from the front wing. Will touch it in later.

It's genuinely surprising it's taken this long for it to appear like this, being a Scottish registered car in the first place (SM originally, reg'd in Broxburn).

[Split_Pin]

Looks fine to me for its age!

[AnnoyingPentium]

2 minutes ago, Split_Pin said:

Looks fine to me for its age!

Aye I'm no too worried yet. Will monitor it but it's definitely got a lot more life in it yet.

[Wibble]

5 hours ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

Just been running about in the Fabia for a bit, proving to be a useful hack when we've needed it. The photos included with the update were taken on the Mavica, mainly because it's solid as fuck, but also because I haven't paid my bit in the forum fundraising yet as I'm skinto so I'm saving space... or something, since each photo is about 100KB at most.

Been using it daily to do a couple of miles to take the dog out for a walk as he's a bit of a prick when it comes to walking around the village itself. Speaking of, here he is, preoccupied with staring into the void.

Since the Skoda has been better behaved recently than what the dog has, the car got a nice wash down and some CarPlan posh gloss shite added for additional shininess, or something. The bodywork has picked up a lot more scratches and the dozy bint that clubbed my not-so-long-ago painted mirror has definitely damaged the paint, but it's fineeee. 10 footer etc. On the plus side, the roof looks good.

So, the eagle eyed may have picked up on the Saltire on the rear bumper. That's my prufeshnal paintwork repair. Big stone chip oot the bumper? Nae bor m8.

She's mint.

 

So anyways, that's all. Car is being an car, nothing to see here folks, move along nicely.

I’ve just bunged another few quid to the forum funding marked as on your behalf, so rest easy for now mate👍

[AnnoyingPentium]

3 minutes ago, Wibble said:

I’ve just bunged another few quid to the forum funding marked as on your behalf, so rest easy for now mate👍

Thank you kindly!

[Wibble]

My pleasure Ryan. 

[AnnoyingPentium]

Welcome back, weary reader.

In today’s instalment, I attempt to change a fuel filter on the Fabia. After  all that messing about with various sensors, valves, and goodness knows what else with absolutely no success and a parasitic drain on my finances. It has come to light that instead of having the 4 Bar (units of pressure, not pubs) fuel filter, I instead have the 3 Bar one from the other version of this 1.2 12v engine. The other version being the AZQ code, mine is BME, which has minor differences that make major differences when it comes to buying parts. So although the two filters are physically identical externally, inside it seems they are rather different. As a result, it seems that the 3 Bar sensor has been restricting fuel flow, and messing with the ECU in order for it exhibit such strange behaviour.

Jumping back into changing the filter. I did not succeed on Saturday (15.04), being defeated by a Phillips head screw that had seen sixteen Scottish winters. Although even after one year it was probably rotten through, much like almost any car in Ayrshire. Instead, it resulted in it being tighter than two coats of paint (or me towards the end of the month). After three hours of inventing new swear words whilst hanging upside down trying to fit many things into the hole (ooooo errrrr missus etc) I decided to call it a day. Below is an image of the housing and screw from the grimy pits of hell, delivered by Satan himself. They must have had him in a design consultation job at VAG during the 2000s.

Given that I was already heading down to @JMotor’s bit to visit him and his mates, I pinged his Fabia fondling mate a text message. He agreed to get the bastard filter housing off, it has now been changed. Apparently the interval for the fuel filter is 60,000 miles, which is fine by me, it’ll probably see the car out at that. The car is running miles better, pulls well (as well as 64 horsepower can), and I can’t get the trip computer to read below 44mpg now, it’s looking better.

Also talked JMotor into helping fit a blue fade tint sun-strip thing. It was hopeless as it was a nightmare to stick, so we managed to get a hold of some carbon ‘wrap stuff’, and fitted one outside. I can confirm it’s still attached, which is good. I think it looks cool, but I’ve never been a dedicated follower of fashion. 

Moving on, the car has done substantial mileage again. As it’s been to Stirling and Callander (again), Kirkcudbright, and I’ve got another trip scheduled this coming week which is looking to be about 500 miles or so in length. Could be looking at something close to 77,000 miles by the time I’m done. Small mileage for some (thinking of @Popsicle when I say that), but considerably more than usual for me regardless. At least the car is getting some decent use, or so I tell myself.

There is no post for the Focus this time around, as I have nothing to add regarding that, as my time has been taken up with work for university, the Fabia, and other stuff around the house recently. I’ve got some stuff to fit to it still, but will get around to it eventually. It’s not too high on the priority list right now, as it doesn’t need to be used daily unlike the Skoda.

Also got some sort of 2000s car park thing going on, almost.

The 'woo looked good on it's own too.

Definitely has a look of "I want to be included, guys", however.

[Popsicle]

27 minutes ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

thinking of @Popsicle when I say that

Weirdly I was thinking of you last week when I did a run up to Auchinleck to collect a laptop for a housing association.

Glad to hear the cars running better with the replacement filter, looks like it might have fixed the long term mpg issues you've had.

 

[AnnoyingPentium]

9 minutes ago, Popsicle said:

Weirdly I was thinking of you last week when I did a run up to Auchinleck to collect a laptop for a housing association.

Definitely my neck of the woods. Spent a few years in Mauchline as a lad.

[Tenmil Socket]

On 3/28/2023 at 10:55 PM, AnnoyingPentium said:

Okay time to, erm, focus on tha Focus.

 

 

Naw, dinnae get yer hopes up, it's still aff eh road.

Anyway, moving on, I popped over to see @big_al_granvia and grab the key off him for the car the other week there. What with it being a nice day, I drove out to see the car, and have a nosey round about it all to get a feel of what I've unknowingly jumped head first into.

Here it is again. I was glad* to see it's still exactly where it was left.

First things first, check the sills. Solid. Surface rust making them look scabby, but it hasn't compromised the metal there yet.

The doors? A little bit brown, but not terrible yet.

Stepping inside...

Welcome to the world of Ghia, folks. As you can see, by the time I'd taken this, I'd whipped out the stereo. It's an original Ford unit that I don't intend on keeping in the car. It's been removed, but now my stereo clips are stuck in it. Good one, Ryan.

Moving on, I've sat in it. It feels very plush and well built. Much more inviting and cosy than the rugged plastickery that is the Fabia. Granted, the Fabia is very hardwearing inside, but it leaves a lot to be desired compared to the interior of the Focus (IMO). Below is also a series of photos I took that I thought were cool* or showed the car off well*.

^ including the Ghia wood panelling that is just amazing.

As I thought/was told, the car only has the original Ghia velour rear seat base, the rest is all from a Zetec. I don't mind this though, as I'll be throwing a blanket over it (cheaper than replacing it), although if this car proves itself I'll get the Ghia seats.

I also opened the bonnet, although the Ford system for opening the bonnet isn't something I'm used to, but figured it out.

Yep, engine's still there. Good stuff.

Will need to grab a battery for this at some point to have a go at trying to start it. I was informed elsewhere that hitting the tank near the pump (without damaging the tank obvs) may kick the pump into life, but not a guarantee... or if that's why the pump isn't working. Will start with fuses and suchlike though...

Anyway, will leave this with a parting photo...

Heh, out of Focus...

 

If you've read this far, thanks for reading. Here's something to listen to before yous go.

I really hope the Focus sees the road again! What is wrong with it?

[AnnoyingPentium]

3 hours ago, Tenmil Socket said:

I really hope the Focus sees the road again! What is wrong with it?

Do you have a spare day or two for me to explain?

So far:

Suspected that the fuel pump is kaput.

Crunchy front wings.

Door lock doesn't unlock by the key on the driver's side.

Flat tyres (has been like this for a while... doubt they'll hold air but we'll see).

Rear brakes seized on (hammer will do the job)

No ticket on it since 2020.

All easy jobs, like...  It appears solid otherwise, so that's half the battle sorted.

[JMotor]

16 hours ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

Definitely has a look of "I want to be included, guys", however.

More "too cool for these pair of nerds!" 🤣.

Interesting see the fuel filter on a petrol. So the 1.2's must be a deadhead/return less fuel system?

The sun strip turned out better than I thought too.

[AnnoyingPentium]

56 minutes ago, JMotor said:

Interesting see the fuel filter on a petrol. So the 1.2's must be a deadhead/return less fuel system?

Seems so, has a pressure regulator and that on it, which is why it had so many issues.

[AnnoyingPentium]

And in other news, sorted out some niggles...

First up, the engine cover, it was cracked and rattled...

Furthermore, my mirror on the driver's side was delaminating, well not anymore.

And last but not least, I've finally got a spring on the fuel cap!

This saves me from having to pry it open.

Oh also, I left some stuff down at the unit and had to collect it as I'm needing some of it for odd jobs. Anyhoo, I averaged decent MPGs on my way down...

The actual figure (tank to tank) was 48.9... bloody brilliant for a 1.2 12v petrol.

[AnnoyingPentium]

Short(ish) update - 

On the naughty step, as per the 'grumpy' thread, the lovely* Fabia.

Then, because it wanted to be a dick, it made things worse...

Oh also, the drop link on the other side is away, the wishbone bushes are creaking more. Wahey. I'll sort the car out (either by repairing it, or with fire... lots of fire). Still, bloody thing is nice and shiny looking (not like the above photo from a few months back). Good news on some fronts, warped discs are going to be gotten to fuck, Brembo discs are here and Bosch pads (woweeeeee, look at loadsamoney here) from ECP (big mistake, lol), they look correct, but knowing them it's probably the wrong ones.

Over with all things Focus, it's still the same as it ever was. Still broken, and I haven't touched it since last time, although it's currently the best member of the fleet, in my opinion, somehow. Need to actually get a move on with it, but the fuss-free* daily is getting in the way at the moment. Fun times. Below is a picture of the old bus, when I first agreed to take it on.

Overall though, I shan't be too negative though, even if I'm a crabbit bastard, and I've got two cars and no money when no cars and two money looks very favourable right now, as all things considered, I do sort of enjoy this tinkering lark from time to time, but all the time is less than ideal.

[AnnoyingPentium]

Fabia update:

Window is now less borked, brand new regulator from eBay was fitted. Works better than it did. Result.

The stereo is back to the cassette and CD changer combo Sony lump I've got, with the changer in the boot, again. Glad I didn't take the wiring out! Result.

Furthermore, in this process, I could replace the pollen filter with greater ease since the glovebox was coming out anyway.

For such an insignificant job, you'd think it hadn't taken me two years of "I'll get round to it" to actually do it. Doesn't smell like death when you first turn the blower on now. Result.

Ordered a 2001 brochure for these cars, because I haven't actually got anything like that for the Fabia. Found a set of wheels I'd like, but can't find on eBay. Less of a result, but still cool.

Further to that, the drop links have been replaced on both sides now. Only took a lot of swearing and the ANGERY GRINDER OF DEATH to get the fuckers off. No knocks. Result.

Finally, it's been doing mileage quite the thing again, done in excess of 25,000 miles since I bought it, and plenty to go with SkodaFest in June and ShiteFest in July, not to mention various trips here, there, and everywhere. Still need to go to Selkirk to collect a wing for the Focus... eventually.

[AnnoyingPentium]

Collective Car Condundrums/Dribblings

This two cars thing is great* (they're both in varying states of me wishing to set them alight) until you have to try and divide the writing between the two. So, with that in mind, let's continue another instalment of complete and utter bollocks.

T'Fabia:

Hooray, it's not completely fucked anymore! I mean, it still hates me, and that same feeling is returned, but it's fineeeeeee as long as it can keep limping on for a bit yet.

Tha Fife Trip (where in Fife? Fife m8 (I genuinely don't know where I ended up, but I just get reb to send me rough co-ordinates and pray Google Maps knows))... this was a 280 mile run up there and back via the scenic route into the arse of Stirling via Clackmannanshire, one of my favourite runs back down from Fife. The Fabia was, obviously, the wheels of choice to get there, considering the Focus is currently rivalling electric cars for "zero emissions" (this is not an invitation to start rants about 'leccy motors in this thread) and doing infinite MPGs since the fuel doesn't even leave the tank, but I said I'd leave Focus rants for later.

So, the Fabia... the journey wasn't too bad, chucked some super/E5 in it because I'm not a complete prick. For a 1.2, sitting at peak power*, screaming its tits off on the motorway, it can compete with other traffic very well. Nice. Made it to @reb's and back without dying, spontaneously combusting, or ramming the A & A Spittal van that tried to wipe me out on the M77... of course it was an Auchinleck driver.

Somewhere along the A915, where I stopped for comfort* break in the woods.

Pug fought with, it resembles a little more of car than it did when we all started.

Moving on, speaking of breaks... we'll go to brakes now. They needed done, badly. They were warped. BADLY. Think "shaking like a shitting dog" anytime I looked at the brake pedal levels of bad. So, as we disassembled the brakes, it became clear that the passenger side caliper has been sticking, and inevitably warped my discs/wore the calipers down to feck all.

So, here's the driver's side...

And, startlingly, the passenger side.

So, new brakes are on, it stops so much better now. The sticky caliper... not planning to drive it much until I can source a replacement. Thankfully, the new job is only a 5 mile commute either way, so quite happy about that. New brakes looked good first fitted too.

Finally, to round up Fabia witterings, I (unsurprisingly) bought another fucking stereo. This has CD, and works with my CD changer! The radio surround didn't arrive with the radio, but the seller has sent it out he says, so should be here sometime in the coming days.

It even flips doon!!

So yeah, that's neat. Post regarding the Focarse of Doom (TM) will be appearing shortly, when I can be arsed.

Edit - also got new plates for this with the Scottish flag, because why not... lol.

[GrumpiusMaximus]

On 5/12/2023 at 12:38 PM, AnnoyingPentium said:

For such an insignificant job, you'd think it hadn't taken me two years of "I'll get round to it" to actually do it. Doesn't smell like death when you first turn the blower on now. Result.

 

We had a 2006 Mk2 Focus Studio (1.4.  75BHP of performance.  Yes) that now belongs to my FiL.  For some stupid reason, Ford saw fit to locate the filter behind the centre console at the bottom, so the only access is via the passenger footwell.

I'm 6'2" and of manly* proportion.  Changing it involved unplugging a whole load of shit under the glovebox, removing parts of said glovebox and then removing the housing for the filter whilst upside-down in the footwell, with my feet on the headrest of the seat and blood rushing to my head.

Getting out was even more* dignified.  Never again will I change the cabin filter on a Mk2 Focus.

[AnnoyingPentium]

5 minutes ago, GrumpiusMaximus said:

We had a 2006 Mk2 Focus Studio (1.4.  75BHP of performance.  Yes) that now belongs to my FiL.  For some stupid reason, Ford saw fit to locate the filter behind the centre console at the bottom, so the only access is via the passenger footwell.

I'm 6'2" and of manly* proportion.  Changing it involved unplugging a whole load of shit under the glovebox, removing parts of said glovebox and then removing the housing for the filter whilst upside-down in the footwell, with my feet on the headrest of the seat and blood rushing to my head.

Getting out was even more* dignified.  Never again will I change the cabin filter on a Mk2 Focus.

I don't even know where it is on the Mk1, I probably won't do it, as every penny is a prisoner with that car (Scottish stereotypes to apply here)...

[AnnoyingPentium]

Anyway, moving on to speaking about The Focarse of Doom (TM) (flickers light switch for dramatic effect).

It hasn't moved, but thanks to the Pug being nearly mobile again, we'll be able to get the Focus in behind it at the unit.

All I've done in the meantime, is check it's still there, and fit a couple of pointless things whilst glossing over the more pressing matters... such as the rust and the fact the engine doesn't... engine...?

Step into sheer luxury with your Ghia branded door sill cover things... and ignore the white rusty bits of metal on the ground please... those are someone else's, right?

(I didn't fit these, they came with the car)

However, what I did fit was a stereo fur me bangin' choonz, which came from a scrap Avensis. I'm expecting a Nobel Peace Prize in Services to Recycling now.

Also managed to get a hold of a centre cap for the Zetec alloy that was missing one, so those are now complete.

(Again, please ignore the rust from the front wing it's fine I promise)

And finally, some discoveries...

Cambelt's been done mate. 10ish thousand miles ago, and about coming up on four years now... well in three days.

Oh yeah, and also I've made a profit(1) already.

£1.05, in a free car. Winner*.

 

(1) this is, of course, if we don't count the money spent on the car.

[RoverFolkUs]

26 minutes ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

I don't even know where it is on the Mk1, I probably won't do it, as every penny is a prisoner with that car (Scottish stereotypes to apply here)...

It's under a little panel in the scuttle and is actually piss easy! 

[RoverFolkUs]

35 minutes ago, GrumpiusMaximus said:

We had a 2006 Mk2 Focus Studio (1.4.  75BHP of performance.  Yes) that now belongs to my FiL.  For some stupid reason, Ford saw fit to locate the filter behind the centre console at the bottom, so the only access is via the passenger footwell.

I'm 6'2" and of manly* proportion.  Changing it involved unplugging a whole load of shit under the glovebox, removing parts of said glovebox and then removing the housing for the filter whilst upside-down in the footwell, with my feet on the headrest of the seat and blood rushing to my head.

Getting out was even more* dignified.  Never again will I change the cabin filter on a Mk2 Focus.

Try doing it on a Mazda 3. It's a Focus in a frock so everything is laid out precisely the same except the filter is in 2 parts with plastic tabs which are supposed to clip together. 

Do they fuck. 

I definitely* don't just grind the tabs off and just ram the filters in 🤣

I don't know why they designed it like that, when the paper Focus one can easily be shoved in blindly 

[egg]

4 hours ago, RoverFolkUs said:

Try doing it on a Mazda 3. It's a Focus in a frock so everything is laid out precisely the same except the filter is in 2 parts with plastic tabs which are supposed to clip together. 

Do they fuck. 

Soz more off topic, but in our old 323 it was in 3 similar parts for some reason that was baffling.

[AnnoyingPentium]

*insert today's the day starfish from finding nemo gif* - author's note... I can't be arsed adding this here, but it's my favourite GIF for an occasion like this.

Well yes, it's the 4th of June. And the Skoda Owners Club of Great Britain are having their annual 'Skodafest'. I, of course, said I was going, without considering the distance between my house in the valley that time went for milk and never came back from, and some deer park in Shropshire. Planned route? Go darn sarf m9.

It's not quite a klekshun mishun but there are aspects I'll take for this...

First (and hopefully only) motorised conveyance of choice?

I'll show you this image that I prepared earlier.

Yeah. 600 miles with barely any air con and windows I don't trust fully. This'll be fun*.

Breakfast?

Fookin lol. I have slightly over the best before jam doughnuts from my work tho!

Anyhoo, lunch has been packed for co-pilot and I. We also have a second coolbox for drinks and that.

So, plan is to meet @JMotor'JMotor's Fabia mate at Castle Douglas and work from there.

Frankly, I'll need all the bloody luck I can get 😂

[AnnoyingPentium]

Castle Douglas? Completed it, m9.

Shitters were shut. So that's fun.

Still, it looks okay for now.

[AnnoyingPentium]

Okay I'm finally home. Many miles comfortably covered at many speeds on many roads. That Fabia was bloody ace for today, surprisingly. Absolutely no issues at all.

There was a good turnout IMO (edit not pictured until next page), I'll put up photos linked to Flickr later.

The Favorit and the Mk1 Superb were the only of their specific "kind" there today. Plenty more photos on the digital camera too.

Actually looks good here. ^^

The mileage covered is below, as of me pulling into the driveway.