Honestjohn Backroom Posts

Vauxhall - 1.9 CDTI - water pump seizure & cambelt failure (John F)

John F — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 02:41:55 +0000

I think this cambelt design is foolish for two reasons. Firstly, timing belt reliability is so important that a cambelt should drive nothing but the camshaft(s) and a single tensioner pulley. Secondly, if the water pump must be driven by the cambelt, it should be driven by the smooth back of the belt, not the teeth. This will give a reasonably sensitive driver due warning, as it will screech and smell hot before it eventually fries and breaks. If the teeth try to drive a seizing pulley they will be extracted, wrecking the engine immediately. Either GM engine designers were incompetent, or it was a cunning example of built-in obsolescence. Should've bought a Ford Zetec.

How to avoid getting your car towed away (FP)

FP — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 01:29:56 +0000

Why would people in the UK have the slightest interest in your spam? Or do you not have the minimal knowledge necessary to know you were placing your spam in the wrong country?

How to avoid getting your car towed away (Davesmith1000)

Davesmith1000 — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 01:07:03 +0000

Interesting!! Towing Company provides towing service in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon and Orangeville.

Van suggestion (retgwte)

retgwte — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 01:00:44 +0000

I would agree the best bet would be an estate car unless van is absolutely essential. Insurance will be cheaper, and will be far easier to find a decent example on the second hand market.

Bangernomics (joegrundy)

joegrundy — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:56:29 +0000

Thanks, Avant, so will I. £2700 in 2013, so she did 57,000 miles in comfort and with good economy. Not many problems - Pirate Pierre the mechanique will be a memory. I think I did well - especially when compared with new car depreciation and problems. Sadly, the cost to keep her going (probably over £1000 with the welding - and that's always an unknown quantity) decided her fate, but my indy told me that she's going to live on a farm where it's sunny all the time and she'll spend all day playing in the fields with other cars.

MINI Cooper S R56 - MINI Cooper S Timing Chain Failure (Avant)

Avant — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:55:44 +0000

Welcome to the forum, RobUK. This sounds an interesting point - any of our engineers care to comment?

Vauxhall - 1.9 CDTI - water pump seizure & cambelt failure (focussed)

focussed — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:50:29 +0000

"if Vauxhall has any liability for it" No legal liability whatsoever even if it happened 5 minutes after you drove it away from the showroom brand new. Why? Because you didn't buy it from Vauxhall, you bought it from a Vauxhall dealer. Your contract of sale is with the dealer, not Vauxhall. That's why car manufacturers don't sell direct to the public.

Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech - Puretech 1.2 Engine Failure (Avant)

Avant — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:50:01 +0000

"I also don’t think it’s good value at £16k either." Nor do I. The trouble with apparent bargains like this is that they happen either with running-out models (like this 2008) or cars that were never very saleable in the first place. The flipside will be only too apparent if you come to sell it (but good vaue if you intend to keep it long-term). A new Q2 is better value than it looks as most Audis hold their value. I got my Q2's predecessor, a Volvo V60, for £7,000 under list - but after two years it had lost 50% of purchase price, 60% of list.

Bangernomics (Avant)

Avant — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:37:54 +0000

We'll miss that valiant old Jag: I seem to remember you telling us that you took a bit of a risk when you bought it - but it did you proud. Good luck with the Leon: agreed, the PD 130 is a great engine - very durable as well as lively.

Bangernomics (joegrundy)

joegrundy — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:23:20 +0000

I think you're exactly right. I'd given up the pleasure of laying underneath cars with oil dripping in your eyes a long time ago (i.e. when I didn't need to any more) but I'm really enjoying this. Today I spent a few hours hoovering leaves and stuff out of the engine bay, degreasing and generally cleaning up, fixing small stuff, etc. A poundstretcher 'magic sponge' and a cheap carpet cleaner spray brought some interior trim up a treat. I have even gone so far as to order some brake cleaner and 5L of WD40. I don't think I would have done this, nor contemplated door panel removal etc., if I'd spent more on a newer car. Some sort of perverse pride or sense of achievement, perhaps - knowing that I could have bought the 'very reasonably priced new xxxx at 'only' £20,000' but I'm doing this instead. (I bought a 1990 205 XLD in 1992. Superb car. Stupidly traded it in for something bigger, flasher, worse.)

Vauxhall - 1.9 CDTI - water pump seizure & cambelt failure (Avant)

Avant — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:22:23 +0000

Only if cars affected were considerably newer than 10 years old.

Ford Focus - Ford radio code for 6000CD (FP)

FP — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:13:42 +0000

Thank you for coming back to us and confirming the code worked.

Vauxhall - 1.9 CDTI - water pump seizure & cambelt failure (LithiumGrease)

LithiumGrease — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:01:52 +0000

Hi, I know that this thread has been quiet for a while now, but I experienced this same problem on a 2009 Insignia 1.9 TDCI with 66k just miles this summer. The water pump went suddenly, the engine did not even have time to overheat. The pump shredded the timing belt, and this in turn wrecked the camshaft. One of the two camshafts snapped, camshaft hosing damaged, all new valves required. Luckily I was only doing 20 mph when it happened! The repair was worth more than the re-sale value of the car, so a write off. I had done all servicing and maintenance done at the dealership "by the book". I had the timing belt done about 1 and a half years before the failure. The dealership in Derby says that the Vauxhall timing belt kit does not come with the water pump and Vauxhall's technical instructions do not include the replacement of the water pump with the timing belt by default. Just like many others in this thread I wonder how wide spread the problem is and how many people have been affected by this fault, and if Vauxhall has any liability for it. Cheers, LG

Bangernomics (Andrew-T)

Andrew-T — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:01:14 +0000

<< I am much more inclined to do stuff to this car and have changed pollen filter (gross) air filter (needed doing) and fuel filter. General sorting out continues. I think because of the low purchase price I'm more happy to spend a few quid on bits and pieces. >> Sounds like fun. I think your response is the normal one, having bought a new toy at a bargain price, to see how much better you can make it look and perform. This will slowly wear off when you decide that further improvement is impossible, too complex or too expensive. I recently sold my 1990 Pug 205 - which was in remarkably good bodily condition - to my SiL's brother, who is thrilled with it (as is his teenage daughter, oddly enough). He is continuing to make the small improvements I had lost the impetus to do.

Any - Annual Insurance renewal coming up (alan1302)

alan1302 — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:58:53 +0000

Like I said earlier it's a licence to print money. Except they didn't in your case so a poor licence

Bangernomics (joegrundy)

joegrundy — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:38:22 +0000

Thanks for that, that's encouraging. I think I'll be taking it into the indy soon to have what it probably hasn't had for a while, a 'look at everything, do whatever needs doing' service.

Mazda 3 - mazda 3 1.6 diesel oil temp minus 40? (Janos)

Janos — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:29:45 +0000

Hello, have you figured it out where it gets the -40C reading? I have similar problem and just found out that there is no oil temp sensor fitted to this model. Long story short, mine says egr stuck closed even though it is replaced by a new. There is a new turbo + new fuel filter.. I checked on Delphi ds150 and it says the oil temp -40? Don't know if it matters though. Ta

Bangernomics (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:27:46 +0000

Excellent purchase .These Vw 1.9 tdi Pd engines go forever ,more than can be said for the current breed of Vw engines. Just remember to give it regular oil and filter changes with the correct grade oil.

Bangernomics (joegrundy)

joegrundy — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:19:14 +0000

I've just renewed my membership of the bangernomics club. A couple of weeks ago I took my 2004 x-type diesel, 189k, to my indy to finally get my rear suspension sorted out and a few other things. It was running well and I hoped to get it to 200k. I was summoned, and joined the mechanic (they are mechanics, not 'technicians' although I suppose they could be both) under the car on the lift. Sadly for all of us, quickly developing corrosion was readily apparent and proximate sound metal was elusive. Totting up the estimated cost of all that needed doing, even at my indy's reasonable rates, it was clear that the end was nigh. She still had a few month's MOT and wasn't unroadworthy, so I started my search for a replacement. I knew what to look for, of course, having studied these boards -Jap or Korean, petrol, preferably private sale. I wanted to avoid PCP or finance and decided to spend about £2.5 -£3k and be open as to make/model etc. Don't seem to be so many private sales around locally nowadays - perhaps they're being p/x for new on PCP deals? My kids tell me that local faceache groups have some. I looked at stuff with dealers but looking at MOT records revealed much to be wary of. I went to have a chat with my indy (he's an MOT tester) fo find out what to make of/how seriously to take some of the MOT advisories and that sort of stuff. And bought a car. It doesn't fit any of my criteria. It's a 2003 SEAT Leon 1.9Tdi 130, 120k. It was owned by one of his customers, and he's been minimally looking after it for a few years (by which I mean oil changes, MOTs and essential stuff). It came from the main dealer in the town and hasn't been far since. The lady obviously had kids (from the detritus in the car) and used it for school and to and from work. Not much TLC - I didn;t realise until I'd done a bit of work on it that it was metallic. But there's a year's MOT (one advisory - a minor exhaust leak), it's sound, and everything works including the a/c. but the cupholder spring is broken. It cost £650. Indy has the x-type and is hoping to get more for it than scrap value. It is a delight to drive, same power as x-type but much lighter and brings a smile. Pulls well in 6th, 70 is less than 2000rpm and 90 less than 2500 (I would think, hypothetically). Interestingly, I am much more inclined to do stuff to this car and have changed pollen filter (gross) air filter (needed doing) and fuel filter. General sorting out continues. I think because of the low purchase price I'm more happy to spend a few quid on bits and pieces. I've put a tank of diesel with cleaner through it and it;s responding well. Three problems to fix: exhaust leak, water ingress through door seal (a common problem and a £3 tube of sealant should remedy) and a slight hesitancy at certain revs. Confident that these can be overcome. One downside - my excellent breakdown insurance people don't do European cover for cars over 15 years old, but this would have applied to the Jag in Feb anyway. Interesting times ...

Van suggestion (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:25:09 +0000

Someone near me uses an old petrol Vauxhall Zafira and another uses an old Renault Espace. The Zafira would be fine as a 1.6/1.8 petrol or 'non-Fiat' diesel, but the Espace is a different matter. I do seem to remember them being on lists as the least reliable car you could buy!. As i said before, difficult to make suggestions without knowing how much space for tools is needed, but even a saloon car of some description might be worth looking at. With the tools safely in the boot and out of sight, it could be more secure. Also, there would be less noise intrusion into the cabin from tools clattering about.

I'm buying car insurance for the first time. (Zippy123)

Zippy123 — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:24:21 +0000

Avoid companies that require a black box to be fitted (TELEMATICS etc). LV have been good to me. Not the cheapest though.

Van suggestion (Pinstripe)

Pinstripe — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:55:33 +0000

Someone near me uses an old petrol Vauxhall Zafira and another uses an old Renault Espace.

Ford Focus - Ford radio code for 6000CD (Galaxy)

Galaxy — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:26:17 +0000

Already done in your previous post ( 3597) !

Ford Focus - Ford radio code for 6000CD (Galaxy)

Galaxy — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:24:10 +0000

You are very welcome!

Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech - Puretech 1.2 Engine Failure (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 20:57:40 +0000

when you work hard and desire a new car you should buy one. Stating the obvious isn't it? The last car I bought properly used was back in 1978 and despite being a car I had known from new it was total carp. Kept it 3 months and traded it for a new one, the repayments were less than the monthly repair bill. You can't really make a general assumption on the risks and pitfalls of buying a used car if your last experience of doing so was more than 40 years ago. Cars have moved on a bit since then. I'd be more confident in the reliability of a well looked after 15 year old Toyota Avensis than many new cars.

Van suggestion (badbusdriver)

badbusdriver — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 20:47:44 +0000

At that price, buying a van will be an absolute lottery. How lucky do you feel?!. Depending on exactly how much space you need, i'd be more inclined to look at a car. The chances of it being anything other than on its last legs are much, much higher. Still a bit of a lottery, but cars, in general, lead much easier lives than vans, and petrol engines are much more common here than in a van. Either an estate, like a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra, or maybe an MPV like a Toyota Corolla Verso or Ford Focus C-Max where the rear seats can be removed entirely. Also, the 'car' versions of the Citroen Berlingo (Multispace) and the Peugeot Partner (Combi) would be worth looking for.

MINI Cooper S R56 - MINI Cooper S Timing Chain Failure (RobUK)

RobUK — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 19:58:32 +0000

I am aware this is an old thread but this may help some. I believe stop/start was first implemented in 2007 Mini`s, timing chain problems are occurring in various makes at the present time. With regards to Mercedes timing chains, being a single link chain they have always been vulnerable to failure but are failing far earlier in cars equipped with stop/start, as early as 45,000 miles. Far more stress is put on the chain at startup and slow speeds. Estimated lifetime stop/starts is 6000,000, without stop/start 60,000.

hire car companies (focussed)

focussed — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 19:27:44 +0000

I used to get issued with a new Volvo every six months for my sins . One of them less that a week old seized the windscreen wipers - totally - the wiper shafts were solid. Not lubricated on assembly was the story - it was a 240 built in Ghent though!

Mazda MX-5 - All weather tyres recommendation for MX-5 (RT)

RT — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:59:20 +0000

OP states 205/50 x 16. My bad - must go to Specsavers!

Ford Focus - Ford radio code for 6000CD (eoinzy)

eoinzy — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:40:02 +0000

That's spot on, thanks!

Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech - Puretech 1.2 Engine Failure (thunderbird)

thunderbird — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:32:03 +0000

Thanks for this, but for low mileage drivers like us (c. 8k per annum) buying new/almost new makes no financial sense at all It might not make financial sense but when you work hard and desire a new car you should buy one. I would never pay full price for one but i have never had to, plenty of bargains out there and with the internet it is far easier to find them than it was back in the 70's, 80's and 90's. Best bargain I found on line was 29% off list and the dealer was only 15 miles away. Local supermarkets were charging more for 6 month old ex hire cars that were total tat. The last car I bought properly used was back in 1978 and despite being a car I had known from new it was total carp. Kept it 3 months and traded it for a new one, the repayments were less than the monthly repair bill.

Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech - Puretech 1.2 Engine Failure (SLO76)

SLO76 — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:22:21 +0000

I also don’t think it’s good value at £16k either. It’s an old model 208 on stilts really, not a bad wee car but certainly not worth £16k. The list price is utter nonsense, it’s simply set to encourage you to sign up for a never ending PCP or lease. At £10k or less however it does make some sense as a comfortable tall riding alternative to a supermini.

Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech - Puretech 1.2 Engine Failure (John F)

John F — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:04:04 +0000

It seems a lot of car for 16k new, I thought it was a brilliant little car, and for 16k it's a bargain. Thanks for this, but for low mileage drivers like us (c. 8k per annum) buying new/almost new makes no financial sense at all - and I have never spent 16k on a car in my life! The most was 13k for a nearly new Passat 2.0GLauto estate back in '94 for the 20k miles per annum years (long school run, w/e sports competitions, hols in France etc) - got over 230,000 miles out of it. We might spend 15k if Mrs F sees one she likes. PS They're not that little - about the same size as an Audi Q2 but IMHO considerably better VFM which,as some may know here, figures highly in my motoring expenditure.....

I'm buying car insurance for the first time. (thunderbird)

thunderbird — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:02:45 +0000

I read the OP and thought there were hints that English was not poster's first language. Looks OK to me. There are plenty of posts on here that make far less sense.

KIA Cee'd - KIA Ceed Product Improvement Notice (thunderbird)

thunderbird — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:00:17 +0000

When I collected it I was told that it didn’t have the affected part from the Czech Republic (the part on mine is apparently from the US though it wasn't explained what exact part), The Ceed is a Europe only model, the name (if I remember correctly) is an acronym for "Community of Europe - Europe design. The US has their own models. Based on that I think that your dealer is a liar. I suggest that you contact Kia Customer Services who based on the experience of people I know will sort out your issue and if it needs sorting get it done correctly rather than bodged.

I'm buying car insurance for the first time. (Bromptonaut)

Bromptonaut — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:59:22 +0000

Thus I think its fair to assume in the absence of more info the OP is asking about choosing an alternative insurer for the first time and not buying insurance for the first time. I read the OP and thought there were hints that English was not poster's first language. In those circs nit-picking over phraseology is probably not worthwhile.

I'm buying car insurance for the first time. (thunderbird)

thunderbird — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:52:25 +0000

<< If you have been with a company for 10+ years you cannot be buying car insurance for the first time can you. >> If you read carefully, the OP explains that a parent chose his/her first company .... I had read where the OP said his insurers had been chosen by the parents 10+ years ago but nowhere has the OP said that the parents have ever paid for the insurance let alone paid for 10 years. Thus I think its fair to assume in the absence of more info the OP is asking about choosing an alternative insurer for the first time and not buying insurance for the first time.

hire car companies (Engineer Andy)

Engineer Andy — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:22:30 +0000

Q. What’s the fastest car on the road? A. A hire car. Followed closely by delivery drivers in white vans, which have a 'warp speed' button on the gear stick. As regards hire cars, many years ago a former colleague specified a large number of A/C units from a manufacturer, and in gratitiude (not a bribe - he never knew about this until the rep phoned him), they gave him a Porsche Boxster for the weekend. Needless to say during Friday lunchtime (and I suspect for the whole weekend) he apparently discovered the full capabilities of the car bombing down the local dual carriageway (a nice bit of road if I do say so myself - I used it as an 'Italian tune-up' for my old Nissan Micra at the time).

Ford Focus - Ford radio code for 6000CD (Emma100)

Emma100 — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:18:17 +0000

Thank u so much

Ford Focus - Ford radio code for 6000CD (Emma100)

Emma100 — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:15:45 +0000

Hi could anyone help me with the code for m368641 please

Mazda MX-5 - All weather tyres recommendation for MX-5 (Engineer Andy)

Engineer Andy — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:09:04 +0000

Did you not read the 1st reply? https://www.oponeo.co.uk/advice-and-tips/tyre-size-calculator/205-50-r15#alternativeTireTool Bear in mind (I just relaised it myself) the link was to the cal for the 205/50 R15 and not the R16 size. Easy to update though via the calculation tool.

Any - Annual Insurance renewal coming up (Falkirk Bairn)

Falkirk Bairn — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:07:52 +0000

Direct line in FCA Firing Line https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2019/10/13/direct-line-exposed-fca-crackdown-uk-insurers-dual-pricing-practices/

Van suggestion (SLO76)

SLO76 — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:04:34 +0000

Are all pre 2010 vans dpf free or just the connect. Just wondering what year the othet vans introduce dpf Firms did it at different dates, there’s no specific date that’s safe you need to do your homework or even physically look at each van. Probably the best cheap van is the VW Caddy 2.0 SDi, it’s simple and robust with no turbocharger or DPF to worry about but again one at £2,000 or less is likely to be worn out. It is probably one of the only cheap vans worthy of looking at however as they’re capable of taking a bit of abuse. I wouldn’t buy a later TDI version as they are DPF equipped and known for EGR problems too. The Citroen and Peugeot equivalents are good with the old 1.9 or 2.0 HDI diesels but later 1.6’s are very weak and best avoided. The Transit Connect is bad for rot and few seem to survive into old age certainly up here with all the salt on the roads. The Kangoo has a good engine but suffers constant suspension and electrical woe so again I’d forget these. Vauxhall Combos with the 1.7 Isuzu diesels are tough but quite rare, most use the fragile Fiat 1300 motor that’s again best avoided. Don’t buy an ex Post office van as they’re all utterly ruined.

Van suggestion (Kris the joiner)

Kris the joiner — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 17:04:12 +0000

It looks like so far Pre 2010 connect 1.8 no dpf And pre 2010 1.9tdi caddy no dpf (unless it was an added extra at time of purchase) Just need to look at 2008 new shape model kangoo berlingo and partners. But knowing french they was first engines about that fitted dpfs so i think they will probaby have one fitted. If thats the case then im limited to caddy and connect cos i dont want pre 2008 old shape berlingo kangoos

Van suggestion (elekie&a/c doctor)

elekie&a/c doctor — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:57:32 +0000

You need to check each model individually . There are no hard and fast rules. For a sub 2k van , you want anything without a dpf .

Ford Focus - Ford radio code for 6000CD (Galaxy)

Galaxy — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:56:45 +0000

The correct code for your radio should be: 3597

Ford Focus - Ford radio code for 6000CD (Emma100)

Emma100 — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:54:06 +0000

Does anyone have the code for a ford fusion radio. Serial number m368641? Thank you

Van suggestion (Kris the joiner)

Kris the joiner — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:51:47 +0000

Are all pre 2010 vans dpf free or just the connect. Just wondering what year the othet vans introduce dpf

Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav 2016 - Serious battery issue after having car service (gordonbennet)

gordonbennet — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:49:37 +0000

Nomag, I find it hard to believe how a faulty 'propshaft' bearing would sound like a wheel about to fall off, but I suppose one may live and learn ..... Agree with you, one will be a vibration through the steering and possibly the brake pedal, the other is a transmission vibration usually able to be altered by going from acceleration through a trailing throttle to positive engine/gear braking. A wheel loose enough to be about to fall off would be showing some damage, alloy without a doubt but even a steely would show rubbing where it was contacting the wheelbolts and have been shined up to some extent both on the spigot and where it was contacting the hub on the back of the wheel, and the studs/bolts will show signs of rubbing against the wheel holes.

Studded winter tyres regulations? (PaulFE)

PaulFE — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:35:17 +0000

Looks like good news in studded tyre world this year, continental released Ice Contact 3 with rubberised studs which have minimal affect on roads. Having a dilemma on what to get on a new car, studded or HKPL R3...