| ID: 572 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: battery light Question: hi wiz. Ive just done a clutch change engine & box in & out, only when I started her up I get a constant battery light. Answer: Ensure you have refitted the wires to the alternator in the correct place and that the drive belt is tight enough. |
| ID: 573 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: oil gauge.......on and on!!! Question: wiz, checked the loom connector next to the passenger side headlight and found some of the pins were green. Cleaned these up, and still my oil pressure gauge dont work. Ive tried cleaning the pressure sender connectors on the oil feed banjo (very difficult to get to) and all thats left is the sender unit module in the sump. Now if i get me multimetre out, should i get continuity between each connector, or not??? Is there another test i can do to it to define wether its fubared?? cheers Answer: You should get various readings depending on how much oil is in the sump! The level sensor is independant of the pressure gauge so you must have either the sender knackered or the gauge. Try another dash from a friends car to see if it works then. The senders are prone to failure to. |
| ID: 574 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Can Question: I have a 89 ""F"" turbo which seems to have developed a fault. Without any warning I am unable to select 3rd or 4th, the gearlever is stiff, but can be forced into 1st,2nd,5th or reverse. This will last for anything from 2mins to a few hours, and it'll run spot on for ages then happen again. There is also sometimes a squeal when I initially engage 5th. I have supposedly had it checked by an ""expert" Answer: who said there was nothing wrong with it but adjusted the clutch anyway. Please tell me it's not terminal. Heres hoping Mark" |
| ID: 575 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Paintless dent removal. Question: I have acquired some small dents in my nearside rear quarter panel. The latest one courtesy of some idiot opening their car door onto it. Can you tell me the name and contact number of the company that comes to your house to remove these dents from behind the panel? Answer: Try Dentmaster on 0800 433487 |
| ID: 576 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: alloys Question: Can I fit 17"" wheels on my car? Answer: Yes! Check out the fitting guide article on this site. |
| ID: 577 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: WHEELS/TYRES Question: I AM THINKING OF FITTING 16S ON MY CAR.THE WHEELS ARE COMING OFF A VAUXHALL CAVALIER MK3.THE TYRE SIZE IS 205/45/16.WILL THEY FIT. Answer: The wheel PCD may be the same but the offset is totally wrong. You are better off going for the correct wheel from a Renault Megane or similar. |
| ID: 578 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Heater Matrix Question: Last friday i opened my car to find it full of water, the RAC man said it was the heater matrix and put 2 bolts in the tubes running into the car. Can i fix this heater or is it easier to get a new one or scrap yard? How easy is it as i have undone all the bolts i can find and the heater still is not loose? can u help? Answer: The matrix is not really repairable but is simple enough to change. Check out the article on this site for more details. |
| ID: 579 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Loosing Coolant Again!! Question: I'm off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of 5, Hi Wiz!! Thanks for your previous advice, the pipe between the water pump and the inlet manifold had split, my mechanic fixed it yesterday, cut the pipe and refitted and bled the system, we took the car for a quick test drive and all was well. This morning I got to work (6 miles from home) and I checked the coolant level and It was at min again!! There are no drips falling from the bottom of the car and the pipe fixed yesterday is fine. However I did smell coolant sometimes when driving this morning, coming from the air vents. How can I find the source of the water leak?? I tried squeezing the main water hose but it felt very hard? Help!! Thanks in advance!! Answer: I hope the split hose didn't cause the head gasket to go! Go to a local garage and get the compression and the cooling system pressure tested. This will give you a better idea of what is wrong. |
| ID: 580 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: can i whizz it wiz? Question: Hi - i am currently fitting my aj tuning front bumper, and want the spotlights flush mounted into it cos i think it looks better......however behind the drivers side one a lump of metal sticks out where the subframe comes up to the front beam type thing, preventing me from getting the lamps in enuff - why is this only on one side? And can i shave a bit off it with the angle grinder? (not too much as i will also modify the casing of the spotlamp itsself)......... cheers wiz. Answer: I take it the metal bit you are on about is the bracket for the towing point. You could grind it off but you would be without the towing loop if you needed it in future, its your choice! |
| ID: 581 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: hissing again.... Question: Hi wiz. The car is still hissing away even though I blocked up that pipe from the main boost hose to the anti perc cylinder valve. Could it be a cracked ecu or breather problem? Any other ideas? Also I’ve noticed that I occasionally get blue smoke from the exhaust on the startup. Its not a lot but it can’t be good!!!! I don’t think it’s the turbo as its relatively new and I’ve done the lift off test with no smoke. I did however notice some creamy residue around the oil filler cap while I was looking around. I wiped it off and haven’t seen any since (also recently changed the oil and there wasn’t any there either). I know theres a fair chance that the water residue is a cracked head gasket but could this also cause smoke at startup or could it be something else (piston rings??), Good fun these cars aren’t they!!!!! Cheers mate. Answer: Most cars get a build up of the creamy residue, commonly known as mayonaise due to condensation in the system. It usually goes away when the car has a good run at normal temperature. The blue smoke at startup could be down to worn valve seals, piston rings or turbo seals. Make sure all your pipes are properly tightened and that the intercooler and dump valve are not split. |
| ID: 582 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: dead!!! Question: Ey up Wiz, I have just driven home from work and i think i have a fairly major problem. My 5 has a voltmeter fitted, which a couple of weeks ago was indicating ~13.5v. Over the last couple of weeks that has slowly gone down until today, when it showed ~10.5v as i left work. On the way home it went all the way down to 9v( bottomed out), and all my gauges died, along with my indicators etc. Also, the immobiliser tried to come on. Anyway, it made it home but is now totally dead! It won't even turn over. Over the last two weeks, the battery light has been on constanly at low revs, but went out at higher revs. Is my alternator shot or could it be a different problem? The battery was new in March(ish). If it is the alternator, what is it likely to cost for a replacement and is it a possible DIY (for a duffer with a mate and Haynes?!?!) Cheers Wiz Blue Meanie Answer: Make sure the wires are all tight and that the alternator belt is ok. Next i would suggest trying a known good battery before condeming the alternator. It is easy to fit if you follow the directions in the Haynes manual. |
| ID: 583 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: can i whizz it wiz? (2) Question: No, i have already had to remove the bracket for the tow loop!!, it is just a piece that sticks out further on the front cross member, it is only on one side (drivers), it is the point where the subframe bolts to the crossmember, it just seems to be a sort of locating point, but other than that seems pretty redundant........ Answer: Up to you then! I don't think it will make any difference to the car. |
| ID: 584 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Water Spray Question: Alright Wizard, Ive been looking into building a water spray system for the intercooler and was wondering if i should use jets that produce more of a mist, or jets that drench the intercooler (not exessivly) ? And is there anyway I can get it to work at certain boost and what would it take equipment wise ? Many Thanks RiK Answer: Mist is better as it will disperse more easily. Use an adjustable overboost switch to initiate the spray at the boost you require. Make it so that this switch initiates a relay that runs to the pump for the spray and include a switch on the dash to turn it off for cold days! |
| ID: 585 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: transmission Question: is it possible to do the clutch with the engine still in.can i get the gearbox back far enough. Answer: You can get space to remove the gearbox by lowering that side of the subframe. |
| ID: 586 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Negative Camber Offset. Question: Hi Wiz Quick question. I have a set of yellow Konis on my motor. When the Mechanic put them on he mounted the front ones at about -3 degree offset (to reduce torque steer), I understand that standard is about -1. Yesterday the mech fitted a new steering rack, after he finished I went to get my alignment done. Should I have told the blokes at the tyre centre that the suspension has been mounted to -3 negative camber, do you think they have set it back to -1 degrees like the standard cars?? Thanks Big up da WIZ!! Answer: Yes i expect they did! |
| ID: 587 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: She is getting dam hot Question: Wiz she if fine around town fan is on a switch so just put it on as i get on to the motor way. but it just climbs i do have a hybrid with bleed valve but just run it at any boost and it still climbs. it's not like it just keep's climbing i can drive at 70 and up a bit 80 a bit more and so on. but as i keep going ie blowing off some ford crap she will climb past the second mark and today the in the heat it was way past half just doing 70 what si the problem Answer: Sounds like you may have either a faulty thermostat or a partially blocked radiator. I would renew the stat and flush the rad (or replace with copper cored one) Make sure you bleed the system properly. |
| ID: 588 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Ticking Noise when I accelerate Question: Hi T.W When I accelerate i get a ticking noise. It sounds tappets but i just wanted to check as it gets loud at times... Answer: If the tappets are ok then it might well be the manifold gasket blown as it makes a very similar sound. |
| ID: 589 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Smoke when starting engine Question: Every time I start my car I get a cloud of smoke coming out of my exhaust and a fairly strong smell of fumes. Please could you tell what the problem could be. Answer: If the smoke is blue, then it is oil burning. If the smoke is white it is coolant burning. If the smoke is black then it is unburnt fuel. |
| ID: 590 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Negative Camber Offset 2 Question: WIz, With respect to my last message on this topic. Most of my steering and suspension components have been renewed and professionally fitted. However I still get a creaking sound when turning the wheel slowly, could it be possible that the negative camber adjustment on my front suspension be the cause of the creak?? e.g. could it be putting to much stress on the steering components?? Thanks for your advice, you most definatly are a fountain of knowlege. Answer: I expect you are more likely to have a dry joint somewhere like the steering column. |
| ID: 591 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Oily Turbo Question: Wizzard, I appear to have oil leaking from around the turbo drain hose. If its not a split hose, what could it be ? It has started to get worse-getting on the turbo and smoking ! HELP Answer: If it is not the oil return hose then it could be the feed on top (Do you have a heatshield covering it?) |
| ID: 592 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: ENGINE OIL Question: I have had my car engine re-built and got the car back last thusday. I have done 250 miles so far. The problem I have is that the oil pressure drops below zero and I have top the oil up every 2-3 days. Is this normal after an engine re-build? I cannot see no oil leak within the engine and no drops on the drive. Thanks for your help. Answer: This is not good! No oil should be lost at all. You must be either losing it from a leak (although you say there is none on the floor) or it is being burnt. This means either the turbo is leaking oil past its seals, (remove the boost pipe and check it for oil) or the valve stems or rings are not sealing (will smoke blue out the exhaust) If your oil pressure is dropping below zero then i think there may be a problem with the pump, or the pressure relief valve. Either way I would recommend returning the car to the engine builder and getting him to sort it under warrenty. |
| ID: 593 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: SQUEAK Question: WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL, ESP WHEN NOT MOVING IT SQUEAKS LIKE A GOOD'UN PLEASE COULD YOU TELL ME WHERE?I SHOULD OIL IT ! Answer: It is quite often the plastic surround rubbing on the shaft that makes that sound. Make sure it is not touching anywhere first. There is no where specific to oil the shaft, so you will have to try and find the squeak and sort it from there. |
| ID: 594 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: ENGINE OIL (2) Question: I have had a new oil pump. I have checked the dipstick and the oil level is over by 2cm from the maximum mark, which means I have not lost any oil. The only reason why I kept on topping the oil up was due to the oil pressure dropping below zero. So it looks like the pressure relief valve is to blame. Where about is this? or Would it be best to change the oil sender switch (The switch on bottom/front of the engine) I guess i'll have to take the excess oil out, can this be done if I un-screw the oil filter as this would save me jacking the car up. Finally when I am in first gear the car hesitate, then after it starts moving it has the full power. Do u think there is dirt trapped in the fuel filter? Answer: You should really drain the oil from the sump plug unless you dont mind oil all over your engine and wiring loom! I would try a new sender if i was you as the pressure relief valve is in the pump and would be new as well. As for the hesitation, do you have a Group A carb? These can cause this problem as the airflow is slowed down over the jet causing fuelling problems. |
| ID: 595 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: white smoke..but not all the time>???????? Question: Hello Answer: |
| ID: 596 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: rubbing Question: I have just bought 205/40/17 alloy wheels. I've modified the back bumper for the wheels but when I put the front on they start rubbing. They rub on the cup for the spring. The alloy size is 7, i've been told this is the right alloy. How can eliminate this problem. Will coil-overs solve this. Answer: Coil overs will sort the problem but a set of spacers on the front might solve the problem at a much lesser price! 7"" is the correct width but did you get the correct offset? If you got standard 35mm offset wheels then they will rub as you need a larger offset on the front with such big wheels. |
| ID: 597 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: Noisy at start up Question: Dear wiz, do you have any ideas why my car has started to sound like a London taxi when starting from cold? Not as bad as a proper diesel of course but not a bad impression. When it warms up it sounds ok, like a normal car! There is no smoke , good oil pressure and the car runs good. Any ideas or shall I just get a TAXI sign for the roof! Thanks Phil Answer: I expect there is a problem with piston slap or rings. Try getting a compression check with the engine cold and then another with it hot to see if there is a difference between them. |
| ID: 598 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: offset Question: the alloy wheels I bought have 46 offset is that still ok? Answer: I would say that is a bit much so some spacers should sort the problem. |
| ID: 599 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: jumping Question: When i drive my car in 5th gear it jumps out when i decelerate. I also need a clutch could this cause it? Answer: It is unlikely that the clutch is causing the problem. It could be gear linkage adjustment or a worn gear selector (but that is less likely). |
| ID: 600 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: speed difference Question: Hi, How much difference will 17's make to speed and handling as I love big wheels but dont see the point in spending money on engine mods then weighing myself down. cheers! Answer: 17's will increase top end but slow acceration due to there larger overall rolling radius. I hear they cause quite bad ""Tram lining"" but have never tried them for myself. I think 15's are the best compromise between handling, looks and acceration. |
| ID: 601 | Date: Archive | Member: Archive | Wizard: Archive |
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Subject: window doesnt like going up. Question: Hi Wiz. My drivers side elec window winds down perfectly, but really struggles to go up. Its been getting worse over the past few months to the point where I have to help it now, or it stops, which is great fun when youre just pulling onto the motorway. I have tried changing the motor for another 2nd hand one but that made no difference. I have tried moving the window myself unnattached to the motor and it seems to move quite freely. I guess both motors have seen better days and I need to buy a new one, unless the great Wizard knows something different. Thanks v much. Tom. Answer: You can try stripping and lubricating the mechanism but if this doesn't work then new is the only way to go. |