Search found 72 matches

by thegriffin
Sat May 21, 2016 6:28 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Brakes and Suspension
Topic: New Disc Warped
Replies: 8
Views: 941

Re: New Disc Warped

It's unlikely the new disc is warped.I don't like the sound of a hammer blow on the hub. The hub has probably had a thump in the past and it has probably bent the flange. I had a bent rear hub on mine causing the drum to run out of true by a previous owner. I'd remove the disc and check the hub for ...
by thegriffin
Mon May 02, 2016 4:50 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: Cavalier TD starting problems
Replies: 3
Views: 267

Re: Cavalier TD starting problems

Try operating the glow plugs a couple of times before starting in the morning and see if that helps. If so it could be that the plugs or timer need checking. I've found when it won't start instantly in the morning, it's usually the valve clearances need adjustment. I've found the inlets close up for...
by thegriffin
Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:44 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: ICE and Electrical
Topic: Central locking by turning key
Replies: 20
Views: 1110

Re: Central locking by turning key

It's more likely the ignition barrel has been replaced
in the past due to wear.
I have two keys because it was cheaper to buy a lock
and key set with two new keys than to get a barrel
to match my existing key.
by thegriffin
Sat Jun 06, 2015 7:12 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Re: Emission warning light

Have now fitted a 3rd new sensor which appears
to work.It's made by Auto Mega which I'm
not familiar with.But at least it works !

Hopefully that's the end of this episode .Only
time will tell ......

Big thanks again to Robsey
by thegriffin
Wed Jun 03, 2015 7:30 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Re: Emission warning light

New sensor arrived as promised.I plugged it in and this one doesn't work either ! The quality control on these gadgets is pathetic . It seems that the heating element is faulty because it does not get warm like my "spare "sensor. I'm getting a little annoyed now. Supplier is sending anothe...
by thegriffin
Tue Jun 02, 2015 4:23 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Re: Emission warning light

Plugged in known good sensor (but not screwed into
the exhaust ). Now have no fault or pending codes.
Replaced new sensor and codes return.
Assume have bought a faulty sensor and am now awaiting
a replacement from the supplier.
Will post again when I've fitted it .Fingers crossed.b
by thegriffin
Sun May 31, 2015 11:36 am
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Re: Emission warning light

I have a spare 02 sensor for the PRE cat engine
management.
I'm tempted to plug it in and see what happens to the
fault code.
Could it do any harm to the ecu? It looks identical
except the lead is longer.
by thegriffin
Sun May 31, 2015 11:16 am
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Re: Emission warning light

Have done that and am now getting code PO136
sensor circuit 2 . I'm not sure if that's an improvement
or not .
by thegriffin
Sat May 30, 2015 2:12 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Re: Emission warning light

It's funny you should suggest that.I'm currently trying
to locate the ecu. It seems to be on the back of the
engine.
When I'm feeling brave I'll disconnect the battery and
pull the plug off and on a few times .
The wiring looks okay to it.
by thegriffin
Sat May 30, 2015 11:57 am
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Re: Emission warning light

Many thanks for your advice it has been much appreciated. I haven't got access to a scope unfortunately. Apart from the wiring by the plug (which looks perfect) I'm not sure where the most likely place to look next. I don't really want to be cutting in to the Loom and causing other problems. Is ther...
by thegriffin
Fri May 29, 2015 4:24 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Re: Emission warning light

The code is PO140 O2 no activity detected.
I can clear it but it won't extinguish the next day .
Are you sure about the MoT ?
by thegriffin
Fri May 29, 2015 12:51 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Fuel Systems and Exhausts
Topic: Emission warning light
Replies: 16
Views: 682

Emission warning light

The emissions light keeps coming on on my Vectra 1.8 z18xe. It has just passed the MoT so the emissions are okay. Have changed the downstream O2 sensor and cleared the fault code but the lamp comes on again the next morning. The engine runs perfectly.I believe this lamp is for info only and does not...
by thegriffin
Wed May 13, 2015 6:20 pm
Forum: Wheels and Tyres
Topic: Michelins - a "hard" lesson
Replies: 29
Views: 2353

Re: Michelins - a "hard" lesson

I've had no problem getting 195/60 14.
I was offered several different brands. They fit
some BMWs apparently.
I always buy Runway Enduros on my Cavalier,Astra
and Vectra.
They last for ages and are reasonably priced.
Have tried premium brands in the past & have been
disappointed with them.
by thegriffin
Tue May 05, 2015 10:11 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: Engine work
Replies: 3
Views: 228

Re: Engine work

If you're thinking of removing the cat you might like
to check it's still allowed. I think the rules have
changed.
by thegriffin
Sun May 03, 2015 8:30 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: Having to stall a cavalier to turn off?
Replies: 7
Views: 460

Re: Having to stall a cavalier to turn off?

It definitely won't be a bulb in the dash !
by thegriffin
Sat May 02, 2015 7:01 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: Opel Vectra 1.8 shaking at idle
Replies: 5
Views: 340

Re: Opel Vectra 1.8 shaking at idle

Sorry the OFFSIDE .
by thegriffin
Sat May 02, 2015 6:59 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: Opel Vectra 1.8 shaking at idle
Replies: 5
Views: 340

Re: Opel Vectra 1.8 shaking at idle

My 2001 Vecra has a small steady bar on the top of
the engine which connects to the nearside wing.
If yours has one it's worth checking.
by thegriffin
Fri May 01, 2015 2:21 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: Having to stall a cavalier to turn off?
Replies: 7
Views: 460

Re: Having to stall a cavalier to turn off?

Pull the wire off the solenoid on the back of the pump.
If the engine doesn't stop it has failed for stuck closed.
by thegriffin
Fri May 01, 2015 2:09 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: ICE and Electrical
Topic: Alternator life
Replies: 9
Views: 349

Alternator life

What's the expected life of a modern alternator ? The one on my Vectra has done 93000 miles and still works okay,but I'm thinking of changing it for reliability . My Cavalier td is on its 3rd after 150000 each lasting 70000 miles . I suspect the shortish life is due to its position low down near the...
by thegriffin
Sun Apr 12, 2015 8:38 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: tickover
Replies: 8
Views: 358

Re: tickover

Just like to advise caution cleaning the idle motor.
When I did some while ago,it made it worse and I had
to buy a new one. Not cheap.
by thegriffin
Sun Mar 29, 2015 2:01 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Bodywork and Interior
Topic: Mklll Hood
Replies: 7
Views: 385

Re: Mklll Hood

I have a bonnet in good condition except the lacquer
coat has lifted so needs repainting.
As it's on a car I'd need another one in any condition to
replace it as I can't leave the engine exposed .
by thegriffin
Wed Mar 25, 2015 6:35 pm
Forum: General Chat
Topic: MPG With roof rack and bikes
Replies: 4
Views: 235

Re: MPG With roof rack and bikes

It denpends on how fast you drive and the direction of the wind. In my TD on a 400 mile round trip to Cornwall my mpg went from 52 to 45. I recall on one trip into a strong headwind having to use power down long hills where usually I'd be on the brakes. Keeping the empty bars on made little differen...
by thegriffin
Tue Mar 17, 2015 7:30 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: 1.7td cav hard to start WARM
Replies: 4
Views: 315

Re: 1.7td cav hard to start WARM

Worth checking valve clearances but they usually
close up and make cold starts difficult.
Definately not temperature sensor.
Maybe glow plug relay being erratic.
by thegriffin
Thu Mar 05, 2015 7:21 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: 1995 Cavalier 1.7TD Isuzu Engine - Valve Shims Availability
Replies: 8
Views: 606

Re: 1995 Cavalier 1.7TD Isuzu Engine - Valve Shims Availabil

I was charged a fiver each for two shims which was
nearly half the cost of a new shim at the time .
I don't know where you are so can only recommend
near me in East Dorset if that's any help.
Otherwise use Yellow Pages.
by thegriffin
Wed Mar 04, 2015 10:18 pm
Forum: Faults and Fixes: Mechanical
Topic: 1995 Cavalier 1.7TD Isuzu Engine - Valve Shims Availability
Replies: 8
Views: 606

Re: 1995 Cavalier 1.7TD Isuzu Engine - Valve Shims Availabil

There's no problem machining the shims.My engine
reconditioners told me that's what they always do
when adjusting valve clearances.