SteveM16v

Yep, half way down the patterned bit - it even got to the bottom and the warning light/buzzer came on (this was the first I knew of the heavy oil usage!) Confession time - I did once over fill the oil….. I'm thinking your all going to start shouting that this is the cause of the issue????? From what I've described, is it fairly safe it’s not the head gasket? Was I right about the water levels? Thanks a lot

Oh I see, thanks for clearing that on up - the problem is I haven't seen any smoke but then I didn't when the head went last time?

Thanks Roger however I don't really understand what you mean by 'give it the go after over-running down a hill'? Thanks

Oh no don't say that - a little local garage.

Bloody hell I hope its not the head gasket.....again! That was only done 5 months ago. No there’s absolutely no oil leak and there’s no smoke of any sort although the water is an interesting one (I know.... your all thinking the head again) but this may just be down to my lack of engine knowledge (I push a pedal and it goes). When cold the reservoir doesn’t seem very full at all. In fact there’s nothing in it other than the main hole in the middle has water but that’s it. I think that’s just the way they are when cold and that when it’s hot, it may be full – not sure?? If as I hope it is the stems, what’s the damage for getting them sorted? Thanks

300 miles and I have to top the oil up - nearly empty if giving it some, only half empty if taking it easy. Also, seems to be running rich, strong smell of exhaust fumes and the exhaust is brand new. It isn't running very well anyway. seems to have lost some of the umph - any ideas? 1.8 16v - pre cat Thanks as always

I've checked every fuse in the box under the dash - is there any other area I may find when lurking?

Hello, Anyone know which is the relay for the sunroof? The sunroof has no power going to it (I checked by turning on the ignition and interior light and then pushing the sunroof button) and I think it must be a relay, as there doesn't seem to be a fuse for it. I've found that one of the relays (light blue in colour) has slight staining on one of the plug legs. I think the number of the relay is 63 or 67 - could it be this one? Thanks as always Steve

I've noticed that I've got a very loud squeal coming from the front wheels. Also when at speed on the motorway, if I break hard I get a hum - is it lightly just to be wheel bearing?

I've noticed that I've got a very loud squeal coming from the front wheels. Also when at speed on the motorway, if I break hard I get a hum - is it lightly just to be wheel bearing? And another thing.... some toff in his brand new M3 slammed into me on a single track lane doing about 60mph. Fortunately he went up the bank so didn't hit me straight on but did completely smash the front wing (drivers side) crack the bumper and remove a small amount of paint from the corner of the bonnet......Bastard! Anyone any ideas of the sort of cost I may have to front? PS I had the squeal and hum before the crash

When pulling away I'm starting to get a judder. If I slowly bring the clutch up without using the accelerator its fine, it just seems to be when I apply some gas? The gearbox is sloppy and crunches when putting into fifth (unless I slam it in hard (as it were)), but I've had the car for over a year now and the box has always been the same. I've recently had the clutch done - could it be that its not setup right? Thanks as always

My word I started something here! Good that we managed a little Pop at the oracle (Henny) though :-)

I was being mean and apologise. Henny, you've saved me a fortune with your advise but your such a smart arse lol

Paddy won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964 :-)

being Irish did you do it in reverse (sorry :-))

well I won't be bying a VR6 then ;-)

How very interesting - is there anything Henny hasn't done or doesn't know ;-) I don't think it was particularly light, but just wondered. The suspension and tracking probably needs looking at but I've now spend over two grand this year and I'm not planning on any bloody more for a while!

ps I know they are not meant to go this fast but it was on a long straight down hill apparently

Ermmmm has anyone driven a C at 130 mph???. Not that I have or anything (Mr Officer) but I was wondering if perhaps the steering seems to go light on all C's?? (car 1.8 16v)

Sorry to sound simple, but could it be the throttle cable sticking??? I had to replace mine which I think had just got really hot and slightly melted inside - Just ignore me if this is rubbish!

thats odd! After my headgasket recently went (don't get me going) I've kept a close eye on the temps. Mine runs at around 90 oil temp with the engine temp around the same when open driving??? When stuck in traffic it will rise up to a hundred but not much beyond at this time of year. car - 1.8 16v with 132 k

Just an update on this thread for those that may be suffering similer issues. I changed the spark plugs and the problems went away! The garage that recently replaced them must have put some cheap nasty (SFK's I think) ones in that were not the right sort for the engine?? Whilst the engine is still not really seeming to pull as it should (I don't think this is realated), the engine is running much smoother and there are no more dipping rev's/ irratic idling. Thanks for all the help and I'll keep you posted as I intend to change the leads shortly to see if I get a little more umph!!!!

Thanks DF - only just read your post but I'll give it a go!

I've now had to have the exhaust (centre section) re-sealed (both joints) twice and now its cracked on the weld. The good news is its still under warranty but what I was wondering, are these issues down to crap parts/fitting (kwik fit,) or could it be down to the engine mounts being knackered and the engine bouncing around to much? How do I go about checking the mounts and where are they? Many thanks

I can't seem to get my radio working. Its as if I haven't got the aerial plugged in. That said I've removed the head unit with the power on and then pulled the aerial plug out of the unit and completely lost all reception (I can get radio 2 normally). I thought the aerial itself might be broken so removed it and tried it with a coat hanger - no difference???? Thanks Edit: Fixed spelling of aerial, cos it's not an Ariel ;)