stevie_b

How does a classic policy differ from a normal one? What sort of car do you need to qualify for one?

Hopefully the slightly double-entendre title has got some attention! My neighbour has recently bought an escort (M-reg, 16v 1.4 or 1.6 I think). It runs, but the top of the spark plugs are swimming in engine oil. When you pull one of the spark leads off the spark plug, the lead drips oil over the camshaft cover. Any 'scort owners know what could be the cause of that? Possibly related: when you take the oil filler cap off and run the engine, there's a fairly strong "air" (exhaust I guess) flow out of the filler hole. It feels similar to placing you hand over the exhaust. Is this normal? Any help/advice appreciated Steve

They shouldn't wear any quicker than tyres on other cars. If a previous owner (or yourself) regularly pulled off aggresively enough to spin the wheels, then they obviously wear quickly. Soft compound tyres will also wear quickly. Mine last for ages. Had the car 2 years, still on the same rubber with plenty of tread.... but I do drive like a grandad!

Look on the VIN plate on the wing under the bonnet. If under the transmission section it has the letter B, then you've got an LSD. If it says A, it's an open diff. Sorry, I don't know about what oil it takes. Does your supra have the bonnet scoop? I think all UK cars have an LSD, so if what you say is true, then yours should do too.

There's loads of threads about code 42: I've written one or two myself! It's VERY likely to be an electrical fault, rather than the speed sensor itself. The odometer unit buffers the speed signal it gets from the speed sensor, and then chucks it back out to the ECU. This buffering can often go wrong due to dodgy soldering etc on the odo. Joining these two wires together *I think* joins the input to the output, therefore no buffering. No-one seems to know why it buffers: bypassing the buffering doesn't seem to cause any problems.

Any update on these? Are they still for sale?

Hi again, How many (if any) of the wheels in 100% unkerbed condition? Steve

It's got a learning ECU. Don't know about the antiknock sensor though.

Thanks Mikey. Do you mean I've got the 17" caps, or has Lee-Anne? If I understand right, I could just put my caps on these wheels. Is that right? Lee-Anne: you're tempting me: how much would postage be?

I think this has been asked before. I think the consensus was that they're either hollow, or filled with lightweight foam.

How odd. I've got 16's on mine and the centre cap that covers the wheel nuts is concave on mine. Mine are standard wheels too, with the toyota logo on the centre cap, and "dimples" where the wheel nuts are. Does anyone know if these are essentially the same wheel (same nut pattern and size)? I recently kerbed one of my wheels. I may have been interested, but I've just noticed you live in Scotland (I'm in Hampshire). Postage on those wheels would be a killer! Oh well....

Going to Rhodes with my g/f in September: Aixa I think the resort is called. Quite near to Faliraki (but far enough away!).

The ticking sounds like the starter motor needs a refurb. Not sure if that diagnosis fits in with the other symptoms though.

Does anyone know if virgin are any good?

Hi Lucy! I'm 30, I've got a '93/94 NA. 8 years NCB. I pay about £550 through Sky. I'd recommend them 'cos they let you buy the car back if (touch wood) it's in an accident and becomes a technical write-off. Also agree with what the others say about the NA. There's been one or two brown-trouser moments, but quickly corrected with steering and throttle. As someone's sig says on here: "traction control? That's my right foot!" The NA has a smooth onset of power with no turbos to give you a sudden thump. Very predictable car when you need it to be, especially with a manual box. Hope that helps! Good luck with the search!

Hello Penny! Welcome to the club!

Hi, You should state what year it is, and what mileage. I would also say whether it's auto or manual, but it's clear from the interior that it's a manual. Looks in good condition! Standard, which appeals to a lot of people.

Hi all, I heard an ad for the Feeder Singles album last night: I didn't realise how good they were! I need that album!! For any album, if I buy the DVD version with all the music videos on, is there an option to rip just the audio so I can create the CD version for my CD player, or do I need to actually buy the CD format of the album as well? I'm sure there are utilities that can rip a soundtrack from a DVD, but I'm talking about above-board, legal ways of doing it. Has anyone ripped audio from a music DVD? Are the results good?

I'm looking for the black trim that surrounds the gear stick. I've got a manual 5sp NA if that makes a difference. Does anyone have a spare that's in good condition? TIA

Yesterday evening. Nice looking JSpec, looks standard. 17" standard alloys. Paintwork look mint.

DBAN (Darik's boot and nuke)

Thanks guys. I'll ask Graham S to take a look at it for me. One thing still confuses me: occasionally, the battery will turn the car over, but only very slowly and nowhere near long enough to actually start the engine. Again, it's like the battery has a small amount of charge in it that gets decimated when you try and crank it. Could a starter motor fault cause that as well? Or could it be a dodgy earth? I've tried using a borrowed battery, and it didn't make any difference.

Standard 16" alloy wheels from a P38 Range Rover. Can't remember if it's 4 or 5 wheels (because I'm selling on behalf of a friend). I believe they are all in VGC, with plenty of rubber. The guy who owns them looks after his cars well, and his Range Rover has featured in LRO magazine. If there's any interest, I'll arrange to have photos taken, then see if you want to make a offer.

I do kickboxing, on and off for several years now. Not into it in a big way, but it does keep me fit, flexible and I enjoy the sparring (not very good at it though, but what the hell!) I'm not particularly motivated by moving up the belt system. I first went because a firend of mine wanted to try it and she didn't want to go on her own. I suprised myself by liking it, and stuck with it. The club I go to operates in 3 or 4 venues in Hampshire/Sussex/Surrey, and is pretty informal. SonicSoop: you'd be surprised, in many clubs there's a good range of ages etc. We get new people come in fairly regularly in our club. One or two ex-boxers there who are good to spar with.

I agree 100%. They can REALLY drag their heels. There's some good advice here. Shane: don't beat yourself up about it. You made a mistake, we all do from time to time.... so did the guy in the Navara by not leaving a sufficient stopping distance. Just register the accident with the insurance company, keep it civil, and it should turn out OK. Get your GF to see a doctor about the whiplash. I'd suggest she looks up how to ease mild whiplash on the internet, to lessen any lasting muscle damage. I think the advice is a warm towel around the neck, but I wouldn't take my word for it. Whiplash is a nasty condition. These "where there's blame, there's a claim" people make me sick when they try to prod people into filing a claim, but there's a big difference between what some of those people are trying to claim back, and claiming just what you're entitled to.