Used my car for business today and it broke down :(

Petrol itself causes steam doesn't it? There is certainly no signs of any water dripping from the rear end .

I just leave it alone now till MOT time, then worry about a possible camshaft/cylinder head replacement.

 

Just skimmed through this thread...White-ish mayonnaise formation on long filler cap lengths is a common occurence on some older engines. As long as it doesn't stop the breathing of blowby gases it shouldn't cause a breakdown per se. As for the original breakdown, have you checked the fuel filter hasn't got some crud in it, that may have somehow now dislodged? Otherwise, it could be an ignition system fault, difficult to tell from written descriptions without seeing things personally.

 

....saw your other thread. Does the exhaust smoke when the engine is revved in neutral - with a warm engine?

 

It did smoke from start up even when cold. Nothing excessive but something was there. It was a cold damp day when I bought it I assumed it was just that.

Since I cleaned out the pipe it only starts smoking when the engine is warm even when just ideling.

Its becoming clear a new engine is the only way to solve all these problems.

 

you dont buy your petrol from tesco's or morrisons by any chance?

 

:lol:

Good to see u round these parts Mr Hippy!

How's it going?

 

cough splutter cough cough if your asking about AT'S car.The hippy meanwhile has been having much fun over the last year

 

precisely what I wondered??

 

Tesco, Morrisons, and Asda's "silicon enhanced" fuel has tended to affect lambda (oxygen) sensors up to now, and only on certain makes/models. I think AT's car is older than those normally fitted with them. Having said that, I do suspect that it may also affect spark plugs of some cars by way of silicon oxide glazing - though that is just a hunch. Long term issues on bore wear and catalyst coating may be even more significant but tests have only just begun. The latter may affect more vehicles than those that have had poor driveability or "check engine" lights up until now.

BTW me thinks AT's Fiestas had got duff cylinder sealing.

 

Yeah the piston rings? Been suggested by a few people, but the car is running fine now and the smoke is not bad enough to be pulled over for. The oil is nice and clean now too .

Certainly the the more we are using the car the more it runs better, done 30 miles in it today and again perfectly smooth and reliable. Come on MOT time its just a matter of getting a labour quote for new rings, a new cylidner head (to replace the warn camshaft), new head gasket and the expensive bit - a new timing chain.All these parts are are £100 in total .

This assumes there is no damage to the crankshaft, cracks in the cylinders or damage to the pistons .

That lot may well cost me £300-£400 but I would practicaly have a new engine out of it . If it costs more than that and it fails the MOT due to an engine problem then its scrap time.

I never one get the feeling I am driving a banger or the car is going to break down on me .

On the plus side I know the general body work is good for a 12 year old fiesta, the auxs are fine i.e alternator etc, the suspension, brakes and steering are in great working order. The only thing that dosn't work properly is the interior light Even the cluch has plenty of life in it.

 

Shame its causing you so much trouble/expense as a first car!

OUt of curiosity would it be as cheap to stick a new engine in from the outset.......or get soem one to put a low(er) mile one out of a scrapper?

The timimg chain is de rigour these days (OHCs)...I think. inevitable and usually dear. You don't want valves meeting pistons ......

 

This what my machanic reckons He told me when the camshaft was on its way out not to worry because its simple and cheap to stick a new lump in. I am not sure what his idea of cheap is though .

What puts me off a new engine is how do you know that one dosn't have the same problems? I suppose in terms of labour it would be cheaper, as far as I know its jsut a matter of removing a few bolts, lifting it out with a crane and reversing the process. No need to worry about adjusting valve clearences, putting chains on etc. And there are so many of them getting the replacement engine won't be tricky.

Actually although I've had to be a bit to the car its costing me very little . The biggest bill was the service which cost me £90 which included an MOT style inspection minus the emissions .

Work I have done:-
Filler, primer and spray paint £10
new oil cap £3.50
Two new brake lights - £2
Two new floor mats £1
A brand new Haynes manual £7
New tempeture sender unit - £6

The chains rarely snap but if you're taking the cylinder head off then its not a good idea to re-use an old chain which is the only reason I would want that renewed .

I am always learning to drive in it and have come on a long way in the last couple of weeks, its so good being able to drive to jobs (when my dad is free).

It also means my dad is now earning money again since his accident and as he cannot currently afford to get his car back on the road its helping the family massively .

I just need to make sure I have some lessons before going for my test in case I have got into bad habbits :

Sorry about the essay, too much coca-cola :

 

"how do you know that one dosn't have the same problems?"

......the million dollar question...

you don't!

in fairness, you must have learnt a considerable amount off it(the car/engine)?

thats worth a good deal in my book

yes, kick those bad habits for def......

pick 'em up again once you've passed ......but you don't want them now!

whens your test AT??

 

Not even gone in for it yet, have to pass my theory etc . Need to re-learn all that crap.

I have learnt an awful lot including what to look for A classic example is the engine rattle can only be heared at the side of the car, when you have your head over the rocker you can't hear as all you hear is the usual badly adjusted tappet sound all old fiestas make.

I like driving the car too, it feels a lot more solid than other small cars at the time, e.g 106s AXs always seem like tin boxes but this feels very solid. I love the visibility, the brakes work well once you get the knack of how to stop it quickly : and because it sits so high you can kerb it or go over bumps without any damage.

Still haven't really worked out how much fuel the car is using. Done 200 miles with around £25 quid of fuel and still have just under half a tank left but it is being battered by a learner :

 

I just need to make sure I have some lessons before going for my test in case I have got into bad habbits



I'd try and eradicate kerbing if I were you!

 

I'd just stick it in and see if it passes

 

Yeah . When the engine is cold there is no smoke at all really which is why I didn't notice it when I boight the car. So there is a good chance it will pass the emissions.

 

"Need to re-learn all that crap."

...if i may say so, DO learn it!

that knowledge will impress the examiners .......a lack of won't!

its a pain in the back side but worth making the effort

a failed my 1st through this.


£25 is about 5 gallons, yes?

means about 40 to the gallon......i d a hve thought acceptable since i would think your doing mostly local runs. Doesn't sound much terribly wrong with thst engine. I've heared of far worse.

 

Yeah its just noisy, it sounds like an old diesel you would find an on Austin Marina (don't think the Perkins O series based diesel unit existed back then)

Done some pretty advanced driving today . Done 50 miles in the car today between us. We are going to try and do a 50 mile motorway trip on Sunday in it to burn of the remaining crap in the engine.

The problem is now I am still not very confidence, yes I will do right turns into major dual carriage ways but only because I am asking my dad where to stop etc .

 

According to todays news, threatening the examiner's physical well being is the way to go when taking ones test.