Panda (Classic) Charmanda(er) The Panda

[Didge3]

Don't worry I've fallen back in love :hug:
Hadn't looked at her at all since Thursday. Went to the car this afternoon to call recovery. There was still a smidge of life in the battery so I turned her over once, started for a second and died, turned her over again at this point the starter motor was barely turning the engine and she fired again and was running at about 600rpm. She sounded horrible and lumpy running on 3 cylinders definitely I didn't dare turn her off though since the battery was pretty much flat. Got out sprayed WD40 on all the spark plugs and revs picked up. Pulled the choke out a bit and she idled properly
At last. Confirms its definitely a ignition problem. Can't see any arcing from the HT leads but spraying WD40 was the only thing that got her going.

She got me all the way home so I'm proud of her, getting a good wash tomorrow

 

[blu73]

a wash?? why not new plugs and leads?? lol

 

[panda panda]

cos water's cheaper?

 

[Didge3]

a wash?? why not new plugs and leads?? lol

In good time. A wash for now providing it doesn't rain.

 

[Pandadee]

The plugs and leads mite me on his Christmas list lol

 

[Didge3]

Does a sports coil actually have a performance difference?
I finally fitted mine today because I figured why not even though I've already proven it isn't fixing my starting problem I have it and now I'm home from Uni I might as well permanently fit it.

I went for a quick drive, I'm not sure if its just in my head but throttle response feels improved and I wouldn't say she feels any faster but she seems to climb the revs much smoother than before, is this all in my head

 

[onemanmade]

Does a sports coil actually have a performance difference?
I finally fitted mine today because I figured why not even though I've already proven it isn't fixing my starting problem I have it and now I'm home from Uni I might as well permanently fit it.

I went for a quick drive, I'm not sure if its just in my head but throttle response feels improved and I wouldn't say she feels any faster but she seems to climb the revs much smoother than before, is this all in my head

There probably will be a slight improvement in performance, I wouldnt say there would necessarily be more speed, but it should feel smoother (as you are describing)

 

[homeward]

Does a sports coil actually have a performance difference?
I finally fitted mine today because I figured why not even though I've already proven it isn't fixing my starting problem I have it and now I'm home from Uni I might as well permanently fit it.

I went for a quick drive, I'm not sure if its just in my head but throttle response feels improved and I wouldn't say she feels any faster but she seems to climb the revs much smoother than before, is this all in my head

There probably will be a slight improvement in performance, I wouldnt say there would necessarily be more speed, but it should feel smoother (as you are describing)

Tempted, now, to try one of these in Pippin (hint, hint, VmanC...); and then maybe Betty, as well.... :chin:

 

[Didge3]

Tempted, now, to try one of these in Pippin (hint, hint, VmanC...); and then maybe Betty, as well.... :chin:

No real noticeable performance increase, it weighs more than the original too and with 750's weight is everything
It just seems to make, Char anyway, stumble up the revs much smoother and a little more quick on the throttle response.

 

[homeward]

No real noticeable performance increase, it weighs more than the original too and with 750's weight is everything
It just seems to make, Char anyway, stumble up the revs much smoother and a little more quick on the throttle response.

I think this would certainly make a difference with Pippin, then... -- although have yet to try new leads and plugs (which are still sitting in his boot, ahem...). :chin:

 

[purple haze]

Smoother pick up and cleaner reving is about right....all comes from a better spark.

 

[Didge3]

-- although have yet to try new leads and plugs (which are still sitting in his boot, ahem...). :chin:

Don't tell me that, I'll want to steal them, after Christmas (when money has recovered) I'll be sorting new plugs and leads

Smoother pick up and cleaner reving is about right....all comes from a better spark.

This is exactly how I should've worded it, but thats why you're the boss around here

 

[purple haze]

Don't tell me that, I'll want to steal them, after Christmas (when money has recovered) I'll be sorting new plugs and leads


This is exactly how I should've worded it, but thats why you're the boss around here

Not really....we all seem to self monitor on here....I think it's passing English at school that helps...

 

[kolza]

Can i have any referenceds to that magic. Sport coil?
Cheers

 

[Didge3]

Can i have any referenceds to that magic. Sport coil?
Cheers

VmanC got me mine for £34, its nothing special and should be able to buy it or another branded version of it anywhere, mine looks like this,

 

[homeward]

There are plenty around on eBay, from Lucas, etc., as well!

 

[Didge3]

Char' has been going fine for the last few days. Might have worked out a new starting technique too. In damp conditions this usually starts with WD40 around the plugs, get in, pull choke out 1/2 way, pump the throttle twice, push choke back in and she'll fire right up. Pull the choke out again and she'll idle, seems to be working so far

 

[purple haze]

Char' has been going fine for the last few days. Might have worked out a new starting technique too. In damp conditions this usually starts with WD40 around the plugs, get in, pull choke out 1/2 way, pump the throttle twice, push choke back in and she'll fire right up. Pull the choke out again and she'll idle, seems to be working so far

You now have your technique for char...

My Sergio is much the same. Two pumps on throttle, start and hold, pull out choke slowly. I am not sure you need wd40. Try without as it gives a coating that lasts quite awhile.

 

[Didge3]

Well she's been bumbling along fine, starting everyday first turn of the key. Her bulletproof reliability is back for now
Only thing that is a bit weird and has been happening for a while now, if the headlights are on (or another significant electrical load) when I brake to come to a halt, when I dip the clutch the revs drop to ~600 - 700rpm then pull themselves back up to ~1100. This only happens if I'm on the brakes with reasonable force, if I only brake lightly it doesn't occur and if the electrical load isn't there the revs don't appear to fall below her 1100rpm idle.
If I just dip the clutch and roll to a halt the revs fall to 1100 and stay fine, its only under moderate+ braking that the revs fall?

Other than the above (which isn't an issue because she still stops and drives normally) she's doing very well. So I bought her a present, I thought it was appropriate....

 

[Didge3]

Oh lord, I thought my MOT was due sometime late February for some reason but turns out its January the 17th
Thats much sooner than I'd have liked. Shall be sorting exhaust leak after Christmas then. Will they care about my oil leak or is that an MOT thing? :bang:

EDIT: Forgot to mention - when you leave your car sat for a while, you know the weird grinding noise you get when you first use the brakes and then it goes away after like the first few times braking. I get this every time she's left for more than a few hours, first time I touch the brakes it makes that grinding noise and then it goes away. Pads? Discs? The brakes still work fine and will happily lock the wheels up in the dry if I stomp on them.