What's made you smile today?

[StevenRB45]

Talking turbos. Day before yesterday, whilst walking back from the library, A medium sized BMW people carrier type thing pulled away from the kerb just as I was walking past it. As the revs rose you could hear the turbo whistle accompanied by a plume of smoke from the exhaust. Pretty sure it was a petrol? but whatever, that's going to be unpleasantly expensive I bet.

It's a reasonably common occurrence, I'm currently walking to pick the lad up.

A Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI has travelled past trailing the lazy blue plume that points to turbo seal failure...not bad enough to go full red arrows/start running on its own oil yet but at some point but inevitably on it's way.

Any moving part will break eventually and of course you don't know how these cars and vans have been serviced.

 

[porta]

It's a reasonably common occurrence, I'm currently walking to pick the lad up.

A Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI has travelled past trailing the lazy blue plume that points to turbo seal failure...not bad enough to go full red arrows/start running on its own oil yet but at some point but inevitably on it's way.

Any moving part will break eventually and of course you don't know how these cars and vans have been serviced.

I have noted, that turbo diesels smoke on regen, and soon clear, but smoke more consistently wehn they need the valve properly cleaning (on the cross) or replacing (as on wife’s renegade). Smoke and whistle not always a sign of a turbo, but, obviously if left, can cause turbo detonation, there’s a YouTube video of a Ford turbo self detonation, I think it was one of the ‘customer states’ video compilations (and lots on why the yanks hate the ecoboost engine)

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Talking turbos. Day before yesterday, whilst walking back from the library, A medium sized BMW people carrier type thing pulled away from the kerb just as I was walking past it. As the revs rose you could hear the turbo whistle accompanied by a plume of smoke from the exhaust. Pretty sure it was a petrol? but whatever, that's going to be unpleasantly expensive I bet.

Bmw people carrier is a new one to me, I am assuming to be in that state it was a few years old?

The problem with turbos in every car is that people barely maintain the basics like air pressure in the tires or checking there is even any oil in the thing between services, thats assuming they even bother to service it. and when complex cars get to a certain age, they stop servicing them all together and maybe them or a mate occasionally do an oil and filter change at most.

Turbo's don't tend to like that very much.

As for "keep it simple stupid" if you think back to just how simple cars from the 80s were yet how often they would break down compared to the super complicated cars we have now which on the whole break down far less often, it does tend to break the concept of keeping things simple for an easier life.

I have always gone by the mantra of doing a job properly. If you build a car properly you won't have to pull it apart to fix it. ie you won't have to do it again.

i am horribly lazy in that respect so I would much rather do it once and spend a bit more time doing it, than having to redo the job again weeks later.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Maybe a misprint as I’m sure, as you are, that it’s different for 10/11 onwards.
I did note, however, that they also do 03-010/11 4x4 axles

Thanks. I'll wait 'till nearer the time and make more detailed inquiries then.

Bmw people carrier is a new one to me, I am assuming to be in that state it was a few years old?

I think it was the ordinary 220 but maybe not. People Carrier was probably a poor choice of words but it certainly wasn't one of their more "sleek" offerings. I think that new overpowering grill is an abomination.

The problem with turbos in every car is that people barely maintain the basics like air pressure in the tires or checking there is even any oil in the thing between services, thats assuming they even bother to service it. and when complex cars get to a certain age, they stop servicing them all together and maybe them or a mate occasionally do an oil and filter change at most.

Turbo's don't tend to like that very much.

Very true and they do go quite often if what I see in my pals garages is anything to go by. There's always one or two in the corner waiting to go back for reconditioning.

As for "keep it simple stupid" if you think back to just how simple cars from the 80s were yet how often they would break down compared to the super complicated cars we have now which on the whole break down far less often, it does tend to break the concept of keeping things simple for an easier life.

You make a very good point for the average Joe Bloggs who has to go to a garage for everything. Probably modern cars are more reliable. However, for us the older cars were much easier. You could change points or swap out a misfiring plug at the roadside and be on your way again within minutes. I used to carry a quite comprehensive basic tool kit around with me all the time and, unless it was something major, I could usually fix it. Now the "tool kit" is minimal but I still carry a 2 litre bottle of coolant and another with screenwash also some cable ties and other "sundries" in the boot. The variety of fixings alone on modern cars mean you would need to just about tow a trailer behind to carry everything in!

I have always gone by the mantra of doing a job properly. If you build a car properly you won't have to pull it apart to fix it. ie you won't have to do it again.

i am horribly lazy in that respect so I would much rather do it once and spend a bit more time doing it, than having to redo the job again weeks later.

Not been involved in "building" a car for many years, since my beach buggy days. however i do agree with your philosophy when it comes to servicing. Take a little longer, don't cut corners and do it "right" and you'll probably get where you're going when intended.

 

[SB1500]

…Panda dealer emailed again.Letting me know” that it has been serviced today - new headlight and two new tyres for MOT. I responded that the missing service history is about the only thing holding me back, and that a little more off the price wouldn’t do any harm. He does seem more keen to check-in than most any other car I’ve enquired about in recent years.

It’s in fates hand now. I’m a man of my word… if he can prove the servicing and correct oil was used… and lowers the price I guess I’ll have to buy it not sure how much he can or will do though. It’s up to destiny now… those are my non negotiables

 

[SB1500]

A medium sized BMW people carrier type thing

2 Series? Like the Merc B-Class, that’s the model all the guys post the pictures of the logo on the steering wheel to social media… and not the car itself

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

…Panda dealer emailed again.Letting me know” that it has been serviced today - new headlight and two new tyres for MOT. I responded that the missing service history is about the only thing holding me back, and that a little more off the price wouldn’t do any harm. He does seem more keen to check-in than most any other car I’ve enquired about in recent years.

It’s in fates hand now. I’m a man of my word… if he can prove the servicing and correct oil was used… and lowers the price I guess I’ll have to buy it not sure how much he can or will do though. It’s up to destiny now… those are my non negotiables

Well, I guess that he's not apparently trying to pull the wool over your eyes which is good. The 4x4 versions have always attracted me but, living in a city, even if I do one journey out to the south every week when, in winter, there has been appreciable snowfall in the past, I couldn't justify the 4 wheel drive complexity. The hydraulic valve system in the twin and multi airs (and I think in the new firefly? (global Small Engine) is a very interesting concept and the idea that you can almost infinitely vary valve timing with it is very attractive. However I'm a feardy/feartie (chose your own spelling preference) and would be forever worrying about repair costs. If we ever buy another Panda it'll almost certainly have a 1.2 FIRE engine.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Got nothing off the 2017 Panda from Motorpoint (think it's their policy, but at 5.5k / two years old that was a steal in general). DS3.. nothing it was 9k but it was 6.6% mid-Covid pandemic so best finance deal I've had on a car (usually only bother with 0% on anything else but have since ditched finance altogether and hope to keep it that way). Avensis managed to get £200 off. CT... it came down a grand from sitting and managed to get another £300 off it as well as I could hear the desperation in their voice to shift it.

With this one, not so sure... He told me there was already 'quite a bit of interest' in it, and that being as rare as it is (in NI) it won't sit long. But he was very keen all the same to ask a lot what I'm currently thinking on Wednesday.

Asked yesterday about servicing... all he did was confirm the stamps in the book (2021, 2024) and offered to reach out to the last owner to ask about anything in between. It's mad how they can use reasons like "Oh, they probably forgot to ask for the stamp" when it's my money... but nothing but the stamp/invoices will count when it's them buying a car and 'their money'....

Anyway, it needs to be perfect. Unless he can somehow show me some evidence of the servicing (and calls me now since the last email) which shows it was serviced each year... and that it used the correct oil for the TwinAir (btw, what is that according to owners on here? Heard it changed from the earlier handbook recommendation) - that's the only way I'll take the chance on this machine. After the CT, ignoring any signs would translate to real hassle and expense. As you say, gut instinct and all.. I doubt the dealer will do that. Unless it really does sit, but someone will buy it eventually and I reckon he's happy to let it sit. At least for a few months.

In fairness this franchise (same one I bought the CT from) doesn't tend to argue over warranty stuff so I've grown a lot of respect for them for that. Even with my 17 Panda.. they fixed a couple of things that were just blatantly damaged no questions asked.. but as with the CT, it's fine for them to cover expensive repairs. My issue is.. all warranties expire someday!

Edit: Just rang S4P - answered right away ,no holding queues or automated crap. Confirmed 5W-40 is the current oil spec. Did say there were issues with the 'MultiAir' but not the TwinAir. Must do my reading on here regarding that. Said if serviced with correct oil, the TwinAirs are 'bulletproof'. That's what I want to hear!

Nope is 0w30 on the 2019 cars. This stuff about all Fiat cars being OK on 5/40 aint right! Ive stuck with the Petronas syntium as this is the stuff they recommend, My logical brain says any 0w30 oil will do the job but I have noticed it definitely runs better on the Petronas stuff. (even though I hate Petronas...) The stop start messes about if it has Castrol edge 0w30, which the dealer did once. I noticed it needed to churn over an extra turn before starting which defeats the usability of the stop start. Nornally it catches instantly so I think its is better on the recommended stuff. When I stop, and the engine cuts, I select first gear. By the time my foot is halfway down on the clutch the engine is fired up and we are away.

Others on here seem to disprove this as they have just used the correct grade of oil and not had any issues. I wouldnt mind betting those cars dont actually perform as well though. If the uni air works properly I cant see how they can do. Regular changes are clearly important. Its a tiny turbo engine and then oil must take a battering and get cooked too handling the best part of 90BHP through just two big ends. Until 2017 they said change the oil every 18K but reduced it around that taime to 9K I am convinced the oil needs changing at more like 6K as the difference when its done is significant. I dont think the TA likes being stood. They clearly can drain the oil down from the Uni air unit and be a problem to start if left for prolonged periods. Mine is used daily at the moment and I will make sure its gets used twice a week even when my current job expires.

I uploaded a couple of informative leaflets in the downloads section regading the TA which may help you decide if its something you do or dont want to get involved with. I think its always best to move on if oyu have doubts be it cars, women or jobs. When somehting is right, generally it feels right and you know it. That having been said I am a confirmned addict. I hesitate to say Im still with the same woman after 48 years but Noop is I think my 95th car.... 6 years on and I still dont want anything else.

 

[varesecrazy]

Dug up this relic of an ancient civilisation in the garden today

I have a full supply of such
"Archie-logical" finds..

Courtesy of the long-gone Primary School at the back of my Garden

54321 wrapper being a personal favourite

 

[The Panda Nut]

Well, I guess that he's not apparently trying to pull the wool over your eyes which is good. The 4x4 versions have always attracted me but, living in a city, even if I do one journey out to the south every week when, in winter, there has been appreciable snowfall in the past, I couldn't justify the 4 wheel drive complexity. The hydraulic valve system in the twin and multi airs (and I think in the new firefly? (global Small Engine) is a very interesting concept and the idea that you can almost infinitely vary valve timing with it is very attractive. However I'm a feardy/feartie (chose your own spelling preference) and would be forever worrying about repair costs. If we ever buy another Panda it'll almost certainly have a 1.2 FIRE engine.

The 1.2 is good and goes well if driven, but the TA gives a muscular feel absent in the 1.2. Ruby our 2014 car is now running so uttelry sweetly I totally love that too and have been using it for a few weeks. Getting back in the TA is so nice though for the extra power which it delivers with relaxed ease. I can't really justify 4x4 either but did want it to ensure I could always get to my ageing mother before she departed. Around here we have lots of little muddy back roads and a few really high speed main roads. Pulling out or across the fast traffic is so easy in the 4x4, you just give it the beans if required,and it just goes, never once has is slipped a wheel when doing a full power pull out on wets roads. The 1.2 needs driving with care or it will let rip with a pile of embarrasing wheel spin. Its almost worth the 4x4 just for this. What I really want is someone elses 4x4 to go thrash about in some serious mud!

 

[The Panda Nut]

Nudge has an MOT no £750 bill and no advisories. Cost £50. This is exactly what I expected and I am near certain that Halfords MOT was BENT.
Our usual man in Manchester had a look and said he saw no reason for it to fail and the front arms are in good order. He knows if he'd said they needed doing I would have said go ahead and do it without question. I think even the damper bushes are fine just on these there is a flexi slot in the rubber bush its not a ****** split Mr. Halfords. I have however decided to change the rear dampers on Nudge (Pandabird4) and Penny (Pandabird3) as Penny our 2016 1.2 is rumbling at the rear over bumps and ride is a bit off. I bought 2 sets of Monroe gas filled dampers today at £139 for the 4. It will be interesting to see what difference it makes.

I hope with deep felt anger, that Halfords go bust and all rot in hell for their dishonest treatment of a single woman using their service. I take deep, deep exception to my daughter being deceived and the attempted con. Its probably a good thing it would involve an 8 hour drive to go punch someone as I feel very strongly inclined to do so!

Apart from writing to the Halfords CEO and telling him/her to get a grip, along with all the other directors, I shall be reporting this to VOSA and I will get her original MOT fee refunded one way or the other. I shall offer them the car and old dampers for detailed inspection. They can decide who is right. In due course I will report on how these supposedly dangerous shockers compare with brand new ones. If they compare well I may well consider sticking the ones removed up Mr Halfords's rear end, SIDEWAYS. I will post the details on the condition in due course.

Im going to try getting some Power Flex bushes fitted on the first control arms arms we do have to replace and see how they compare. These appear to be £50 for both arms plus fitting but have a lifetime warranty. Ruby is now 11 years old and still on the original arms, dampers and until a couple of weeks ago brakes. She has done twice the miles of Nudge! Her pads may just have been 45% worn at just under 44K. It was just rusty discs led me to change them. Im thinking of rear dampers as the ride is getting over firm I feel I will know when one of the others is done at the weekend.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Forgot to mention yesterday, what with the excitement of my new jump starter arriving, that Becky (our Panda) has passed her MOT with just another advisory on the rear axle (described as a subframe?). I have to say I'm really surprised (mind you I am a bit of a pessimist) and, because we're friends and he knows I "know about" cars, I mentioned this to the garage owner. He smiled and said yes, it is pretty crusty isn't it but they had visually examined it, tapped it with a hammer and scraped it with a screwdriver and reached the conclusion that it would go at least another year without any problem. He also said that the rest of the car was in very good condition and the axle is the only thing of any concern so if I want him to do the axle next year he'd be happy to replace it for me. Being a FIAT specialist this is a job they're familiar with and can usually be done in a day he says. It won't be "cheap" but not too crippling either. This is the axle he'd recommend: https://www.imaxle.co.uk/new-fiat-p...pEYXWCey98ubBoJY1bHZizT2Cfp6Ats8ntI_vZ0JfvMfG which is exactly the one I'd have gone for myself and I know it's also the one supplied to the trade by my local factor - he puts a bit on top for handling it though.

Does anyone on here know about this axle? I see it's recommended for cars built 03 to 11 which would be my 2010 169 model but I'm slightly worried by the bit further down in the "details" box which says it's suitable for vehicles 2003 to 2018. I thought the new bodied Panda (2011 0nward) had a slightly wider rear axle? However I've never looked into this in any great detail as I've only ever owned older models - Anyone know for sure?

I have read somewhere that these are OK on the 169. The 319 axle is very different and probably wouldnt fit. I read that its a good copy of a Fiat axle, but the pattern axle had a minor fault in the positioning of a hand brake bracket which has been transposed onto all the new units. LOL Detailed pictures need to be compared to your own car. I would drop the dampers lift the springs out and do a really good inspection of Beckies axle. It may not be half as bad as appears Daffo was fine at 10 years old and cleaned up well in a couple of hours. I was impressed with the Bilt Hamber UC products { High pressure spray cans work at all angles until empty) and all 4 of ours had a good spray with the stuff last autumn I think to good effect although I havn't looked recently. I will get some pics of Nudge next weekend and see how it looks after a winter.

 

[varesecrazy]

I have read somewhere that these are OK on the 169 I read that its a good copy of a Fiat axle, but the pattern axle had a minor fault in the positioning of a hand brake bracket which has been transposed onto all the new units. LOL Detailed pictures need to be compared to your own car. I would drop the dampers lift the springs out and do a really good inspection of Beckies axle. It may not be half as bad as appears Daffo was fine at 10 years old and cleaned up well in a couple of hours.

Info from @portland_bill

A few years ago IIRC

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Info from @portland_bill

A few years ago IIRC

Sorry. Demonstrating my ignorance of how all this modern communication/tech/whatever works, Do I do something with @portland_bill to learn about these axles? I seem to remember he did one? However I don't know what I should do with the @portland_bill to learn more?
Thank you and sorry for my ignorance.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Best just message him and ask? I think adding the @ thing and a user name flags that member we are talking about them so thy wake up and spring into action.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Best just message him and ask?

What a revolutionary idea! But thanks. I seem to remember, now I've had a few moments to think about it, that he put a 319 compatible axle in a 169 and found it fitted but increased the track slightly - I think he said it worked though and the tyres didn't foul the wheel arches?

I have to go now as Mrs J wants me to accompany her up town just now - she's going to buy an iphone, the first smart phone we've ever owned. - I think she's decided on an iphone 16e as advised by my very tech savvy son in law. Apparently we're to buy an unlocked one from John Lewis. Then we've to get a sim for it and I think he recommended a Smarty one? However, looking at their site there seems to be lots of different ones in different sizes, even a "virtual" one which you download? All a bit too complicated for a simple minded grease monkey like me.

I'm intending to get a smart phone soon but have decided to put off until I see how it all goes with this one. Not being an Apple person I'm looking at the google pixel phones - at this moment a pixel8 appeals. However there's no urgency about deciding yet.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Best just message him and ask?

What a revolutionary idea! But thanks. I seem to remember, now I've had a few moments to think about it, that he put a 319 compatible axle in a 169 and found it fitted but increased the track slightly - I think he said it worked though and the tyres didn't foul the wheel arches?

I have to go now as Mrs J wants me to accompany her up town just now - she's going to buy an iphone, the first smart phone we've ever owned. - I think she's decided on an iphone 16e as advised by my very tech savvy son in law. Apparently we're to buy an unlocked one from John Lewis. Then we've to get a sim for it and I think he recommended a Smarty one? However, looking at their site there seems to be lots of different ones in different sizes, even a "virtual" one which you download? All a bit too complicated for a simple minded grease monkey like me.

I'm intending to get a smart phone soon but have decided to put off until I see how it all goes with this one. Not being an Apple person I'm looking at the google pixel phones - at this moment a pixel8 appeals. However there's no urgency about deciding yet.

I think I read someone put a 500 axle in a Panda?
Im with Smarty a great deal and a simple usable web site which makes it for me!!

 

[SB1500]

Dealer emailed this morning… nothing to be done on price and the service history is what it is (2021 and 2024). He said he could reach out to the previous owner to find out if there were any other services but that doesn’t really guarantee anything does it? So not looking promising on this one

 

[rmjbn1]

54321 wrapper being a personal favourite

Well now I've got that jingle stuck in my head, thank you Charlie

 

[rmjbn1]

I think I read someone put a 500 axle in a Panda?

I know @DaveMcT did that on a 1.2 169 and was happy with it.
It's slightly wider (50mm), I think it was used mostly as there weren't 169 replacements available at the time.
I understand 500 axles are the same as 319 Panda?

2105 500 rear axle into 2007 Panda 169 | FIAT Panda (Mk3)

Ive bitten the bullet and bought a complete 2015 500 rear axle. It's an upgrade from the Panda axle so needs the full set. Axle, hubs, all brake pipes, hand brake cables, springs and shocks. All for £165. I'm about to strip the gubbins away and Hammerite the whole thing. Pix to follow.

www.fiatforum.com