Big mileage log...
Discussion
So, she's running like a dream again. Resplendent in new cambelt, water pump etc. etc. Yusuf Car Repairs also did a service for me and - much to my delight - gave the engine a good clean and lubcricated all the hinges and catches etc. I'm big on those little touches. £280 including parts and labour. All original OE fit parts too... And good to see all the removed items laid out for my inspection upon arrival. Looks like I got to the water pump just in time. Clear signs of impending collapse and with plenty of work mileage coming up I drove home cheesed off at having to spend another decent chunk of change but smiling at the prospect of having - touch wood - extended the life of our bit of weekend fun a good few miles more.
Going to get her out on the local A roads tomorrow morning, early doors.
Going to get her out on the local A roads tomorrow morning, early doors.
Sods law.
Should have left her at home today as opposed to venture out for an early morning run. Just found a flat rear tyre. Flat refusing to pay £140 on a new tyre or £80 on a mobile repair from some pushy chancer listed locally via a GoogleAd so HiQ West Wickham beckons tomorrow AM. Looks repairable, fingers crossed.
Sulking a bit. Had hoped to be able to keep the wallet in the pocket (automotively speaking) for a few weeks.
Should have left her at home today as opposed to venture out for an early morning run. Just found a flat rear tyre. Flat refusing to pay £140 on a new tyre or £80 on a mobile repair from some pushy chancer listed locally via a GoogleAd so HiQ West Wickham beckons tomorrow AM. Looks repairable, fingers crossed.
Sulking a bit. Had hoped to be able to keep the wallet in the pocket (automotively speaking) for a few weeks.
£240 for cambelt, water pump etc. etc. Yusuf Car Repairs, Petts Wood did a service for me too.
All parts were original OE fit. Price included parts and labour.
Also, he turned it around in less than a day and gave me back all the parts replaced.
She's still running like a dream. All VAGcom codes addressed head on so no lingering issues with coolant temp sensor etc. As a result, there has been a notable improvement in fuel efficiency.
Good luck with you A4, Vince!
All parts were original OE fit. Price included parts and labour.
Also, he turned it around in less than a day and gave me back all the parts replaced.
She's still running like a dream. All VAGcom codes addressed head on so no lingering issues with coolant temp sensor etc. As a result, there has been a notable improvement in fuel efficiency.
Good luck with you A4, Vince!
No, I certainly don't get any - what I'd describe as abnormal - ticking... but when I first started looking at TT's I was warned to look out for a tapping sounds on start-up as a cause for concern. I don't mean to panic you though.
The below link sounds along those lines... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aaJ9SstfpU
Mine is more like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QzJT9ocM7Y
Not sure that helps?
The below link sounds along those lines... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aaJ9SstfpU
Mine is more like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QzJT9ocM7Y
Not sure that helps?
Now a 'victim' of an ever expanding family once again so looking like the experiment with the TT could be drawing to a close.
Have just had to spend a sizeable chunk on an S-Max Titanium X Sport and with the A4 a more economical work runaround, I'm not sure leaving the TT idle save the occasional weekend blast (which is even more unlikely with four busy kids, two dogs and a wife in tow) makes much economical sense.
A neighbour - who has followed this blog diligently, apparently - is currently weighing up an offer. Ultimately it's a great position to be in as I'm winning either way... (I know you're reading this, buddy!!). The idea of keeping her definitely has it's positives - even if they are fewer and further between - especially given the recent outlay on parts and tax etc. That said, the idea of getting my initial outlay and some back and cutting loose with the fondest of memories also has merit! I guess having gone an extra couple of grand over budget on the S-Max may have some say in that.
Have just had to spend a sizeable chunk on an S-Max Titanium X Sport and with the A4 a more economical work runaround, I'm not sure leaving the TT idle save the occasional weekend blast (which is even more unlikely with four busy kids, two dogs and a wife in tow) makes much economical sense.
A neighbour - who has followed this blog diligently, apparently - is currently weighing up an offer. Ultimately it's a great position to be in as I'm winning either way... (I know you're reading this, buddy!!). The idea of keeping her definitely has it's positives - even if they are fewer and further between - especially given the recent outlay on parts and tax etc. That said, the idea of getting my initial outlay and some back and cutting loose with the fondest of memories also has merit! I guess having gone an extra couple of grand over budget on the S-Max may have some say in that.
So, about that hunch... what's it based upon? Well, this week I took her on her first proper long distance run since the cam belt, coils, alternator and plugs were replaced. If I thought that previous runs (you may recall mentions of Bedfordshire, Wilton and Goodwood have been mentioned...) were satisfying, well, they had nothing on this round-trip to the midlands.
An absolute treat!
She purred there and back with a noticeable improvement on fuel economy... probably contributed to by the replacing of the coolant temp sensor. My mechanic suggested I'd notice an improvement after that tweak as the car would likely not run as rich as it had been.
Will no firm bid emanating from the neighbours yet I'm pretty confident we'll have the TT parked pride of place for the foreseeable future and... unlike the recently departed RX-8 and Beetle, it doesn't feel like too big a millstone either.
An absolute treat!
She purred there and back with a noticeable improvement on fuel economy... probably contributed to by the replacing of the coolant temp sensor. My mechanic suggested I'd notice an improvement after that tweak as the car would likely not run as rich as it had been.
Will no firm bid emanating from the neighbours yet I'm pretty confident we'll have the TT parked pride of place for the foreseeable future and... unlike the recently departed RX-8 and Beetle, it doesn't feel like too big a millstone either.
Sorry, it's been a while.
Delighted to say the TT is still belting along. A proud member of the fleet!
Absolutely no hiccups of note since the last update... aside from a loose connection on an interior light which is easily fixed with a sharp flick of the index finger!
This Xmas I've lent her to a good mate who's heading a couple of hundreds North and back again for the festivities. I was more than happy to oblige as not only did it help a mate from a hole, it also gave 'her' the opportunity to blow a few early winter cobwebs out. It's mainly been about short, local hops since we said goodbye to the summer. Reports back from said mate have been pleasing. Effortless run up... and fingers crossed back.
Nothing else to report. Merry Christmas to all!
Delighted to say the TT is still belting along. A proud member of the fleet!
Absolutely no hiccups of note since the last update... aside from a loose connection on an interior light which is easily fixed with a sharp flick of the index finger!
This Xmas I've lent her to a good mate who's heading a couple of hundreds North and back again for the festivities. I was more than happy to oblige as not only did it help a mate from a hole, it also gave 'her' the opportunity to blow a few early winter cobwebs out. It's mainly been about short, local hops since we said goodbye to the summer. Reports back from said mate have been pleasing. Effortless run up... and fingers crossed back.
Nothing else to report. Merry Christmas to all!
Still going great guns.
My buddy returned her from roughly a month's borrowed usage with a look of dread on his face. The engine management light had come on whilst heading North on the motorway. Strangely, It went off again more or less as soon as I reclaimed my thrown! She had clearly missed me!
All plans to sell now a very distant memory. Just far too much fun and at this level of investment, keeping her is an utter no-brainer!
My buddy returned her from roughly a month's borrowed usage with a look of dread on his face. The engine management light had come on whilst heading North on the motorway. Strangely, It went off again more or less as soon as I reclaimed my thrown! She had clearly missed me!
All plans to sell now a very distant memory. Just far too much fun and at this level of investment, keeping her is an utter no-brainer!
To Le Mans 2015 or not to Le Mans 2015... THAT is the question.
Bottom line is, I'm not sure I'll get her there and back and the temptation to take the newest addition to the fleet (S-Max Titanium X Sport) is winning the battle of the bottle. It'd be a brilliant adventure taking the old girl down there but the hassle - and cost - of getting her once-over'd by my mechanic seems a fools errand. I could spend that on beers, supplies (and french cabs!).
I'm there to be swayed however. Thoughts?
In other news, I've had up up and down the M23 a few time in the last week as I've been popping back and forward to Geneva motorshow. Wonderful performance as usual although noticed the engine management light comes on when hitting peak revs. Performance doesn't seem to be effected. She's not losing oil and fuel consumption is normal. I'm thinking it's just a case of mucky sensors.
Brakes will need another look to. A bit too much vibration braking from high speed. The first MOT in my ownership noted pitted brake discs. I was told they had a few thousand miles left before a switch was required. I think we've hit that point.
Bottom line is, I'm not sure I'll get her there and back and the temptation to take the newest addition to the fleet (S-Max Titanium X Sport) is winning the battle of the bottle. It'd be a brilliant adventure taking the old girl down there but the hassle - and cost - of getting her once-over'd by my mechanic seems a fools errand. I could spend that on beers, supplies (and french cabs!).
I'm there to be swayed however. Thoughts?
In other news, I've had up up and down the M23 a few time in the last week as I've been popping back and forward to Geneva motorshow. Wonderful performance as usual although noticed the engine management light comes on when hitting peak revs. Performance doesn't seem to be effected. She's not losing oil and fuel consumption is normal. I'm thinking it's just a case of mucky sensors.
Brakes will need another look to. A bit too much vibration braking from high speed. The first MOT in my ownership noted pitted brake discs. I was told they had a few thousand miles left before a switch was required. I think we've hit that point.
A lovely 220 me return blast to Wollaston and the old girl drove like an absolute dream. Oil change seems to have addressed the engine management light. Noticed a little sludge around the cap but no loss of fluids and impact on temp so putting that down to a bit of condensation.
Still undecided on taking her to Le Mans...
Still undecided on taking her to Le Mans...
OK, so firstly, I didn't take her! Bottled it in favour of the S-Max... which promptly hit back in sympathy for it's rejected buddy by breaking down in Bleu Nord (flat battery...) costing me a few hours of Saturday morning. If you camped on the PH site, you won't have missed me running around begging for jump leads! Anyway... that's all in the past...!
TT hasn't had much of a run at late (new job meaning now commuting by train daily) but is due it's latest MOT, service and a bloody good valet. With little mileage clocked of late it was no surprise to see the battery run flat. Jumped first time, no probs but despite a long run to re-charge the battery (looks like the original Bosch set-up judging by the refusal of the corroded fixings to let go) there was pretty much zero life left in it. £99 later and it's now running on a shiny new battery. Nice to receive a few more compliments from other motorists parking up at the Auto Centre.
The braking vibration is really noticeable now suggesting it's time for those new disks flagged at last years MOT. Other than that, all seems to be peachy. Amazing how heavy the steering feels in comparison to the A4 and S-Max which have been the default drives of late. Still, my puny arms need a work out so it's probably a win-win!
Rather boringly, I put the bins out this morning and - less dull - walking back up the drive I caught a glimpse of the little devil. Just the right angle, gleaming perfectly off the early morning sun. Continues to make me grin. Best £2k I've ever spent I reckon!
TT hasn't had much of a run at late (new job meaning now commuting by train daily) but is due it's latest MOT, service and a bloody good valet. With little mileage clocked of late it was no surprise to see the battery run flat. Jumped first time, no probs but despite a long run to re-charge the battery (looks like the original Bosch set-up judging by the refusal of the corroded fixings to let go) there was pretty much zero life left in it. £99 later and it's now running on a shiny new battery. Nice to receive a few more compliments from other motorists parking up at the Auto Centre.
The braking vibration is really noticeable now suggesting it's time for those new disks flagged at last years MOT. Other than that, all seems to be peachy. Amazing how heavy the steering feels in comparison to the A4 and S-Max which have been the default drives of late. Still, my puny arms need a work out so it's probably a win-win!
Rather boringly, I put the bins out this morning and - less dull - walking back up the drive I caught a glimpse of the little devil. Just the right angle, gleaming perfectly off the early morning sun. Continues to make me grin. Best £2k I've ever spent I reckon!
Edited by MulsanneKinky on Sunday 12th July 10:09
Been a while since my last post... Sorry! Been busy changes jobs.
She's still running a treat but is now officially up for sale as I'm having to cut my cloth accordingly. Sadly the expanding family are more comfortable in the A4 or S-Max so it's time to say cheerio.
Recent work on her includes brand new front discs and suspension springs. I'd been meaning to swap out the older corroded ones but had been dragging my heels. Add this to the cam belt change, new battery, alternator, bulbs, full set of tyres and general TLC and someone is in for a treat. Open to offers if you are interested.
She's still running a treat but is now officially up for sale as I'm having to cut my cloth accordingly. Sadly the expanding family are more comfortable in the A4 or S-Max so it's time to say cheerio.
Recent work on her includes brand new front discs and suspension springs. I'd been meaning to swap out the older corroded ones but had been dragging my heels. Add this to the cam belt change, new battery, alternator, bulbs, full set of tyres and general TLC and someone is in for a treat. Open to offers if you are interested.
So... the period in the sidings was a little longer than expected. Money talks... and I've kept the belt well and truly tightened whilst the A4 and the S-Max have been the default options. HOWEVER...
We've had to say cheerio to the A4 after an unfortunate coming together with a non section 170-compliant motorist and an innocent parked car... #ouch. The good news is we have our ready made (...ish) standby plan in the TT. Sadly, the RAC could not provide a swift start-up... try as they might. And they really did give it everything. Really impressed with the chaps dedication. He was genuinely gutted he couldn't get her going after a mammoth stint under the hood giving it absolutely everything.
The Mk.1 is currently on the ramps undergoing a thorough service, MOT and spring clean in ready for her big return to business. Whilst she was sat under cover, the corrosion in the rear springs led them to collapse when being towed to the garage. In addition, the starter motor seized (water/oxidisation), the battery ran totally flat leading to ABS/TCS warning lights and there's corrosion on the brake lines. A few other minor issues that will complicate the MOT but a thorough service and tweak will sort (fluids, rubber etc). The guys at VGS (VAG specialists I was introduced to by the super helpful RAC chap) near Biggin Hill are currently performing said surgery. Updates on costs etc. to follow but looking at £500-ish.
I'm expecting her back on the driveway, taxed, insured, MOT'd, serviced and raring to go as my daily runaround tomorrow.
We've had to say cheerio to the A4 after an unfortunate coming together with a non section 170-compliant motorist and an innocent parked car... #ouch. The good news is we have our ready made (...ish) standby plan in the TT. Sadly, the RAC could not provide a swift start-up... try as they might. And they really did give it everything. Really impressed with the chaps dedication. He was genuinely gutted he couldn't get her going after a mammoth stint under the hood giving it absolutely everything.
The Mk.1 is currently on the ramps undergoing a thorough service, MOT and spring clean in ready for her big return to business. Whilst she was sat under cover, the corrosion in the rear springs led them to collapse when being towed to the garage. In addition, the starter motor seized (water/oxidisation), the battery ran totally flat leading to ABS/TCS warning lights and there's corrosion on the brake lines. A few other minor issues that will complicate the MOT but a thorough service and tweak will sort (fluids, rubber etc). The guys at VGS (VAG specialists I was introduced to by the super helpful RAC chap) near Biggin Hill are currently performing said surgery. Updates on costs etc. to follow but looking at £500-ish.
I'm expecting her back on the driveway, taxed, insured, MOT'd, serviced and raring to go as my daily runaround tomorrow.
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