New T350C owner
Author
Discussion

willba force

Original Poster:

94 posts

242 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all

Well, i finally collected my Mystic Black T350RR on Saturday and WOW, what a car!! To say that i've been grinning like a loon doesnt quite cover it !!

Its my everyday car so im hoping she'll serve me well. From what ive read on this forum (very informative by the way guys and girls ) these cars tend to prefer being used on a regular basis so im hoping it'll only get better the more miles i put on her.

OK so, my first newbie question. How often do you guys check your oil / coolant levels. Is once a week ok or is that being slightly over cautious?? Just want to make sure she's well looked after.

Thanks in advance.............This car rocks

targarama

14,711 posts

304 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
Check regulrly at first, so you get to know what it uses. Get to know where the gauges/temps sit. If its brand new and you're running in it probably won't need the oil topping up for a few thousand miles. Keep an eye on the water in case there's a loose hose/minor leak not yet spotted by the factory/PDI. I'd then just check once a week or so. We all know what a PITA it is to check the oil - there's so much in that dry sump that you should be able to spot any problems during the week driving around and keep you smart shirt cuffs clean (higher oil temp, lower pressure, smoke screen out rear etc.).

guymarks

350 posts

254 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
I check my water prob once every 2 weeks and my oil depending on mileage. My T350 takes about a litre every 750 miles (worth mentionning it has covered 24k - yours may not use this amount).

willba force

Original Poster:

94 posts

242 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
Thanks Targarama, once a week it is. The car's not new, she's got 4500 miles on the clock so i'll keep an eye on the levels and as you say get used to the normal running readings.
You're right about getting to that dipstick to check the oil, looks like a bit of a sod! The coolant levels look even more difficult to check, im sure there's a nack to it tho

rev-erend

21,596 posts

305 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
I'd agree with checking the oil / water weekly.

Also check the pipe from the oil reservoir to inlet system is secure - mine came off and I lost a load of oil.

Also the water should be halfway up the reservoir and not in the neck.

targarama

14,711 posts

304 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
willba force said:
Thanks Targarama, once a week it is. The car's not new, she's got 4500 miles on the clock so i'll keep an eye on the levels and as you say get used to the normal running readings.
You're right about getting to that dipstick to check the oil, looks like a bit of a sod! The coolant levels look even more difficult to check, im sure there's a nack to it tho


2 words to help with coolant checking. Wooden spoon.

willba force

Original Poster:

94 posts

242 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
Ahh yes, the wooden spoon method I saw that mentioned in an earlier search on the forum. Clearly an essential tool no T350/Tamora owner can be without!

Thanks again guys

hwassall

280 posts

305 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
And don't forget the gardening gauntlet for checking the oil...

targarama

14,711 posts

304 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
willba force said:
Ahh yes, the wooden spoon method I saw that mentioned in an earlier search on the forum. Clearly an essential tool no T350/Tamora owner can be without!

Thanks again guys


Wives across the nation are wondering what happened to their pasta stirring spoons ...

rolex

3,119 posts

279 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
And a pair of these for opening the bonnet





willba force

Original Poster:

94 posts

242 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all

targarama

14,711 posts

304 months

Monday 21st November 2005
quotequote all
Later cars have the bonnet release under the steering column so you don't need long arms to pull/open at the same time. Those arms might be useful for the oil/water levels though ...

Has anyone invented a remote eyeball yet? What we really need is 'oil tank cam' and 'water expansion bottle cam'.