Discussion
Hi,
I am the proud new owner of a very old Chim (N reg but 103k miles ... I guess at this mileage I can maintain it myself without loss of any more value, although the previous owner seems to have had everything fixed so far).
I have been reading that you guys all reckon that Shell Optimax is the petrol to use, and I must admit that my car seems to like it. The problem is that I only know of two Shell stations nearby. (I live just south of Guildford on the A3): One is to Guildford through traffic and traffic lights (10 mile round trip), the other is down the best section of the A3 and up the hill into Hindhead, one traffic light and then all the way down that magnificent road to the roundabout because there's no other way back (40 mile round trip).
What a problem! If anyone knows of a Shell station nearer don't tell me just yet... I think this is one of those problems that needs dedication and experiment
. Of course I could use the Esso garage 200 yards from home!
Actually, the car's not using any fuel at them moment as it's having the back window re-sewn in for the next two days. Also, it burned out the wiper motor yesterday so we're not going anywhere till I can get a new one. Unless it stops raining!
I am the proud new owner of a very old Chim (N reg but 103k miles ... I guess at this mileage I can maintain it myself without loss of any more value, although the previous owner seems to have had everything fixed so far).
I have been reading that you guys all reckon that Shell Optimax is the petrol to use, and I must admit that my car seems to like it. The problem is that I only know of two Shell stations nearby. (I live just south of Guildford on the A3): One is to Guildford through traffic and traffic lights (10 mile round trip), the other is down the best section of the A3 and up the hill into Hindhead, one traffic light and then all the way down that magnificent road to the roundabout because there's no other way back (40 mile round trip).
What a problem! If anyone knows of a Shell station nearer don't tell me just yet... I think this is one of those problems that needs dedication and experiment
. Of course I could use the Esso garage 200 yards from home! Actually, the car's not using any fuel at them moment as it's having the back window re-sewn in for the next two days. Also, it burned out the wiper motor yesterday so we're not going anywhere till I can get a new one. Unless it stops raining!
When I got my 450, it was quite lumpy while in neutral. I initally thought it was a stepper motor issue however, when it was time to top up with my first tankful I decided to go for Optimax due to the general consensus of the owners here (am lucky to have 2 Shell garages within 1 mile radius. )
What a difference that has made! I now exclusively use Optimax - each tankful is about £40 and each tank appears to last me a few days in London. I don't think I have driven more than 250 miles over the last week ( and I have filled up twice since I got the car)so that is some thirsty lump of V8...Just for my own interest, I will work out what range I am roughly getting on a full tankful on next fillup by resetting the trip. Apparently, 180-200 miles is the norm but probably Central London driving I should be grateful to get 150 miles on a full tank...
) What a difference that has made! I now exclusively use Optimax - each tankful is about £40 and each tank appears to last me a few days in London. I don't think I have driven more than 250 miles over the last week ( and I have filled up twice since I got the car)so that is some thirsty lump of V8...Just for my own interest, I will work out what range I am roughly getting on a full tankful on next fillup by resetting the trip. Apparently, 180-200 miles is the norm but probably Central London driving I should be grateful to get 150 miles on a full tank...
Hi,
I am the proud new owner of a very old Chim (N reg but 103k miles ... I guess at this mileage I can maintain it myself without loss of any more value, although the previous owner seems to have had everything fixed so far).
I have been reading that you guys all reckon that Shell Optimax is the petrol to use, and I must admit that my car seems to like it. The problem is that I only know of two Shell stations nearby. (I live just south of Guildford on the A3): One is to Guildford through traffic and traffic lights (10 mile round trip), the other is down the best section of the A3 and up the hill into Hindhead, one traffic light and then all the way down that magnificent road to the roundabout because there's no other way back (40 mile round trip).
What a problem! If anyone knows of a Shell station nearer don't tell me just yet... I think this is one of those problems that needs dedication and experiment
Actually, the car's not using any fuel at them moment as it's having the back window re-sewn in for the next two days. Also, it burned out the wiper motor yesterday so we're not going anywhere till I can get a new one. Unless it stops raining!
You have really cheered me. 103k mls WOW! Mine is actually a year older than yours and still hasn't got 20k on the clock. Reason--previous owner rarely used it
and garaged it for long periods--advantage? No--problem after problem with the electrics due to corrosion. Good luck! Keep using it! (16k mls over eight years--can you believe it?)
tamago said: When I got my 450, it was quite lumpy while in neutral. I initally thought it was a stepper motor issue however, when it was time to top up with my first tankful I decided to go for Optimax due to the general consensus of the owners here (am lucky to have 2 Shell garages within 1 mile radius.
What a difference that has made! I now exclusively use Optimax - each tankful is about £40 and each tank appears to last me a few days in London. I don't think I have driven more than 250 miles over the last week ( and I have filled up twice since I got the car)so that is some thirsty lump of V8...Just for my own interest, I will work out what range I am roughly getting on a full tankful on next fillup by resetting the trip. Apparently, 180-200 miles is the norm but probably Central London driving I should be grateful to get 150 miles on a full tank...
I get 110 miles to a tank full - that's driving around Guernsey (much like London - i.e choked up with traffic). At least petrol's "only" 46p per litre here (but no-one sells optimax)
>> Edited by plipton on Friday 3rd January 16:37
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