redwine300

Yeah, you could be right there Mark. I will have a smell/feel of the old oil in comparison to the new tomorrow night. ( not that I know what I am looking for that is, lol)

Cheers Gary, Hopefully I will be ably to do the same once I have got the oil to a reasonable condition. It's just that I am ashemed to say,:blushing: I have left the oil change far to long, and it is as black as your hat.:mad2:

OK Mark. Cheers. I have enough oil left to do one more flush and then I will drain and refill with the good stuff. Tempted to go with 15/40 semi, or should I just stick with the 10/40 I don't do many miles and she is garaged in the winter, so tolerance to low temperature is not to much of an issue. Just worried that the 15/40 may be to thick for the turbo's at initial start up.

As you said Mark, started with a very slight rattle and then as quite as a mouse after that. My only dilemma is, I have done this twice now, and the drained oil is only partially clear!! Looks like a long and expensive transfusion so as to get her running with clear oil. Still it has got to be worth it.

Damn! It's awsome mate, I wounder if there is anything like it over here?

Where did you source the rear defuser from?

:thumbup1:Cheers Mark.

So, the story so far. I have drained the oil, and my plan is to use a cheap oil initially so as to flush any remaining old oil from the system. As it has been standing over night, should I turn the engine over without firing her up so as to get the oil circulated? or will I be OK just to start her up? I am just worried that for the first few seconds or so, there will be no oil circulation until the pump develops the pressure. Also, if I should turn her over first, what is the best/easiest way of preventing her from firing up?

Nice link!

You could try using the left hand temperature control pod in diagnostic mode, you can then page through to read actual coolant temp. When fully warm I think you should be seeing around 80 degrees. Depends on what type of pod it is mind, IE series 1 or series 2.

Fooooking awesome!!!!!

Stick at it mate. Sometimes these things just have to take time. If you give yourself all the time in the world, you will find that things will start coming together.

Are you working outside or inside.? The low temperature may have had an adverse effect on how well the stone chip and top coat cure.

Thanks for all of the brill hints and tips guys. Enjoying the banter also.:lol::lol::lol:

Will be doing an oil change in the next couple of weeks. Other than letting it drain for a couple of days or so, are there any other tricks so as to get as much old oil out as possible?

Had me going there for a minute!! Phew, I thought you had really sold her.

Mmmmm, That's good to know.

Good luck with the forth coming MOT. Does Jeff do MOT's

Yes, there are rubber strips about half way up the arch on the inside of the outer skin, both sides of the arch. I think they are for anti panel vibration. You will just be able to see them once you have cut into the outer panel. In some of the latter picture, you can just about see one from the view of from the inside of the rear arch. I just cut them back by 1/2 an inch or so. Here are some pictures of the front section cut away. http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=15465&page=5 Again, hope this helps. By the way, I took the panels out from the boot area, with a bit of squeeze, should the worst happen you can at least get a fire extinguisher in there. I think you might be able to see the rubber strips better from there as well. can not quite remember.

I have not widened my arches, but I did have to cut into them so as to cut out some rusty sections. May be of some help as to seeing how the arch is constructed. http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=15465&page=23 You will need to page through several pictures but should give you an idea. Hope it helps.

Might it have something to do with the boot lid switch?

Just thought I would wish everyone a happy new year before I get too hammered to even know what day it is!! lol :pinch: Happy New Year to one and all. :thumbup1: Thanks for all of the friendly and invaluable help and advice to date. See you all in 2013.

Not sure how it is achieved, but I think there is a 40mm overall width increase at the rear axle compared to the front. (2+2 LWB) Maybe you may be running a risk of fouling the outer lip of your front wing? not 100% mind.

Wow!! :drool:

Feel your pain mate. my wife is disabled and I have a 12 year old daughter, since the recent changes I have lost over £40 a month! may not seem a lot to a bureaucrat, but kicked me where it hurts. Spoke to them on the phone and insisted they kept my claim open even though I knew I would no get anywhere just to piss them off. Good luck with your endeavours.