327 replies to this topic

[bcjames]

Sorry to hear that Dave, after all this effort! At least you have the list now which hopefully means, having ticked the boxes, you'll pass next time. When are you going to have it MOT'd again? If I'm working in Cardiff any time soon I'd be happy to come by and give you a hand with things.

[DaveJH]

Thing is, the list might be longer as the MOT was aborted half way through. I'm really hoping I can get a mobile mechanic out to it within a week and perhaps pop home for the MOT the week after. I don't think I can afford it all though!

[DaveJH]

On Monday I got a lift to the garage to fit the new belt. Took me a while as I hadn't done it before but I got it on OK. Went to start the car and the fuel pump refused to kick in again! I've already paid so much having electricians look at the fuel pump electrics and fixing things and once again it has died on me. So I got some wire, a switch and an in line fuse and powered it straight from the battery in order to start it and drive it home. On the way home the belt started slipping again, I hadn't got it tight enough.

This bloody car just doesn't want to be driven.

[Shifty]

Dave, I'm really sorry that your bad luck is continuing. I could still help you in Jan/feb time and I'm sure we can come to some mutual agreement?

[DaveJH]

It might come to that. I also have a mobile mechanic who's more local that might be able to help. Not sure about the emissions and electric problems though.

[Shifty]

A good service should cure the emissions.

I'll be honest and say that I'm not an Spi expert but with the help of our resident spi gurus, the electrics shouldn't be a problem either.

[DaveJH]

The emissions were about three times too high, I imagine that suggests a sensor or cat problem?

[Shifty]

Its possible, but a new set of plugs/leads/cap can work wonders. Check and re set the tappets as well.

Most of the service stuff under his bonnet looked like it had seen better days.

[gs.davies]

Just read this from beginning to end; I'm about to FINALLY make a start on my Mark One having been unable to find a welder who I trust or who isn't charging (rightly) more than I can afford. Having seen the appalling job the 'welder'mad wo Daves inner sill and floor pan I am utterly convinced I can do better. And if I can't, I guess I'll be speaking to Shifty!

Dave, these SPi coopers are excellent fun and getting harder to find in original condition. I'd consider keeping it standard or make sure any mods are reversible and original parts kept. I really miss my old one. Perhaps once the Mark one is on the road again I'll look for another red and white '91 1.3i..

Good luck and don't give up!

[DaveJH]

I'm planning on keeping him standard. Well, except some subtle improvements (improved but subtle speakers for example). Hoping to save up for a new front end followed by a respray in its current colour.

I guess I could do with giving the car a good service regardless of any effect it may of on emissions.

Also, I got flyered by M4Minis while the car was at the garage on the weekend. I've been trying to get onto that forum for a couple of weeks now, it appears I need moderator's approval to join and they aren't responding to emails!

[DaveJH]

Right, time to make a minispares order. Getting in door seals, back window seals and a new brake adjuster for my rear brake. Going to get a local mechanic to sort the stuck brake, put on the new rear brake pads, tighten the fan belt and fit the subframe bushes. Might also get him to give the engine a service to try and cure emissions. Unsure how to deal with the fuel pump, might need a mobile auto mechanic for that. Getting very acquainted with my overdraft right now and I've still got to pay uni for this term's accommodation...

[miniman24]

I know how much accomodation hurts your bank balance man Hope you can get her sorted soon, it'll definatly be worth it ;)

[muddd001]

If you don't mind me asking how much do you pay for accomodation at UNI?

Can't be easy having a mini while paying for UNI

[Midas Mk1]

Uni Accommodation hurts us all
Hope your Minis all fixed up and running sooon :)

[DaveJH]

Uni accommodation hurts some of us more than others. This year my room is costing me over £1300 a term. On top of that I need to find money for food and general cost of living. My loan is less than £1200 a term, hence my financial problems but I work every job I can get and manage to muddle through. Next term my room cost is going up by over £500 a term...