Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,400 Threads: 33
Reputation:
36
Location: Deepest Frogland 30960
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
The Merc is a keeper. It's just nicely run-in. Visiting family in Stuttgart with it might be problematic though! Next time we go I will still use the Uber Barge and see whether I get done and if so just plead ignorance.
Just taken my C15 van for its annual pollution check and all is well. As is the tester's pocket after trousering 35€ for 5 minutes work and a sticker.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,400 Threads: 33
Reputation:
36
Location: Deepest Frogland 30960
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
Aye. Shoved a probe up its backside and revved the engine. It was really a huge physical effort because he had to do it three times. I watched the screen while he did it. Rev it to over 3000 and let it settle to tick-over.
Opacity tolerance in France for a non turbo diesel without particulate filter (the van is from 1995) is 2.5m-1; Over three readings it averaged out at 1.13m-1 which I guess isn't bad on an old banger that's got over 300,000km on the clock. After that much mileage there must be some wear in the engine and injectors, but it's OK for another year now. PSA XUD non turbo diesel 1.7litre. Virtually indestructible.
Did the cam belt etc last year. Pig of a job. Ended up having to undo the engine mounts and jack the motor over to the n/s to get my fingers in. It was probably the first time it's ever been done. (every 4 years? stuff that). Between now & then I intend to drop the rear subframe to do the shocks & radius arm bushes. The steering rack needs some TLC too. Mind you, cheaper than buying another van. In the paper today they were selling a 5yr old Kangoo and they wanted 11,000€ for it! You can buy a brand new Dokker van for less than that. Blood and Sand.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 381 Threads: 16
Reputation:
8
Location: Port Elizabeth, Sunny South Africa
Car type: '26 Chummy, '28 Top Hat, '33 Type "65", single seaters
Nick, next time you are in there lightly dust the whole inside of the tyre with baby powder, stick the tube in a largish shopping bag and give it 2 good squirts of baby powder, tie the bag up tight and give it a good shake. Now the tyre and tube will happily slide home together with less effort and far less risk of pinching the tube & as a bonus they are very easy to remove again. Been doing car & bicycle tyres like this for years.....
We're in the middle of our 8 month summer.... a tough life we have here in the Colonies
Aye
Greig
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 686 Threads: 112
Reputation:
2
I see a couple of references to government. Be thankful, where I live, the government closed.
Erich in Seattle
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,400 Threads: 33
Reputation:
36
Location: Deepest Frogland 30960
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
A 3.50 x 19 tyre, particularly the Avons can be quite difficult to fit in the winter. Better if they are warmed a bit to help the tyre to become more supple. Never used talcum but the wife's fairy liquid on the beads does help. If you've done it right you shouldn't have to use a lever to get the last bit over the rim as they should just walk on - start (to remove) and finish(when refitting) at the valve. That ensures that the opposing bead is right into the well of the tyre. A little air in the tube helps to keep it out of the way. No pressure, just enough to inflate it a little. Put the retaining ring on the valve stem but don't screw it home. That allows you to push it into the centre to keep it out of the way, but without it getting lost.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,462 Threads: 26
Reputation:
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Location: North Yorkshire
Washing up liquid is a good lubricant but contains salt that can help to corrode rims. I use waxoyl these days. Has the advantage of offering an element of internal protection for the rims.
Steve
