MYCAR

M151 dilemma

2012-02-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

I have a dilemma, I have an M151 (A0). The rear end had been torched to the point that I need to fit a total new rear end. (I just created an album called "John TX"). I can get a partial (ex factory) rear end but it is for the M151 A2. My question is whether this is a no-no. I want to restore it to "deployment" status and not factory condition. So the question is would a repair facility in the military have done this retrofit. I am hoping not to modify the A2 rear to match (A0/A1).

Well I would say there is no text book answer. If you want to make it deployment ready and not year and model correct I would say it would not be unusual that you would find mixed parts like that. When I did my A1 a while ago I used some A2 parts cause they were what I wanted. I did the A1 stuff as well so it was a simple matter of parts change. But the wiring harness I used an A2 harness. When you go to war you use what you have so that would be normal to have subsitutions like that.

Roof racks and brush guards for Ford Van

2012-01-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

Sometime you having trouble finding anybody who makes a good looking huge roof rack and a brush guard for your 4x4 Ford Van. Any suggestions?

Nothing cheap unless you assemble yourself. Custom or standard racks $500-800. You see at http://truckrackinc.com/default.htm and here, too, Brush bar & $1000 at http://www.aluminess.com/vans.htm

I also have a Kargomaster. Check at http://www.kargomaster.com/products/commercial-van-equipment/van-cargo-\rack-systems/heavy-duty-pro-ii-van-cargo-rack.html on may Chevy van. It attaches to the rain gutters so it would work on a Ford van as well.

It is very sturdy. I put an old innner tube around the gutter clamps to try to keep it from buggering up my rain gutters.

The new one has a cool roller on the back to help get stuff on the roof. They are about $700. They have bars every 4' or so. It was less than idea for carrying stuff shorter that 4' so we decked it over. The deck is nice for sitting on at the beach or camping. We have put a tent up there.

I built a ladder that swings up so you can get to the back doors. It is less than ideal so I will build a side ladder when I get around to it. We mostly use our van for driving on the beach so no brush bar is needed.

That Kargomaster one is pretty good looking.

engine identification

2011-12-27T19:09:00.000-08:00

I have an extra engine that came with my 1951 super wagon it has a serial # of 115003, does any one know what is out of. the engine in the car which runs good has a serial # of onl 5 digits, (first two are 39---) I have been told that it is out of a 47. I am just starting to restore it all and want to find what is correct and what is not.

It started life as a CoBra sheet metal block engine. I assume it has been upgraded to cast iron block, most have. Most of the difference between the 48 engine and the 51 is internal, assuming it has not been at least been partially updated. The 51 had a better crankcase, crank, seals, bigger clutch, etc.

The info I gave was for the installed engine # 39XXX. 115003 is probably the origina engine for your 51 wagon.

As soon as possible register your car for the Crosleys

2011-12-18T05:08:00.000-08:00

I screwed up big time. With switching jobs, and trying to relearn everything about the trucking business( I have been away from it for 25 years). I completely forgot that we were supposed to have most of our applications for the Awkscht Fescht in by Dec 31st .

Shirley called me yesterday from the Ontelaunee Region who organizes the show, and told me they only have one registered car for the Crosleys. They were seriously thinking about pulling the Crosleys out, and bringing in another make. They do not want to look like idiots and have only 3 cars show up for the featured class. Plus, they need to get an idea of how big an area we are going to need, to help with the preplanning. I told her it was my fault, that I did not tell anybody about the early deadline.

If you are planning on coming, I need you to email, phone, or write me as soon as possible. I will need to know how many cars you are bringing, and what year make, and model they are. Dave, and I will fill out the application, and send it in with the money. Then you can just send us a check for the amount. By registering early they give us a $3.00 per car per day discount. The dates are August 3rd, 4th, and 5th in Macungie, Pa. We can still register cars up till July 1st.but after Jan 1st it is $13.00 per car per day.Barry Seel 484-358-5785 after 5:30 pm. or crosley19 @ aol.com

Welcome to my world! After my failing to show up the last two years I'm going to make it this year even if I have to drag the car to Macungie. Put me down for one '52 Super Hotshot Saturday and Sunday. $20. in the mail Monday.

Petra D, how about you ?

2011-12-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

I find one Petra D 2004 model 109345 kms on odo. Single owner on papers and the head of engine is with oil leaks and hoses and clamps seems to worn out. But the body and other electricals seem good and all power windows and mirrors working. Head lamps with water vapors and even right side with algae. Mech say these are all small and can be rectified within 5k. He suggest to go ahead since diesel engines are rare and condition can be improved. As the deficiencies are cosmetic only, can it be corrected or will it be a bit deeper since worn out parts show negligence by previous owner(s)?

2L for 1L kms done car in this condition is too ambitious. Since its negotiable, to get at a decent price. Ensure, you know the real costs involved in getting her back to 100% trouble free running condition. The car is registered at Chennai, run in Salem and now with a dealer in Chennai. The dealer say 1.20 Lakh quote by someone was not acceded to by the owner. I suspect it as a bait. I have pics of the engine oil leaks. May be 1.25 Lakhs do clinch the deal. Mech say all can be rectified, even without seeing the car.

A friend started the car and after looking under bonnet, say it is just head gasket leak and may not cost much. As the car tyres are bald and with low air, TD was not possible. Also this adds up more suspicion. I am at dark as to this is ok? or wait for another Petra or Siena? My travel would be on highways to my native, 100 kms away from Chennai, on weekends. For within Chennai drive, i have a small petrol car-Matiz.

I changed my small darling Matiz for a Petra (albeit a 1.6). 1.9's are great engines, but have their share of issues, check if any PUG can also inspect the car with you. Just 1 more thing, Petra is an excellent highway cruiser and the best part is its massive ( 500 ltrs) boot. So long drives is really comfy with all your luggage in the boot. If what your mech says is true, go for it. Its a wonderful and safe car.

Power windows, Central Locking, Electrically operated ORVMs, Alloy wheels, Imported velvet upholstery, etc, etc. Anything between 1.5 and 2 lakhs, just grab it. Just to get an idea,If you don't mind pl share me details viz. How much did you pay to get the Petra (1.6)? Odo and the year? How much it cost on regular maintenance? I am aware that urs is petrol. Though i am eager to clinch the deal, i did not show my enthu to dealer, fearing more cost. Your suggestions give confidence.

Inputs are quite encouraging. All upholstery and paint show age and faded. Tyres are all bald.Audio set is swapped for a cheaper one. But i do not mind these. I am concerned about oil leak on engine. Friend say either it is rocker or head gasket.

I got it for 1.40 lacs with 70k,2005 model, with all accessories including Stanley leather seats and brand new Michelin shoes. Gave it for service last week, costed me 6791/- exact, with oil change, oil and air filters changed, break pad set changed and a 3M engine flush. This is at Concorde motors, Mysore rd , Bangalore. The average, without any major repairs, service cost will be 4k every 6 months or 7500 kms.

The only downside being the mileage it 8.5 ~ 9.5 only 50% ac, in city at best, but in highway have got 14kmpl with speeds of 100kms, but have been told that if we maintain 2000~2500 rpms in the HW we can expect to better it by at least 1kmpl.

This car is for HW cruising, amazing comfort and stability, you can actually whiz past modern day "Fast" cars with ease. Just look at any parts to be replaced at the rear of the car, like petrol filling door or brake lamps, as these parts are difficult to get, as this where the car differs from Palio, rest is same as Palio, so relatively easier to get parts.

Tail lamp is broken and fixed with some red tape. I think here M/s Mahavir of GP rd may source these parts.Moreover i am not much worried about looks. More cared for functional parts.

Solenoid swith and a lesson

2011-12-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

Today I got my advy's solenoid switch of the starter motor changed. I have a learnt a lesson today. Never go by the hype created by any 'famous fiat mechanic'. I took my car to a local mechanic today next to my house. He removed the checked the starter system and found out that the solenoid switch has conked off. The same thing was told to me by Somu of concorde motors mysore road without checking the system. The mechanic removed the switch from the motor and gave it to me. I called our 'fiat mechanics' mr. venkatesh and mr. hariprasad to check if they have stoks, both of them said it is very difficult to get the same and if need be they can alter the conked off switch and make it work.

I took a chance with local motor spare shops in Bangalore (JC Road). The fifth shop i inquired had the same switch, albeit a different tiwanese brand one and not the genuine valio brand. I paid rs. 900/- for the switch and rs.350/- for installation.

Lesson learnt - what ever the 'famed fiat mechanics' say is not very true. Many such parts are available with local vendors.

This is really interesting. If I went through a similar problem, I had to replace the entire starter unit (valeo). I had to shell out 9k to get it running. I got this juggad done by Mr. Venkatesh for 1.8K few months ago, I was told the same thing that it can be fixed. Learnt my lesson the hard way...... beware folks with the trusted mechanics as well.

Sriram details please on the store you picked up from will be helpful. I am planning on sourcing most of these parts from either local or outside agencies and pay labor to get it fitted. I too almost fell for this jugaad by venkatesh and hariprasad. I went back to the mechanic to retrieve the complete starter set and he adviced me that the part is surely available if u look for it and asked me not to get the refurbish done. I gave it a shot. I picked up the switch from chitresh automotive spares. If u are coming on jc road from Minerva signal, Take a left at the next signal. A little further on that road, the next corner I guess is the shop.

assume the Lotus position

2011-11-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

Anyone who thinks modern automobiles are better than vintage Lotus in regard to serviceability might want to read this:

"GM seemed to get a lot of things right when it introduced the new Generation 7 Chevy Malibu in 2008. I got one of the higher-end models with a six-cylinder engine and a very smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. I was generally happy with the car until a headlamp bulb burned out.

I went to the local auto parts store and bought a replacement bulb for about $12. Then I popped the hood and found that I couldn't get to the back of the headlight assembly. The owner's manual was no help at all -- its advice was to consult the dealer for bulb replacements.

A quick Internet search revealed the awful truth: To replace the headlight bulb, you needed to remove the front bumper (among other parts). The dealer confirmed this and quoted $150 labor to replace one bulb.

The steps needed to replace the headlight bulb are as follows:

Open the hood and remove the plastic cover above the radiator (14 screws).

Jack up the car and remove the wheel (five lug nuts).

Remove the wheel-well liner (15 screws and pop-rivets).

This exposes two bolts that hold the bumper in place; remove these bolts and slide off the end of the bumper.

Now, you can reach the three bolts that hold in the headlight assembly; remove the headlight assembly and replace the bulb. Replace everything (29 screws, nuts, bolts, and pop-rivets).

If you think you might as well replace both lamps while you're at it, you'll still have to remove the other front wheel, wheel-well liner, the other side of the bumper, and the other headlight assembly (25 additional fasteners). In my Toyota Camry, I could replace both headlight bulbs in less time than it takes to read this paragraph -- without needing a single tool. Just open the hood, twist the bulb socket a quarter turn to remove it, and plug in the new bulb."

(published in the on-line edition of Design News, "Made by Monkeys" column - always a fun read)

'77 Pathfinder Ford Quadravan - CHEAP -

2011-11-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

Looking on craigslist I found a '77 E250 Pathfinder Quadravan for sale in San Diego that is sooooo cheap I had to share.

More info, click here : http://adf.ly/3t6dB

So I went in-person to see if there was some parts that would help me out. The seller reduced the price to $500 while I was looking at it!!

It is rough, but complete with only 2 captains chairs in the interior. The owner said it runs great. It wouldn't pass a CA Smog check at this point (cold start air cleaner is gone) and there's 2 holes in the roof about 3" diameter that were used for antennea poles that are now open, but for $500, it might be useful to someone here.

There are no Pathfinder emblems, labels, or logos, but it's a for sure a Q-van with the radius arm/dual track bar front end and NP205 directly connected to the C6.

I wish I had a storehouse to save this stuff when I see it!

the sump broke

2011-11-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

My1.9D, got hit by a stone and the engine oil sump got broken. The engine oil drained and engine stopped. Not Sure what should I do now. Should I get it repaired or Sell car.

I dont know how would this cost me for the repair. Could not sleep properly yesterday night.

I have to spend around 10k for that. I changed 4 months back in Prerena Bangalore. As soon as the sump broke, the car stopped immediately and did not attempt to use it further? If thats the case, there should be no engine damage. Can simply get that fixed and continue using the car. Why sell ?? :)

I had a damage (Dented Scratch) to my Oil Sump, service guy advised to replace else might damage the engine. I got it replaced and it costed my around 6.5 K (MultiJet SDX). And if you have not used it after the damage you could get it reapired, there should not have been any damage to the engine.

I need to check if there is engine damage if not do as Karthik suggested. The 1.9 engine is very robust, except for the FIP, if possible do rebuild the engine it serves well. Do miss mine at times even though upgraded to MJD.

The drivability of 1.9 as well as the effortless cruising ability is a pleasure. Drive with caution on the ground clearance limitation and you won't regret.

Hotshot carpeting?

2011-11-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

All my Hotshots ether have or show signs of carpet being glued to the floorpan. I also have pics from Wauseon showing black carpets used. Is this right? What about the goofy cover over the trans-shifter assemblies?

I don't know of any Crosley that came from the factory with carpet. Black rubber mats are what I have seen. The drive shaft hump was just paint.

I have some of that left over from building my sedan.

NEED AN INDEPENDANT VALUE JUDGEMENT

2011-11-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

I have a small problem and I am trying to decide what to do. During the great October snowstorm on Saturday, I lost a large branch off my maple tree and it fell on 2 of my parts cars. One was a 52 wagon and the other a 49 wagon. It has crushed the roofs of both of them and broken most of the glass. The cars were not restoration projects, just parts but both had good straight roofs and glass that was good for patterns. I am trying to decide if I should make an insurance claim on them or just forget about it. What kind of value would you place on these?

Even a parts car, especially if it was complete as yours mostly are, or were should be worth at least $500.00 ea I would think. I guess it sort of depends what your insurance deductible is...

I had a rusty parts car that was hit while parked at my place of business. It caved the drivers side door in and broke the already ruined glass in the door and the stainless was bent at the window line. It had roll up windows and the bottoms of the doors were rusted off. The engine and trans and many other pieces were already stripped. Of course the other guys insurance came out and didn't want to give me anything for the claim as he said it was a rust piece of junk. I told him it was my lawn art and I wanted it repaired to the pre-accident condition. After a few phone calls and several pictures to his boss it was desided that $200. would be a fair claim. I was more than happy with the amount as I was actually selling the car and wanted $250.00 for the car.

My suggestion would be to turn it in and see what they will give you. Remember, they don't make Crosleys any more so you can't go to the dealer and get new roofs or windows. What would it cost labor wise to repair the items damaged to pre-accident condition???

how to Build 3WD

2011-10-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

I am building my second 1F2R three wheeler and I want it to be all things to all people. But I live on a very steep hill with a 1/4 mi driveway. In the winter you need a good 4x4. So 3 wheel drive on a 3-wheeler may work. I have come up with 2 plans :

1- hub motor

2- starter motor rubbing on the outside of the tire or geared like on the brake rotor outside

So either way the HP and duration would be very low. Mostly for snow and only when you cant go in 2wd ,like 2 mi max. 5 min? All "I" need is to run it the 1/4 mi up my driveway. So any Ideas on the electric front? 12V? Or like KERS on F-1 race cars

I didn`t love the friction drive in the snow idea, but it was simple. If made tight enough to the tire it might work. If I used a car starter motor I think I would try to use the Bendix of the starter to some how engage the drive,so it would only turn when you need it. Although, with the one way clutch it solves the problem of engagement of the gears at speed. 10 MPH. A good thought.

I was afraid the hub motors wouldn`t work well because of the slow speed heat build-up.

The price of the components are a tad high too. What would it take to make a controller for a 12V starter using a 12V battery? I have lots of used starters around here and winter is coming. My trike weighs 1200lbs with With me in it there is 400lbs on the front wheel (1F2R). It is powered by a 72 hp Subaru 3 cyl with 5 speed transmission driving the rear wheels.

See this pic :

The trike works well. I don`t want to redesign it. I want something that, like snow tires, you put on in the winter take off in the summer. Or more likely something you put on when you need it. It could be 20+ lbs of unsprung weight bouncing along. Oh and under $100 would be nice.

I would think that there won't be much weight on the front wheel, and wouldn't provide much traction anyway.

Can you have a limited slip or locking differential? Depending on how often it snows, it may be better to just use tire chains or aggessive tires.

Sell old car to buy a new one

2011-10-14T00:22:00.000-07:00

I own a 2004 Palio 1.2 Nv sports in Bangalore. Recently I headed to KHT motors (Tata Fiat Dealership) to look at the Punto 90 hp. I was very impressed by the car. Rock solid and a lot of fun post 2000 Rev mark. As there is some exchange bonus being offered at Fiat to the tune of 15 k. I asked the old car evaluator to take a look at my Palio.

The number he quoted horrified me. 80 k including the exchange bonus!

This is for a car that is running 5 new tires, a brand new Battery and in pretty much top shape.

This got me thinking is buying another Fiat really worth it? Pity considering that the 90 hp really is a good car.

You will always get pathetic resale value from the dealer if you try to sale it to them .What they will do is sale it at open market at a higher price -hence they make 2 fold profit one on your old car and also on the new car. Try selling the car outside of the Dealer you will get a better price .

Guess what, this is the fate of almost all who approached dealers for an exchange.

I am sure that your valuation was actually done by a third party dealer and not actually KHT. The dealers usually outsource this part of the business especially dealing with seconds, etc.. I feel it's because of these dealers, that valuation, in general, drops down.

You should try posting it on Carwale, m sure it'll fetch a good price:-) I too had visited concorde mtrs @ dairy circle to enquire abt the exchange offer. Dealer quotes - 1,80,000 for 2007dec, 23Km run car. The car is out n out serviced by concorde motors only. So decided not to part with my car. Just thought I would add that this phenomenon is not unique to Fiat. Look at the resale value of old cars of similar vintage from other marquees. Look at what Zens & Esteems are fetching. See what the old Accents command in the market.

The resale value for a fiat is bad, but definately not that bad. I bought the same 2004 Palio 1.2 NV Sports (60k) last year for 1.70 lakhs. You should be able to get around 1.5 lakhs atleast depending on the condition of your car.

This is because of the lack of service stations and spare availability as not every road side mechanic is capable enough to tackle the fault aroused.

Actually used cars in Bangalore (read KA regn cars) command a higher value than the rest of the country. Mainly due to the higher road tax and also due to the lower humidity leading to minimal rust formation. Again for Palios service options are one of the best compared to other cities, be it TASS or others.

Mazda to stop making rotary-engine vehicles

2011-10-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Mazda will stop making cars with its signature rotary engines after a 45-year production run that included powering the first and only Japanese car to win the 24-hour Le Mans endurance race.

Poor sales and the high costs of meeting modern emissions standards have made rotary engines uneconomical to produce. Mazda Motor Corp. said Friday that the latest edition of the Mazda RX-8 will go on sale Nov. 24, targeting sales of 1,000 vehicles, but will end production in June 2012.

The Japanese automaker, based in Hiroshima, introduced its first rotary engine car in 1967 and is the only automaker in the world that makes rotary engine vehicles. Such engines have fewer moving parts and are quieter than comparable piston engines but are more expensive to manufacture and consume more fuel.

The RX-8 is the only model in Mazda's lineup with the rotary engine. Mazda's decision underlines how consumer tastes have changed to preferring green vehicles over sporty ones. Mazda spokeswoman Michiko Terashima said research and development on the rotary engine will continue, leaving open the possibility that it could make a comeback. But production is now not making sense when considering the costs of meeting safety and emissions standards for new vehicles, she said.

Mazda sold only 2,896 RX-8 cars last year, with 1,245 of them in North America and 963 in Japan. Cumulative sales of Mazda vehicles with rotary engines total about 1.995 million as of the end of August, according to Mazda, which also makes the Miata sportscar.

Mazda Chief Executive and President Takashi Yamanouchi recalled the victory of Mazda's rotary engine at Le Mans 20 years ago, and called the rotary engine "iconic." Mazda's car overtook a Mercedes in the last three hours of the legendary race.

"Although R-X production is ending, the rotary engine will always represent the spirits of Mazda, and Mazda remains committed to its ongoing development," he said.

Mazda, which has lost money for the last three fiscal years, is struggling to assert its brand as the relationship with longtime partner Ford Motor Co. weakens.

Mazda does not have flashy green technologies in its lineup that its bigger Japanese rivals do — such as the hybrids at Toyota Motor Corp. or electric vehicles at Nissan Motor Co. The fading away of its prized rotary engine — although largely symbolic — is yet another blow.

Dearborn-based Ford bought 25 percent of Mazda in 1979, raising it to 33.4 percent in 1996. But Ford began cutting ties in 2008, and last year lowered its ownership to 3.5 percent.

I'm very sad read this stuff. I know that the Mazda engineers have been fighting the corporate types at Ford ever since they took over. It was their identity and now it is gone.

1948 Crosley Pick Up Truck For Sale - $900

2011-10-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd post this here before I put it on Ebay...

I picked up a truck in Utah and have been getting it back together, replacing as many of the missing parts as I could find.

To see the pick-up truck that I sell, can be seen in http://91fb0c79.linkbucks.com

I didn't post pictures of the engine, radiator, etc, but it does come with all the running gear. It's still missing the rear bumper, an inside door handle, windshield wipers, the emblems, the under door sheet metal, the front and back glass and some random stuff. It has the seats, a heater, all running gear, original gas tank, the headlight buckets (not on in the pictures) and a set of gauges. And the glove compartment is intact!

Best part is that it was converted to the 9" hydraulic drum brakes at some point. It's also got wind-up windows in the doors instead of the bomber-style sliders. It's an old farm truck that had a hard life- it's got plenty of dings and dents. the family that had it said that they thought the grandfather might have bought it new - they'd had it since at least the early fifties. They started 'restoring' it a while back, which meant they pulled the engine and a bunch of other parts and then misplaced some of them.

They did get as far as reupholstering the seats- they actually look pretty good, even though they were done probably 10 years ago. There is rust in the floor, but the fenderwells and bed are surprisingly solid.

I'm looking to get $900 for it as is, or I'd go $800 if I can keep the gauges I put in. It's a neat truck... it needs a lot of work, but it'll be a cool project for somebody.

Call me at 916 612 two - six - one - three if you're interested.

Hmmm. I'm really hoping NOT to store this car all winter, but let's talk if I've still got it next year! That said, I will deliver it within a state or two for gas money- and the toyota gets almost 20MPG when hauling!

AC suddenly malfunctions overnight

2011-09-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

One day the AC was working fine, the next day it simply doesn't come on The switch indicator light is working fine, and the basic symptom is: absolutely no response, no click, no change in engine vibration, no increase in radiator fan speed

I intend to check in the following priority:

1. Check fuse

2. Check relay, since there's no "click" sound indicating relay function

3. If even that's OK, then check the compressor clutch (I clutch at my heart when I contemplate this!)

If that OK too, what else could it be? Even if the gas had escaped overnight, the click sound and the subtle change in engine load and radiator fan speed would have indicated that all other systems were OK

You can also check Mostly blown fuse and check for ac gas. if low pressure may not let the compressor to start, too.

Best option for a burned engine bay - Palio 1.2 ,2002

2011-09-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

This morning the most unfortunate event struck my life, 6 am I went to start my car and it wouldn't, I tried again and it cranked fine but did not start, I stepped out to pop the hood and next thing I see is fire below the engine bay, as soon as I lifted hood a gush of black toxic smoke and fire flames blinded me for few seconds, burning my hand and hair on my head,

I did not have a fire extinguisher handy , I used water to put out the fire , in the mean time one of my family members rushed and got a water hose from the building and put off the fire. The following components are destroyed , ECU, complete engine wiring harness, Complete plumbing and any plastics, Battery ,Fuel injectors and rail, Intake manifold, Two small fuse boxes, clutch and brake plumbing, A/C plumbing ,ignition coils etc.

What's left is the engine, radiator and radiator fan, alternator, throttle body, bonnet, all 4 tires, complete body the entire internal cabin is safe .

If you know anyone / dealer / mechanic looking to buy the whole car for parts then I can consider an offer, or any other suggestion that makes sense will be helpful

Just plain sad and pained.

Hope you find the proper solution, what was the cause for this mishap? Is there an option to claim insurance? Still, i'm not sure what it would cover.

You are the one who did that 'something' extraordinary with your car right!? Forgive me if I'm wrong here. Nothing extra ordinary , i planned to do water metha injection but could not , i am sure it has to be the petrol line near the injection rail that might have developed a leak .

I never modified any thing on the car , every thing was standard ,

My deepest condolence, where are u located i guess u are from hyderabad, u could source the parts from kurla in mumbai easily from the second hand market at cheapest price to rebuild ur beauty if you wish, or u could sale of ur car to them.

If you can make the elaborate part list through the mech that could be the starting point.

Around the country, there are lots of used component availability. To save cost you can start hunting from them.

Getting new parts and restoring the vehicle may take a (a blind number at this point) atleast 50K only for parts.

Major contributors Battery: 5-6K

ECU: Â 22K

Wiring harness: 4-5K

Plumbing: 4-5K

Fluid Containers: 5-6K

I may be missing something huge here. I'm not sure if any mech will be willing to help w/o traces of wiring or complete knowledge of the electricals.

Option may be

a) Â throw away the car so that the parts may be useful for some one

b) Give it to TASS (they may ask for 1L!!!?)

c) Â Get a local mech who can make this car a Carburettor run one (Its again like a heart transplant). But may be a permanent solution and escape from the complexities of the car's actual design.

d) Procure used components and restore one by one.

After all, the family may feel that the car is unlucky - risky to use !

Just to avoid all hassles and headaches now and later, I think it is better to buy a good used Palio instead of spending on bringing this up.

Really sad incident. Have you used diesel or kerosene to clean the engine bay? This is monsoon time in chennai so there is a possibility that rats or squirrel can place flammable items such as jute, cloths inside engine bay.

I hope that you are fine.....

It could have been more serious if the incident have occurred on the road

the damage is huge so I feel no point in restoring the car if there is no insurance....

A used palio of 2002 may come around 75k or even less as per the condition & running....at least in mumbai

I'm going to kurla CST market by the end of this month to source alloys.... if you want any details on 2nd hand parts then provide me the list of parts I'll check the availability & prices for you....

Really sorry for your loss Bro....

Hope you will overcome this ASAP.

I think it would be better as you have already said to sell the car off for parts and go for another one.

Can understand the shock and the real pain in getting a replacement . Look for a replacement than repairing the existing one. Repairing may rob your sleep and pocket. Look for a used good one and settle down at peace.

My condolences!!!

1990 Esprit SE

2011-09-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

My wife's Turbo Esprit has one small problem. There is a vent hose running from one fuel tank to the other. At least I think it is a vent. It runs up below the rear window and then down to the other tank. This appears to be water heater hose and is very stiff. It pulls off the carpet covering it and moves down into view of the side windows. Does anybody have an idea of a fix for this? I was thinking about some light weight PVC type hose for this?

Avoid PVC if it's anywhere near fuel or vapors - much better to use a good fuel line. PVC is guaranteed to harden & crack in record time.

The original vent hose runs above the rear window, not below it. Are we still talking about the same hose? The factory used surgical rubber tubing that was prone to hardening and cracking, which led to a strong gas smell in the car. Simply replace it with fuel line of the same OD. Fuel line is what it should have been in the first place.

The stock vent just lays in the fiberglass groove formed by the window mounting detail, then the carpet is glued over it with contact cement. Personally, I prefer to tack glue the hose at a few points along the run before gluing the carpet. The total vent system was more than that one hose, and all the vent tubing was the same surgical rubber tubing. While you're at it, replace it all with fuel line. There's no magic to it. Just replace the hose.

I did mean OD. The groove in the fiberglass where the vent tube fits doesn't allow for a larger OD tube, and the wall thickness of fuel line is greater than the stock surgical rubber tubing. If you start with the same ID and add a thicker wall, the resulting larger OD won't fit in the groove. The fuel line's slightly smaller ID does result in a tighter fit on the spigots at either end, but the fuel line can be forced on with some effort. It works.

OK. The DPO had already been at work on mine and had fitted quite large diameter tubing. So I just went by ID to fit the existing hardware and somehow managed to make the routing work!

Crosley Engine

2011-09-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have any infomation concerning Mr. Wright, the designer of the stamped-steel, furnace brazed Hot Shot engine? The last I heard, he was living in Arizona.

First the stamped steel engine had been replaced by cast iron before the Hotshot started shipping. It was called the CoBra engine for Copper Brazed. Not sure what Mr. Wright had to do with the design, could you expand on his roll. Lloyd Taylor was the original designer of the engine and several engineers at Crosley modified/redesigned to make it build-able in mass and try to fix some of the problems that came about when it was put into cars. Here is a short story on the CoBra.

<http://28866712.linkbucks.com>

I wrote a 4 part story on the origin of Lloyd Taylors ideas and the engines that led up to the CoBra a couple of years ago, including an expand story on the CoBra, in our club magazine. Back issues are available. I would have to look back for what issues they appeared.

Thanks so much for your illuminating response. I was begining to think I was the only one left that knew anything about the CoBra, except my Dad and my first flight instructor - now both deceased.

I don't have much on Mr. Wright, not even a first name. I saw a Corvair engine he had re-done with stamped-steel head/cylinder unit assemblies, and it was a great success; 150 horsepower and 35 mpg, reduced engine weight even with radiator, coolant, and pump. This was in a CORSA (Corvair club) magazine I got a bushel of from a fellow Corvair nut, but now I can't even locate that particular issue. Maybe he worked in the factory?

Battery Problem

2011-09-07T00:34:00.000-07:00

When my mutt sits for 3-4 days the batteries go dead. New generator working right, new batteries. When I restored my M38A1 I had a similar problem. I found the insulation was breaking down and allowing them to short out. Anyone know if something else might be wrong? Otherwise batteries charge, and hold charge by themselves.

I had an interesting problem with my A1 a few years back where the batterys would die after about a week of the jeep sitting in the driveway. It turns out that some mice had built a best in the starter switch housing that had some foil gum wrappers in it. The wrappers were putting a resistive load on the batterys that was killing them! I wonder if they also kept the mice warm when they were in the nest?

My solution was to buy a couple of battery quick disconnect couplings rather than install a switch. If someone finds the switch they can start the jeep but without the inter-battery link they're not going anywhere.

Here's what I used on the link: http://14fd9770.linkbucks.com

Something else I thought I'd mention to you Mutt owners. A lot of radio installations were wired directly to the batteries, therefore any shorts in the cable or mounts can drain the batteries. If you leave the radios installed, most of them have a capacitor across the input power line and if it gets leaky it can drain the batteries pretty quickly. The AM-2060s were know for this problem.

ALWAYS CONNTECT A KILL SWITCH ACROSS THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF THE BATTERIES! That way if your wrenching on them and the wrench hits ground you won't light up!

Weird!

2011-09-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

As long as the numbers match, I wouldn't worry about it, When the cops checked my number they didn't even ask what it was.

Hi Fellers. I finally trust the Sharkey car enough to drive it more than a mile. It's running very well and keeps running! So before I am tossed into our jail (former outhouse), I thought I'd go ahead and get plates for it. So I dug out the title and registrations, all of which give the VIN number as CD254311, and called our Butch to see about a metal plate as the one on the car is missing. Then just now and for no reason I looked at our site and at the "Identifying Your Crosley" data sheet and found that there was no such number listed. The car is listed on the original title as a 1950 Crosley roadster. What do you guys think ?

I wish I could remember the details on the car. I know it was made from a sedan but my memory said it was a CC. In any case, I know the maker's wife told us that he had to have a new title done after he "made" the car. He may have intentionally done it with a number that was outside the range of regular production so that he did not duplicate an existing car. I'd ask Butch to make a plate that duplicates the numbers you have and let it go at that.

I have the opposite situation. A vin tag but no title. A friend who is a state cop ran the number thru the national data base and it came back that it was not stolen or any other problems, so I need to go to DMV (or can download off the 'Net)get the proper form, the cop fills it out and I take it back and apply for my title. Indiana is pretty easy to work with. Now there is a caveat. Some guys building hot rods and stuff apply for what's known as a "built car " title . But if you do then the var has to have new , up to date safety equipment. You want to stick with the title you have.

IN MOST STATES YOU CAN TAKE YOUR TITLE WITH PROFF OF SOME KIND THAT YOU OWN WHAT THE TITLE SAYS TO THE JUSTICE OF PEACE OF YOUR COUNTY AND THE JP ISSUES A SUBMISSION OF EVIDENCE OVER THE PARTIES THAT EVIDENCE IS OF GOOD CAUSE AND ISSUES A COURT ORDER FOR DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ISSUE A TITLE IN YOUR NAME "REALLY VERY SIMPLE AND NO COST" AND IN A CASE OF TITLE IN HAND ON A VINTAGE THE TAG BUTCH AND WANDA IS THE WAY TO GO ANDY

PER MY LAST LINE I AGREE WITH TIM

Yep, he probably done the same thing that thousands of young men done back in the day. Build a car from various scrap yard cars, and then title it as a "built car". Geoff, I'd bet somewhere on that car the serial number is already stamped. Frame, or somewhere.

48 pickup

2011-08-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

If am kind of new to all of this but if i can help, I,m only about 50 miles from the pickup in Utah.

Does this truck look like a cut down station wagon to anyone else? I would want to look very carefully.

Looks like the real thing to me, roundsides are harder too find and are more desirable, If you buy it send me the vin number for the cc registry.

I am wrong, are you talking about the one in California or Utah? The one in Ca is a roundside, but I think the one in Utah is a wagon converted to a truck

I talked to the seller. It's been a truck as long as he's had it, but it sounds like it is a cut-down wagon. it doesn't have the proper forward-angled bulkhead behind the seats. should be like this: http://cac11536.linkbucks.com He's also not sure if he has the gauges. still, could be a good project for someone if they don't mind that it's a custom.

The Utah "truck" is the one I think looks like a cut down wagon......

You may be right. I took another look and the photos are to bad to tell for sure but looking at them thinking cut down instead of pickup there are some inconsistencies in the fuzzy parts around the front of the bed.

Worm-Wants-Wauseon-Again!

2011-08-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

How bout it boys an girls. Let's do it again after the Utica meet. Huh huh, Pleeeeese!

Worm;

Don't wait.... come on up to Pa. this weekend and attend the Keystone meet. I'm not sure Barry Seel will be back from vacation in time for it, but I think so. I'll even steal your hubcaps!!!

not this weekend, the following weekend. If JC Whitney starts selling repo's of Coveted Crosley Chrome Covers' Y'all iz out of bid-niz. Real Wheel Seel Steal has become an International Hub Hassle Hustle. (Barry, that is) Cover Converters Congregate Conveniently at Crosley Conventions. This Tire Trim Trivia approaches acts of the Wiper Swiper Windshield Scraper Caper of Wiper Viper Diver Dave's Vacuum motor Villainous Vexations.

Peteys parade of pesky puns ar positivly painfull!

You gonna show at Utica this year? You made that promise last year. You know you miss that canal.

If Cut comes to Utica, he can make a detour to J.C. Whitney. They're only about 2 miles from Utica. I'm sure with Cut's talents he'll find something at J.C. Whitney that he can put on a Crosley. If not hubcaps, how about a lovely flying swan hood decoration?

the Hotshot/Super Sport of Crosley

2011-07-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hello there!

I seem to have fallen in love with the Hotshot/Super Sport. Could someone please explain the difference to me? One had doors, and the other didn't, correct?

Welcome abourd. The Super Sports was the luxury version of the Hotshot! It has actaul hinged doors and some genuine plastic trim around the cockpit and - the real deal - it had a fold down top rather than a fabric over a tent frame that came on the Hotshot. here was a 1950 Super Hotshot with some minor plastic uphostery trim and the new fold down top but did not yet have the hinged doors of '51 and '52. I have one of each and can't tell you which I love more. Expect prices to be about the same and good luck!

Most of us here have fallen in love with one model or another of these little cars . VC (roadster) afliction in noe uncommon. The first Crosley roadsters were sold to the public in 1949. These were Hotshots and were equipped with disc brakes. For 1950, Crosley changed to 9 inch drum brakes and came out with their "super" models. One of these was the "super" Hotshot which featured a collapsable top frame instead of the regular Hotshot's rigid removable frame. In addition the "super" model also had additional nice interior trim and the bird on the hood. In 1951 this "super" model led to an again more fancy model with true side doors a folding top and even fancier interior known as the supersports. The Hotshot continued relatively un modified except for the drum brakes. You will find that no 2 Crosley roadsters are exactly alike and each is a treasure on its own. It is still relatively easy to find a Hotshot to restore and if you find one you like and is within your ability to restore, jump on it regardless of the price (within reason). I was watching a show (American Pickers) the other day and they had bought a car for the guy from Pawn Stars who was going to have it restored. I found it ridiculous that he was dickering over 500 dollard on a car that he was going to spend between 50 and 70 thousand to restore!!! Buy a solid project and forget the purchase cost. It is the resoration where the real dollars add up. If we can help you find a car, let us know.

PS: there was a nice solid Hotshot on the Tampa Fla. Craigslist recently.

Car Shows

2011-07-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

I agree with you 100%. However my LIL "NELLIE"Â 48 Sta. Wgn. took 2nd Place in a 1940 to 1950 Class. And had more people look at her than most of the other cars there, as you have discribed. GoodÂ for you.Rich W.

Maybe that's it. This show had no "classes", I wouldn't have minded losing to the LaSalle, or to the lone Hudson. But to see 12 2005-2010 Corvettes all win is disconcerting to say the least, especially when I and they know deep down that my '47 pickup would blow their doors off the best day they'd ever had. (They're on a trailer).

My engine compartment is fairly clean (considering that I had the oil hose behind the tower shaft burst into the fan a year or two ago) but I can't or wont clean it with Q-Tips, same with the undercarriage. Should we as a

people encourage these psychoses? I try to drive the little truck every nice day even if it's just to the store or around the block.

So now I have criteria for car shows: Money (reasonable) to charity. Make and model competing against like make and model for 1 or 2 trophies. Mandatory psychoanalysis and observation of the owners of "trailer queens". I have limited my participation in local shows to those shows with classes that are advantageous to Crosleys (ie microcars, special interest, etc.)or that are judged properly(ie not by 3 teenagers and a drunk in a t-shirt), plus those for charities that I have an interest in. On a larger scale, I participate in some concours level shows. These are judged mostly by top level judges with extensive experience that use the "wow factor" in judging for the car that will appeal to the majority of attendees. Finally and most recently, I participate in AACA shows that are judged by a specific set of rules with points deducted for flaws in 4 areas..body, chassis, engine, and interior, with emphasis on originality and craftsmanship.

I too have found that many other shows have become contests of which car club brings the most cars and gets together to vote their own in for a trophy. Like many others, If these are for a charity, I don't go expecting to win, but rather to spread the "Crosley gospel" and draw more interest to the club. At the recent Greenwich Concours (where I didn't win any awards), I was approached by one of the Corvette owners in the sports car class I was placed in. He told me I should have a show all my own since the Hotshot drew more interest than all the other cars in the class combined. He made a point to state that he watched a number of people walk past 2 original Shelby Cobras without a glance to come to talk about the Hotshot!!! (one of the Cobras won the award). It is just the way it goes sometimes. Thanks for getting your car out and showing it. By educating the public, we will gain more recognition (and value) for these wonderful little cars.

My Super convertible has a crowd around it at the cruise nights . The concept of trailer queens.... basically take a running car and turn it into a life sized into model. Cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed . They should have a trailer queen class with style points awarded to the cars that don't even run . It's like lipstick on a chicken it just doesn't make sense.

Blr PUG meet--A report

2011-06-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

The PUG-Blr meet finally happened and our sincere thanks to all the efforts put in by Paresh and co. The meeting point—Concorde, Mysore Road saw 2 early birds—Paresh and Hemanth in their Black beauties joined in by Prashant's Magnesium Gray and Jagan's Ferrari Red 1.6 simultaneously. Soon, Rajesh joined in his 1.6 stile (silver gray) and Venkat came in a bike as his 1.9D was in his hometown. Once Karthik and Chetan arrived in his Red MJD (Punto color), we wasted no time in heading towards Kamat Lokaruchi, just past Ramnagaram.

The traffic was unusually heavy or is it usual I wonder on a late Sunday morning. It appeared all the Bangalore

janta wanted to get out of town in a tearing hurry, going by the reckless driving we saw. I don't blame them though :)

We reached Kamat in less than an hours time and were pleasantly surprised to see traditional folk artists giving us a 'sound' welcome (Dolukunitha). The beating of drums were threatening to stall free speech when thankfully the CM arrived next door and might have given some sound bite to the artists…… All us hungry souls started ordering food at abt 10.30 and the conversation flowed. We had one more PUGian joining in—Abhinav –has a lovely yellow signature S10. After b'fast and coffee, we went back to our beauties and the admiration of the beasts reached such proportions that the ladies in the group (Karthik's family) were totally ignored and sidelined. Sorry ladies, but then this is what fiat does….. blame it on Fiat and not us please….

A few test drives and checking out the clutches followed and later, Paresh guided the cars to be parked in a semi circle for a photoshoot. By this time Sanjeev joined in in his 2004 1.9D, which has clocked 12,000kms in all. Some of us wanted to make sure it was not after clocking 1 lakh kms!! If ever Sanjeev plans to sell his beast, he has been given an ultimatum to inform PUG first!!

Blr, home to maximum Palios and maximum PUGians gave a uninspiring response. I thank all the members who attended today for making the meet a grand success.

I am sorry I couldn't make it. Every time, I miss I make myself a promise but some how not able to make it.

Feeling real bad.

It was good to meet everyone after the last one with Fiat folks a while ago.

Got to admit that the S10 added the glamour quotient to the whole set and Sanjeev's 1.9 is in a different league altogether ;)

Look forward to the next one.

Thanks also to Paresh for organizing the whole thing. I feel honoured that you guys actually waited for me to show up. And many thanks to the lady who took shots of all of us with our cars. Will upload ASAP.

Rear brake drum

2011-05-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Some of you guys may already know this but i found a way to get the rear brake drum off if you don't have a puller. On the 6 inch drums you can get a socket through the holes on the front of the drum and remove the nuts that hold the axle seal, then you just use a decent sized hammer and hit the backing plate a few hard wacks and the axle comes right out. Then you can take axle and drum to a press and press the drum off the axle.

On the 9 inch and disc, if you can't get the drum or rotor off, I took a air disc cutter and cut the 4 bolts on the back of the backing plate and cut off the heads, then took a punch and punched them through to the inside of the drum, the hit the backing plate a few good wacks and the axle comes right out.

It is easier if the rear end is out of the car.

I thought I would just pass this on.

you can buy a puller from Mac's for under $3.00 + postage and if used properly they do work.

How often do we need to get the emission testing?

2011-05-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

I know that emission testing certificate is valid only for 6 months, But I would like to know for Punto Petrol and Multijets (Includes Stile) engine which are Euro V certified what are the rules from Indian RTO's. I am sure our traffic cops will know nothing about FIAT engines and Euro V compliance, I don't want to be ignorant in front of them :)

its the same irrespective. Keep in mind though some states have a validity of only 3 months for an emission test. make sure you verify what is written on the certificate too, 6 months, in most states, i think. The type of engine doesn't matter. Just to make sure the car remains Euro V/ BSIII compliant throughout its life.

Please do not take it otherwise, but you seem to be even more ignorant that what you are claiming about the cops (Their duty is to check compliance). Do you understand Euro V or whatever does not have any meaning in India. We have BSIV and III at present, which is as exhaustive and rigorous as it should be. Also merely putting sticker of being Euro V or BSIV does not make you compliant; for that your vehicle need to pass the test (every 3 months). So please stop cribbing about cops being ignoramus (and they dont give a damn whether it is a Fiat or other) Get you car checked for pollution, the certificate will tell you the expiry date also.

You got me all wrong. I think, I did not put things correctly. What I meant was, going by the figures & Values of What Euro V and BSIV stand for - Should the cops question Euro V certified car owner about emission certificates. European Norms are more stringent then Indian. Next time when I visit the showroom, I should question the Manager about when should the first emission certificates be done for new Linea/Punto's - is it as soon as the car is moved out of showroom or after 6 months or 1 yr or ... hmmm?

If you are buying a new car, its certified by fiat for a certain period of time. Emission norms come into force after a certain amount of time depending on what car you are driving (I.e. diesel or petrol). Really don't care whether the cops know their jobs or not its always good to be complaint. Dont forget that if you car is not tuned properly, even your engine takes a beating and not just the environment. Get it tuned regularly, get your initial checks done diligently and rest easy. You need to worry about the cops only if you are not complaint.

S10 Factory Fitted Nippon Audio

2011-04-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

My S10 has this factory fitted ICE of Nippon make. I have two front speakers, two at the back an two behind the two OVRMs. This is a 2003 system so has just the cassette player. Plus it needs servicing (you know, that thing with the funny sound controls knob :)

Now I cant find any Nippon service center number on the net (New Delhi). Plus, since this is factory fitted, I am not sure how to upgrade to a better ICE since this fits inside my dash board!

A little help?

An authorized Nippon service shop will be as easy to find as a public water distribution system in the Rajastan desert. If you ever come across one, by fluke, the people there will not be able to do much with a 'fossil' such as a cassette player.

But, if you want to retain it, you could try your luck in one of the older audio shops in town for a head cleaning cassette.That should clean off all the residual oxides from your playback head.These oxides are what cause the audio to, for eg, make Ms.Mangashker sound as if she has a pillow held against her face.

Alternatively, you could pull out the whol unit, open its top cover and manually clean the head. Or, if you want to up grade, replace the whole unit with a more modern one which plays everything but cricket.

BTW, you might need two 'removal tools' to get that unit out of the dashboard.They go into those pairs of tiny holes on either side of the unit.

The factory fitted Nippon player is an excuse of a player and not to mention the cheap paper cone speakers the S10 came with. Given the fact that you spend many hours on the road in your S10, it would be fitting to give her an upgrade on the ICE front as well.

There are many threads on the forum on getting a good setup for your car, so do look them up. I also want to upgrade (speakers included, the stock speakers s*ck!). My question is: Will I not need that entire curved dashboard piece? Of will that guy cut a rectangular hole in this one itself?

The last thing I want is a shoddy job and a rickety ICE installation.

What do you say?

I have a GTX and have re-done the ICE totally. 2 two way components go into the front. The mid-range (anything between 4" and 6") will go into the doors (you will need rings to fit them) and the tweeters will go into the pods below the ORVM levers. You can put 6X9 Oval co-axials onto a MDF/plywood parcel tray. Any 1 DIN head unit will go into the dash replacing the OE unit beautifully.

What you need to first is to make a budget, then make a list of priorities. Decide whether you want to do the ICE up all at one time or in stages. ICE is addictive and can become very expensive. So please do your research carefully before proceeding.

The current config is like this:

Two tweeters behind the OVRMs.

Two 2-way speakers in the front doors.

Two 4" speakers on the parcel tray.

So when you mentioned 'two in the front' did you refer to the ones in the door?

I will check out your thread now. and true, I need to fix a budget. So in addition to your help with the kind of speakers and configuration, you're mentioning that my oval-shaped stock Nippon can be replaced by a head-unit of the same dimensions? Because all I have come across are rectangular units. That's my major concern.

You get that faceplate for aftermarket headunits. I changed it for my weekend.

Microcar Reunion

2011-03-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Microcar Reunion is drawing closer. Only 65 more days til it starts. And the rooms in Madison are filling up. Hope everyone has made their reservations. The host hotel is the Comfort Inn behind Pizza Hut. We will use the meeting room there for our base for the weekend.

The Lipstick Ride still has room for another car. If interested you will need to let me know as soon as possible. We will be making the room reservations in the next few days. Come on ladies, now is the time to drive a microcar on a trip and not have men around judging you or your driving. This is going to be a lot of fun. One big party that last for a week!!!!!

Hope everyone brings parts and cars for sale to the Microcar Reunion. I have several vendors that are going to bring their parts to this meet on Saturday. Hope to have local Fiat dealer there with a new Fiat 500. Good to see some of you guys from Ca coming to the meet. As always it is great to fellowship around the cars with you. Of course there will be lots of fellowship at the motel in the evenings as always. I am sure you will not want to miss any of the free beverages that usually pop up. Nothing like getting free beer out of an Isetta or maybe a little Fiat 500. Hope someone doesn't forget the fun meters.

We will have some T shirts available for sale at the meet. Hope to have a pic of them up very soon. They will be $10 each. And we will only do a very limited number of them. Probably would be good for you to send me email if you are wanting one, as I think they will go pretty fast. We don't want to have any left over after the meet, so we will not make a lot of them.

LPG for my S10! Need help!

2011-03-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

Sequential CNG kit cost roughly around 50-60K and a normal may cost around 25-30 K, thats why I said double the cost. The kit comes with everything, injectors, rail, cpu, pressure regulator and hoses. I got it done at Autogas Gurgaon who are the only authorised agents for Lovato sequential. There are other brands also who are doing sequential, like Tomesto et al. I have added some photos in the section with album "Sequential CNG on Petra 1.6". You have said twice the nornal cost. Can you give a break up of the cost involved with regard to changing Injectors, ECU etc.

If you really want to give a chance, go for a sequential CNG/LPG. if will cost twice as the normal kit. I am using a Lovato Sequential CNG (FAST kit) on my Petra 1.6, there is absolutely no power loss and I get a mileage of 17/Kg with range of about 150km with 9 kg gas (with in city).

The process requires Gas injectors fitted on the intake manifold just like the Petrol Injectors. There is a separate ECU which is used for Gas, it basically copies the original ECU software from original ECU and modifies it to gas conditions. Thats why you dont require any tuning and engine works as if it works on Petrol. I will put some pics soon.

Please do not put a regular kit, it will ruin the engine.

NO NO NO. Santosh, pls get the idea out of your head. Its like putting Monica Belluci on a diet of rice gruel and asking her to still maintain her bootylicious figure.

I ve seen and followed your posts and know with how much passion you searched for and restored your beauty not to mention the innumerable doubts and questions on the BBM group. Besides its harmful effects on

the engine innards as rightly pointed out you wud probably incur more expenditure in the long run. you are already getting a fantastic figure on gasoline. why mess.

You bought her to enjoy your drive and with this beauty imho that comes at a price...! keep using your zen and give your italian girl a 'beauty drive' when she needs it. it may be just one less dinner outing for the family a month, but its ok..honestly. ;)

Its a man thing.!..cmon.

I'm pretty sure that this must be a done to death topic but I still need to ask you guys. As most of you know, my S10 hit the roads after her beauty treatment about a month ago. She is a head turner pretty much everywhere I go. I have done more than a 1000 kilometers already and I'm happy to report an FE of 10.25 kmpl (420 kilometers from 41 liters of premium fuel). That brings it to 62/10 = 6.2 Rs/Km which I think is pretty much the top score for the GTX/S10 engine.

Now Delhi is a place for long distances and heavy traffic. My office is 22 kilometers from my home and that means roughly 300 bucks a day just to office and back! I have a Maruti Zen too and she doesn't like Petrol as much as the S10. So I end up taking her out more often than my Yellow beauty and that's something I don't like really.

CNG is out of question -- when I bought the car it had CNG and I had it removed (I had this thing that the kit must be hurting my baby bad! Right or wrong but I had that feeling.). I drive on highways too and CNG is useless as it does not give me any range whatsoever.

So LPG or Autogas. That's the only alternative. Here is the math: A 60 liter tank that stores roughly 50 odd liters of Autogas. Counting a 10% decrease in FE, at 9 kmpl I get a range of 450 kilometers. At 35 rupees to a liter and at 9 kilometers to a liter I get Rs 3.89 per Km as compared to Rs. 6.2 per Km. That is a 37% decrease in my fuel bills. So if I was spending ten thousand bucks I now spend only about six thousand three hundred. Plus I get the range. No, I am strictly against domestic cylinder usage and I will not resort to that for cost saving. And lets not compare this with CNG at all. Lets just talk about LPG. I have taken the quote from the best guy in Delhi (www.*ecogas*.co.in/) and he has promised the best fit and finish and tuning for an all inclusive cost of Rs. 10,000/- which is not too much for a one time expense (which I should be able to cover in two months max).

So the pros:

1. Cost saving.

2. Environment.

3. Same range tank full to tank full.

Cons:

1. I lose my precious boot.

2. Adverse effect on engine?

3. Increased maintenance?

4. Safety risks?

I need all your help and advice guys. MN, Ram, Joe, Rudrah, Doc and all the helpful experts here. Please chip in with your advice. I love my car and I want to be able to drive it more often.

Please help.

I had asked the guy to fit a sequential closed loop kit. He told me that a closed loop kit can only be installed in a Euro-3 engine while my 2003 S10 is a Euro-2. Is that right? Is your car a Euro-3 or Euro-2? Can anyone with an LPG installed in a 1.6 please also chip in?

Is the complete changing of the Injectors, ecu, etc is all done by Autogas. Do they have any branch in Mumbai, i do not want to change but would like to see if they have done something here.

You have said twice the nornal cost. Can you give a break up of the cost involved with regard to changing Injectors, ECU etc.

Its not "changing" of injectors. CNG is an alternate fuel, so therefore the injectors, rail and CPU are added. The petrol injectors, rail, cpu everything remains as it is, after all car runs on petrol when out of CNG. One more thing, there is a switch in the dash which automatically turn on Petrol-CNG and vise versa. The car starts with petrol, once the temperature reaches certain threshold CNG starts automatically. If the car runs out of gas, it gives a beep and turns back to petrol. There is absolutely no difference felt during the changeover. My car was giving me Rs 6/Km mileage types now it is giving Rs 1.75/Km.

With all the perfect calculations behind the maths getting the LPG/CNG on your S10, this might go wrong in the long run if you really go for it.

Installing a LPG kit causes no immediate adverse effect on the engine - except that the engine life reduces by 5% or so - but it depends on the maintenance basically. Besides, there might be a power loss, thou the 1.6 will make over it.

But I second with Ravveendraa here. The Palio 1.6 was designed for Petrol only. A change in the fuel type will cause a problem in the long run.

Here is a quote from another forum who used LPG on his Siena 1.2: "I got lpg kit installed on my Siena 1.2 (now sold). There was no drop in power but the engine was smoother when run on petrol. The mileage was 10% lesser than the mileage i got on petrol. One problem is i noticed is that the hose that connects from air filter to FI system got squeezed and service engineer found the fault with LPG kit. He mentioned that it's common with Fiats fitted with LPG kits. Anuroop, fiat dealer in Hyd also installs kits in Fiat cars. They use Minda kits."

Please do a good research before you transform the sexy Monica Belluci to Vidya Balan :))

Late 80's van - Pathfinder vs Advanced 4x4 vs ??

2011-03-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

I have a 95 Quigley Chevy 4x4 3/4 ton van for sale for ONLY $2500!! Located in charleston SC. Call andy for details at 843-412-2926

Any pics you could send???? I too am about to be on the hunt for a 4x4 van.

If you take the time to call me and are serious about purchasing I wil send pics of the 95 Quigley 4x4 chevy van for sale. PLEASE CALL ME @ 843-412-2926 OR E-mail andy29485@yahoo.com To clarify further. I'm after a 4wd van, that can either haul a bike inside, or haul people inside, and tow a trailer with one of my bikes. I do have a preference for vans with windows, and not a panel van. Just thought I'd elaborate some more.

Accident and repair experience at Concorde, Hosur Road

2011-02-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

A freak accident at low speed leading to the car going off road and hitting a kerb side stone opened my eyes to the ways of the TASS. A minute of negligence/ taking my eyes off the road/ or an uneven surface/ stone led to the crash and the damage was quite a bit. The vehicle was towed into Concorde Motors, Hosur Road, Bangalore on Sunday, Feb 6 and I finally got delivery of the same y'day (23 Feb) after pulling a lot of strings, begging and pleading. The long delay caused me lot of hardship and additional expenses. The breakdown of spares is as follows:

Left front shock Absorber…………………. Rs. 3956

Left Swinging Arm………………………… .......Rs. 3943

Left Axle Shaft……………………………. .....Rs. 10,541

Wheel Rim………………………………….. ..........Rs. 872

Fog lamp (left)……………………………… .......Rs. 2599

Wheel arch protection front left………Rs. 1313

Bumper front with fog……………………….... Rs. 7833

Radiator Grille DSL…………………………......Rs. 1007

Front logo……………………………………...........Rs. 550

Coolant (Synthetic) 6 litres @ Rs. 242……….Rs. 1454

Labor:

Bumper painting……………………………..Rs. 2400

Repairs……………………………………….Rs. 1400

Taxes…………………………………………Rs. 401

Total amount….: Rs. 43,630

My contribution: Rs. 13,759

Insurance: TATA AIG

Moral of the story: If you own a Palio stile-- never crash your vehicle and avoid replacing any part!! The cost of spares for the Punto are at least 50% less than Palio Stile and the cost of Punto bumper is around Rs. 2000, less than that of an Indica which costs around Rs. 4000!!

The only positive from this harrowing experience is that I love the Palio more than ever. I was driving a borrowed Santro and believe me guys, I started enjoying driving again only since y'day!!!

How old is ur palio? i just called concorde motors to get the estimate and it is around 1.2lacs... what is happening????

Its a 2008 June model. If u have comp insurance, claim for the same. If not consider sourcing the parts from Kava, Mumbai and fix the same with a private mechanic. BTB, what is the extent of damage on radiator. Some times ASS will estimate accident repair works always at higher side since they know that Insurance will pay for the expenses. Fact is there will be your own contribution too apart from Insurance.

Suggest take a 2nd opinion with some other service centres also. As far as parts are concerned you can touch base with Kava Automobiles at Mumbai & ask the prices for the parts that are needed and I am sure you will find the cost of the spares to be much lower that what will be quoted by A.S.S.

Check with the insurance advisor whether you can get the repairs done at any other out side work shops? I have helped Arun T at Bangalore recently and he has got the parts from kava Mumbai for his MJD which had a damage to its pump & other items when he ran the car over some stone or something. Recently he had sent a SOS mail check it out.

I've slipped my collar and snuck out of the cage!

2011-02-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

The subject line about says it all. I've escaped and I'm keeping out of Fonda's reach until tomorrow and then I'm out of here until March 14 (a Crosley car and parts procurement trip).

My personal slave driver (I mean my LOVELY BRIDE) will remain here doing what she does best (selling Crosley parts) while I am out doing what I do best (enjoying freedom, adventuring and goofing off)(I mean buying Crosleys and parts), but she doesn't do e-mail, so you will have to call in. I know, most of you would rather talk to her anyway, I don't blame you either!

I will be trying to check e-mail but my access will probably be spotty. Well, Please wish us both a lot of fun, Butch and Fonda Williams, Service Motors Inc., 1-574-664-3313, www.servicemotors.net

BTW, If this appears (in somewhat different forms) twice, BLAME YAHOO!)

Well now, looks like the animal is on the loose. Bless that sweet Crosley parts girl, and safe passage to the beast. I'd offer to come over and help but I ain't takin' a chance O' gettin' in yer cage. And b'sides, Julie is keepin' me in a new breaker bit.

Grazin' on briars in the back 40 and no more oats for now.............p

Watch it mister, I ain't headed your way (in fact I'm headed out the opposite way), but I could make a detour if Julie needs help! Looks like you're finally getting what you deserve too!

Besides, you've seen a couple of cage photos, I really do NEED to escape the mess. Maybe the cleaning lady will show up while I'm gone, she hasn't been here in 12 years, why would I expect her anytime soon! Take care, Butch and Fonda Williams, Service Motors Inc., 1-574-664-3313, www.servicemotors.net

Rhubarb the Red Nosed Crosle

2011-02-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Hiya folks, my little sedan is fineally looking like a car. All I need is some warm weather and it will be complete. The list of tasks is growing shorter and at the same time the list of thanks to allayouns grows longer. I am already making plans on the next car to fix. It's a 50 wagon. I hope to make it my driver as it looks handy to travel in and haul things back home. I measured the doors at Wal Mart and it will work to gather groceries in. The ones of you that know me will believe I will try it. Besides the greater lady has the hots for me!

Cut, is she the blind one?

No, she can see, but she does have a wooden leg with a "kickstand"!

Crosley Super Sport or Super Sports

2011-02-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

1. Which of the above is the proper name of the VC model?
2. Regarding the VC models, are separate VIN # rosters being kept for the Hot Shot model and the Super Sport/Super Sports model?
3. I would like to begin a separate VIN # roster for owners of the VC Super Sport/Super Sports models with FULL DOORS ONLY. Please send your FULL DOOR only Super Sport/Super Sports VIN numbers to:
howardgsinger@sbcglobal.net
Following is the first submission for the VC roster of VIN numbers
of Super Sport/Super Sports models with FULL DOORS:
VC40021 1952 Crosley SS (Singer, Howard G.)

Howard you are welcome to try and collect serial numbers for just the 51 and 52 Super Sports if you want but we already have an official club registry for all VC models Hot Shots and Super Sports. Information should be sent to Dave Anspach <DAnspach@giorgiofoods.com>

Even though the club collects serial numbers we do not intend to publish them. We use them as a tools to find cars that were produced close together when looking at small changes during production and also to make sure we are not double counting cars.

1. According to everything I have seen on this page and every other knowledgeable source, it is Super Sports, 2 words (I've made that error a few times and made it one word) It is the "Sports " model of the Crosley "super" group of autos.
2. The current VC registry is maintained by owners name, year, model, and condition where the information was submitted by the owner. It is a confidential list and will not be released except by the individual permission of the owner.
3. I do not see the need for another list, especially one not sanctioned by the club that does not assure confidentiality. I would rather see an effort to increase participation on the list we already have. By the way, VC 40021 is already on the list having been registered by its restorer . The transfer to its present owner has been noted by me but not officially entered by that owner.

plug-in socket just below the oil filter

2011-01-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

The M151a1 that I own has a plug-in socket just below the oil filter. Don't know what it was for… perhaps an engine heating blanket for cold climates? Any ideas?

if it is a 3 pin connector it is the low oil pressure shut off switch ...

Pretty sure its for a block heater or test port ............

not a test port Jeff's got it right .. ???

it's the Fuel Pump Safety switch that cuts off the fuel pump in the event the oil pressure drops. Assuming you have the electric fuel pump on the A1 and all the correct wiring is in place.

I am not a mechanic, so I almost hate to answer that question. However, if your engine is running and the oil pressure is good, then this switch is just waiting to be activated by a drop in oil pressure. It is then supposed to cut off the electric fuel pump which will only allow the engine to run as long as there is fuel in the carburetor. I don't know how long that would be, but it is supposed to mitigate damage to the engine. I've had a fuel pump go out and the engine didn't run very long. I've never looked up what the oil pressure limit is or how to test the switch, so I'm not sure of any of the parameters. I assume that is documented in the 20 manual where I got the picture. Also, as I understand, that feature was removed when the A2 came out with the mechanical fuel pump in place of the vacuum pump which also right there by the oil filter so it's only on the A1. That's about the extent of my knowledge. Hope it helps.

Maybe some of the real mechanics will jump in here and help you out on what to watch for.

Intro and Astro

2011-01-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

I drive a 1991 Astro that i have outfitted for extended camping. i also have a 1989 AWD that i am contemplating another more improved camper style conversion and lift. I am procrastinating on the AWD conversion because the EXT 91 has been such an awesome unit with excellent fuel milage so i hate to part with it for an older version allbeit AWD. Since probably 65% of my driving is off pavement in Mexico or on the Indian Reservations out west I would like to find a later model AWD (05 would be great) with less milage to do a total make over so i can be secure that it will endure the abuse and last me for many years.Part of the excuse for the lift kit would be because of the damage i have done to the front end and rockers front bumper erc.on the 91 pretending it is 4WD.

Clive Chapman supporting Group Lotus

2011-01-08T22:35:00.000-08:00

Group Lotus received a boost just before Christmas, when Clive Chapman - son of Lotus founder, Colin Chapman - issued a statement supporting the re-branding of the former Renault F1 team to create 'Lotus Renault GP'.

The decision by Proton and Group Lotus to acquire a major stake in the Enstone-based outfit will mean there could now be two Lotus-named teams in F1 in 2011, with Tony Fernandes' Team Lotus – formerly Lotus Racing – also due to compete.

However, while Clive Chapman and the Chapman family had backed Fernandes' at the start of 2010, they are not happy 'Team Lotus' is to be revived.

The full statement read:

"The Chapman Family is impressed by the exciting developments underway at Group Lotus, and it is very grateful to Proton for the significant investment that is being made, to secure a strong future for the excellent workforce at the Hethel factory.

"In 2010 the Chapman Family and Classic Team Lotus have been pleased to support Group Lotus in many ways. In consultation with Proton, this included supporting the use of the Lotus name in Formula One, which was licensed by Group Lotus.

"The Chapman Family was impressed by the achievements of Lotus Racing as a new team, and appreciated its respect for Team Lotus history. However, then its license to use the Lotus name was terminated and things changed.

"During 2010, the Chapman Family, as and when appropriate, made it clear to those involved that it would prefer that the Team Lotus name should not be used in Formula One. Indeed, assurances to this effect were received.

"The Team Lotus identity represents the motor racing legacy of Colin Chapman, and this was preserved by the Chapman Family and invested within Classic Team Lotus. The association by Group Lotus with Team Lotus history is much appreciated and entirely appropriate, especially as it is in keeping with how things were in Colin Chapman's time.

"The Chapman Family is looking forward to continuing to give its support to Group Lotus, which is the ongoing Lotus entity created by Colin and Hazel Chapman.

"After all, the Lotus marque is the responsibility of Group Lotus, and Hethel is the home of Lotus."

anyone interested in my vans?

2011-01-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am located in western PA. A little town on the Allegheny River called East Brady (16028) The pop top 1981 is sitting in my driveway out back and the 1987 turbo diesel is parked at a friends,.......located between portersville,PA. and Ellwood City PA.

I have $3,200.00 into both vans and I would like to get that back out of them

New Palio Style Sport 1.6 My dream come true car delivered

2010-12-25T03:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Puggers,

My heart is emotion packed to tell you all that my "Dream Come True" Palio Style Sport 1.6 has been delivered to me on Friday (17-12-2010). When the dhamaka offer was in progress (may be 6-8 months back) I went to the showroom and saw the price was sooooo low and my mind was willing to buy 1.6 sport. But my financial commitment was tight and I was so disappointed for not able to book the car at that time.

But after my financial situation was at ease in the month of OCT and I came to know that only one palio style sport 1.6 was available through Mr. Thyagarajan from channai ambattur.

Mr. Thagarajan, thanks a lot for the information. And also thanks for the forum because of which I am having the car today.

But it was a rough argument with the sales guy in the showroom for the accessories at concorde motors mysore road bangalore. Still the following items are pending to be given to me:-

1. Owner's Manual (They told they will have to import it from chennai showroom from which car was transported to bangalore)

2. Mud flaps (will give on monday)

3. There was no speakers in the car (in e-broucher says the 1.6 sports has 4-speakers)

4. Steering bit hard (they told they have rectified during PDI, but it still exist)

5. Rear window lock button jammed (elctrician not available at the time of delivery, they told me to come on monday)

Ok anyway I am 95% happy and I wish these probs will get rectified soon.

Inboard Boat parts Wanted =AeroJet/Fagole

2010-12-19T00:17:00.000-08:00

Doesn't anybody have any spare parts to sell? or a Boat with a AeroJet/Fagol setup in it?? I have most of one. I have a BUNCH of cams and an Aerojet block. I don't know what the cams are out of, though.

I know of a complete unit in Portland, OR. Crank may be broken as it will not turn a full revolution but it has a spare Crosley engine from a forklift. Last time I talked to the owner and asked for a price, never got one but he likes to barter. This is the inboard unit not a VIP.

Hi, just bought a inboard Crosley motor. I want the crank but the rest is available if any of it would help. Not up to speed on AeroJet/Fagol This one must have been set up for racing as has a special hand made pan with water cooling, crankcase without a oil filler.. Rest seem to be standard Crosley.

Group Lotus Buys Into Renault F1 Team - Cars to be Black/Gold

2010-12-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

And Fernandes' Team Lotus signed an agreement several month's ago w/Renault Engines for engines, gearboxes & hydraulics. Should be fun!! Morale - Don't get in Bahar's path!! He may go down in flames, but it will be an incredible conflagration.

Lotus Links Up With Renault F1 for 2011 Season Dec 8, 7:39 AM (ET)

Email this Story By STUART CONDIE

LONDON (AP) - Group Lotus has linked up with Renault for next year's Formula One championship, raising the possibility of two teams racing under the famous name in 2011.

Lotus reappeared in F1 in 2010 after a 16-year absence with Group Lotus licensing the name to Tony Fernandes' Lotus Racing, but Renault said Wednesday that the new seven-season agreement to create Lotus Renault GP "marks the complete return of the Lotus manufacturer to the sport."

Group Lotus will own and run the team with Luxembourg-based Genii Capital, which has completed the purchase of Renault's stake in the team. Renault will continue to supply the engines and technical support.

"We're well aware that there has been a lot of controversy around the usage of our brand in F1 and I'm delighted to be able to formally clarify our position once and for all," Group Lotus Chief Executive Dany Bahar said. "We are Lotus and we are back."

Renault, which finished fifth in the 2010 constructors' championship with Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov on board, will race in the traditional black-and-gold Lotus livery until the end of the 2017 season.

"We will continue to enjoy a strong relationship with Renault over the coming seasons," Renault F1 chairman Gerard Lopez said.

But Fernandes, the Malaysian businessman who runs the AirAsia airline and tried to buy the English Premier League soccer club West Ham this year, is pursuing a case through London's High Court to keep the right to use the name. Fernandes responded to the new agreement on Twitter: "Never felt better about our future and Team Lotus. Looks like (they're) trying to hijak our black and gold idea."

Fernandes plans to rebrand Lotus Racing, which failed to score a point in 2010, as Team Lotus for next season after buying the name from David Hunt, who had owned it since the original team's financial collapse in 1994.

The team even announced its own black-and-gold color scheme at last month's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But Malaysian state-owned car maker Proton, which owns Group Lotus, contends that its right to the name takes precedence.

Lotus was formed in 1952 and went on to win 79 F1 races and seven constructors' titles between 1958 and 1994 - when the team collapsed amid financial problems.

"we are Lotus and we are back" quite a statement considering it wasn't the car company who was in F1. The man amazes me. I guess he believes if he repeats the misstatement of facts/lie enough, then people will believe it. I hope Fernandes' day in court comes soon to stop the nonsense. Group Lotus should have bought back the name legally from David Hunt while they had the opportunity if they intended to enter F1 -but they didn't.

Err, if using autosport to market known, addictive carcinogens to the masses is outlawed, and you now deliberately paint your new car to look like a giant cigarette package, what happens?

At any rate, if I've understood the various machinations, sub-plots, license agreements, etc., here's my 2011 F1 spotters guide.

Lotus Renault GP Team Team Lotus Malaysian business owned by Malaysian businessman Renault engine Renault black and gold colour black and gold 5th in 2010 (Renault) F1 experience? 1 year - no points

Problems with strangely

2010-12-04T16:29:00.000-08:00

Experts,

I'm facing two problems with my Stile - its 3.5 years old, and has 25K kms on it.

1) The odometer is behaving strangely for the past 3-4 months. While driving, the needle suddenly goes to 0, and after a few meters, it goes back to the correct speed. Initially it was doing it intermittently, now its behaving like this more frequently, and its taking more time to start working again. When i checked it at BU Bhandari workshop in Pune, the advisor (his name is Javed) told me that the cluster needs to be changed, and it costs around Rs 17K. Anyone else faced this problem?

2) I gave it for a general check-up after 25K, and they rotated the tyres, balanced the wheels. Now, while driving above 40kms/hr, i hear a constant noise from the wheels, a noise when something is rotating, as if there is something obstructing the wheels. When i showed it back to Javed, he tells me that there is a problem with the original Good Year tyres on the car, and that it needs replacement. The tyres are in good shape, and have good threads. Should I replace the tyres?

My 19 months young stile 1.1/9200KM only - has the 2nd problem you mention - but when speed reaches over 60, appears less "noisey" I hope the solution of Javed proves "wrong" - !!! will be taking my car end of this month to Concorde Hosur Road all the best.

I am a fellow Stile owner with 52k in 2years... Well on the speedo query I guess a local workshop may be a safe bet. On tires I guess its the age of the rubber that's making noise. You are that you have just done about 25k in 3.5years, so therefore the tires would have dried out and would become a lot harder. I am somewhat facing the same issue in my AVEO which has just done about 22k in 4.5 years.

i have not faced the first problem but yes the second one was haunting me about a month back. I had shown that to the BUB and Ms. ujjawala had told me that it is due to the tyre and not the wheel bearing. Then I took minty to a local mechanic he put the blame on the bearings, then went to pandit auto and met rahul / babar, he took a test drive and told me that it is about the tyre. I told him that i will be going on a long trip and he told me not to worrry about it. then as per his advice i got my tyre changed from front to rear at darshan tyres, kothrud. amazingly the tyre noise has reduced by 90% and had no issue in almost 1400 km running in 5 days on our trip. you can also try the same and also the term of hardning of the rubber is also used by the tyre changing person at darshan. harshadpalio slx minty white 20190+ running smooth and great(tomorrow going to the birthplace).

Welcome to the failed-odometer club. Wonder if one day there will be a class action lawsuite on Fiat for providing faulty odometers on stiles. :D I have came across a lot of 1.6 stiles (post 2007) with failed odo/speedos after my car's odo went dead. Btw, regarding the tyres problem, do u mean the sound was not there before servicing and appeared after servicing? Am asking because this same Javed guy serviced my car at BUB and I had found him to be suspicious.

He had done couple of costly services which I hadnt asked him to do (WA/WB, some radiator job) and there were couple of spurious charges in the final invoice that he wasnt able to explain clearly. Secondly, on the pretext of installing camber bolt he made me leave the car there overnight, and next day ~8am in the morning he told me to pickup the car. I had this strange chuk-chuk sound from the tyres, as if some bulge on the tyres was hitting ground. But even after camber bolts the sound remained and later on I noticed the bridgestone tyres on the rear were replaced with good-year assurance!

So ultimately even after servicing worth 7k both my problems - dead odometer and chuk chuk sound remained. I was a newbie to cars then (I still am, just a bit better) and I had baught the car about a month ago that time; so I put it all down to my lack of knowledge and overtrust. 'Akkalkhaate jamaa' as they call it in marathi.

I later on took the car to Darhsan tyres on FC road. Got him to check the problem, changed couple of tyres on his recommendations, and the sound was gone. The culprit was a minute wear on the tyre, which I could have neither spotted nor suspected. Maybe u can take ur car to some tyre expert and get the tyres examined.

Good luck with the speedo/odo problem.

Also, if the tyres are rotated, the tyre surface is not exactly the same on all the tyres after prolonged usage. Hence, the tyres will not give you a smooth drive because some parts of the tyre are exposed more than others after the rotation.

After using the tyres in the newly rotated position for about a 1000 kms, the tyres should wear out evenly in their new position & the drive should be smoother.

This has been my personal experience after I rotated the tyres for the first time & Dr. Sunil had given the above advice.

Never have your wheel alignment done at BUB, they screw it up big time. Secondly, regarding the odometer problem. I am having the same problem & showed my car to a local garage which is FIAT specialist. The mechanic put his head under the bonnet & simply asked me if I also get intermittent jerks when I am driving. I replied in affirmative to this & he said that this is due to the kilometer sensor going kaput. Need to replace this under warranty now once I have the time for it.

Tip O' the hat +

2010-11-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

Went to President Dave's place today to pick up my new Super Sport top. Dave set aside what he was working on to go over installation of the top in detail. What a gracious gentleman. We are truely blessed to

have him as our leader.

I hope you didn't drive a Crosley to his house, he is known to steal hubcaps!

We are definitely blessed...In fact, he's dang near fine enough to have been a Southern boy! (Dave, are you sure you wern't born down here in Memphis?)

Thanks for the compliments, however, As I always say, it is a 2 way street. You can't have a good relationship with a bad person. I find that most of the people who hand out compliments are really the ones who deserve them. I have the priveledge of dealing with the finest group of auto enthusiasts in the world. I thank the Good Lord every day for the opportunity to do so. Now if Barry and Bill will just park their cars in secluded areas at Wauseon......

No I never lived in the South....Born on the West Coast on Coronado Island in San Deigo. Grew up in rural Lancaster County , Pa. in the Amish country. Like most Crosley people, very friendly and very frugal. I was actually a very shy person until my sophmore year in high school when one of my teachers took me aside and told me that I had a great voice and the ability to pursuade people using it. That little bit of a comment changed my life. Never underestimate the power of a positive comment to a person!!! It may change them forever!!!

Cleaning the inside of the motor ??

2010-11-22T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well, the Plastigage shows all rod and mains to be well within range. I've taken the oil pump apart and sanded the plate. (I may opt out for a new pump or rebuilt, just want to be sure I have a good one ). The oil pan had a small hole in it, it's been welded up.Just curious, is there something I can pour in the top of the motor to hout any junk and out the bottom ? Kerosene maybe or something ? Or something I can spray around the bottom end to make sure any little pieces of crap are run out ? Some spray cleaner of some sort ? I'd just like to do some housekeeping in there before putting the pan back on. You can us Brakleen the chlorinated, non flamable type.

I'm not the one you should take as "the preacher (as in "my word is gospel")" but if you do wash out the motor, be sure to prelube it before you start it. Rig up some kind of pressure feed to get oil into all the passages and bearings before you turn it over. You could pump oil up the pump output gallery as long as the pan's off. I modified an old dead pressure-pot type paint gun with a hose on the nozzle and use it to feed oil up the pump output gallery. You could even use a hypodermic type transmission filler (http://www.badenscarpages.ca/e36-transmission-differential-fluid-change/).

Better safe than sorry!

I use engine assembly grease on all bearimgs, and put some in the pump gears so it will suck up the oil right away. Crank the engine with the coil wire off till it gets oil pressure, then start it.

Autocop for MJD?

2010-11-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

I have been running my MJD on manual key so far because I read there were issues with keyless entry or autocop security system with Palio's electricals. Has anyone been using those successfully without any problems'? which brand works best? And if available approx cost please.

I have been using the Autocop security system for my both 1.2 and 1.3. It is working fine. But fit the equipment only in FIAT ASC to get the warranty. In any FIAT ASC the cost of the equipment is Rs.2000/- more thancompare to the same Autocop's model in outside market. Autocop is authorized by FIAT.

During May 2009 when I purchased Palio 1.1 stile slx from Concorde Motors Prabhadevi Bombay - I was told ANY additions/including keyless entry, etc fitted will lead to electrical warranty being unavailable ! I faintly remember the elec.warranty is ONE YEAR? What is the total cost of autocop fitout by Fiat ASC? You provided 2K as the difference in disfavor of Fiat ASC as compared to outside fitters

DON'T DO IT!

If at all you wish to install autocop, first remove the security system provided by FIAT (mechanical+electrical+electronic) Then install autocop or whatever security system deemed feasible. I would like to know in what ways the electricals/mechanicals of an MJD different from the 1.1? for the 1.1 which i owned for 3 years, there was absolutely no issues with the autocop which was installed by the dealer as a freebie! right now, my MJD also does not have any autocop installed, so i am also interested to know more about what might go wrong(if at all) and any one who had such experience, please share them with all of us here.

I never knew that there could be complications by installing a keyless entry. I always thought you just install it like any other car. Can some one detail the pro's and cons as well as what brands go well and what procedures to follow while installing one. Whats the brand of keyless entry that Fiat provides that doesnt null the warranty? and how much does ti cost.

Mine is 1.2 Nv Sport 2004 and had the auto-cop installed from day 1 from TVS dealer Bangalore, just to compliment the stock security system with a remote. If I remember correct, it costed me around Rs 3000. Never had a problem until almost 1.5 year of non-use it gave up. And I finally disconnected (DIY) when the alarm went off at random times.

There is no override or bypass done. So with or without the auto-cop (remote), the Palio's system still functioning. If Auto-cop is for security system, then such a thing is not requried. But if you want the convenience of remote, you could select something of basic feature and save $$$ for yourself. And most importantly, do this fitting only at FASS, who is trained enough to understand the sophistications.

Some facts towards the security systems for FIAT Vehicles.

1) If the vehicle by defaut have the full key lock kit (which means that if you lock the driver side door automatically all the doors are locked), fixing the "Thirdparty" kit easily. This type of "Thirdparty" kits are called "HalfKits". Price also half compare to the full kits. Simply says the "ELX", "SLX", "SDX" versions are easily adopt this kits compare to other vehicle variants(EL, ELPS etc).

2) Autocop is authorized by FIAT. If you fit the autocop in any FIAT ASC, the electrical lines and other warranty terms does not void.

3) Autocop is manufactured the security system in two aspects. One is completely issued for FIAT ASC centres. Another is completely used in outside market. Both the variants are differ based on the procedure. The 2K price difference lies down here.

I am using the Autocop 9970 system with 100% satisfaction. It has Immbolizer, Altrasonic sensors, ICE sensors and it has 14 different tones for alerts. One year back it was Rs.5400/. I had fitted this in TAFE Access Limited. No ISSUES. VERY HAPPY ABOUT ITS PERFORMANCE.Mine is 1.2 Nv Sport 2004 and had the auto-cop installed from day 1 from TVS dealer Bangalore, just to compliment the stock security system with a remote. If I remember correct, it costed me around Rs 3000. Never had a problem until almost 1.5 year of non-use it gave up. And I finally disconnected (DIY) when the alarm went off at random times.

new M100 owner

2010-11-14T06:32:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased a Norfolk mustard 1991 Lotus Elan SE. It arrived by trunk Friday night. So far I am thrilled with the car but I have one minor problem. It appears the dashboard light is out, so at night I cannot see any instruments. Does anyone know how to replace the bulb? I looked in the owner's manual but it says "entrust this task to the dealer".

Where do M100 owners hang out? Is there an M100 list similar to the TurboEsprit list?

I'm also planning to change my insurance since State Farm wants over $100/month to add the Elan to my existing policy. I have obtained quotes from Hagarty and Heacock for insuring all 3 of my Lotus cars for an entire year for about what SF wants to insure the Elan for 6 months. I would appreciate opinions on the relative merits of these two companies and any other insurers who specialize in sports cars. Does anyone know how many yellow Elan M100s exist in the USA?

I believe only about 300 were brought into the USA and yellow and BRG seem to be the most rare colors. Now I have to get busy building a larger garage.

I have owned 5 or 6 of the M100s. Great car and really much undeservedly maligned. The car is just fantastic with one drawback. The front brakes. But more on that later. The top of the dash has an access panel and comes right out. I have never replaced a dash bulb, but I don't think it should be hard. There is a Lotus M100 list called www.lotuselancentral.com<http://www.lotuselancentral.com/> Lots of stuff on there, but the average Elan owner is not as mechanic savvy as most older Lotus owners are.

I use Hagarty and they are great. I insure my early Elan and Caterham with them. Now the front brakes. Do you yourself a favor and put a big brake kit on them. I can give you the name of a guy in the UK that sells a very nice kit. About $800. Worth every penny and transforms the car. The front brakes are just terrible. I would love to meet the guy that approved that setup and ask him what the hell he was thinking. None of my cars would ever lock the brakes up and at times they are downright dangerous.

The only reason I sold my car/cars was because of the brakes. Back in 2000 or so there was no kit. Had there been a kit, I would still have a M100. Watch for gas tank leaks. They leak at the top where it cracks. Be careful of the rear spindles. They are unobtainable as are fenders, windshields and bumpers.

There is a great and easy way to get about 50 more HP. There is a waste gate arm that actuates the waste gate. You need to put a sleeved turnbuckle on it after reducing the length by about ¾ of and inch. The ¾ of an inch gets you into the ball park of about .7 or .8 boost, but you need to fine tune it with the turnbuckle. Engine will take the extra HP no problem. The guys at Lotus way back when that car came out told me that it was designed with the turnbuckle (in fact the lotus manual shows it being a turnbuckle) and you can go to .9 bar on the boost. Motor will shut down anything over that so there is no risk. If you need more clarification, let me know off list.

The most rare Elans are black. Then the Yellow, Silver and Blue as I recall. Most were the Red, Official line is that they imported 600, but I think the number is actually 450 or so. If you need any help with the car, let me know. Enjoy the car. It is a great Lotus.

1989 Dodge Ram Van - As start for 4x4 conversion?

2010-10-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hi guys need some quick advice, I have a chance to buy a 89 ram van cheap. I would be buying with intent to convert to 4x4. Would also like to possibly engine swap to a disel engine at some point. Anyone out there have experiance with this van, or knowledge that would help me decide before purchase would be appreciated. I have done a lot of research but its all been chevy based, so have no idea the conversion ease for the dodge.

I started a 90 conversion years ago, had Dyna Track build a Dodge Dana 60front and rears, both with ARB air lockers. Never got the front axle in before heart transplant, so had to give up on it,, dratzz. The Dodge overdrive tranny, turned out to be a pc of junk, and when it died, had A1Racing transmissions build be a 727, with all the whistles and bells to also,, include, buying the extra low planetaries 1st and 2nd gear. In order to "fool" the engine code, as it didnt have the real fuel injection, I took the relays out of the 518 and used them to tell the computer(ha,ha) it had locked up in gear. Worked perfectly. I first tried to use the divorced 205 as it was easy to find, but no matter what I did to the mid shaft, I could not get the unbalance out, as it had to be too short. S0,, dumped that and found a married 205, which was pricey, but solved all the problems.

I was building the truck to leave for Alaska, and went overboard on everything as I wanted as few as problems as I could set myself up for,,, I figured the two main expenses would be food and gas, so also, put a Gear Vendors on the back of the 205. I made all the special mounts in order to put it into the Van, and it worked really good, never got to installing the front 60.

IF I where to do it all over again,, I would have used the Chevy front 60, as it has larger spline front axles, and the locking hubs are easy to get. The Dodge front 60 was a full time unit, and the only front hubs I could get where the less strong Mile Marker hubs. The pumpkin is on the same side as the Dodge and both 8 lug anyways.

Also, I found the rear Dodge 60 not as strong as the Chevy 18 bolt, and should have used it, as I grenaded the Dodge 60 with the ARB in it, even if only every driven in 2whl drive.

I JUST HAPPEN TO HAVE THE TRANNY ON CRAIG'S LIST RIGHT NOW,, for asteal,,, with the G/V unit I had over $5,500 in the trannies, including the G/V. I sold the front 60 (brand new) as well as the G/V unit. I am asking $750 for both the trannies as of right now, the 205 needing only the rear snout put back on, and believe I may still have it laying around.

I have a friend also selling a front Chevy 60, rear 18 will ask him what he wants and if he still has them if you are seriously interested????????

New Lotus Elan Manual available

2010-10-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

While cleaning out my parts I find I have a new in the package Lotus Elan owners manual. Lotus PN D100T0324J Any takers here before it goes to Ebay.

Which model (S1? S2?, etc>.) car and how much are you asking for it?

Since the part number is x100xxxxx it's for an M100 Elan. (1991 if it's a US car) Make offer for the book ??

Lotus Press release

2010-10-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Following on the announcement of the new model range, Lotus has also given us a preview of a news release to go out next year in April:

News just in........

There was bad news for Lotus today as Lotus declared that only Lotus could use the Lotus name and that Lotus would be taking steps to prevent Lotus from calling itself Lotus.

'Lotus is not going to let Lotus trade off the Lotus name that Lotus has built up,' said Lotus spokesman Alan Lotus. 'Lotus had an agreement with Lotus but Lotus has not honoured the terms of the Lotus agreement,' Lotus continued. 'For that reason Lotus shall no longer be permitting Lotus to use the Lotus-registered Lotus name of Lotus.'

Lotus was quick to respond to Lotus's action, claiming that Lotus had agreed with Lotus, the division of Lotus that has rights to the Lotus name, and that Lotus could not prevent Lotus from using Lotus unless Lotus expressly said this to Lotus.

'Lotus will take every step to prevent Lotus from removing the Lotus name from Lotus,' said Christopher Lotus, spokesman for Lotus-appointed solicitors, Lotus, Lotus & Lotus. 'Let me assure you that Lotus is not going to simply refrain from calling itself Lotus just because Lotus says so. That would be Lotus… sorry, I mean, ridiculous.'

(not my work, forwarded with permission)

FIAT Linea Dynamic Petrol 1.4

2010-10-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

I have been a recent entrant to the group – joined in mid-September, thanks to Bhushan Bhai, when I sold my Palio 1.2EL, after 7 and a half years. Though I have commented on a few posts, I have been more of an observer. In fact I got one of my colleagues at Tata Sky, Mukund Sharma, to join the group – he is the guy with the 1.9D Palio which had a starting problem due electrical issue just a few days back. However, the reason for this post is because I thought of sharing with you my experience in purchasing my current toy, the Linea Dynamic Petrol 1.4 (Foxtrot Azure).

Having test driven the Verna Transform, Aveo, Fiesta (Limited Edition), Linea, Dezire and SX4, I decided on the Linea on a cost to features ratio – though looks and feel of both the interior and exterior also played a vital role. Having decided on the Linea I played two different dealers one against the other and extracted a very good deal from Galaxy Motors, Mulund, Mumbai. I booked the car on Sept 10 and requested delivery on Sunday Oct 10 – though the delivery period was 20 days, I added a few more to address superstitious believes. In this 1 month period the sales team was put through a severe tormenting time due to my fastidious nature. I kept fighting with them for discounts on audio system, reverse sensors and leather seat covers – not to mention the FOC material I needed them to provide. They addressed each and every query and argument with a smile and took extra pains to ensure all my queries were addressed.

They even requested me to visit their showroom a day earlier just to spend time with their support staff just to understand all the controls available in the car. I actually did take them up on their offer and visited their showroom on Oct 8 for the demo. And then D-day arrived and as promised with all documentation completed, the keys were handed over to me on 10/10/10 @ 10:10am – just as I had requested. Things couldn't have happened better.

This experience of mine, I am sure, will give confidence to one and all. It certainly was a very sweet experience. I doubt the Tata-Fiat marriage is on the rocks – on the contrary, I feel it is a winning one. And I can quite confidently say it is dealerships like these that will take the story forward – and I have dealt with the likes of Fortune, Powai (before they shifted this July), Anuroop, Malad in Mumbai and Mohan Motors, in Calcutta before they lost the dealership, and have never really felt comfortable.

Did you get your registration number also 1010 ? :)

Good to see positive (more than that actually) reviews on the Fiat-Tata JV

I want upgrade better tires

2010-10-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

have not got hold yet of alloys still in a puzzle of size and what gain i will get after upgrading the to 175 R14/65 in performance. I had been to Madhu's enterprises (Shantinagar, Bangalore) yesterday as me too planning on tyre upgrade. 98PCD Alloys were available at 14" from SSW, but only one design (black and silver) which actually looked nice. It was quoted at 4k per alloy.

Michellin xm1+ 14" 175/60 (or 65 forgot exactly) were 4000 per piece and 185/65 were 4150 per piece. Is ssw a good brand. Have heard abt it, but is it as good as say a Lenso? Any thoughts please?

in case you want to go for a 15" alloys, pls go in for a low profile tyre. this will ensure that there is no scraping. i have driven a Palio GTX with 15" alloys for a month and generally did not find a problem. Handling and ride were good. however, when you hit a pot hole(Which is very common), at a decent speed, there is a chance that the tyre will touch the wheel arch and damage the tyre itself as well as damage teh wheel arch. i had seen several tyre cuts. i have Seen Raveendra's car with 15" alloys and low profile tyres. Looks super sexy. ensure that the overall wheel dimensions dont change with a higher profile tyres on a 15".

it will be expensive to roll back, as it involves Tyres and rims, in case you have to roll back to 14", you have to write off the investment, since getting a buyer for 15" 98 PCD's is remote for a used alloy and tyres.

How to put tranny top on ??

2010-10-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

Can anyone give a short dissertation on how to install a top on a tranny ? Can't seem to figure out where the gears need to be and where the forks need to be to make it all work ?

I dunno what the proper sequence is, but I put every thing in neutral. Slid the gears to center of their travel with the shifter in center (neutral or 'nothin' fir southerners) I don't know what to say about the shifter if you've never driven standard shift. LOL

Spin the rear wheels to insure you've found "nothin'. Rear wheels both turn forward at the same time. I installed one bolt to hold the box top and went through the gears. If you can find neutral and the rear wheels spin your lookin' good.

I also said an 'Our Father'. It worked for me, but HE said the bolt should have been coarse thread..................p

It would help me if anyone who has a Service Manual could look at the cutaway view of the tranny and tell me if the trans is in Neutral ... or ? I think it's in neutral but can't be sure.

It really doesn't matter where the forks are, just so the front fork goes into the front gear slot, and the rear fork goes into the rear gear slot. As you are putting on the cover shine a flashlite into the one side of the trans as you bend down and watch to see that the forks go into the gears. The stick a bolt into the cover and test the shift.

Well, that makes sense. Thanks Barry. I have 3 trannies, 2 of which someone has popped the top to check them out or ?? Both look in good repair. The 3rd is from a drill press and I think it's the best of the 3 but has no speedo hole cut in it. It has not been opened but has a "short" shifter so even if I use it I have to pop the top to change tops. Hopefully one of the other two will serve me well.

A/C GET ON WITHIOUT SWITCHING IT

2010-10-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

What a coincidence!!

My AC Fan has also started to play up for the past few days. When the ignition is turned on the fan starts off at full speed sometimes. Otherwise, it remains silent, but starts off now and then.

This problem has spread to the audio system.It starts off by itself. It also changes tracks by itself.

So I keep the control panel removed. Now, suddenly a humming sound started off in the car porch. I traced it to the car. I now disconnect the battery every time I park the car. I called up Concorde, they say I will have to leave the car there for a couple of days.

Maybe u got to wait and see till your car completely transforms itself into Megatron or Optimus Prime. Been watching the TRANSFORMERS the other day on TV :-) The symptoms u described look like straight out of the movie. Maybe that's why we feel that our Palios are Tank-like!!

The majority of the Puggers refer to their cars as 'my beauty', 'my darling' etc. So hopefully it should transform into something really sexy. At least the ac fan is giving me 'blow jobs' right now to music from the self controlled stereo.

Cooper Tyres put to test--Baptism by fire

2010-10-07T01:06:00.000-07:00

For more clarity, simple language and ease of understanding, I am repeating my earlier post on putting to test the new Cooper tyres.

Start: "Earlier post, I had mentioned about fitting Cooper tyres. Y'day, the tyres were put to the worst possible torture session, starting at 4 am and ending at 6 pm. And the test was passed with flying colours!!

Had planned on a day trip to the jungles around Hosur/ Krishnagiri area. Started at 4 am and within a few minutes it started pouring. Being on the highway, could check the handling abilities at high speed and braking in wet conditions. Felt great control. As we progressed into the jungles, and thanks to a red bus, one side wheels had to go off the road and soft, wet mud made it lose traction. A bit of forward and reverse movement and keeping the handle straight brought the car back on the road and things went smooth. Drove through the jungles to Hoggenakal falls, saw the crowd there and decided to return back. Took a different jungle route, enjoyed some breathtaking virgin forests, untouched by man and had to cross a stream with upto one foot water four times. Had an exhilarating experience and the tyres did amazingly well. There was no noise, the steering was soft, it took on the rough and off road very well and was effortless.

In my earlier post titled "New Tyres", had mentioned the reason for buying Cooper over other brands. Anyway, repeating again, because of the fair amount of off road and jungle travel I do, I was more concerned with the strength of the sidewalls than noise, high speed control, etc. On advice from Raveendra bhai, had narrowed down to Pirelli but was on the verge of finalizing Bridgestone Potenza when I got a chance to physically compare Michelin, Pirelli (used tyre), Bridgestone and Yokos along with Cooper at the tyre shop. The sidewall strength of Cooper seemed to be the best and the thread pattern was also good. So, decided on Cooper. Also, there was a 3 year unconditional replacement guarantee on pro-rota basis.

I upsized to 185/70/R13 on the stock metal rims from 165/80/R13. Got more rubber with perhaps a tad bit drop in height.

How much did you pay per tyre so we all can know. 3 year unconditional replacement guarantee on pro-rota basis - this looks too good. Can you eloborate this I can understand manufacturing defect etc but what do you mean pro-rata basis?

Happy to know you are the first amongst us to go for Cooper Tyres. I suggest keep updating this thread after you clock some 2000 / 5000 kms to know how the thread wear happens.Are these hard / soft compound tyres?

Identifying all my crankcases?

2010-10-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

I recently acquired Dale Tholen's "Thundermug" H modified racecar and a boatload of spares. I have 8 crankcases, 7 blocks and three cranks, one of which I know is a "good" steel one - it rings like a bell. Problem - how do I tell if any of my crankcases are the good "strapped/military" versions? I have two sets of main bearing caps (not installed onto any of the crancases, however) that either have been machined flat to match the steel caps or are factory-produced flat versions - I don't know which. Three of the crankcases have the "extra" rear oil seal boss molded into the end and one of them has a very thick front crank seal area. Three of them have huge oil passage holes for the main bearings, all of which appear to be factory. All the webs look to be the same thicknesses. Some of the oil galleries have either been drilled or are factory-drilled. Are there any specific characteristics that I can look for that will identify the "good" crankcases?

I am delighted to hear that the Thunder Mug is in good hands. I will not attempt to identify the crankcases but will leave that to an expert such as Barry Seele. I will add from personal experience that you MUST get the crankcase line bored with the main caps in the places that they will actually be installed. My experience has been that Crosley crankcases are often quite out of whack which causes all manner of problems. Another thing to check is the bottom flange of the lock. A light cut on a milling machine will ensure that it is really flat. You might also check to see if the block has been milled previously as this can affect the compression especially if you are going to use special pistons which is a very good idea. Look carefully for cracks between the intake and exhaust valve seats.

If the main caps are not on, then the cases are all but junk. I have not found anybody that has a line boring machine that goes small enough for the Crosley. I have plenty of military cases, and a few heavy Fageol cases.

There is a guy near Redding CA that line bores Crosley cases on a regular basis. I will get his address and post it as soon as I can. You quoted me $2850 using my crank and crankcase. How much would using one of your crankcases add to the price? I have a camshaft that's got pretty tall and sharp lobes, it might be able to be used. What about using the Aerojet block? Is the Fageol better and bigger? What HP will the Fageol be

making if you build it for power AND longevity?

Fiat Official Reply - Dhamaka Offer

2010-09-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I am Harshad from Trivandrum. I'd had a booked Palio SDX 1.3 during the dhamaka offer (Booking date - 30 June 2010).

This has been quite a frustrating experience as every time the dealer commits for a delivery and then backs out. Last month, he confirmd that there will be 5 palios reaching September end, which never came along.

Today I called up the Fiat call center number from their website and they unworriedly informed that Palios are no longer going to be produced. This has been by far my worst experiences.. someting which is just not acceptable from a global company.

I wanted to check with you guys

1) Has anybody has availed discount of Punto from Fiat as a goodwill gesture?

2) Is there any use of going to consumer courts to sue Fiat?

No use. Just as them for a discount but even that will be small. Looks like they decided the are stopping production and then issue an advert for the remaining cars which I'm sure are snapped by those having people working there.

As an alternative you can get used ones from 08 or even 09, just keep a look out.

thank your lucky stars...... just take your booking money back and buy any other car.. imagine people who already have one and running pillar to post for service and spares!! you are a lucky man.. come on..

i had palio form dhamaka offer and to my experience is very bad since then i had some issues with the car which are still pending it has been three months my complains are still pending, despite communication with top officials with the help of PUG its not complete yet fiat has taken 3 months to provide steering wheel and its still on its way yet not reached me, and so many other things if i write it will take one whole day. And SPARES AVAILABILITY WILL BE MAJOR ISSUE NOW, SAY SERVICE WE CAN MANAGE FROM OTHER GARAGES BUT WHO WILL PROVIDE SPAREES AS FIAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT THEY WORK LIKE KING """ WE DONT HAVE IN STOCK,,,, PRODUCTION HAS STOPPED BL;A BLAA """"""""""ARE THE ANSWERS AND WVERONE KNOWS ABOUT TATA A**

Thank you guys for your replies.. I guess that is end of Fiat story for me. You guys are missing something here. The palio variants going out of production is a 1 year old story. Everybody knew it or had a whiff of it. FIAT themselves were not encouraging bookings. So, REALISTICALLY, The 'dhamaka offer' was a clearance sale, Pioneered by our very own PUG members and extended nation wide. All those who booked under the scheme knew fully well that FIAT has 'step motherly treatment' towards Palios and are not very interested. Everybody knows this. There are issues with service, spares and what not. Yet you undertook the risk of purchasing the car that is at its fag end of production, for it seemed 'value for money' and you had reasons of your own.

Now every SALE be it clothing or electronics comes with fine print like " no warranty, no exchange". We pick up stuff knowing the risk fully well.. same goes here....!

Pravin, there is no point is crying. You knew fully well that the Palios are being stopped and service is shaky. There are threads on this forum about the same. Yet you decided to book the same and go ahead. The problem then is in your backyard and now u will have to learn to live with it, else u should have gone in for some other car or picked up a Punto, where the service spares etc is better. why the dying Palio..? Just because it came at a throw away price..!. That to me would be an absolutely silly decision.

I bought my 1.6 stile in Jan 2009 with a discount knowing fully well about the consequences. The 1.6 was being stopped and I knew spares would be a bigger problem, because it already was a big problem. Infact spares for the 1.6 are even more rare than the multijet. And i pity the 1.9D owners. Thats even worse..!

Atleast you have the swift DDIS and the TATA VISTA engines, Punto diesel etc for company and engine spares can be procured. So, i dont know what this 'I cant get spares talk is all about'. You guys are definitely in a better position. if you are talking about Cosmetic spares like, bumpers, steering wheel, a/c vents, headlamp units etc etc they are anyways difficult to procure for any of the old Palios. The stile models have some in stock. You should have probably checked and considered these things in the beginning before purchase and if they were not up to your standard then moved on to another model or another brand. I and some of us here in Mumbai have made an effort to develop a great rapport with the service center guys , so that i dont face any difficulty. Now these guys are friends and they take care of my car well. Spares - thanks to PUG for putting KAVA on the map, good spares can be got with not too much difficulty.

My suggestion, Try other service centers and see if they have stock. If they do, then work it out with your dealer or since your car is under warranty, u can get it done there. Alot of it also is also dealer lethargy. Im not aware of your back story. But on the contrary other people who have purchased the same SDX even some early 2009 models seem to be happy with their purchase. So, call it your bad luck. You all knew what was coming. Lets get REAL here..!

Harshad, you may be lucky ( for not owning a Lemon..!) or unlucky ( for not being able to own a great car..! with added baggage..!) depending on how you view it. But I would suggest, you take your money and move

on. If you still want to put you money on a troubled product then do so at your own risk and don't complain. Go to the consumer court for what..? We all own palios old and new and figure out ways between ourselves to keep her up on the road in great shape, cos we love our cars dearly.

I need help on a CD convertible

2010-09-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

Could I prevail on some of you convertible(CD)owners to take and send me via email some close up pics of how the wood side pieces are on the car ? What I need to see is how they are in relationship to the metal edges and drip rails. Also any pics of how the front top attaching "anchors" work ? If you have one restored that fine and even an unrestored one would work too as long as it has the wood pieces still on it.

Making new wood sides is not a problem for me but I just need to wrap my mind around how they look when attached (up close). All the convertible pics I have found on the website are not close enough to get a good idea.

I know the CC tops snapped across the front edge but the CDs used some sort of screw in latches ?????

I'll get/post some pics in the next couple of days. The wood on my 'vert is probably original. there is a metal piece at the front of the top where it attaches above the windshield. it screws into the windshield frame with large anchor bolts.

The mysterious ECU lamp!

2010-09-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

If the ECU lamp stays on, that means there is some fault logged, and its due to an intolerant sensor. But if it goes away it means the misbehaving sensor has become 'alright'. As i read in Fiat forum, the intermittent light is mostly caused by the RPM sensor/Sending unit.

BTW, how does the ECU light looks like in the SLX? Is it an orange engine symbol? I don't have it in my ELX and never seen in GTX/Petra. If you are in Bangalore and still having the ECU light on, I can help in trying to find out the fault code using the diagnostic software. (if time/space permits :) )

The ECU warning lamp in Palio Stile is red (Like the battery / Parling brake / Oil warning signals) and has an elongated shape.

Guys.. this is strange. I have never seen any ECU lamp on my Palio GTX 2002 model. Not even during starting. Car runs fine, no problems at all. Should I get it checked or leave it like that?

Crosley Collection For Sale - MO - $650

2010-09-25T04:15:00.000-07:00

I posted to fast and didn't see the ful list. Here is what Bill Bicknell has for sale.

I have been an automotive literature and memorabilia collector for over 50 years and have decided it is time to liquidate most of my collection. The Crosley portion is just a small part of the collection. If you are interested in other makes, please let me know. I will sell various package deals, but I am not interested in selling one item at a time.

I have a variety of automotive and non-automotive Crosley items to be sold as a package deal. A description is as follows:

Automotive:
1.Frame with front and rear axle and pedal assemblies, cable brakes
2.Frame with front springs, rear bumper and spare tire holder
3.Bumper (1950-51?)
4.Tin block (block only)
5.Literature:

a.Three 8-1/2X11 glossy photos (maybe factory?), two of engine, one of Powell Crosley holding engine
b.Braje catalog dated 1981 (repro?)
c.Speed equipment – several copies of early speed catalogs showing Crosley items
d.Hot Shot brochure
e.Several of the common post-war literature items
f.Parts list – original black cover with raised red embossed letters
g.Crosley Data Book (binder only, no info inside), measures about 5"X6"
h.Ink stamp that says "Crosley Motors"
i.Newsletters - various

Non-Automotive:
1.Ten household radios, two are clock-radios (40's - 50's vintage)
2.Radio-phonograph (40's - 50's vintage), wood case has been recently refinished
3.Dinner plate advertising Crosley automatic dishwasher
4.Literature:

a.Radio Service Manual – 1943
b.Shelvador refrigerator manual – 1946-47
c.Shelvador instruction manuals, two different ones (40's or 50's)
d.Crosley Electric Range manual
e.Crosley TV diagrams manual

Price: $650 all
Shipping: No shipping, all items must be picked up.

If you are interested in other non-Crosley package deals, ask about the following:

1.Tucker, Muntz, Heathkit, Industrial Engines, Boats, Car Magazines mostly 50's (over 300), Stamp Collection
2.Other – do you have specific requests?

Bill Bicknell
11875 Stoney Ridge Ct.
Rolla, MO 65401
Home/office: 573-364-8586

Hagley car show

2010-09-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

Pete and I were honored to be included in the feature class (compact cars) at the Hagley Museum (DE) car show on Sunday, and had our 1951 super wagon on display; parked next to Jean Cassidy with her original 1941 coupe. Naturally both cars were smaller than the compacts, but they were a big hit and got lots of attention. We spoke with spectators that remembered seeing a HotShot and a FOR there several years ago.
It's still not too late to get your Crosley out of the garage and to a car show this year! Pete and I have shows scheduled through the beginning of Nov. People love seeing them and hearing about them.

I am surprised they remembered given the fine assortment of cars they get there. That was My Hotshot and Merle Tiger's FOR and that was probably 4 years ago!!!

Palio Stile 1.6 Starting Problem

2010-09-21T23:48:00.000-07:00

did you try out a spare RPM sensor at your local mechanic? Not sure if that can be the culprit? Palio Adventure 1.6L/100BHP, 2002, 83k km, Silver Frost Siena ELX 1.6L/100BHP, 2003, 59k km, Tangerine Mist

I have a Palio Stile 1.6 Sport - year 2007 model. I have been unable to start the car inspite of repeated intervals at cranking the engine. The electrician did a check up and says there is nothing wrong with the battery, starter motor, fuse or any other electrical component. A mechanic has pointed to the Fuel pump failure as a possible cause of starting failure.

Question - is there a way of checking if the fuel pump is working fine or does it have to be removed from under the rear seat and sent for inspection or calibration. Any pointers would help - as i am stuck with the car parked in my garage.

Wipers not coming back to their resting place - My exp

2010-09-20T02:45:00.000-07:00

Friday morning I suddenly noticed this behavior - had never happened before. The wipers wouldn't come to their position. The speed was same on all 3 settings.

Got the wiper motor assembly replaced today noon. It was covered in warranty. The cost on the bill is ~2850. So with labor it would account to something between 3-4K.

The entire assembly has to be changed - there cannot be any repairs. The assembly for Stile is different from Palio.

I think during monsoons they have many issues with wiper motors, so they have them stocked up. I got my work done quickly as the vehicle was in warranty period. If it had been extended warranty, then it would take 3-4 days to get the claim approved from the insurer company. This company is located somewhere in Gurgaon and the 'extended warranty representative' at the ASS will check your service records and study your case and then send an email to this insurer company. When a confirmation is received, the ASS will replace the part for free.

DeLaSalle Charter High School Builds 300MPG Electric Car

2010-09-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

A new electric car can get more than 300 miles per gallon. That's three, zero, zero. But this car wasn't created by forward-thinking manufacturers in Japan, Detroit or Germany. It's the brainchild of
students from DeLaSalle Education Center, a high school in Kansas City, Mo. for students who need an alternative to the traditional system.

DeLaSalle Charter High School Builds 300MPG Electric Car Video, Photo and Story <http://www.panacea-usa.org/>

what good an electric car,if it cannot help a father to sell the icy cool dessert?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5UXEZITJ-E :D just kidding.

on a more serious note,I think the project itself will be very inspirational to kids all around the globe on what they can contribute for the environment and society despite them being just... school students. but the drawback of this type of project is that,obviously it need a lot of cash...or at least thats what the images says.

Which reminds me....my uncle have several unit of old washing machine in his workshop...hmmmmm

Broken crank

2010-09-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

I got the engine out and dropped the pan, no broken crank. Got too looking and discovered that the flywheel was loose. The bolts were finger loose and the pins had backed out. Glad there was no broken crank!

Lucky. ;You may want to loctite those bolts.

I already did.
That's great news Barry! Is that Stonys engine?

No it belongs to John Boylan, from Louisville, KY He was at the nationals this year, the black rat rod looking one.

SUPERSPORTS TOPS NOW AVAILABLE

2010-09-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

I have been working with a local guy to make tops for Crosleys. I got the first prototype today made of blue vinyl which we fit onto my SS and it fit well. The prototype is available for sale at 200.00 (no snaps, bows or tools). For everyone who is waiting for a complete correct top, I am taking orders. The top will be in the correct black Hartzcloth with red trim identical to the one on my SS. It will include side curtains with black zippers and the top bow support straps. It will NOT include top bows, snaps or tools to install. The cost will be 650.00 plus shipping if I get orders for one or 2, and 550.00 each plus shipping if I get orders for 3 or more. The next thing available will be Hotshot tops followed by Farm O Road. I will also be doing prewar convertable coupe in the near future. Please contact me at tmkldwwj@yahoo.com to order. Payment will be required on completion of top and prior to shipment.

That sounds most fair according to what I've spent for tops and curtains.
I'm not familiar with the SS side curtains. Do they have metal frames or depend on the top and windshield for support?..............

They use the top for support but they do have a semi rigid piece accross the front that serves as a seal and gives a little support. I am making a couple of dollars to cover my expenses but no real profit on the cost. I really don't want to be in the "top business" but it seems there is a need. As soon as I set it up, I am going to turn it over to a permanant vendor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally.....Finally and Finally my search is over

2010-09-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Wanted to share my happiness with all of you. I was obsessed with old generation Palio's for many reasons and was looking for a used one since start of this year. Came very close to few deals but missed it coz of competition:) (though feeling good now).

During May'10(Dhamaka Season for few Virtual for me:( ) i and my friend booked Palio SDX'10 model and from then on started counting days to enjoy my Palio until mid of August when finally FIAT management called off the Dhamaka offer.

Though i was badly frustrated by FIAT management my longing to own a Palio did not reduce. so my search started again till last week....

Finally last week i bought a black colour single owned June 2008 SDX clocked 34800kms from Prerana Used car division in lag bagh road,bangalore for 3.4Lakhs.(Felt happy the way previous owner maintained it)

Our family badly needed a vehicle and since i could not afford a new punto or figo i had to go for a used Palio against the parents wishes. This is my first ownership and am ignorant about cars, but i could defientely feel the power and stability which it rendered during the test drive so immedietely closed the deal.

Me and my parents had to go for Chennai trip last weekend and my parents half heartedely accepted my proposal of going in car to chennai(340kms from bangalore). But on the way back Palio impressed my parents too when effortlessly cruising over 100KMPH. I had a fun time riding it while coming back yesterday as on the way to chennai we hired a driver since it was a night journey. As i told this is my first car so being a amateur driver i could not win many a competitions against Swift's,FIGO's and I10's on highway(many of you might know the road between Bangalore and chennai is really good but toll part of it.....lets forget it)

Few points worth discussing:

1)Engine power even at low and over 2500 RPMs is really enjoyable(credits goes to FIAT and previuos owner for maintaining it well)

2)Mileage for 850KMs trip was 18+kmpl with 100% AC ON including 50-100km of bumper to bumper traffic in chennai.

3)Though stability is great while doing a S-Type overtake at 100KMPH i was not so confident,i think wheel alignment has to be done.

4)There is a irritating vibration sound coming from rear door from glass this started coming when i filled my tyre pressure to 32psi.

5)Clutch is really hard my left leg is paining.

6)Driver seating position is not all that great(i am 5"8') and i got some lower back pain and neck pain from my yesterdays trip back from chennai.

7)Gear shifting is tough especially 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd (and getting accustomed to the FIAT type reverse gear now)

8)need to do sunfilming for rear right hand side window and CR70 for front glass.

9)AC is ok but during long distance travel, if i switch off AC after continuous use for about a hour and keeping fan on within 5 minutes i feel suffocated, dont know if it is because of chennai-bangalore route.

10)There is slight rubbing needs to be done on bonnet as previous owner said cement water dropped on bonnet for the whole night

11)Complete cleaning interior/exterior needs to be done, will it help if i do 3M treatment.

The vehicle is due for service at 36000kms(i clocked around 1000KMS in three days :S so it is now at 35900) and am planning to go to Prerana Old Madras road,bangalore. Any pointers for issues or contact person.

Congratulations on the acquisition. We are sailing in the same boat, bought mine - May 2008 Black SDX, had done 27,000 this April.

Family travelled from Pune to Kolhapur , Goa, Konkan coast n back .... the honeymoon with FIAT has just begun & believe me it will not end...The sorry n chaotic traffic in Pune does not bother me anymore... Your concerns which I can answer...

Point No 5 & 6 - I had exactly similar problems...sever lower back pain stiffness even for city runs. After some trial & errors getting the clutch checked with BUB & a friend, removed the seat cover, stuffed Hitlon [the spungy material thats used to protect PCs etc "in the cavity of the seat only, not the complete surface" & then a 32mm/ density foam sheet on top covering the full surface. Now I have a decent height & probably the angle with which the foot presses the pedal has changed as even I am 5'8" too.

I guess its worth a try if it works for you, the investment is just 250-300 bubks. No issues since then even on long drives.

Point No 7 - The gears are "mukhann" but the root problem I feel is in point 5 & 6, bcos of the leg/back pain.

In Fiat one needs to Floor the Pedal completely & the gears shift smoothly. Point No 8 - I too do feel irritated when the dashboard gets heated up & throws hot air on my face inspite of such a fantastic a/c.

But living in Pune traffic, have not had the courage to do the front glass filming ..... people w/o headlights on their bikes / cycles jut out anytime ..... not sure of how much it affects the visibility...

Point No 9 - Check the Manual, there are 2 options , A/c air-intake Open & to close it off. One needs to allow fresh air intake, especially on long rides.

Body parts

2010-09-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

I am trying to find someone who makes frame around the front window for
Ford Econoline model 1987. I am rebuilding my Econoline

Try : http://www.showcars-bodyparts.com/fordvan.html
Keep On Vannin',
BlueThunder
BlueThunder@ThundersGarage.com

Ford E250 Sportsmobile 4x4 Van
Visit my Internet 4x4 Van Shop:
www.ThundersGarage.com
~ Your Virtual 4x4 VAN Experience ~
Ive delt with show cars and they ripped me off for the mounting kit for a gull wing door I paid for up front .

I have two rear doors from my 79 Ford. This van has never saw snow; I installed a fiberglass gullwing and don`t need the stock ones anymore. Unfortunatly I`m in South Bend, Indiana .

Take up to 3 photos, list all the info about them and I will put it in my "Parts 4 Sale" area...

Paint Question

2010-09-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have a local paint shop shooting the jeep. He does not like the paint to begin with because he has never heard of Gillispie. He feels that it is not a "professional product" for automotive use, more an industrial coating for stationary equipment and the like and is concerned that I will not be happy with the result. He cannot however get a matching color/finish with the PPG products that he shoots. I spoke with GCI in Texas and they said any alkyd enamel hardner will work but that the addition of hardner will only make the paint more glossy, will not contribute to a higher durability, and will just make it dry faster. They said just don't use any hardner if I have sufficient drying time. The painter is going to shoot my YJ as the last vehicle of the day and leave it in the spray booth overnight to dry.

I am having ppg paint mixed for my jeep with a flattener added. It will be very flat however it is a pain to match as the flattening agent dramatically changes the final color. It is also 3x the cost of gillespe but more durable. You also need to use a good epoxy primer-again more expensive. I have used Gillespe before with good results but it is very soft paint.

Your painter is right. I used the paint because I wanted the color to be correct. The paint chips and fades easily. Contact the puget sound military vehicle club( on the website). One of the members mentioned a paint supplier in Bremerton, Washington that has military paint chips and can match military colors. Just a thought.

throttle

2010-09-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Anyone know why the throttle handle pushes out when I press on gas ? How to cure?

at the "pedal" end of the throttle cable, there's a cable stop (a nipple with a lock screw). This cable stop should be behind the pedal, attached to the throttle inner cable where it comes through the tip of the gas pedal. The pedal should allow the cable to slide through the pedal tip on acceleration via the gas pedal.

So there are four possible reasons why the throttle handle is pushing out:-

1. The throttle inner cable stop is in front of the pedal instead of behind:

2. The throttle inner cable stop is stuck to the pedal:

3. The throttle inner cable is stuck in the pedal tip (it should slide freely):

4. The throttle inner cable is kinked and is being trapped in the pedal tip.

Let us know what you find...........

wipers not coming back to their resting place

2010-08-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

Need your help to know what could be the reason for this before I visit the service station.

The wipers blades are not coming back to their usual resting place after choosing the neutral position. On sunday, I did a long drive to Mysore and encountered some heavy rains. It all worked fine then. On Monday, i got the car washed and went out in the evening. As it was still drizzling, I used the wipers. But, to my horror, the wipers are not coming back to their usual resting place.

Has happened in my earlier M800 and was due to worn rubber. If you havent changed the blades in the past year, consider Bosch one--been using them for abt 8 months and are excellent. But a bit surprised coz fiat has a much powerful motor and should work quite well. Probably, worth your while checking the connections too. Rarely, overzealous cleaning can cause a bit of a bend/ twisting of the blades causing it to malfunction--could have happened as a result of the wash.

I had this problem one day with my Petra. The wipers work but would not return to the resting position. I started a reboot that evening. Connected the battery cable only the next day and the wipers returned to their normal position. The only other possibility is when the earth wire from the wiper motor gest disconnected. If this happens the"Auot rest" function does not work.

My palio has same issue. I showed it to service center last year and they do not have any solution. I also observed that after long use, 1st and 2nd has same speed. If you stop the car for 5/10 mins it works fine again. Since, i could not find the solution, i decided to live with it.

Your Intermittent speed is not working. It is bcoz of the circuit fitted on the wiper motor.For that u have to change a whole wiper motor assembly.Sometimes it is caused due to moisture on the circuit.It is covered under extended warranty so you can just check it out.

I have been living with this problem for an year. I was told that the entire motor assembly needs to be changed, and it will cost me about 4-5k. I have now got adjusted to this problem.

crosley military engine

2010-08-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

I've got my hands on a military engine. I hope someone can tell me what it might have been used for and what the hp is.
It has a spacer plate between the block, and the crankcase to lower compression ratio, so it could run low grades of gasoline. It is 21 hp, and was probably used on a generator. That is the best engine to use to build a high performance engine.

Eagerly waiting for my Palio Stile SLX

2010-08-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

I've booked a Palio Stile SLX in the Dhamaka offer, and am eagerly waiting for the delivery of the car. I'm sure there are a few more guys on the list who too booked the cars in this offer. So, I thought I would like to share a mail I've got from the dealer, Prerana Motors, near HSR Layout. The mail I got is copy 'n pasted below, and my response further below. I hope this will cool any frayed nerves out there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Mr Kiran,

Greetings from Preranamotors.

We thank you all for your support in the Fait cars & apologize for the delayed supply.

We have got the information that the Palio manufacturing is still getting delayed due to some parts issues & are getting the components imported. As per the latest information only 46 units are going to be released all over india on the basis of bookings across the country. The balance numbers will be coming in the month of October.

As a matter of goodwill we are proposing for the following two options for Prerana Motors customers.

1) We will refund 49000/- to all customers who want to retain the bookings till october. Rs 1000/- will be kept towards booking & we will collect the balance after confirmation of billing.

2) We will offer 40000/- discount on available Punto Euro 3 vehicles if the customer is interested to buy Punto ( Petrol or Diesel) We feel sorry for the inconvience & appreciate your support in getting the cars delivered at the earliest.

Please call me for any clarification or you can mail me your concerns which will be forwared to Fiat motors & addressed with due respect & concern.

Thanks & regards,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My response:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Mr. Ashok,

Thanks for the intimation regarding the delay in the delivery schedule of Palio. As you already know, I've booked a Palio Stile SLX (Petrol), Black color.

I would like to know if my car is among the 46 units that are going to be released in the month of September. If you can confirm this, I need to plan my course of action accordingly, like selling my existing car.

If my car is not in the lot of 46 mentioned above, I would like to avail your goodwill offer and retain my booking by taking a refund of Rs. 49,000/- and keeping a Rs. 1,000/- towards the booking for my Palio Stile SLX.

So, either way, a commitment on a delivery date range is very important to me, and I'm hoping to hear from you soon with the confirmation.

I appreciate both Prerana Motors and Fiat for the honest and transparent approach in this regard, and am looking forward for a long term relationship

with both.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

about oil and other lubricant additives

2010-08-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Never been much of one to use them but at a car show a couple years ago I won a big Lucas Oil Products pack. There are several of the Lucas Oil Heavy Duty Oil Satabilizer quarts. After reading the label it would seem a good product to use in the rear end of a Crosley, or the tranny or whatever. But again I've not used such stuff before and would like some feedback from some of you more expierenced Crosley afficianados. And not just Lucas products but any others you have experience with.

Now the Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer label says you can mix 50% all the way to a straight 100% in the differential. Now don't know about 100% but a blend sounds feasible. I have a friend who drag races a Comp Elim dragster and he swears by the stuff but agin that's his experience with it. do some digging lucas oil was investigated and ther product claims were not so was on internet so give it a try they got fined for false and misleading advertisement

Lucas----Abra-Kadabara I a few years ago added the Lucas oil oil stabilizer to my crankcase because I saw an animate display at Pimp Boys featuring Lucas oil stabilizer {their product added to conventional oil vs. conventional oil only}. The display featured a see through contraption with gears that actually for some reason which I forget makes you want to buy the stuff for your engine at bout 9 bucks a quart at the time. Instant gratification I experienced upon install.. The very next day I did an internet search on the stuff and ran across a website hosted by an oil engineer. His display showed that this stuff actually takes on air from the oil pump gear action and through engine breathing enough to whip this stuff up into a frothy solution adding no lubricating qualities but rather in a negative effect. I immediately changed oil and filter again and filled the motor with the diesel rated oil because at that time Shell Rotella had ZDDP{zinc}still in its formulation It is very kind to older engines innards because of their metallurgical make up. Cams, lifters as in flat tappet engines Studebaker V8 for one. I now use conventional off the shelf oil and add a small bottle of ZDDP. jimmijim PS. good clean filtered oil for engine life. Not snake oil

I've used it in the TVR with no problems but it wasn't 60 years old. I would be concerned with the seals not liking it and causing leakage. If your not having problems with your current gear lube it might be better to leave it be.

Super Sport frame

2010-08-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

I will take my SS to work today and shoot some pics of the underside. Also I will give you a call about the clutch / brake shaft.

If you boys find important differences I think we all would like to know.

I'm not aware of any, but knowing Crosley and their continuous evolution, it's quite possible............p

My master cylinder and the brake line half way down the tube were gone. Question is, is there a flex brake line jumping from the master cylinder to the rear brake line running down the torque tube, or is it hard line all the way ? I know there is not much movement up and down at the front of the tube but there is some.
there is a flex line.

HI recently booked a palio sdx (delivery date issue)

2010-08-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Congrats. Then Manish Agarwal is not in the position now. Please contact Mr.Narendar Tripathi.
I booked on May 27th and still they dont have any clear plans for delivery, is
there any contact person in FIAT , if so please let me the number.I am kind of
tired contacting manish agarwal(FIAT) he doesnt pick my call at all.

I had booked it on 12th June, and I am expected to get it in the first lot
in Sept, you might have to wait till Oct for yours, follow up with Fiat
directly, the dealers cant help!

Send me your details of Booking.

Dealer Name,Model,Date of Booking amount paid & commitment made etc,

I would take this up with relevant stakeholder's. I booked on May 27th and still they dont have any clear plans for delivery, is there any contact person in FIAT , if so please let me the number.I am kind of
tired contacting manish agarwal(FIAT) he doesnt pick my call at all.

I booked Exotica Red MJD SDX with KHT Motors,Bangalore on May 27th.Booking amount made is Rs.50000/- and initially i booked 2009 model then after a month they told 2009 is out of stock around june last week i booked 2010 again.I was told i will get the vehicle in first lot of august but since last week there seems to be some information floated down from FIAT that they are not going to take Palio Stile productions at all.

For Sale: Fiberglass Special - $3000 or BO - VT

2010-08-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a great looking custom for someone. The owner was a past member of CAC and has passed and his children/grandchildren have decided to sell his car. The info is a little sketch because it is second hand from memory. Here is the Granddaughters description as she was told.

"My grandfather was a member of the Crosley club for many years - Frank Stites. He has sadly passed away and the beautiful car has been sitting in our (once his) barn and unfortunately his children do not have the time or the ability to care for and utilize this car. I am not a mechanic and although it was used at my wedding, he was suffering with Alzheimers and has fiddled with it enough so that no one can figure out how to make it go. That said, It is here, we would like someone with some knowledge and love for Crosley's to have it.

Here is what I know:

Original 1954 24 HP engine

engine 56 HP when running 2x the original

Italian Transmission

- no synchromesh 1st + 2nd

Positraction Rear end

There are 2 "extra" engines in the barn too, not sure what they are but come with the car. Originally built for Jim Canna Racing Built in dining room of home and my grandmother designed the fiberglass body. it is white, canvas top when not in use."

I asked about engine, trasmission and racing history if any.

"I am going off my uncle and dad's poor memory of the the car. It is the original engine that he somehow made double the horsepower... there are 2 extra engines and possibly an extra transmission in the barn of which I know nothing about. It is a 4 speed. sadly, there is no written documentation about the racing, if there ever was any information it has been lost."

I asked if the garage picture was current and if the car was inside or out.

The photo from the garage is the one I could find on the computer, probably 5 years old, the others are very current. We pushed the car out of the garage - probably 3 weeks ago now... The grass grows so fast up here it is long, and the tires are a bit low I think. We will put it back in the barn with all it's covers today. We would really like it to go fast and to a person who loves Crosley's."

$3000 or best offer.

Sara Stites (Manns) <ststites@hotmail.com>

Home: 802-457-2313

Spare Tire Bracket

2010-08-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have seen some cars such as HotShot have a spare mounted onto the rear deck. Is this an accessory that could of been ordered or have people fabricated these brackets? Thanks, I am about 4 day old member and crosley owner.

Welcome aboard - that spare tire - continental spare - came on the Hotshot and Super Sports roadsters from the factory. There is a bracket mounted on the deck that some owners (and at least one dealer that Iknow of) bought from Crosley parts and added to sedans and convertibles.

My 50 super sedan CD came with one on it when I bought it. Are you saying it could of been an accessory item that came with the car when they bought it? I was thinking someone came up with this idea themselves.

Not as a factory accessory for the sedans, but as the replacement VC part was available from Crosley, it could be purchased and added toanything else by a dealer or owner. Charlie Nicholas, a Crosley dealerin Minnesota added many to the sedans and convertibles he sold from 1950 thru 1952. The rear bumper was spaced out a bit and the center of the splash pan was often cut out. He also added 1949-50 ford taillights to some of these to "trim" them out. These are NOT factory or approved

accessories in a judged class, but kinda fun to see.

My Crosley J convertible has a continental spare. The mount is actually a center from a front hub that was carefully turned down. The center of the hub is mounted on a pipe. A "vee" reinforcement runs inside the body from the hub mount down to the floor of the "trunk".

Bangalore - Chennai - Coimby PUG Monsoon meet !

2010-08-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

I agree with Dhanraj.. Please join us for the meet. We will wait for you in Krishnagiri.. I'm sure other will join in up coming meets or may plan to join this meet during rest of this week..

Here is my plan.. I'll be joining the drive from chennai until salem / yercaud on my 1.2 NV and planned to go to my native ( Perundurai ) on saturday night.. And join the drive from coimby group on sunday morning back to yercaud.. Why are you dropping out, if you and rohan have confirmed then come down, lets have a whale of a time. U still have time to convince the others.

Only the Bangalore leg is cancelled due to poor turn outs (only myself & Rohan had confirmed). Those willing to join this trip from Blore, please get in touch with Dhanraj, since I've now dropped out from this meet. the event has not cancelled, chennai and CBe PUG members planned to meet as per the schedule.

However CBE members willbe reachingyerkaud on sunday early mornig i beleive. from chennai myself along with chithambaram,sreenivas Thiyagarajan will be leaving Chennai on saturday early morning and will be there for two days. however sreenivas may be visitinghis native erode on saturday and join with CBE members on sunday early morning. LEts make this event happen eventhough less number osmembers attending.

I am a recent joinee of PUG and was very much looking forward to this meet as it would have been my first brush with palio enthusiasts. You are one of the strong pillars of the Bangalore Gang for PUG and I have also seen your posts on Team-bhp.. was really looking forward to meeting you all. But I am to leave to the US the following week and have some jobs I need to finish before that which is preventing me from joining the meet. Please don't abandon the meet. I have been through situations where I have organised some stuff and ppl hav ditched at the last moment.. but still its ok. Those who make it will be the people who will really matter anyways.

So plz.. go ahead and have some fun. Will hopefully catch up once I am back.

Can we plan some dress code for the meet? May be blue jeans and red/black T-shirts. Wanted to request one more thing, if possible we will not use horn during the meet. A small tribute to Dr.TRRK. Its just a suggestion.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, we hope that others are as enthused as you in context of this meet. I have been exchanging several rounds of communication on the venue. In fact Rudrah was at Panshet last week at the same spot as shared by Ashish some weeks ago. Though this place is scenic the road leading to this place is narrow & there could an issue with parking so many cars in this area. Also, the hotel itself is very basic & food is nothing to rave about.In summary, this place looks to be good for a family outing where you get food from home but doesn't look very exciting when we have guys meeting.

We are working on other leads which sound like good options & we welcome any suggestions from people here for places which are convinient for both Mumbai & Pune members. We should be able to share the final venue details by the end of this week.

All those who want to come for this meet, just need to block their calendars for Sunday, 22nd Aug. The other pieces will fall in place by end of this week. Thats a fantastic idea to pay tribute to our dear friend Dr. TRRK.

Regarding the dress code, a blue jeans with black Tshirt (whatever design) would be fine thou. But that should be agreeable with everyone who are attending the meet.

I'm still surprise no newbies have shown interest for this meet. I hope we get large nos if compared with the frequency of new members joining each day.

This destination looks very interesting indeed. I am badly looking forward to this break and a refreshing drive down the coast. We need to drum up some interesting stuff to get more partiticapation from the puggers here.

Any suggestions, freebies, PUG stickers etc?

I was wondering if we could get some keychains made with the PUG logo, as it is something that goes with the car all the time. I have some PUG stickers with me which I plan to give out at the Mumbai-Pune meet.

Also, let's see what magic Harshad is able to come up with the key-chains.

BTW, I feel very tempted not to part with the PUG stickers that I have with me because they are Dr. Rajesh's memories but if the good Doc himself wanted to pass his goodness around to other people, who am I to hold onto these. Couple of ideas. Both outcome of the driver seat positions. Need your opinions on these.

The driver seat position, I feel, is not perfect. When I go closer to the dash, my knee brushes on the well and don't feel comfortable. When I push back, I find myself stretched to reach the gear lever, particularly in the

1st gear and a little bit on the 3rd gear. I find myself leaning to change the gears. I am 5'10". Also, when I push back the passenger (when present) knee is hitting my back (of the seat).

1. Can I get an alternate gear lever that is bent back, so it is easy to reach lever at 1st position. Recently, I drove a friend's Getz. The gear lever is better positioned than in Adventure. No need to lean forward. So, can bent gear lever be used? I know the reverse gear tab is going to be a problem and a simple trick of bending won't work.

2. With so much of space available in the rear (being a wagon), it is a pity that the rear leg room is awful. I feel, it is lesser than that of Palio or Petra. Any chance of pushing the rear seat a bit back?

We have a recommendation of a place called Doctor's Farm (http://www.doctorsfarm.com/index.html) at Kolad for our Mumbai-Pune meet. This place is about 75 kms from Panvel(via Mumbai-Goa highway) & 100 kms from Pune(via Mulshi). I spoke to the owner of this place & here are the highlights:

1) This place is a farmhouse which is close to the Kundalika river & has a big garden. It is surrounded by hills & has a lot of green cover with a serene atmosphere.

2) It serves veg/non-veg unlimited buffet meals @ 300 bucks per head. Veg/non-veg starters are charged extra

3) They serve Kingfisher mild beer @ 150 bucks but the owner said that we can get our own beers & hard drinks if we wan to. Soft-drinks will be available there at prices which is slightly over the MRP but not too expensive as well

4) They have the option of boating, fishing in the river & swimming in their pool for those who want to undertake these activities

5) Plenty of parking available

6) If it doesn't rain that day, the owner said that he can give us seating on the terrace with tables. The terrace has a good view of the Kundalika river.

Let me know what you think. If anyone has visited this place, let us know your feedback. If you have any other recommendations, do let us know.

We are just 10 days away from our meet. Those who have not yet confirmed their presence, kindly send your confirmations to Rudrah(for Mumbai) & me(for Pune).

Information about engine oils

2010-08-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

I was planning to change the engine oil of my vehicle Palio 1.9D ELX. Was doing some research on the internet and found the following site:- http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html

See if this is of some help for people like me who know very little about car engines and other mechanical stuff .

Wonderful find Gaurav. It helped me a lot as my condition is similar to that of you.

this is holy grail for someone like me who has just got started into cars. thanks a lot gaurav, for sharing the link.-------------------

carb and timing

2010-08-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today I drove my Hotshot for the first time since the engine was out of the car, has had work done on it (including the lower pinion gear for the cam drive) and among other things including a nice rebuilt carb I bought from Chuck K. The car starts perfectly, idles nice, sounds good except when you give it heavy gas off of idle it makes a little popping sound (not much).

When I drive it, it has a lack of power above middle RPM's and when giving it throttle under load it make a slight popping (doesn't sound like pinging). When I shut off the engine you can see my remote glass fuel filter (mounted slightly lower than the fuel pump) has gas rise and fall 3/8" in the glass filter bowl and when you look down the throat of the carb there is gas pulsing into the throat above the closed the butterfly for a 1 or 2 minutes.

It sounds like burnt intake valves.

47' Roundside

2010-08-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

I looked again last night, the indention is on the inside. What colors was offered for the roundsides??

Congrats on your roundside. I just went and checked mine. It has the two vertical ribs with the embosses to the outside. There is not a horizontal rib on mine either. Just background info, my roundside was owned by a local Rexhall Drug store here in Eastern NC and still has the Rexhall orange paint (though very faded) with bright blue trim and lettering. My first car was a companion 52 Croslet wagon owned by the same store. I paid $40.00 for it in 1963. It too had the store colors, but I quickly got rid of the orange and blue paint job on it. It just wasn't cool for High School.

I am the new happy owner of a 47' Roundside! Was just delivered to me last night, it needs total retoration, but it is in pretty good shape, should be fairly easy. I hope too start on it after the youth project is pretty well done.

I have a question. I noticed below the back window on some of the roundsides there is a line about a foot long, I know it was put there to make the metal more stronger. Mine does not have one, is this something they did on the later models or what?? Just curious.

You could get the pickup in any of the colors that was offered for 47 by Crosley. You can get a general idea by getting that past issue of the Quarterly that has the paint colors in it, or you can get the specific paint color sheets by renting them from the club. Over on the Photos Jim has a color chart for the 46-48s. Under Restoration, I have noticed that some trucks have thr brace behind the cab to bed and some do not. Of course you are going to go with grey paint just like your sedan.....

1/4 mile record

2010-08-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

I would love a twin engine like the famous "Freight Train"! It could be the "Choo Choo Train"!! This car Is Too nice to change, I would build a new chassis. with 8.25--15 tires it should go faster than 62 mph--might be time to try a lighter flywheel. If your racer is one built by Chucky K you have a much prettyer rail. Look at Nicks and see what I mean. How bout puttin another ciba in front of the other one?

I got it all the way up to 62mph! Long ways to 117!! Sure is fun trying!

POG v/s PUG

2010-08-02T02:09:00.000-07:00

I was explaining to Dad today about PUG. He is not a computer and internet buff. Just enough awareness to survive in today's world. So, this thought crossed our minds - why Palio Users Group; why not Palio Owner's Group? We are owners, not users. We are lovers, not drivers. Just a thought. Welcome your views. But not sure if we can just rename the group like that.

This brings to mind something that happened some years ago in a housing colony where we were staying in a rented house. Everything was fine between residents till somebody suggested that the association should be called 'Owners' association not 'Resident's' association. Before this matter was settled, we moved out because relationships turned ugly.

Who cares if you own your Palio or hire it, or borrow it or even stole it. Basically if you are a user, that should be sufficient to justify the present name of the group. Here we have people who might own a Palio, or, might have owned a Palio, or, someone who might be thing of owning one, or is there just for the interest in a Palio. (Read FIAT instead of Palio, technically I too dont own a Palio but a Petra and a Punto) And, what do you want to do with individuals like Doc Pullokaran and Gemi Thomas? They owned Fiats and contributed so much to this group, and still continue to do so.

Will they have to quit if this group becomes POG because they are no longer owners?

Such kind of Pandora's boxes are best left alone.Or rather non-existent right now. So these kind of issues are best when they are not raised at all.

Thank you for throwing light on the issue. I totally agree with what you have quoted. Everybody, Please do not take this message personally. It was just a casual and inquisitive message. Having said that, I would like to apologize to anyone who felt hurt or uncomfortable due to this message. Further on, I would like to request everyone not to reply to this thread so that we all don't go on a tangent. I'm not going to delete the thread and leave it here in the right spirit of the 'forum'.

FIAT - 'car heaven'

2010-07-31T19:28:00.000-07:00

This is great news John and so close to Bangalore! Can you please share their number, would they be interested in shipping stuff to bangalore? if not, please let us the address, its really not too far to drive down and get the spares!

My Biology professor used to say "If you want to understand a process, always try to visualize it" :)

And I really did as and when you were speaking to me about it, especially the Opera singing part hehehehe. I'm happy and relieved after your discovery, Johnny. So guys just drop that fear from your mind "Fiat spares are not available", we now have Kava if any need arises.

I just has the blissful experience of visiting car heaven. Another name for it to the common man would be 'junkyard' or 'godown' - if put nicely. You wondering what I'm trying to get at. ....

Well, I stopped by at KAVA automobiles Godown at Charkop, an Industrial junkyard zone, with all sorts of spare part shops etc, for those not from Mumbai and for those in chennai , to draw a parallel, its Harrisroad, Pudupet.

All, my fears of sourcing parts for the Palio has been abolished. This guy has got so much stuff, he does'nt know here some of the stuff is and may take days to search for the same. I got a brand new stone guard for 750 bucks for my 1.6 which im yet to fit though. He took a week to pull it out. engine, suspension , radiator, ac, internal plactic parts, fuel tanks all there. a few cosmeteci parts may not be there, and he may have to source them. Punto and linea owners , you have nothing to fear, this guy has parts for these models right from logos to engine parts stacked up, tons of it, spilling out of everywhere.....name it you'd get it. Forget all that ball talk of spares shortage etc.... he can build an entire yard of cars with the amount of stuff he has in there. He even has parts for the Indica vista and Manza.

I was just filled with joy at the sight of this, took me back 15 years when i used to roam the streets of Pudupet in chennai searching for parts for my Beloved Zundapp, Enfield FURYs 175 (anybody here heard of that bike.....?.... a true scorcher and master piece with bad support.... hahahah... Thats another story..! ).

I was so overwhelmed that I called up Rudrah once i got back and spoke to him of the sight i just saw.....!. It aint a godown or junkyard...it was heaven. I spent 2 hours looking around, enjoying the smell of rust, oil and grease.... mmmmm... for some people like me once in a while these things are like a breath of fresh air.... :)

I thought you found something in Chennai which is just like Kava! Reading through realized you were talking about Kava :) Wish we had something like Kava around Bangalore, we are pretty hard hit for spares back here.

NO NO, I got to know of Kava thru PUG. I merely visited his Godown. I did not find it. Infact angesh of FIAT let Bala and MN know of the same and they had put up a post regarding KAVA and purchased some parts as well. They have a shop at Opera house near kennedy bridge in Mumbai.

Since i stay at Oshiwara, about half hour drive from Charkop -Kandivili area, I visited their godown to pick up my stuff. Raj, of KAVA suggested I go there instead of driving all the way to Opera house which is about 30kms thru bumper crazy traffic. If u search the forum u ll find the numbers of KAVA, any ways here it is.

Raj: 022 - 23827562 , 98200 49190.

Do contact him for your requirements and let us know if ever your down.Alternately he apparently ships stuff to your destination.

The silver plus , Explorer and the Fury all shared similar engines with different capacities and the silver plus was a different kind of a bike, somewhat like a cross over between a bike and a scooter. The explorer cam with a 80cc and a 50 cc version - BSA bond for competition.

The FURY came in 2 models first the DX and then in 1990 they launched acosmetically modified version the GP. I had both the DX and the GP and what a time i had with them till 1998 when i sold them. Classic retro screamers with mag alloys, brembo disks upfront and Piaoli front forks and a short stroke engine that revved over 9000 RPM. The RX100's the shoguns, Supras would all be eating dust and i loved those bikes too.The only bike that it could not beat was of course the 'king' the -RD350.

I have an owners manual of the FURY lying around safely somewhere..!!!!

Nostalgic....!

Adding an extra leaf in the front springs, pros and cons ?

2010-07-30T02:24:00.000-07:00

In my pile o' extra parts I have some extra leafs. The lower , shorter ones. What are the pros and cons of adding a leaf in the front set of springs ? This car I have bought has an extremely tight front end which makes me believe it is a low mile car (no guage set in the car)so the regular set are likely OK, just wondering since I am at the point of painting and rebuilding the front end. The left front normally has one extra spring in it.

Probably would'nt hurt to add an extra leaf (especially in my case)...You can always take it out later if you don't like the ride or stance... You'd think it would take a Peterbuilt left front for me but I think mine rides level and well with stock springs. Sum'ore of that Crosley magic I spoze

need some info for launching a complain with FIAT

2010-07-28T03:59:00.000-07:00

Do not even think of the Consumer Court. I have just completed the 9th year in fighting my case in the Consumer Court.

If you indeed want to go to court on this issue, that is, if it is unavoidable, go for a civil case in the Munsiff court. You can apply for much more legal reliefs there. But, avoid the court if its possible.

I have a 7 months old Palio, and i noticed the back left door and front left fender were of a totally different shade than the rest of the body, i took it up with concorde for re-painting under warranty, they were quick to respond and agreed it might have been a manufacturing defect. The photographs were taken and sent to Tata motors. But they have this absurd warranty policy that says "when a car meets with an accident, all the external body parts warranty stands void". My car met with an accident on the right side and was repaired subsequently. And because of that i can't claim warranty on the left side!!!

I just sent an e-mail to Rajeev Kapoor on Sunday evening. And at 9am on Monday morning i received a call from Mangesh Kodalkar, agreeing with illogical-ness of the warranty policy and said he will try to resolve the issue. Am waiting for his response. I had purchased palio stile sdx last month there are some defects in paint I DID complained this issue on website and toll free no.s but i did not received any response also emailed the issue with photos to tata motors officers but i did not recived any reply from them also where i should complain the issue does any one having fiat CEO's contact details or other fiat officials contact details. else i ahave decided to fight the issue at consumer forum. Yes bought this car under palio dhamaka the car are some black spots on the bonnet the lacker coating is damaged and there is some colour difference in doors and fender between i did mailed these issues to mangesh kodalkar and n balaji and sagar dhar of tata motors but its taking too long to handle the issues

now last day 26/7 the dealer from aurangabad 200kms from my town nasik had called me up to get the paint job corrected but i have to travel the distance at my cost and have to bear the inconvenience 2-3 days of without car of why should i do that when its there fault. I think they should bear all the costs. the car should be painted in the factory paint shop itself as none of the dealers can do the job in the correct manner.

• Defects in Paint ::
• there is lot dust and roughness in the paint .
• The door and fender colour is not matching .
• There are 2-3 diameter spots on the bonnet since the delivery.
• Paint can be seen where it should not be
• the gear knob leather bracket is broken before delivery itself
• some rubber components are aged like the beading on the hatch door need change

• wipers also leaving lines on the glass right from the day of delivery need change

• the upholstery in the car was dirty at the time of delivery not proper cleaning was there at the time of delivery engine compartment was also so much dusty, lot of dust in the door hinges and inside the car

• there is a visible scratch on the steering wheel they denied to get it replaced before delivery

• door open light switch are aged well before delivery need to be changed ( both doors)

• Also with reference to service book fuel filter, oil filter, brake fluid, coolant need to be changed as the vehicle is 2008. The company should have given it changed before the delivery.

• Break oil level low since delivery I filled it up at first service

• the cars wheel alignment was not done the car was pulling on left I did it later on

• the additional wheel in the trunk was puncture flat tyre.
1. They even did not told me this, I had driven 200 kms from Aurangabad to nashik what if any of the wheels flat somewhere on the road.

• the cars odometer reading was 296 at the time of delivery

• left door handle lock was not working with keys from outside later the right side lock also failed to work these things can be checked before delivery itself but are well ignored in my case later I got it changed, but within a few days of purchase I faced this trauma.

Issues Regarding Papers:

1) Sales letter and dealer invoice not given at the time of delivery they sanded it after 4 days from the delivery That too incomplete manner. Sales letter includes form no 21 & 22
The respected dealer has only provided me form no 21, and when asked about form no 22 the sales person jyoti rastoji told me that they don't know if form no. 22 is required for the 2008 OLD cars which is very ridicules answer, and the "car is old use dhundna padega " And this document they provided me on 1st july 2010 that too after a lot of heat with the showroom sales manager, many of my calls gone unanswered because I was asking the document on urgent basis. Too much sarkari attitude.

2) also the TELCO invoice (i.e. manufacturers invoice to the dealer) is also required for the registration that is also not supplied For this invoice i had to request the dealer many times after the rigorous follow up of 4 days they have faxed me this document First the sales person has denied it to provide this invoice At Nashik RTO its required.

3) original copy of insurance endorsement after 35 days of rigorous follow-up And I am moving to consumer court against this issue. As I was unable to drive vehicle for 10 or more days after spending such amount and paid penalty Rs. 1314/-to RTO because the dealer has not provided papers on time. I found FIAT responsible for the issue and pay the penalty.

4) No RSA and Extended Warranty documents ------46 days later

5) owners manual still not received -------- 46 days over. This is the longest list of problems i have faced thats why i am thinking of taking too much harder steps. They have taken almost 45+ days to reply back to me

Searching for My Former 1999 Black Esprit

2010-07-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

Couple of years back I sold my black/tan 1999 and am interested in tracking it down. Last known area was Ashville, NC. Easy to spot as it now has center exit exhaust, updated round tailights (not my doing), newer mesh style 2002+ wheels, limited slip, may even have the 5-point harnesses I installed, the dash face plate is carbon fibre, the intake manifold and valve covers are powdercoated red, and the shift knob is combo black leather and aluminum with Lotus logo atop.

I too, sold my V8 to a guy in NC. I appreciate the "not my doing" part, as the Esprit was always meant to wear the rectangular lights. It was silly of Lotus to Elise-itize it. Switching tail light styles was more necessary than silly. It had more to do with lack of continued availability of the old Toyota-sourced, rectangular lights. No other off-the shelf light assemblies would have exactly filled the space that was originally sculpted around the Toyota lights, so some change was inevitable. Using the Elise lights along with a fiberglass filler panel allowed Lotus to bring the taillight source in-house and avoid putting themselves at the goodwill of outside source again. It also allowed them to update the aging Esprit design...

1) with a minimal, in-house tooling investment in a model that was at the end of it's production life and could never amortize a large tooling cost reasonably, and...

2) and blending in elements of the then-current, modern corporate style/ identity.

The only incandescent lights on my Evora are the license plate and the interior dome light. It's all LED/HID.I will come to accept technology one day. You could change those out to LED too. Or maybe, to those spiral CFLs.

Reality check rear universal joint

2010-07-25T04:48:00.000-07:00

I have a clunk when I change gear and release clutch that I did not have before. Seems to be from the rear of the jeep. I put jeep up on jacks and when I turn the rear tire back and forth I hear clunk at rear of back driveshaft, and I can see driveshaft jumping around when I turn wheel back and forth. Am I missing anything?

Well the u joint is either shot or unbolted... unless there is so sort of damage to the shaft itself... Sold my A1 to a fellow while on leave might build me. Bolts front and rear are tight. Verify the 4WD shift lever is completely back. If u-bolts and joints are in good condition, no bent drive line, then check the differential. I'd disconnect the drive line, turn the wheels and listen and feel for anomaly's.

I had that sound and it was the rear a frame bushing. With engine not running, put it in gear, set park brake and push back and forth on jeep and see if that duplicates the sound.Sounds a whole lot like a U-Joint or loose bolts in the U-Joint to me. Can you shake or twist the driveshaft and see or hear anything in the U-Joint?

However, I had a sound like that and I had new U-joints on the drive shaft and the axle shafts and all the bolts were tight. I finally discovered the bolts holding the differential didn't have enough treads on them and even tho they felt tight, the rear-end was actually moving up and down a little bit when I shifted. 3 new bolts with full threads fixed that. this is for the one that is having the problem with the rear drive shaft. Did the universals been changed lately and is it possible that some of the needle bearings fell out in assembly. If so that would do it also.

Nope.. though this was a nos drive shaft and universal 6 years ago. Jeep doesn't go off road except hally once a year. Driveshaft is straight and bolts are tight and no clunk for 6 years. Anything I need to know to replace old one? I have nos universal spare Hard to install? TM9 is not clear how to remove snap rings and seals. Do I need to remove bearing race from yoke?

MY GTX BACK FROM ACCIDENTAL REPAIRS

2010-07-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

As posted earlier, my car had suffered an accident nearly 1 month ago om my way back from Coimbatore to Tirupur. After painting and denting work i had taken possession of my car as without the car i was having a problem commuting. On the 18th i had the final work done like polishing and waxing etc. Now the car is chic, even though the interior does not do justice as it is in a mess. Need to have it done by next week. The Total cost involved is as below :

PARTS :

1) CROSS RAIL : Rs. 3400.00
2) RADIATOR LOWER PANEL : Rs. 1450.00
3) RADIATOR CENTRE PANEL : Rs. 2450.00
4) HEAD LIGHT PANEL : Rs. 6250.00
5) FRONT BUMPER : Rs. 3450.00
6) HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY LH : Rs. 3498.00
7) FOG LIGHT BEZEL : Rs. 550.00 ( PAIR )
8) FENDER LINING LH : Rs. 1450.00
---------
TOTAL : Rs. 22498.00
=========

LABOUR :

1) TINKERING AND PAINTING INCL LEFT FENDER, BONNET, LEFT FRONT AND BACK DOOR, MINOR OTHER BODY WORK INCL ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY OF ALL DAMAGED PARTS. : Rs. 15000.00

2) AC GAS FILLING AND CONDENSER CHECKING : Rs. 2500.00

3) WAXING, POLISHING ETC : Rs. 1800.00
----------------
TOTAL : Rs. 19300.00
================

After a month when i have taken possesion of the car there is a small problem with the car. During the drive the engine suddenly revs up and you find the rpm going to 2000 and coming down and then going up again. In this instance, i have to shut the engine and then crank it again. Any idea why this problem is occuring. Would like our experts to help me out sort the problem.

Good to hear that your car is ready. I'm not sure of the rev issues that you are facing, maybe others here will be able to help you on that. Eager to meet you all during this weekend PUG-Meet. Am eagerly waiting to meet all CBE PUGGERS on 25th. It is our pleasure. Try to complete all the pending works as soon as possible. Keep in touch. Happy driving.

Correct Output of Voltage at Battery Terminal

2010-07-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

Is your car a Diesel or Petrol as in Diesel a higher crank is required.

I replaced my AMRON Battery with AMRON only, and after installation of new battery the AMRON person chked with voltmeter the output was 13.3, so is it OK or else because he told me very sheepishly the voltage should be 14.2 ater the first crank, so still i m suspiciuos abt the actuals.

Check the alternator, if the charging does not happen while running, even the most toughest of batteries will conk off.

You should have the battery checked on a Voltmeter/hand held analyzer available with authorised battery dealers. The Amaron guy in this case should have it. If the battery cells are showing up week, which I think is the case here (even one cell with adversely affect the cranking ability), you should replace the battery. Another way of doing it is to try putting another battery and then see if the motor cranks up effortlessly. At most you could have the electricals checked with a Fiat dealer but I dont think that is a problem.

I need suugestion to remove my confusion regarding my Palio 1.2 Battery. My Battery (AMRON 44 DIN) is 35 Monts Old and was doing good untill day before yesterday morning. All of sudden I could not start my car, but all signals on techometer i.e. Battey Signal, Oil Signal, injector signals are visible, but i could not able to start my car not even a single cranck. I called up the Amron Guy he told me to check with your mechanic may be car is having some loose connection or taking some charge to drain the battery. so i went uptold me to

car electrician he told me not to worry your battery is dead so change the battery, he just took on battery for full charge on my request and car start yesterday i run around 10 Kms after Charging ut again today morning it refuse to start, then again i speak to AMRON guy he told me if battery has a problem your car would not start after running of few kilometers, so the problem with car electricals. So i m confused between these two experts, one is telling me your car electricals are perfect and the culprit is battery and battery guys is telling me car electricals is the problem. Mine is 1.2 Petrol

Pl start the engine & check charging Voltage it should be 14.1 to 14.4DC &On all eletricals on, AC, Headlights AC Blower it shouldbe not lower than 13.8 V DC at battery terminals If it is showing low the alternator is faulty , If is showing correct then The battery is at problem Suneel Gore

If battery is at fault it is easy job , Just change it if it is More than 3/ 3.5 yrs Old as it is failing to re-charge But if lternator is problemit is bit complex issue as repairs are costly To replace original alternator would be around 10000/= I would suggest Chek for alternator make , It would be mostly Bosch Alternator Check for MICO/BOSCH Service dealer in your area , He would chek it free of cost If Rotor, Commutator & Field coil are ok (Mostly it would be Ok) The Rectifier plate is generally the problem , It is available in market, The original sealed one , & Replacement local product The original is always worth

Apology for my ignorance, are these parts of the alternator assembly (Rotor,Commutator,Field coil & Rectifier plate)or other than alternator. so can i procure separately or i have to procure or purchase the alternator i.e. around 10K as Suneel suggested, and one more confusion is this 10K is total cost for all parts ??

I think its available seperately. In my case, the rectifier was bust, so had to get the rectifier plate. Total cost came upto 5k or so.

Two Questions Posed During 2010 Crosley Auto Club National Meet

2010-07-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

It is my understanding from reading the posts during and after the 2010 Crosley Automobile Club National Meet that everyone had a great time.Unfortunately I was unable to see Dave Anspach again, but Dave, I am looking forward to seeing you in Hershey, Pennsylvania in October.

Also, I wanted to meet two gentlemen, the two B.S.ers, who I have spoken with on several occasions, Messers Seel and Smedley.

Barry Smedley, thanks for your genuine offer of hospitality on the floor or in the extra bed in your room. Barry Seel, I am meeting the gentleman in Ligonier, PA at 10:00AM on Tuesday, 20 July to see and drive my recent acquisition for the first time. To both of you, words cannot adequately describe my gratitude!

Now that I know the featured Crosley vehicles at the 2011 National Meet will be the "VC Class," rather than ship the car to California in July or August 2010, I am looking for QUALITY INDOOR STORAGE somewhere in Ohio so I am able to display and drive my "VC" in July 2011. Following are the two questions I posed during the 2010 CAC, which no one answered on the forum, as most active CAC members were at Wauseon:

1. On the 1952 Crosley Pickups, was the spinner inside the front grill OEM?

2. Did Crosley ever supply either an aftermarket or OEM hitch setup for a 1952 Crosley Pickup? Has anyone designed a hitch set-up, and if so, please contact me OFF FORUM at my email address or telephone number.

I have been in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA arriving Wednesday, 14 July. I am here for the annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, which is the only venue in the USA with all out open street racing for vintage race cars. This year the qualifying is Saturday, 24 July, with the finals run on Sunday, 25 July.

I am displaying my Juan Peron Sponsored 1954 Pan Americana Road Race Ford, which was entered in the final Pan Americana Road Race (AKA Mexican Road Race) in 1954. This world famous event was held from 1950-1954. It was canceled after the 1954 race due to several driver deaths and many, many spectator deaths, just as the famous Italian Targo Florio was canceled for the same reasons.

I would enjoy meeting Crosley friends from the greater Pittsburgh area, i.e. Glenshaw, on Monday, 19 July 2010 from 3-9 at the corner of Walnut Street. & Aiken Avenue in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh, PA. The Juan Peron sponsored 1954 Pan American Road Race car will the featured vehicle!

The little "Beanie & Cecil" prop was dealer installed to upgrade the trucks along with the Crosley factory addition of the rollup winders. The spinner also was used to make the 1951 vehicles look like the 1952 ones when the dealer switched the serial number plates making the remainder of the cars all new again! The best hitch I have seen is on the famous "Crosley-Davidson" built by another talented Barry, Barry Dennis. http://www.angelfire.com/mi/MIRG/crosley.html

I hope this is right.......i have found out that anything goes pretty much on a Crosley making them even more of a people car and that makes us love them all the more.

The information I have is all commercial vehicles (pickup, and sedan delivery) had no prop, or fender ornaments. roll up windows were standard on pickup trucks. Only the 1951 standard coupe, and station wagon had slider windows. No hitch was available.

Best Racing Clutch?

2010-07-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

Got my Lotus 41 out of mothballs and drove it for the first time in >forty-three years at the GGLC trackday this past Tuesday. The clutch >was misbehaving making horrible chattering noises and only partially >disengaging.

After that length of storage you may just have surface rust on the splines of the gearbox input shaft. The friction plate needs to be able to move smoothly along this to disengage cleanly. Similarly if it has a sprung centre then this may have siezed, the chattering could be loose centre springs.

The car was stored in a very low humidity environment, there wasn't any rust on the brake rotors so I doubt that is an issue. Other members of my family have complained about how it did not actuate very well and now I got to experience it firsthand. It's going to be replaced with a better solution. Pretty sure it did not need the dual plates with amount of torque this engine puts out. Here's what the plates look like. The clutch unit is an older now obsolete style. http://www.tiltonracing.com/content.php?page=list2&id=403&m=d-Keith

I'm also looking for a Standard rear axle for a Series 2 Seven. What is the difference between the wagon and sedan axles? Did I not read that Sevens built in some time frame used Austin/Nash Metropolitan rear axles? If so, were these modified to the 3.75" PCD?

Testing the gas guage sending unit ?

2010-07-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well I figured out how to test it and it works but some cleaning revealed the brass float is badly cracked. Throw it away and buy a new unit or some sort of float substitute ?

Service motors has new ones. Cork will work well for many a year. I have used them in antique outboard motor carbs. I thin out some Permitex #3 sealer with a little acetone and paint a replica so they don't absorb fuel, let them dry and install em. But, it's less hassle to let Butch or them Damn Yankees send you one that ends all the grief and it's fool proof. Ceptin for me. Greif sometimes finds me hiding in a dark cellar......

instead of throwing it away if the electrical checks out, why not make sure the float is empty, then solder the crack closed? I would heat the float in a low heat oven to drive out excess air before I used a soldering iron (nota flame) to do the soldering. good luck.

Lambda Sensor - Definition and functioning

2010-07-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

The statement:

Lambda sensor (also called as oxygen sensor) helps in fuel+air mixture and not the 'oxygen content in the exhaust gasses' ! :) - Is incorrect.

The correct statement should be:

Lambda sensor (also called as oxygen sensor) helps in fuel+air mixture by measuring the 'oxygen content in the exhaust gasses' ! :)

Here is the an explanation for the above confusion - Automotive oxygen sensors, colloquially known as O2 sensors, make modern electronic fuel injection and emission control possible. They help determine, in real time, if the air fuel ratio of a combustion engine is rich or lean. Since oxygen sensors are located in the exhaust stream, they do not directly measure the air or the fuel entering the engine. But when information from oxygen sensors is coupled with information from other sources, it can be used to indirectly determine the air-to-fuel ratio.

Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_sensor

Thus, the definition of a Lambda sensor - Sensor fitted to exhaust systems to measure the oxygen content of exhaust gases. Is correct.

Below is the portion of one of the very earlier posts by our won Dr.Sunil Pullockaran addressing the FE issues on Palios. Please read through and im sure this will be the best read allowing you to understand what dictates FE and how you ensure you get reasonable figures out of your car. by the way, Lambda sensor (also called as oxygen sensor) helps in fuel+air mixture and not the 'oxygen content in the exhaust gasses' ! :)

Sincere apologies on a slight wiring error. In my previous post I had mentioned the heater of the Oxygen sensor to be colourd white but actually the correct wiring is Lead 1 and 2 coloured black(+) and grey(-) are the sensor leads and the 3 and 4th leads coloured white are the heater leads for the oxygen sensor. One more precaution is never to use the resistance check on the sensor and always use the DC voltage reading check. Last night I wrote the post late at night nad hence the error so please forgive me. I went and checked the same today morning and my sensor occasionally shows a reading of 1.2 volt which is a little above normal and also reset the ECU. Bye and wear your seatbelts.

In the daily digest I read a few members claiming that they managed a fuel effeciency of just 6 to 9 km perlitre which is near impossible if you go through a few tips I am about to give which has been given before in past posts but for the benefit of new members I will go through the same once again. Remember I am an orthodontist by profession so you can just ignore suggestions coming from someone in the medical field but these tips work wonders on my GTX which gives 9.8km/litre in the city and about 12.4 to 13 on the highway and I never switch off the AC.

1) The next time you go to the service centre make sure your suspension components are in top condition and by that I mean all rubber bushings of the front and especially the rear suspension. Replace any bush even slightly out of conformity which can be assessed by any trained mechanic working at the authorized service centre.

2)Using the tape and or rope method which I have described in detail in previous posts make sure the toe-in of your front tyres are +0.5 mm and yes I did mention in millimeters and not degrees. I am absolutely convinced the computerised wheel alignment offered in our service centres are just not perfect enough in the hands of our less than well trained wheel alignment mechanics.

3)Get a digital multimeter of atleast Rs 300 or more and do not ever use the analogue meters as they will ruin the component I am asking you to check which costs about Rs2000. Bring your car to optimum running temperature and switch off the engine and disconnect the battery cables I repeat again disconnect the battery cables.This battery disconnection is to prevent the possible frying of your ECU similar to the frying of your motherboard and or CPU and memory modules when you attempt to remove a PCI card without switching of the computer power completely. I have fried my computer on two occations in my early days at assembling computers. Remove the four pin connector of the Oxygen sensor/Lambda sensor which resembles a spark plug sitting at the exit of the exhaust gases from the engine to the exhaust manifold. Of the four leads two will be of the same colour in my cars case two are grey which are for the quick heating of the sensor using a heater element. The other two in my GTX the important ones are coloured black and white and they are huddled together at the other corner of the four pin connector which are the pins that output 0.4 to 0.8 volt at idling. Using your multimeter leads practise a few times to touch the black and white leads of the sensor without shorting them as shorting them when they are out putting voltage will ruin their sensitivity. Remember all this with your battery disconnected and the engine off need I say. Once you get the hang of it reconnect your battery terminals which by now would have drained all learned paremeters in other words you would have reset your ECU.

Next start your car with the disconnected Oxygen sensor. Check that your car is at optimum running temperature and then using your digital multimeter not analogue meter check the voltage output from the black

and white leads. They should read 0.6 -to 0.8 volts and should keep varying at a furious rate between these extremes and if they vary by a wider margin like 0.4 to 0.9 volts all the better the important thing being this should be varying at a furious pace like two to three different readings a second and they should read atleast 0.8 volts occassionaly when your friend/wife blips the throttle. Through all this make sure your hands are steady as shorting the leads will ruin your oxygen sensor but not the ECU as the sensor you have already disconnected. Like spark plugs and oil dampers the Lamda sensor weaken over time and need replacement every 30000km or more but much sooner if there are contaminants in the fuel like silicon or radiator fluid from a failed head gasket. I am hands on type of guy so for those who are vary of ruining your sensor go to the authorized service centre and hook up the FIAT computer and check your Oxygen sensor. More often than not all guys who have poor fuel effeciency have a defective/weak Oxygen sensor.

I am very happy with the 9.8km/litre I get in my GTX in cochin with AC in the city and if you guys do not get 11 in the NV then go through these three points and one of them will be the culprit. Bye and do wear your seatbelts. Before I forget Sania has made our nation proud hats of to her and especially her parents for allowing her to train even though from a conservative Muslim family in Hyderabad. Do you guys know about the story about the NIZAM of Hyderabad wanting to accede to Pakistan during the time of partition. If not for Krishna Menon Hyderbad in Andhra would have been part of Pakistan and so would Sania Mirza.

I think that is precisely what Chandan has actually tried to convey in his post, but maybe not in so many words. But admittedly the meaning came out loud and clear. Terming it as incorrect might be a bit too harsh, dont you think? No harshness, intended towards anybody. Smile.

What made you think that my email was addressed to Chandan. It was not. Again, sorry for any ruffled feathers. Feathers? I dont see any feathers in this group. Body hair and animal fur maybe. But definitely not feathers. No birds here.

If we were chickens, we would be going around in anything else but a Fiat, wouldn't we?

I know for a fact that Arindam loves birds, i.e, the edible ones. So I guess that is where it's coming from. Though I would rather that his preferred expression would be "Tipping the Scales" Arindam- please correct me if I am wrong :)

need help with a swapped engine

2010-07-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

hello, everyone i really need help with my 1979 Quadra Van I swap the engine from a 1985 cube van 350 to the 1979 it fit but the it wont turn and also cracked the transmission housing so i am getting another rebuilt tranny to replace it. the rebuil tranny is from a 1977 4x4 truck i dont know if that would fit .does anyone has any idea how to do this change and the engine that i swap the oil filter is hitting the chassis, do i have to change the fly wheel or the converter.

Does the newer motor have the same oil filter adapter that was on the old motor? The one our 460 pathfinder Quadravan uses puts the oil filter out at a 45 degree angle.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10384420@N03/3666058787/sizes/l/in/set-72157604698701780/

As for the flexplate/flywheel.. I can't answer that. We just rebuilt the motor and trans that came with our rig when we got it..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10384420@N03/3666058787/sizes/l/in/set-72157604698701780/

wow that an beautiful engine looks my newer engine but i am having difficulty with oil filer but it looks just like yours i cant get get the old adapter from the ols engine off it seen to be seal really well i dont know if there is much difference from the chassis

BTW,,, I use those oil filter adapters on my small block conversions, there are two versions of those, one more also, with fittings to an oil cooler in front of the radiator. According to Ford??? the gasket/oring that seals to the block is not available, however with some work, I was able to locate the correct O ring to replace it when you take it off. It is usually margin able for a re seal again. These are the people I found, that already knew about it and had the correct o ring.

vic/ca

http://sealing.localplacement.com/

Electric Car Sets New Record for Pikes Peak Hill Climb

2010-07-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Electric Car Sets New Record for Pikes Peak Hill Climb - An electric vehicle driving on Yokohama tires and powered by a new AC Propulsion motor broke the record for electric vehicles in the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs, Colorado over the July 1st weekend.

Toyota's Prius Ranked Top-Selling Car in Japan - Holding the position for the 14th time in row, Toyota's Prius has been ranked the Japan's top-selling car for the month of June. The auto major sold 31,876 of the
gas-electric cars, last month. This figure has surpassed the sale of Honda's fuel-efficient Fit.

This Week's Electric and Hybrid Top Stories and Video of the EV's Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Click Here
<http://electricandhybridcars.com/index.php/pages/electriccarnews.html>

different for petrol and diesel engines

2010-07-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Selenia oils are different for petrol and diesel engines !!!! So please check what has been put into your car, before you damage the engine. I got the info from Concorde motors cochin that they are using different oils for Petrol and Diesel engines. But, I asked the service manager at Kulathunkal and to my shock he is saying that they are using the same oil for both engines! Tomorrow I am going to Kulathunkal to see what can be done, I'll demand that I need a flush and the correct engine oil to be filled.

I went to Kulathunkal Motors today morning. First thing was I asked the service adviser to show me the can of engine oil they have used in my car. It turned out that they have one and ONLY ONE Selenia engine oil type coming - that is the WR 5W-40. As per Selenia, this is the recommended oil for diesel engines and not petrol engines. I meet the works manager and some other service engineers and they are tried to convince me that the oil is indeed good for petrol engines too. I told them that I have confirmed with Selenia that this is only for diesel engines. They finally agree and accept the mistake.

The works manager tried to order "Selenia K" oil for petrol engine but it is not found in their system. However, he told me that it is indeed mentioned in the circular they received from Fiat. So by Monday I will get it in writing that they will replace the oil in my car, and by next week, they agree to change the oil to the correct one. I am thinking whether I should ever go back to Kulathunkal or not.

The Petronas Selenia Oil that is recommended for Petrol Cars is Selenia K 5W-40 and the brief details behind the oil can says Synthetic Lubricant ideal for the most modern Petrol Engines. Owing to its unique formula, it warrants high resistance to ixidation, the utmost protection in "Stop & Go" driving & outstanding performance whatever the weather.

SAE 5W-40
ACEA A3/B3
API SM
MB 229.3
VW 502.00/505.00
FIAT 9.55535-M2 C.T.R No.F214.105

1 litre can (color is Red sticker in front on K 5W-40) costs Rs.610/- So the service advisor who told K 5W-40 was right.

I have used this oil during my long trip and it is good. But now I have moved over back to normal mineral oil as I have seen this synthetic oils condition after 15000 km interval & it was jet black & mucky and I decided to stay with Mineral Oil & keep the oil change interval at every 7000 km.

This is available in Coimbatore. Do let me know if you want this I can procure it for you and send it across to you.

Please remove the existing oil ASAP so that it should not damage your engine. I pity the so many other car owners who dont know what cocktail is going into their engine. It is only some one who takes interest & knows what is churning inside the engine takes care of the car. Good thing you spotted this in time. The viscosity of this Synthetic oil looks too thin for me. For our kind of temperature & dusty atmosphere and high speed engines this thin layer of oil circulating is something i wonder is it correct.Yes Selenia K 5W-40 is the recommended oil for Fiat petrol engines as you mentioned.So many petrol Punto and Palio owners are unknowingly using WR5W-40 in their cars since these guys fill that oil without looking at whether it is a petrol engine or diesel engine. I guess all Punto 1.2 or 1.4 owners will be affected like this, if they get their cars serviced in Kulathunkal.

I confirmed with Concorde in Cochin that they are using two different Selenia oils for Petrol and Diesel engines. Hope they are using the recommended ones.

Sorry I could not meet you last time when you were in Tvm, got tied up with work, but I was aware of your visit as I got an SMS from Gemi.

As of now, Kulathunkal agreed to fill the right Selenia oil in my car by next week, let us see how things turn out. I shall contact you if I require it from Coimbatore.

Mutt Under Water

2010-07-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

I will look through my stuff and try to find the DVD. It is a 30 minute long professionally done DVD of 23rd Military Police Co. operations in Vietnam 1967-72, produced by a veteran of the 23rd MP company. It is a compilation of 8mm movies, and many scans of 35mm photos, set to period music and with a voice over narration. There are several movies of M151 gun jeeps on convoy, loading and unloading from an LST or LCT, besides the water crossing at the defile. Cadillac-Gage V-100 Commando armored scout vehicles are also featured. I will ask him if I can post some of it on u-tube or maybe I can just pull out the water crossing section and post it here somehow. We just gave a copy to the curator of the Museum at the US Army Military Police School at Ft Leonard Wood MO to place in their collection. Let me try to find my copy in my own archives.

I saw the real thing in 1968. Near the south end of ChuLai base a small river, large creek, that was swollen by monsoon rains emptys out into the DungQuat Bay of the South China Sea. While patroling along the beach in one of our M-151ai's we came upon the creek as we drove south and found some GIs on the opposite bank who were deciding whether to attempt a ford of the creek/river. We told them no but they decided to try it any way and drove straight into water that was about 8 feet deep and submerged the whole jeep. They popped out of the jeep, swam to the beach eventually after being washed out. The wind up of the whole thing was extracting the M-151ai with a deuce and a half and a winch by a very pissed off motor pool SGT. It was something to see at the time and a lesson learned for all concerned.

Later that year we had to ford a small river in a field expedient defile around a blown out bridge after a convoy ambush on QL1 south of TamKy City. Our CO, CPT Sunderland, was at the scene with us and took some good 8mm movies of M151a1's in action. I have a copy of that on a DVD. The drivers pulled out the hand throttles, sat up on the back of the seats and drove those gun jeeps right across with a big splash and a lot of muddy water being thrown around. Once again I have to say that our mission weary, but always mission ready, M151s did whatever we asked of them, never let us down and brought all but 10 of us 23rd MPs home every day. They just could not cope with those command detonated, buried 105mm rounds now known as IEDs.

MYCAR

M151 dilemma

Roof racks and brush guards for Ford Van

engine identification

As soon as possible register your car for the Crosleys

Petra D, how about you ?

Solenoid swith and a lesson

assume the Lotus position

'77 Pathfinder Ford Quadravan - CHEAP -

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NEED AN INDEPENDANT VALUE JUDGEMENT

how to Build 3WD

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Mazda to stop making rotary-engine vehicles

1948 Crosley Pick Up Truck For Sale - $900

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Worm-Wants-Wauseon-Again!

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Rear brake drum

How often do we need to get the emission testing?

S10 Factory Fitted Nippon Audio

Microcar Reunion

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Late 80's van - Pathfinder vs Advanced 4x4 vs ??

Accident and repair experience at Concorde, Hosur Road

I've slipped my collar and snuck out of the cage!

Rhubarb the Red Nosed Crosle

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plug-in socket just below the oil filter

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Clive Chapman supporting Group Lotus

anyone interested in my vans?

New Palio Style Sport 1.6 My dream come true car delivered

Inboard Boat parts Wanted =AeroJet/Fagole

Group Lotus Buys Into Renault F1 Team - Cars to be Black/Gold

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Tip O' the hat +

Cleaning the inside of the motor ??

Autocop for MJD?

new M100 owner

1989 Dodge Ram Van - As start for 4x4 conversion?

New Lotus Elan Manual available

Lotus Press release

FIAT Linea Dynamic Petrol 1.4

I want upgrade better tires

How to put tranny top on ??

A/C GET ON WITHIOUT SWITCHING IT

Cooper Tyres put to test--Baptism by fire

Identifying all my crankcases?

Fiat Official Reply - Dhamaka Offer

I need help on a CD convertible

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Crosley Collection For Sale - MO - $650

Hagley car show

Palio Stile 1.6 Starting Problem

Wipers not coming back to their resting place - My exp

DeLaSalle Charter High School Builds 300MPG Electric Car

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SUPERSPORTS TOPS NOW AVAILABLE

Finally.....Finally and Finally my search is over

Body parts

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crosley military engine

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Super Sport frame

HI recently booked a palio sdx (delivery date issue)

For Sale: Fiberglass Special - $3000 or BO - VT

Spare Tire Bracket

Sell old car to buy a new one