Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Lazydocker on 18 August 2010, 21:32:53

Title: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 18 August 2010, 21:32:53
Right guys and gals, in preparation for the drive down to the South of Italy for our holiday I'll be changing the Front disks and pads (as I'm not convinced they'll last 3000 miles) and doing a full service including plugs.

So, as I'm ordering stuff, is there anything (other than a crank sensor which I already have) that I should think about taking?

Currently I'm thinking:

5L Antifreeze
5L Oil
Spare Crank Sensor
Screen Wash
General Tool kit (but small)

I'm not interested in the other stuff required for Europe... I know all that and have it already :y

Any other suggestions?
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: CaptainZok on 18 August 2010, 21:52:10
HBV maybe?
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: hotel21 on 18 August 2010, 21:53:20
Whats that sticking-to-itself-tape stuff called again....

Self amalgamating or similar??  Handy if a hose splits andcould get you to the next Aire or services...   ;)

Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Steve Brookman on 18 August 2010, 21:54:21
Definately a HBV.
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 18 August 2010, 22:12:51
Quote
HBV maybe?

Yeah... Replaced mine about 2 years ago so was thinking I might get one... Perhaps a known good one from a breaker :-/
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 18 August 2010, 22:13:30
Quote
Whats that sticking-to-itself-tape stuff called again....

Self amalgamating or similar??  Handy if a hose splits andcould get you to the next Aire or services...   ;)


Normally got a roll of Duck Tape in the boot for "Just in case" :y
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Steve 1564 on 18 August 2010, 22:19:07
.... Spare Belt idler ?

 Oh and a belt & 15mm spanner

Maybe a tin of overpriced boiled sweets for the glovebox  :y

Where you staying ? took my tribe over last year, rented a villa near Genzano, (40k south of Rome).. had a great time, Hide all your valuables if you go to Naples (pompei) & dont drive in Rome center - got £400 charges 6months later for some sort of congestion charge thing :o  (or borrow a disabled badge).

Have Fun...
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 18 August 2010, 22:26:16
Quote
.... Spare Belt idler ?

 Oh and a belt & 15mm spanner

Maybe a tin of overpriced boiled sweets for the glovebox  :y

Stripped and re-greased the idler 5k ago when I did the Cam Belt and fitted a new belt :y

General maintenance items excluded as anyone who knows me/my car knows that I keep it up together ;)

That said, I must service the hand brake before we go... It was an advisory at the MOT in March  :-[ :-X ::)
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: albitz on 18 August 2010, 22:29:06
1. Plusgas - if it should move but doesnt this will fix it,
2. Duck tape - if it shouldnt move but does, this will fix it.  :y :D ;D
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Kevin Wood on 18 August 2010, 22:30:22
Quote
Quote
HBV maybe?

Yeah... Replaced mine about 2 years ago so was thinking I might get one... Perhaps a known good one from a breaker :-/

Could always just take a heater hose "Y" piece so it can be bodged if required.

Kevin
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 18 August 2010, 22:30:25
Quote
1. Plusgas - if it should move but doesnt this will fix it,
2. Duck tape - if it shouldnt move but does, this will fix it.  :y :D ;D

Check and check :y :y
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: CaptainZok on 18 August 2010, 22:32:33
Quote
1. Plusgas - if it should move but doesnt this will fix it,
2. Duck tape - if it shouldnt move but does, this will fix it.  :y :D ;D

Are you not confusing it with the old fitters idea of walking round with a hammer and an oil can?

If it moves oil it.
If it doesn't move, hit it till it does then oil it.
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 18 August 2010, 22:32:35
Quote
Quote
Quote
HBV maybe?

Yeah... Replaced mine about 2 years ago so was thinking I might get one... Perhaps a known good one from a breaker :-/

Could always just take a heater hose "Y" piece so it can be bodged if required.

Kevin

That's a good idea... Not that I'm too tight to buy a new HBV "Just in case" but it seems pointless when I know the age of the one currently fitted... Mind you, the European Breakdown guys will probably have a Y piece
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Steve 1564 on 18 August 2010, 22:33:56
Euro Gas adaptor....
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: albitz on 18 August 2010, 22:36:07
Quote
Quote
1. Plusgas - if it should move but doesnt this will fix it,
2. Duck tape - if it shouldnt move but does, this will fix it.  :y :D ;D

Are you not confusing it with the old fitters idea of walking round with a hammer and an oil can?

If it moves oil it.
If it doesn't move, hit it till it does then oil it.
Obviously two variations on a very similar engineering theme Cap,n. Makes you sentimental for the old days of great British engineering doesnt it.? :y :D ;D
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: CaptainZok on 18 August 2010, 22:40:58
Quote
Quote
Quote
1. Plusgas - if it should move but doesnt this will fix it,
2. Duck tape - if it shouldnt move but does, this will fix it.  :y :D ;D

Are you not confusing it with the old fitters idea of walking round with a hammer and an oil can?

If it moves oil it.
If it doesn't move, hit it till it does then oil it.
Obviously two variations on a very similar engineering theme Cap,n. Makes you sentimental for the old days of great British engineering doesnt it.? :y :D ;D
Indeed, we were the workshop of the world once.
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Steve 1564 on 18 August 2010, 22:46:07
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
1. Plusgas - if it should move but doesnt this will fix it,
2. Duck tape - if it shouldnt move but does, this will fix it.  :y :D ;D

Are you not confusing it with the old fitters idea of walking round with a hammer and an oil can?

If it moves oil it.
If it doesn't move, hit it till it does then oil it.
Obviously two variations on a very similar engineering theme Cap,n. Makes you sentimental for the old days of great British engineering doesnt it.? :y :D ;D
Indeed, we were the workshop of the world once.
.....Now we're just the swarf bin !
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Varche on 19 August 2010, 10:39:14
Why so much oil and antifreeze.? That is a lot of extra weight. Maybe just take 1 litre of oil.

Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 19 August 2010, 11:31:42
Quote
Why so much oil and antifreeze.? That is a lot of extra weight. Maybe just take 1 litre of oil.


I'll probably just take what's left in a part can of oil (about 2L I think) as I've never had to top up the oil between changes yet in the 50+k I've had the car for! I'll take 5L of anti freeze though just in case the worst happens and it spits it all out ::)
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 19 August 2010, 11:35:19
Quote
Euro Gas adaptor....
I wondered if anyone would think of that! Already got both types living in the boot, plus a pair of pliers for when they get stuck :y
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: donut82 on 19 August 2010, 17:04:11
I know you put you know everything else needed in Europe but have you checked your tyre tread? I didn't realise until we went to the south of France last year that the European legal tread depth is double the UK one, which seems dumb when its us who get all the frost and snow all the time  :D
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: andyc on 19 August 2010, 17:54:01
To be honest you'll be able to get most things from the Local Opel Dealer if yiu get stuck.

If you need to and can contact me then i can look the stuff up and give you the Opel Part Number which might make it easier to order/buy

Andy 
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Shackeng on 19 August 2010, 19:00:23
I always take a limited toolkit.
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Bent valve on 19 August 2010, 19:06:20
 Cable ties, radweld, insulation tape and a hammer and screwdriver :y
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 19 August 2010, 20:18:05
Quote
To be honest you'll be able to get most things from the Local Opel Dealer if yiu get stuck.

If you need to and can contact me then i can look the stuff up and give you the Opel Part Number which might make it easier to order/buy

Andy 

Cheers Andy. Hopefully it'll be fine. After I've got today's order from you on Monday I'll be doing a full service so should be fine.

TBH, if I had to get in the car now and drive 3000 miles I wouldn't think twice (although the oil's due a change ::)) so I'm not worrying too much ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 19 August 2010, 20:20:21
Quote
I know you put you know everything else needed in Europe but have you checked your tyre tread? I didn't realise until we went to the south of France last year that the European legal tread depth is double the UK one, which seems dumb when its us who get all the frost and snow all the time  :D

Good point... I was aware it was much higher than in the UK but didn't realise it was twice (i.e. 3.2mm)

Got recent tyres all round anyway :y

I wouldn't even set off on a 3k trip without a good 4-5mm of tread anyway :y
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Steve 1564 on 19 August 2010, 22:53:14
.... And if your driving in Italy a tin of filler   :D :D :D :D :o ;D

Have you completed the Italian modifications ?
1 Remove rear view mirror
2 Remove indicator bulbs
3 Fix drivers winow in open position
4 Plastic seat covers
5 Disconnect 1 brake circuit
6 Cover speedometer with Mulbrough packet
7 place rosery beads / nodding pope or statue of mary in rear window....


PS could you bring me back a pack of "Pope Top Trumps"  :y

PPS when driving in france just pull out from junctions, the oncomming driver will always surrender.... ;D
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Shackeng on 20 August 2010, 21:35:41
Quote
.... And if your driving in Italy a tin of filler   :D :D :D :D :o ;D

Have you completed the Italian modifications ?
1 Remove rear view mirror
2 Remove indicator bulbs
3 Fix drivers winow in open position
4 Plastic seat covers
5 Disconnect 1 brake circuit
6 Cover speedometer with Mulbrough packet
7 place rosery beads / nodding pope or statue of mary in rear window....


PS could you bring me back a pack of "Pope Top Trumps"  :y

PPS when driving in france just pull out from junctions, the oncomming driver will always surrender.... ;D

I seem to recall that in France a vehicle joining a carriageway from the right and turning right, has right of way!
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 20 August 2010, 21:38:23
Quote
I seem to recall that in France a vehicle joining a carriageway from the right and turning right, has right of way!

Not in most places now ;) ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 20 August 2010, 21:39:55
Quote
.... And if your driving in Italy a tin of filler   :D :D :D :D :o ;D

Have you completed the Italian modifications ?
1 Remove rear view mirror
2 Remove indicator bulbs
3 Fix drivers window in open position
4 Plastic seat covers
5 Disconnect 1 brake circuit
6 Cover speedometer with Mulbrough packet
7 place rosery beads / nodding pope or statue of mary in rear window....


PS could you bring me back a pack of "Pope Top Trumps"  :y

PPS when driving in france just pull out from junctions, the oncomming driver will always surrender.... ;D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Most of the Italian Driving will be on main roads/Autostrada anyway :y
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Shackeng on 20 August 2010, 22:09:17
Quote
Quote
I seem to recall that in France a vehicle joining a carriageway from the right and turning right, has right of way!

Not in most places now ;) ;)

Thank goodness for that. I think it only applied to two lane roads anyway. (Very hazy as haven't driven over for about 5 years)
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Steve 1564 on 20 August 2010, 23:29:54
[media]http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=9q6aLxxsoqU[/media][media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWNGLv8w74&NR=1[/media]
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 20 August 2010, 23:35:22
Quote
[media]http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=9q6aLxxsoqU[/media]

That's pretty funny actually... And from my memory of the last time I drove in Italy, very accurate ;D ;D
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Varche on 21 August 2010, 10:36:52
I liked the youtube clips a lot. Reminds me of the Spanish. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 26 August 2010, 22:07:07
Got all my bits on Monday and planned on full service and Front Disk and pad change today but the weather decided I wasn't doing it ::) ::)

Mind you... IIRCC I've got the wrong bulbs for the Climate Panel. Must call Andy ::) Not a major problem though... It's only the backlight for the passenger temp control buttons which has gone and I don't sit that side :-X ::)

Got 7 Free days before the off so should be OK :y

I suppose I'll be doing it come rain or shine on my next set of days off because I want time to put the brakes through some proper heat cycles before embarking on a 1400 mile journey ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 15 September 2010, 21:19:28
Thought I'd dig this thread up and check what I have and haven't done ::)

All serviced and new disks/pads bedded in, all fluids checked this evening before coming to work so we're ready!

Decided to just take 1L of 50/50 Antifreeze mix and we'll take a view on the oil... Everything else I felt useful is in it's normal places so I've just got to go home in the morning, get a few hours kip and load the car :y

Only thing I didn't get chance to do was service the handbrake  :-[ ::) Never mind, it holds well on the N/S ::)

Journey isn't too bad actually... 260ish miles tomorrow then 2 days of about 620 miles each... Glad I'm doing it in an Omega :y

See you all in a couple of weeks! :y
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Vamps on 15 September 2010, 21:25:46
Have you not gone yet?........ ::) ::) ::)

Safe trip, and enjoy, your post count should be OK for a couple of weeks... :y :y
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Lazydocker on 15 September 2010, 21:37:12
Quote
Have you not gone yet?........ ::) ::) ::)

Safe trip, and enjoy, your post count should be OK for a couple of weeks... :y :y

You'll miss me really!  :-* ;)

Of course my post count should be safe... I won't be online to get led astray by you :-X ::)
Title: Re: Preparing for the big road trip
Post by: Martin_1962 on 15 September 2010, 22:27:41
Have a good trip :y