31
- 17 June 2024, 08:56:39
- Welcome, Guest
News:
Welcome to OOF
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
32
General Car Chat / Omegas and cold weather
« on: 19 December 2009, 15:59:38 »
We live at the bottom of a hill and its iced up with sheet ice at the moment. The Miggy went up with absolutely no probs, straight past the Mercs and Lexus's that were stuck! However, went to inspect rear tyres and found they were bald 
today so £120 later and I have a nice new set.
today so £120 later and I have a nice new set.
33
General Car Chat / What's faster? MV6 auto or 2.5 Manual?
« on: 13 December 2009, 13:32:51 »
Someone I know has an MV6 auto saloon. It runs well and is the same year as mine (1999)its got a 3.0 auto. I've got a 2.5v6 estate with a manual box. Since I replaced the TPS and adjusted the throttle cable, its felt really quick. In fact, to me it feels quicker than his slush box. We were on a quiet section of the A45 and happen to pull alongside each other so we gunned it (legally of course) niether one of us could pull away from the other. In the end, I chickened out because I'm not a racer. I checked the performance stats and it reckons mine does 0-60 in 8.2 and the MV6 is 8.0. I think that mine would be quicker on the twisty bits too so I'm throwing down the question, what do we think is the quickest. (Excluding the police issue 3.2 manual)
34
General Car Chat / How long does a standard exhaust system last
« on: 01 December 2009, 01:10:11 »
I was working on my exhaust on my 1999 Estate. Its on its second engine and the odo reads 150k. Amazingly, the exhausts were in really good shape. They all have GM Vauxhall logos stamped on them, even the backbox! The only thing that's perished are the heatshields on the cat. Do you reckon someone has forked out megabucks and replaced with a standard Vauxhall system or that these could well be the original pipes? :-?
35
General Car Chat / Feelin' a little smug...
« on: 29 August 2009, 22:47:22 »
As some of you know, I've just fitted a replacement engine into my miggy. I had the chance to give it a full shakedown today with a 150 mile round trip to my dad's. The trip down the M1 was eventful, traffic stopping and starting but she did well. I then took the train into London and gave my dad the kids and my keys. He was dubious to say the least and I didn't think he'd take it but when I got back, he'd filled her up and said that he couldn't believe how nice it was. I then drove her back on cruise and she just ate the miles. It was the most comfy motorway journey I have had for a long time. As I entered Northampton, I saw the BMW garage where they are offering the 3 series for 'just' £395 a month. That's what I paid for the whole car! I've no doubt stuff will go wrong and I have a few small niggles to sort but at this stage I can only say, 'What a car!' Miggys must be the most underated and best kept secrets in the motoring world. 8-)
36
General Car Chat / Was it worth it?
« on: 21 August 2009, 21:53:27 »
My little Omega adventure started 1 month ago. I have an alloy wheel business buying and selling second hand alloys. I needed a large estate and had been looking for an Omega. I nearly bought a diesel auto with a faulty box but it sold before I had the chance. A car came up locally with an interesting history. It was a 1999 CDX Estate with leather and electric sunroof. It had been cherished until the engine siezed at 70mph on the motorway. The guy had loved the car and had bought a warranted 55k replacement engine. He had hired a mobile mechanic and on his driveway, they had removed the siezed engine and fitted a new cambelt kit to the new engine. They'd had some fun as they were following the markers on the belt and not on the pulleys and had done the proceedure twice. He'd also paid for new plugs, and filters. The engine that they had removed had just had a new EGR and DIS module fitted but they hadn't been swapped over. The mechanic had then split with his wife and moved away, leaving the car on the drive. It had sat there for 12 months waiting for work to continue and his wife had had enough.
I visited the house and met with the family and everything seemed ok. We got talking and the guy said that he would be interested in a swap for two sets of rims (One set was a one off). He delivered the car and both engines to my house and work began.
The first job was to switch over all the good parts from the old engine which, with it being out was alot easier until... I dropped a torx head into cylinder 1
However hard I tried, I couldn't get it with a magnetic pick up. Fortunately my next door neighbour works for Cosworth and borrowed an endoscope and we were able to remove the offending item. I checked the cambelt and it was fitted correctly, it just needed the tensioner readjusting. Whilst the engine was out, I inspected the rad which was ok and had a little look at the condensor which seemed to have something sticking out of it. I whipped it out to find a cigarette firmly wedged in the middle. When I removed it, all the fins around it promptly collapsed, so £120 saw a new one fitted in.
So, now it was time to fit. The gearbox was in place as were the cats. I have a 2 tonne hoist, so no probs lifting. However, would it go? Not a chance. My neighbour and I tried, my mate and I tried but it would not go, what ever way we tried. In the process, I managed to nick the front bumper
When everyone had gone home, I tried a different tack. I removed the gearbox and cats and the engine went straight in. I started offering up the plenums, cooling system. I had no instructions as to where the wiring went but it was suprisingly logical.
Next came the arduous task of refitting the gearbox. It was so heavy and I was on my back on a rough tarmac driveway. It took me a day of trying before I worked out a system of fulcrums using a long bar and some tyres. I was able to lever the gearbox sufficiently enough to get a trolley jack under and lever it into place.
So, everything connected and fluids done, I turned the key and... nothing. Earth checked, battery checked and found to be knackered. Take two, with new battery fitted and ... nothing. A few posts on here and some help from Theboy and a faulty starter motor was the problem. I managed to drop the hoist on my leg and take a huge chunk out whilst doing it. Also, I had coolant pouring out the rear of the block. New starter motor in and still no starting, so I checked the spark. It was there and there was fuel. I turned the key and let it turn over until finally, she started. She was leaking coolant everywhere but she was running. I got under the car to try and find the leak but no joy, just getting spattered in the face. I'd had enough and took her up to the local garage. They couldn't find it either and reckoned the gearbox would need to come out. Just then the mechanic said that there was a bolt missing from the coolant pipe. I could barely feel it but he managed to do it. This is the only part I haven't done myself. We did a cursory for the MOT and it needs two new tyres (bought today), a replacement brake pipe and rear pads (also bought today).
I've now just got the brakes to sort and she's booked for MOT Monday.I am worried about emissions and the possibility of a wheel bearing (Although they have been recently done). I cleaned her for the first time and stood back and admired my handywork. So was it worth it?
Well, I now have a car with a 55k engine, new cambelt, EGR, DIS waterpump and just serviced. It has a history, leather sunroof, built in phone, dualzone climate. If it passes its MOT, it'll stand me at just £300. What on earth could I buy for that money? I just hope it passes its MOT. I am really looking forward to driving it! Looking at it after I just cleaned it, I can definitely say it has been worth it. 8-)
I visited the house and met with the family and everything seemed ok. We got talking and the guy said that he would be interested in a swap for two sets of rims (One set was a one off). He delivered the car and both engines to my house and work began.
The first job was to switch over all the good parts from the old engine which, with it being out was alot easier until... I dropped a torx head into cylinder 1
However hard I tried, I couldn't get it with a magnetic pick up. Fortunately my next door neighbour works for Cosworth and borrowed an endoscope and we were able to remove the offending item. I checked the cambelt and it was fitted correctly, it just needed the tensioner readjusting. Whilst the engine was out, I inspected the rad which was ok and had a little look at the condensor which seemed to have something sticking out of it. I whipped it out to find a cigarette firmly wedged in the middle. When I removed it, all the fins around it promptly collapsed, so £120 saw a new one fitted in.So, now it was time to fit. The gearbox was in place as were the cats. I have a 2 tonne hoist, so no probs lifting. However, would it go? Not a chance. My neighbour and I tried, my mate and I tried but it would not go, what ever way we tried. In the process, I managed to nick the front bumper
When everyone had gone home, I tried a different tack. I removed the gearbox and cats and the engine went straight in. I started offering up the plenums, cooling system. I had no instructions as to where the wiring went but it was suprisingly logical.Next came the arduous task of refitting the gearbox. It was so heavy and I was on my back on a rough tarmac driveway. It took me a day of trying before I worked out a system of fulcrums using a long bar and some tyres. I was able to lever the gearbox sufficiently enough to get a trolley jack under and lever it into place.
So, everything connected and fluids done, I turned the key and... nothing. Earth checked, battery checked and found to be knackered. Take two, with new battery fitted and ... nothing. A few posts on here and some help from Theboy and a faulty starter motor was the problem. I managed to drop the hoist on my leg and take a huge chunk out whilst doing it. Also, I had coolant pouring out the rear of the block. New starter motor in and still no starting, so I checked the spark. It was there and there was fuel. I turned the key and let it turn over until finally, she started. She was leaking coolant everywhere but she was running. I got under the car to try and find the leak but no joy, just getting spattered in the face. I'd had enough and took her up to the local garage. They couldn't find it either and reckoned the gearbox would need to come out. Just then the mechanic said that there was a bolt missing from the coolant pipe. I could barely feel it but he managed to do it. This is the only part I haven't done myself. We did a cursory for the MOT and it needs two new tyres (bought today), a replacement brake pipe and rear pads (also bought today).
I've now just got the brakes to sort and she's booked for MOT Monday.I am worried about emissions and the possibility of a wheel bearing (Although they have been recently done). I cleaned her for the first time and stood back and admired my handywork. So was it worth it?
Well, I now have a car with a 55k engine, new cambelt, EGR, DIS waterpump and just serviced. It has a history, leather sunroof, built in phone, dualzone climate. If it passes its MOT, it'll stand me at just £300. What on earth could I buy for that money? I just hope it passes its MOT. I am really looking forward to driving it! Looking at it after I just cleaned it, I can definitely say it has been worth it. 8-)
37
General Car Chat / Free engine anyone?
« on: 23 August 2009, 23:06:47 »
I've got a seized 2.5 sitting outside the house. It has an aircon pump, PAS pump, EGR, one camcover, plenum, throttle body and inlet. Free to a good home if you collect. I'm near Wellingborough in Northants. (I can't put this in the parts for sale section but I'm not selling, I'm giving so....)
38
General Car Chat / Gearbox is now in
« on: 15 August 2009, 22:18:11 »
I am very pleased with myself. Fitted a 2.5l box to the engine on my own. Car was on axle stands and all I used was two axle stands, a trolley jack, a metal bar and a scissor jack. They don't tell you that in the Haynes manual! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]
39
General Car Chat / What's it worth, insurance question
« on: 17 August 2009, 00:34:51 »
Its a 1998 CDX estate 2.5 manual in Gold. It has full leather and is in very good condition. It has 148k on the clock but I have just fitted a warranted 51k replacement engine with new cambelt and water pump. It has a new cat, DIS, EGR and has just been serviced. I have history up until 81k and all the old mots. It also has a ff sunroof. My insurance has asked me for a value and I think it should be around £1000
40
General Discussion Area / Tumble dryer
« on: 28 December 2009, 17:22:06 »
As is typical with Christmas,the kitchen appliances have all started to give up the ghost and this year it was the turn of the tumble dryer. It was making a terrible sound and the drum wasn't moving. Well, I thought to myself, I put a new engine in the omega, rebuilt the suspension,how hard can it be?I ordered a bearing kit off of the bay of £15 and set to work. It came quickly and 2 hours later, the tumble dryer is not only working,its running smoother than ever. Job done! 
41
General Discussion Area / So, how much has Christmas cost you so far?
« on: 23 December 2009, 10:02:55 »
I'm at around £800 what with the food, seeing relatives etc.
42
General Discussion Area / Comic genius or a load of old s***e?
« on: 02 September 2009, 01:47:26 »
Following on from another thread, Who do you find funny? These are three of my favourite sketches of recent times:
Firstly, just for sheer genius, the amazing Johann Lippowitz:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TM3GbxaNLI[/media]
Secondly, just 'cos I love the fact you'd never think of this topic like this, Eddie Izzard:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp69rg6Hdlo[/media]
And just for sheer, 'I've done that!' Lee Evans:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtf859JYPoQ[/media]
Firstly, just for sheer genius, the amazing Johann Lippowitz:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TM3GbxaNLI[/media]
Secondly, just 'cos I love the fact you'd never think of this topic like this, Eddie Izzard:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp69rg6Hdlo[/media]
And just for sheer, 'I've done that!' Lee Evans:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtf859JYPoQ[/media]
43
General Discussion Area / Newbie 'For sale' discussion, debate, argument!!!
« on: 01 September 2009, 21:53:07 »
Hi guys, I love being a part of this forum and it has been most helpful. I would like to vent one area of frustration though. I totally get the need for 250 posts before you can put something in the for sale section to avoid spammers etc but it is really frustrating if I want to post a 'wanted' ad. In this instance I am looking to give money, not take it. Can we have two seperate sections? For sale and wanted?
Don't bite my head off here. I'm just making a point!
Don't bite my head off here. I'm just making a point!
44
General Discussion Area / Paypal tips and problems.
« on: 28 August 2009, 12:42:28 »
I wonder if we could make this a sticky mods?
I had a real problem paying Daz (Darth Loo Knee) for some parts using paypal. For those of you who are unsure how to use Paypal to pay for bits, a quick tutorial:
1: Log into your account
2: Click on the 'Send money' folder tab
3: Type in the email address of the person you wish to send to and the amount
4: Select the reason. If you click 'personal' and then gift, you pay no fees but you then lose your ability to claim should there be a problem.
You cannot highlight and cut and paste an address from an email or PM. You must type it out in full. I couldn't get it to send to Daz and this was the problem as Paypal does not recognise varied fonts. 8-)
I had a real problem paying Daz (Darth Loo Knee) for some parts using paypal. For those of you who are unsure how to use Paypal to pay for bits, a quick tutorial:
1: Log into your account
2: Click on the 'Send money' folder tab
3: Type in the email address of the person you wish to send to and the amount
4: Select the reason. If you click 'personal' and then gift, you pay no fees but you then lose your ability to claim should there be a problem.
You cannot highlight and cut and paste an address from an email or PM. You must type it out in full. I couldn't get it to send to Daz and this was the problem as Paypal does not recognise varied fonts. 8-)
45
General Discussion Area / Advice needed.
« on: 27 August 2009, 01:07:15 »
I've been noticing for quite a while that my wife has been receiving secret texts and mysterious calls. She's been going out to see her friends a lot more too. I'm not a jealous guy but my suspicion was aroused when she went to work the other day. I called her and they said that she was off sick. So, this evening, when she went out, I jumped in the Omega and followed her at a distance. She pulled up at the local park, so I drove a little further and got out and hid behind the front wing. She waited for a while and then a bloke who I know she works with showed up and hugged and kissed her. I looked down at my shoes and noticed that I was standing in a puddle of green water. I smelt it and I can't be sure but I think it was coming from the aircon pump. Do you think I could have a leak? How difficult is it to find and how much should I pay for a repair?