Alasdair1

If you have new plugs I would check the old ones and probably change them anyway as you already have new ones plus you have changed leads etc. As for the hose I can't seem to download and view video. Alasdair

Is yours fitted with an EGR cooler? They can fail and leak coolant as well as get blocked. I know its on the 1.9tdi engine as both of mine Octy and Seat have them. Its right at the back of the engine beneath the EGR valve on mine. If its leaking coolant I would expect a white smokey exhaust. Alasdair

Definitely needing changed. Do both sides and get new top mounts as well. I agree with Pete that a loud bang isn't normal when a shock leaks and is more likely a broken spring unless the noise you heard was the shock bottoming out if its failed competely or a failed ttop mount. I used Napa on my last Octavia as thats all I could get in an emergency for an MOT but they are already a bit weak and not looking good. Other Octy has KYB and there a lot better and have lasted for a couple of years so far. Check the struts and if your lucky there is still a sticker with OEM part number left on there. I also replaced springs while I was at it as mine were getting rusty. Alasdair

Might be worth creating a small gauze filter or similar if its been left open just in case something goes down it. Alasdair

Normally a pipe from the air filter etc is a breather pipe or similar so should probably be left open. Alasdair

I wouldn't drive until its checked thorouhly. Check the caliper retaining bolts plus if there the same as mine the calipers fit behind the carrier at bottom. I once had a garage fix brakes as front seized when away from home. They managed to unseize caliper but didn't have the bottom in the correct place. Caliper was loose and pads eventually slid out towards middle of disc. Wasn't happy at all. Alasdair

Who knows? Might be worth checking fuses to see if any for the rear of car are loose or a bit coroded or connectors for boot area and brake light. Just wondering if theres an earth thats poor?. Hopefully its a one of but at least you can get it open from the inside

They are studs and nuts on my sons 1.2 06 plate. I sprayed them for a few days with penetrating oil and they came off fairly easy. I replaced front pipe with flexi as it was blown. I just used the original gasket as it seemed fine with a slight smear of exhaust paste just in case. There is a bolt that connects a spring like stabiliser that sheared but I managed to replace as its in part of the exhaust. Think it was a 13mm head so probably m8 Alasdair

May be the actuator is sticking sometimes. Used to do it on my old 1.9tdi. Not often but random limp mode. I sprayed it with oil etc and manually operated it until it felt smooth again. Not sure what turbo you have but another point may be sticking vanes in the turbo if its a variable vane one. Try some turbo cleaner additive to tank and see if it helps. Alasdair

Translated by google Alasdair

Personally I would change it but I am a bit paranoid re timing belts. The timing belt interval has changed according to skoda etc. They now say from memory 180000 or 15years which I reckon is far too long but in your case it will depend on what make of belt was used when it was changed at 81200. If it was OEM vw/skoda /gates it should be ok but if it was a cheaper make I wouldn't risk it. Alasdair

Last Mot I was waiting and they didn't try windows at all. As long as doors open I reckon its ok. Alasdair

If it was hard then its not instant gasket so shoud be ok. If its running ok then hopefully a new turbo will be ok now the oil lift strainer is clean. Alasdair

The orange bits could very well be instant gasket. Looks too much for it being a dipstick. Have had a few cars where someone has gone to town with it and ended up with more on the inside of engine than outside. Have a good look around engine especially rocker cover etc for traces of orange. Alasdair

Rear wiper doesnt work on my MK2 with boot open so maybe a problem with boot switch/lock. Found this on another post. Not sure if yours is the same

Think the button on the MK2 only disables interior sensors in case you have a dog etc. I think the only way to disable is to disconnect battery. Make sure the manual door lock works before hand. Have come accross a few that are seized through lack of use. Alasdair

Not sure of the fuse rating on the socket if you are puting one on dash. May have to put an inline one in. Alasdair

I use what used to be the cigarette lighter. Plug in one. Nice and easy. If you wanted one on dash I would just tie into it as the wiring is fairly easy to get to Alasdair

Thanks for the replies. Been looking at Fabias again. He had a go in my Octavia but reckons its too big for him. Thinking on either late Mk2 1.6MPI manual petrol or if I can find one in good condition the MK2 1.9tdi PD Had a look at MK3 but in my opinion engines seem to be getting uite small and either have turbos on petrol or dpf in diesel. Want to keep it as simple and easy as possible. He says that he gets paid for mileage etc so not so critical if its petrol or diesel. Thanks again Alasdair

Do the dash lights come on when turning key to pre start position? Alasdair

So far no ulez in Inverness but there is in aberdeen. He works for coop and seems to be getting offers to travel to other stores as supervisor when they need extra staff or during refit. Hes got seven weeks nightshift coming up but its fairly local. Most he will be travelling is around 100 miles a day.

I agree with the 1.9tdi. Have had three now and no real probs at all plus a bit easier to work on than the 1.6tdi. Might be a problem finding one with lowish mileage and good condition as I think your right with upto 2010. Have read a few reports re 1.6 injector issues but so far my 1.6tdi has been fine. DPF is another thing but as long as he takes car out for decent runs etc should be ok. Will look for elegance/LandK spec and see what I can find. Hes happy with the Fabia but wants something more modern/luxury etc. I reckon he should get something a bit larger as he is going to be travelling a bit with his work and I would prefer him driving something a bit heavier and safer. I had proper volvos for years but not sure what there like now. His fabia has been great. Its only done about 70k and so far a new battery,wheel bearing and I did the clutch as it totalled itself. Thanks for the replies Alasdair

Hi there Sons thinking of getting a newer car. He has at moment Fabia MK1 1.2 06 plate but wants something newer and a bit more power. Hes 19 so insurance for VRS etc may be too high. I have been trying to persuade him to get an Octavia as its bigger and probably safer but not sure which engine etc is most reliable these days. I have had the 1.9tdi pd in an octavia/fabia and a seat which have never given me any bother at all but I think the 1.9tdi was last used in 2010. At moment have the 1.6tdi octavia 12 plate and so far no problems. Are there any to avoid re problems with dpf etc. As I generally do my own work also looking for the easiest to work on. Not sure if he should go for diesel or petrol either. Any help and advice welcome. Alasdair

Tried the link but access denied. If its from cold then maybe heater plugs failed. Mine had two that had gone and when starting from cold did sound lumpy/knocking but went when engine warm. Might be worth getting it scanned for fault codes etc. They are as you said amazing engines. Loads of torque and when you want it loads of power and if its the PD engine pretty bomb proof and no DPF Alasdair

The mechanism under gear stick is plastic if I remember correctly. It can wear out over time. If you can still change gear I would leave it unless it becomes a problem. Next service perhaps mention it and have garage have a look. I think you can get a repair kit for the gear selector an. It may be as simple as replacing ends of cables. The adjusting of cables is very easy. You lock gearstick in neutral with 5mm pin and then undo cable ends at gearbox. lock gear selector tower and re attach cable ends. It took me about 10 mins. As said on my sons its the spring that has broken but as he can still change gear I left it alone for the minute Alasdair