Tailhappy

That does sound like its working as it should. The clutch does have some friction as it has to be ready to engage instantly and supply a substantial amount of force (especially when glow plugs are on). However this pulley is a known failure point which when it does fail really stresses the entire auxiliary belt system. So if you were to replace it (not a difficult job but need an impact drill and the special tool) you will be more confident that your system is not likely to fail between auxiliary belt replacement intervals.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by the clutch but the alternator should (when the engine is turned off from idle) spin down over several seconds and start instantly when the engine starts again. The freewheel bites 100% in one direction and is easy to turn (with alternator internally stalled) by fingers the other.

Just to add, check your alternator clutch. When mine jammed solid it wore out the tensioner.

Sounds good. Im getting the feeling that the need to keep updating and spending isn't felt by many here who actually care enough about cars and driving to join a forum. Thinking back none of the people who commented why haven't I bought a new one yet were that interested in motors.

I note similar in Hertfordshire. I never see any older BMW or larger Vauxhall either but plenty of 04 Honda Jazz and the like. The oldest BMW i see is a dumped 07 plate with flat tyres. Seems incredible to me that such expensive cars are not looked after. In Dorset there are lots more older small cars still. Mk1 Fabia everywhere all looking well. Some Mk2 as well. My Dad's 05 Elegance had a 1.2 HTP join it in Lyme Regis a few weeks back.

Thanks. 110k so far. I was driving yesterday and was still impressed how smooth and tight it felt. If it needs something doing I get it done no quibbles. I have noted that its the newer cars that are getting pampered by mobile cleaning vans and owners jet washing on a weekend but the 15+ years old cars that actually need it are left all tatty with dust and litter inside. It should be the older cars that get the attention surely?

Brilliant. Good to hear.

This month I am quite proud because my Fabia has just reached 20 years old. I mentioned this to a friend and his reply was 'isn't it time for a new one then'. This sentiment has also been heard in different forms from neighbours, family and, colleagues and the dealer I bought it off (they did finally gave up). Honestly though I'm happy as the day I bought it (was 3 years old) and keep it clean and maintained. But it's like from reactions I'm doing something wrong and I end up having to explain why I haven't bought something newer. My only explanation is I'm happy with it still so why change but they are unconvinced. What's your thoughts? Is running a car and keeping it clean / maintained for as long as possible so odd? Genuinely interested.

Thank you 👍

Thank you for your information. It will prove useful. I'll add to this post when I get going on the job.

Thank you. That's really appreciated.

Just to add do check the servo hose to back of throttle body for even tiny cracks. If air is drawn in at all the throttle won't open properly and power is right down. If the pipe comes off the throttle doesn't move at all!

Can you not hold off for a better door? I'm wondering if buying a cheap Fabia for parts (in the right colour) may be an option. Take off everything you need and verify it works before removal. Just a thought.

Agree on repair. Latest cars are designed for leasing, not owning. Old Fabia is a great owners car - they don't make them like that any longer. As to Electric, I'm interested too but way too many issues at the moment in my opinion.

Glad to help. Give the pipe a clean with meths or similar of a rag and check for cracks. Silicone tape really is amazing stuff!

Same price as I paid used in 2008. Looking at it like that, and with inflation it's a bargain.

I seem to recall the reason for this was to prevent heavy rain or road spray going straight along the pipe and wetting the air filter. I suppose you could make it a smooth run but be mindful of the water situation. Is it vRS? A common mod was a larger pipe from the Cupra. Did help with better economy (I ran original and larger pipe)

Whilst i cannot advise on obtaining a cheaper one I have had just this fault. I successfully repaired the old pipe using silicone tape. It's available in Halfords. Basically it sticks to itself without adhesive and is designed for repairing automotive pipes. Wrap a few turns under tension as if it were electrical tape. Finish off with a cable tie over the tape where te pipes push over something to increase grip. I did mine two years ago and its still perfect.

Yes i hardly used either. Just i was reversing with air conditioning on and this activated the recirculation.. which is now stuck on. So no fresh air in the cabin.

Ok I know problem lies with the recirculation motor. It's original and not been charged. But I have a few questions if anyone can help. Can the motor be repaired? This would save cost and VCDS (which i don't have) Is it possible to access after taking out the glove box? Thanks for any input. I'd like to try to fix the original if possible as often repairs can be stronger than original. Cheers

Just wondering what is recommended. Just want to fire up the ABS pump to bleed it through. Autel was suggested but wondering what people here are using. Cheers for your input.

One from today

Brake fluid. I cam buy inexpensive Silverhook DOT 4 or ATE DOT 4 for double the price. Is brave fluid like car oil whre better grades are available? Or if meeting the correct grade that's good enough? Things like life in service and lubrication properties are never mentioned. Cheers

Next time you are walking past a row of cars take a look at what's fitted. New cars have the factory Michelin or Continental. Older cars have mismatched no-name tyres with old scuffed sidewalls and mostly low on air. These are the tyres that will be hitting the motorway, loaded with family in the summer. Definitely it was hard to buy a poor tyre in the 90's and early 2000's. It was either a decent make or you had remoulds like Goldline which were terrible to drive on. Now most cars are fitted with the absolute cheapest tyres and on top of that they are not maintained.

I've been looking too. Unbelievable that they are no longer available anywhere. Much older stock of much older cars is easier to find. I remember I ordered a part for my Estelle from a dealer years ago - I only needed one - and on the VW system it showed how often that part had been ordered. I was the only the second person to order that part in 10 years! And the remaining stock was marked as for being disposed of so the dealer sent me all the VW stock for the same money! I get the feeling it's the same with the pushrod. A little ordered item that has been disposed of due to low turnover. Shame.