Hi all,

Dont know if I have put this in the right place, but hope someone can help. I have had a good look on the forum but couldnt find an answer to all my questions so I thought I might as well put a new post on it.

Problem 1

Poor MPG. I put £20 pounds petrol in the car and after only 60 miles I am almost out. That cant be right can it?? I have read about thermostat being a problem and mine takes ages (a good 10mins driving for it to move. Could that be that problem. Dont know enough about cars to check, but I am always ready to get my hands dirty so to speak.

Problem 2

When I pull off the back of the car makes a really loud noise as if the brakes are stuck. Does that make any sense at all??

Problem 3

When slowing down the front of the car makes a really strange noise as if something is rubbing against the front tires.

Sorry that I can be any more help with thes, and I know I sound like a complete wierdo, but hey I might as well ask. Hope someone out there can help.

1. That works out around 20mpg assuming around 134p per litre. Thermostat would contribute to poor MPG, as would binding brakes. 10 minutes before it moves would probably be indicative of a faulty thermostat as really it should be about half way by that time. Not sure is a 97 would be spi (aluminium thermostat casing) or mpi (plastic). The latter is more prone to breaking, and if it is broken will require the housing too. Both are an easy DIY job.

Another possibility is leaking fuel. If fuel leaks you would usually be able to smell it.

3. Haven't a clue, but it is worth checking that the plates on the shock absorbers holding the springs are in place - it is common for these to rust and fail.

1) Thermostat as above.

2) Makes me think of binding rear brakes. Does it do this every time you move off, or only after the car's been standing hours with the handbrake on? Also, how many clicks do you need to get the handbrake full on? It's 3 separate problems and to advise further we really need to know which it is.

3) Yes, check the damper mounts; there's a sticky thread about this at the top of page 1 of the forum.

1) Thermostat as above.

2) Makes me think of binding rear brakes. Does it do this every time you move off, or only after the car's been standing hours with the handbrake on? Also, how many clicks do you need to get the handbrake full on? It's 3 separate problems and to advise further we really need to know which it is.

3) Yes, check the damper mounts; there's a sticky thread about this at the top of page 1 of the forum.

Thanks everyone, it is every time I pull off

(2) now sounds like the brake drums need cleaning out inside, and possibly some new return springs. You will need a paintbrush, a tin of brake cleaner and a workshop manual.

(2) now sounds like the brake drums need cleaning out inside, and possibly some new return springs. You will need a paintbrush, a tin of brake cleaner and a workshop manual.

thanks

If your back brakes are dragging that will hurt your MPG as well, remember.

Just too keep you all posted, the car is going to the garage tomorrow (I am a sell out) and will let you know how it gets on!!

No worries. Always good to have an idea before going to a garage though as looking knowledgeable and having some knowledge you're far less likely to be ripped off

Update, went to the garage.

He recommended changing the plugs and air filter for heavy fuel usage (see how that works)

Front noise was front suspension on passenger side had cracked and that the bodywork was rubbing against the tyre. Very dangerous.

Creaking at back when you pull off was nothing to worry about.

Parts and labour = £150

What to do??

Im just spending that much on tyres and an exhaust!

The thermostat is still not moving after 5 mins of driving. When it does move it doesnt go much above 70.

Any advice on what to do?? Can I just buy the part or would I have to replace the whole housing??

Many thanks in advance

Edited 25 June, 201115 yr by dyljones

Does your car have single or multi point fuel injection?

Single I think. Felicia L (R plate)

for MPG make sure ur tyres are pumped up well! it makes more difference than u can imagine... try pushing a car with low air pressure in the wheels and then try after u pump them up.. difference is like night and day!

for MPG make sure ur tyres are pumped up well! it makes more difference than u can imagine... try pushing a car with low air pressure in the wheels and then try after u pump them up.. difference is like night and day!

thanks what pressure should they be??

I've got 29psi all round in mine

There should be a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler flap telling you the correct pressures though

On the tyre it is written the max (45psi on mine)...... and i pump mine up to that.. i know its too much but it gives the powersteering effect and helps with mpg

That is WAY too high and you risk having a blow out! They will also wear much quicker in the middle, and have a much smaller footprint on the road surface, giving you even less grip than normal.