Bought car, did usual repairs, off to France Thursday.

G

G-A-R-Y

Member
 North Bristol
Update so far, I bought my 2.5 in the rain in June, it was cheap but with only two owners and good history I thought it cheap. I had a strange hiss and replaced the intake boot that week after searching this forum.
I had some other urgent work done by my indy friend (because I was too busy), lollipop bushes, oil filter housing joint (dripping off engine) and alternator belt which was noisy on start up.

A few weeks later I still had that smell of oil so replaced the cam cover joint, this was easy. Whilst copper slipping the brakes (which were new) I noticed the aluminium under body plate was bent, I fitted a good second hand one (£30).

Then off to Devon for a driving weekend (brilliant roads) but I still had the noisy belts on start up. I suspected the water pump which I replaced whilst away. It didn't fix the leak and turned out to be the thermostat housing joint. I couldn't get just a joint so ended up buying a complete electronic thermostat. On returning home I still had a small of anti freeze and found the header tank to be split (the one from Euro is identical to genuine).

Bristol (city) roads are bumpy so we've done a few trips over to Wales, this is where the car really pleases. This inspired me to try a trip to France, so one night last week I booked the ferry (£200 with cabin) and a hotel in Dieppe (£100). This brings me to my last job.
I noticed oil vapour smells sometimes so decided to have a go at the CVV, (not CCV as some call it) Crankcase Ventilator Valve. Bought from Euro it's identical to original. I was dubious but it turns out to be very easy. I replaced one brittle breather pipe and throttle body seal.

I've been out testing tonight and think it's ready for my little road trip. I have no breakdown cover but think I have done all the obvious.
IMG_2299_zpsyozcxwf9.jpg
 
It certainly sounds as though you're ready for the off. Have great time I. France and remember that on their super smooth roads you're going a lot faster than it feels.

Enjoy :driving: q
 
Going across the water soon myself. £24 for four days euro breakdown cover for me though.

Enjoy and don't forget the pictures.
 
This cvv you speak of, what is it and how easy is it to replace?

I'm sure I read something about it becoming blocked. Is this correct?
 
Crankcase Ventilator Valve, collects oil vapour and returns it to the sump and engine breather valve all in one. Torx and 10-13mm sockets to replace plus a couple of hours.
 
No breakdown cover, is that wise?, especially given the various 'niggles' you've had since you bought it, or perhaps you're the sort of bloke that likes living on the edge :o .
 
He's hardly screwed without it.

Most of these breakdown cover policies don't give you much in the event anyway. It might pay for a tow or to your destination if you shelled out a lot up front. You have to pay a silly amount to get cover for parts etc.

I'd say he's no worse off as chances are he won't need it and he can always get a normal tow if necessary. Having cover is unlikely to actually reduce any repair time.
 
Sounds like you know what you're doing Gary - have a great trip and don't forget to post up some photos :thumbsup:
 
Get over the channel & enjoy it G , where are you heading after Dieppe ?
Re the breakdown cover ? It is worth having only if it includes hire car should you have a breakdown & also include worse case scenario of repatriating your vehicle & yourselves
If you did encounter a roadside breakdown they don't offer a RAC type fix it there & then service , the car would just get towed to nearest suitable garage , at which point it will drop into their queue which from numerous breakdowns in France over 20 years mean's it could be anything up to a week before it gets sorted meaning without a hire car to get around you are stuffed
Worth looking into
 
Sounds like you know what you're tinkering with! Enjoy your trip to France!
That's one tidy, shiny Zed you have there!
 
Hi,

Car looks great. I have just had a week away in France. Newhaven - Dieppe, definitely a great choice, no hassle at either terminal. I took out Qdos breakdown cover, wasn't sure about spending the money (£30), but was well worth it. A few days into the holiday the radiator expansion tank decided to fail..., went to the local BMW garage, then called qdos and within 2 hours we were driving away in a hire car organised by qdos. The car was repaired and within 2 days my car was fixed and I returned the hire car. Excellent service and apart from fuel and the initial breakdown cover I haven't had any extra charges (apart from the repair costs to my car). The nice thing was, one phone call organised the hire car without any hassle.

Hope you have a nice trip.

Now, personally I wouldn't travel without some form of European breakdown cover.

Also about a month ago had the same issue with the rocker cover gasket, got a replacement from Sopers of Lincoln. Did the handywork myself, all fairly straight forward apart from the gasket becoming brittle and being a bit tricky to remove.

Hope this helps.
 
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