huff3r

Does the engine need to be lifted at all to remove the sump in an M20 engined E30? I'd heard it does but the Haynes manual only mentions lifting the engine in M40 engined cars. Thanks in Advance

Really? That is pretty unusual. Always at least 2 or 3 whenever I've been too! Normally 2 more than what the website says there is even. Whereas Hamilton I'm pretty sure this is the first E30, cos I've been keeping an eye out too! The yard is only maybe 3-4months old, so it's still starting and it's the smallest pickapart yard I've ever seen!

Cheers for the offer but I managed to pick one up in Auckland today. Should be on the road again by monday hopefully!!

The insurance covering you whilst you drive any other car is a real bonus with NAC I found. No longer need to check if your friends insurance covers you before you take their car for a hoon! Except I'm back with state now cos my car's value is too low for NAC to insure it.

He said it's somewhere in the rack itself, and quoted me $250 to replace a bush in it but he said it could be worn in the rack itself, in which case the bush wouldn't fix it. I'd love to just renew the whole thing from wheel bearing to wheel bearing but unfortunately I'm a poor student so a second hand rack in good nick is all I can probably manage.

So it turns out the play in the steering was the power steering rack, so now I'm gonna need another one. Preferably Waikato or Auckland area. Car is a 1985 E30 320i.

It's always worth fixing an E30. Not enough people keep them together

We took it to Carspot who are the FIAT authorised service agents in Hamilton. We later realised we probably shouldve gotten it taken to Te Awamutu to Maurice Thomson Motors, but a bit late now. Same way I'd rather take an old BMW to an independent specialist than to Jeff Grey etc.

Yeah it is, I've been trying to google but it's a mission. Hopefully the mechanic comes back and says well actually it is fixable and will cost this much... It seems the ECU can be "decoded" and then no more immobiliser, which would be awesome (who steals a punto anyway?!).

Thats what I thought too, and a heater box since thats probably the culprit. But the mechanic was adamant it was now worthless.. Catch is... will any 1.6 punto ecu work? As it has an immobiliser system fitted from factory..

Apparently coolant leaking onto ECU makes a $2k car worthless. GF is not happy!

They are quirky thats for sure! Don't get me wrong, it's insanely fun and stupidly quick for a 1.6. It just has italian electrics.

More FIATness.... the "code" immobiliser system today decided it didnt want to recognise either of it's keys, leaving me stranded for 2 hours waiting for AA, and then the tow truck. I no longer like FIATs despite it's massive amount of grunt for a tiny car.

Yes he is. http://www.bimmersport.co.nz/forums/index....mp;#entry449793

So I did this today and there is definitely the teensiest bit of side to side play, but there is also absolutely no hesitation or noticeable play if you turn the steering wheel. Any way to narrow down exactly which part it is? Tie rods or steering rack or something else?

Spent all morning underneath it replacing power steering pump (one rounded bolt had me stuck for a while!), and fixing some rust. Now to get some ATF and test the new pump. Hopefully no leaks!!

Preferably in Hamilton, or perhaps Auckland. Can swap a good condition Alternator for it if anyones interested, otherwise would prefer cheap and non-leaky.

Just done the wheel bearing literally just before the WoF so better not be that, but I'll have a look. Cheers

Have you got a power steering rack and pump spare by any chance?

Any idea on postage for the power steering rack and pump to Hamilton? Just failed my WoF again haha.

So I just failed my WoF on "play in the steering" at both ends, and the mechanics were most unhelpful with suggestions as to what it could be. So if anyone could give any advice, and ideas on how to locate and troubleshoot the problem that would be much appreciated! Cheers

Window is broken yet again... I'm thinking it is the regulator, bushes stuffed. Another thing, the temperature gauge never even makes 1/4 so I think it may need a thermostat, but not completely sure if there is anything else I should check etc. If anyone knows a bit about Fiats and can point me in the right direction that'd be great . Also on the hunt for a Haynes manual for it .

Maybe the no sex is the reason for the permanent erection and he is embarrassed so is blaming the bike?

Well I know mine is pretty dissapointing on fuel, I struggle to keep it under 11L/100kms around town, but I thought maybe that was just the go with a 320i. Although mine also has a very low diff so maybe thats contributing. Perhaps time for a new thermostat. (Although Brett has already done this so it won't help him!) Maybe there are other aspects that need investigating, are all the coolant lines as they should be and in good condition? I know my thermostat housing was broken when I got the car, so one of the coolant lines was just plugged

As far as I know the E30 gauges do not register until 80, and normal is about 90 degrees. I still don't like the idea of driving "spiritedly" until it's at least above 1/4 on the gauge!