Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Keith D · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2017 2:43 am Post subject:

I agree with Peter. Times have changed regarding car maintenance and repair.
Recently, when 250 km from home, in a caravan park, my Ssangyong Rexton diesel failed to start. Everything worked, even down to the engine happily cranking over, but no ignition!
To cut a long story short, the RAC man eventually found the problem. A tiny component had moved loose inside the electronic remote car key and that caused the engine immobiliser to stay on.
All my life I have just thrown all my car keys into a drawer. But these modern keys contain relatively delicate electronic printed circuit boards! I now handle them very, very carefully and place them gently in the drawer!

Keith
_________________
1926 Chrysler 60 tourer
1932 Austin Seven RN long wheelbase box sedan
1950 Austin A40 tourer
1999 BMW Z3
Its weird being the same age as old people.
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution

badhuis · Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 1390 Location: Netherlands

Peter_L · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2017 9:13 am Post subject:

Keith D · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2017 10:38 am Post subject:

Thanks peterwpg !!!

Keith
_________________
1926 Chrysler 60 tourer
1932 Austin Seven RN long wheelbase box sedan
1950 Austin A40 tourer
1999 BMW Z3
Its weird being the same age as old people.
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution

badhuis · Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 1390 Location: Netherlands

OK OK both you won me over. In my stupidness I always though one of the virtues of diesel engines is that they do not have/need ignition parts. But of course they do, just not like the things petrol engines have.
_________________
a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

Peter_L · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2017 12:53 pm Post subject:

V8 Nutter · Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 587

I was told by some one who works for a Japanese company that makes electronic components for the motor industry in general. Many components have a design life of approximately 180000 miles. So at 10000 miles a year your immaculate 18 year old car will start to fail, but it will be so old you probably won't be able to get parts anyway.

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1585 Location: Le Mans

Completely off topic, but we recently treated ourselves to a new TV. In the small print it is stated that spares will be made for a maximum period of two years.

peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7118 Location: Edinburgh

mikeC · Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 8:55 am Post subject:

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4104 Location: South Cheshire

Dipster · Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 10:31 am Post subject:

Slightly OT but as we are talking prices.....

An acquaintance recently misfueled his new Disco diesel. He rather foolishly drove it home to call his dealer for help. Total bill to "flush it through" (not quite that easy really as a good few components got changed)?

£7000 plus......

Meanwhile I will keep plodding along in my old Defender......

Keith D · Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 10:48 am Post subject:

The more I read of these prices to keep newish cars on the road, the more I feel inclined to buy a late 70's Holden Kingswood with it's lazy six cylinder, bullet proof engine and three speed manual gearbox. The only engine electrical bits are the coil, plugs, battery and points! I can keep these vehicles on the road safely, easily and cheaply! And surprise, surprise; a late 70's Holden fits the description of an Old Classic Car.................!!!

Keith
_________________
1926 Chrysler 60 tourer
1932 Austin Seven RN long wheelbase box sedan
1950 Austin A40 tourer
1999 BMW Z3
Its weird being the same age as old people.
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution