poppyman

Hi Brian, You could just disconnect the two wires and make up a couple of new leads giving you extended wire to clamp to. Or if the wires are not insulated just carefully put the probes or clamps from your volt meter direct onto the terminals. You wont get a shock of any sort doing this. (Unless you drop your volt meter into the pulley's) Tony.

Hi Brian, It does sound like alternator, bot if you do the same check on the two terminals on the back of the alternator, it would rule out any wiring faults. Tony.

Hi Brian, you need to check the output of the alternator with a volt meter, it should read approx 14.8 volts. If it does that it is a wiring issue. But a simple check will save stripping the alternator or buying a new one. Tony.

Hi Dave, you can connect jump leads from the battery direct to the starter even if it is off the car. A few sparks maybe but it should turn over. Tony.

It really depends if its water tight? It wont do the car much harm if left outside...... The problem will be pools of water on the floors if not Can you not rent a garage off an elderley person who lives close? That is what i did years ago and they said it was doing them a favour having someone come and go.

As above, just think of what you could spend on getting a pile of "poo" on the road. Check the mot history, it can give you a lot of info Tony.

A bodger is a large spiked heavy bar...... That some testers use for poking holes in the chassis looking for rust when there isnt any Also known as "cowboys" May also have been mechanic of the year at "qwik s*it." Tony.

Very tidy job Colin Tony.

Personally i think it does not matter how wide or how big in diameter a wheel is, you only require the same brake pressure. You are after all only trying to stop the same weight. Yes i understand the the driveshaft to wheel theory, but that is going into the pulley and leveridge theory. Also stopping all depends on the amount of rubber on the ground and the surface. Tony.

Hi Chris, having been in the motor trade since i was 15....... The only advice i can give you, is dont jump in with both feet...... I know you are itching for a car, but bide your time and the right one will come along. I remember one of my customers doing the same thing and bought a lovely shiny really good looking mini. He brought to me for a service a few months later and when it was on the ramp we found it was three different cars bodged together..... The poor guy ended up with nothing as the welding was crap, it even had an mot!! Just be very carefull. At this time of year you might find a lot more coming on as the colder weather comes and people have had their summer fun. I wish you well in your search. Keep on checking the usual sites daily. Good luck, Tony.

Hardboard is best, but if you can by new ones and funds allow, why not. Also dont forget to fit a new membrane, so they dont go again. Tony.

Unless the advance vacuum unit is sticking? Tony.

Two Aldi's local to me did not have stock, nor on line stock So ordered these which look identical, and cheaper. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3pcs-Set-Large-HSS-Step-Cone-Drill-Titanium-Bit-Set-Hole-Metal-Cutter-Pouch-C1/192579954265 Tony.

As above, but swap a lead as well if you can. Tony.

Leave the pin where it is, and just tap the backplate off. The pin might come out with it, but it only locates the backplate. Make sure you dont lose it though Tony.

I would say it has been dropped and put back in the box to break like that, as above , very poor quality Tony.

Thanks Pete, i will be going past an Aldi shortly. Just what i need. Tony.

Setting points with a dwell meter always helps if there is slight wear in the dizzy. Also enables timing to be set spot on. Tony.

Who remembers "cords" rings??? A do it your self rebore...... They did work well for a short time Tony.

I would start by pulling the plug leads off one at time while the engine is running to find out which cyl the problem is on, and go from there. Tony.

Brake cleaner works even better than WD40 if you have some? Tony.

I hope you remember how it all goes back together Colin Good work though. Tony.

Or 12 inches.......

If he breaks down he could always see a chiropodist.......... I have heard they are very good for a "TOE" Tony.

Shall we give him the boot?? Tony.