AdamR28

You already know my answer

Can't see why it would only send a signal to one of them... Multimeter to check if there's current getting to the motor on both calipers?

http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1297451&nmt=07+VW+Passat+stuck+parking+brake Sounds like it could be a faulty switch, a buggered caliper or a sticky motor... Something to try... "Rare, great advice from the stealer to unstick it, was to stand very hard on the footbrake, with engine running (I guess for additional servo assist) and try to disengage handbrake. It worked !"

Strange - a couple of times they've been the only ones who'd provide sensible quotes for me! Guess you just have to shop around...

That is very odd. Must be a lot of those cars written off / stolen, I guess... Try Heritage? http://www.heritagecarinsurance.co.uk/- they'll do a 'classic' policy on cars over 10 years old apparently...

The O Rings on the bleed screws can get damaged by the threads over time. My guess is that the levers you bought have had the bleed screw in and out a few times, hence the issue. Buying from an official dealer you get at least one spare O ring in the box for this exact reason.

It's allll about the blowtorch

Perhaps wide of the mark... but I've read a blocked PCV (the reddish thing shoved in the top of the rocker cover on the drivers side, that goes to the inlet manifold, been removed in this pic: http://www.mx5unleashed.com/1-pix-mx5/tech/timing-belt/IMG_9877.jpg, here's one: https://www.rspeed.net//v/vspfiles/photos/NA00121150-2T.jpg) can cause oil to be sucked into the inlet manifold and then burn off, meaning blue smoke... Wondering if it might have some water in there which is (or was) freezing it shut, now it's above zero again it works as it's meant to? As I said, might be completely wrong But it's worth an investigate I think: http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=319322 The valve should allow air to flow one way, but not the other (can test it with your mouth). Also, worth doing a compression test? Maybe one with a cold engine, another with a hot engine, and another with 5ml of oil down each bore?

I wish!

I'm £40 an hour, plus VAT. Ash - car looks sweet! Still got a soft spot for the Leons...

TNNs are 7mm IIRC.

An old curtain or towel and you passenger seat removed should do the trick

Stop.... bashing. This could go on for far too long. I'll stop there.

Not a good omen... Are you in for driving or are you in a 'suck it and see' kinda position? I'm sure we can deal with that either way anyway

Haha, no, you just kinda implied you would come Jardo... can be taken off the list if you wish Ed - that's amazing, thanks a lot!

Date: Thursday 5th March Location: Curborough Times: Please arrive by 9:30 latest. First car out on track at 10, finish 5. Only one car allowed on track at any one time. Directions: http://user28967.vs.easily.co.uk/location-of-curborough-sprint-course/ and http://www.trials-forum.co.uk/topic/189179-the-tf-track-day-thread/?p=2624273 Car prep: Make sure the oil is right up the max on your dipstick, the tyres are all inflated to the correct pressure, coolant isn't low, brake pads have at least a few mm of meat on them - general good condition is more than adequate. If you have at least 3-4mm of tread on your tyres at the start of the day that will be more than enough. Noise isn't an issue. You'll not use more than half a tank of fuel all day. Nobody is scouting for F1 and you'll have more fun in a standard car that you don't have to worry about breaking than one that's got the latest tweaks and untested 'upgrades' on it. Helmets: Recommended but not mandatory. Timing is allowed, I will bring a stopwatch and related gubbins if people wish to check on their progress through the day. Note: There is no first aid or other facilities on site. The disclaimer covers all of us. Other: We will probably run in groups, so we can passenger with each other, you don't sit there idling for ages, gives people chance to nip off to get fuel / food if needed without missing out on track time. Passengers / spectators welcome and free of charge. Please speak to Luke (http://www.trials-forum.co.uk/user/5821-luke-rainbird/) about payment if you haven't already done so. Total cost for the venue is £650 which we'll split between us. Drivers: 1. Rainbird 2. Pete - £65 Payment received 3. Dann27089461£8284 - £65 Payment received 4. Mike (Who's not really a "Mad Man", he made bad choices 13 years ago) 5. RobinJI - £65 Payment received 6. Haz - £65 Payment received 7. Kennard 8. Azarathal Mike 9. crashbanng (Chris) - £65 Payment received 10. Prawn? 11. Jardo 12. Tarty Adam - Happy to be a floater / organiser depending on numbers (Luke if you'd be able to keep tabs on / update this list that would be great, cheers dude.) I think that's it... any questions, shout up! Ads

"Computer says no."

Don't worry about the mileage if it's in good condition. Ungumming the rings - I'm not sure, I haven't looked into it myself, could be worth a shot though! Edit: Few ideas in here: http://www.smartz.co.uk/showthread.php?18122-Ungumming-Stuck-Piston-Rings

Haha. I'll be doing the final thread soon - want me to bang you on the list?

Too late, full Haha.

Engine swap is an afternoon's work if you have the tools (engine crane) and experience, probably a full day for a first time. It should last a bit longer though Mike.

So it's on throttle, until the engine is fully warmed up? In that case it's probably the oil control rings, they get gummed up over time when people (previous owners) don't change their oil frequently enough or use decent stuff. Easiest / cheapest way is a new lump as you said... The rings aren't expensive but it's the labour to fit them.

More... pressure.

Probably not actually, as he'll have been posting on the internet at that time