Gas test is a sniff test/pressure test checking for stuff mixing with the coolant..it will detect small cracks in the head. I don't think it's that though as your coolant isn't bubbling.

Washer?? Which manifold is he talking about?? Inlet or exhaust?

dave said:

sell polo use money to fix panda and buy bike rack

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this isn't a bad idea...

rusty washer does he mean core plug?
it dont take a day to remove a manifold on a panda

Natalieledger said:

@ firstcar-Y10 is yours a blue tacchini?? Wow it's great to see so many other Panda's on the road! I'm so disappointed I missed the trip last weekend. Although who knows if serge would have made it.
I've only ever seen one other Panda in Brighton. I started waving furiously but the driver just looked a bit concerned :-/

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There is a mint panda pink in Brighton.... I have a Sergio the same as yours..with only 6,000 miles...

purple haze said:

Gas test is a sniff test/pressure test checking for stuff mixing with the coolant..it will detect small cracks in the head. I don't think it's that though as your coolant isn't bubbling.

Washer?? Which manifold is he talking about?? Inlet or exhaust?

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Apologies for not knowing correct terms to explain but he pointed to a part nestled down in the front centre of engine?? Said he could see it leaking when it was up on ramp. God no wonder I'm getting fleeced. I really need to do a basic mechanics course.

purple haze said:

There is a mint panda pink in Brighton.... I have a Sergio the same as yours..with only 6,000 miles...

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Wow only 6,000? Do you know how many are left on the road?

dave said:

rusty washer does he mean core plug?
it dont take a day to remove a manifold on a panda

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I'll ring him tomorrow and ask! Although to be honest they'll probably just say yes to everything if it means I seem convinced on spending...

Natalieledger said:

Wow only 6,000? Do you know how many are left on the road?

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19 In total I think..

if its front that's exhaust manifold that needs to come off, its the easier of the 2 to get at, core plugs are round discs that fit it holes in engine left over from casting the block, they cost a couple of pounds, to get them out you bang an old screwdriver through them and leaver out, new one you just tap in with a hammer.

Natalieledger said:

this isn't a bad idea...

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Don't hang around here too often, you'll often find us lot will soon convince you to buy more and more Panda's.
I think its actually been declared a mental disorder.

Natalieledger said:

Wow only 6,000? Do you know how many are left on the road?

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Sorry 13 on the road and 12 sorn..

dave said:

if its front that's exhaust manifold that needs to come off, its the easier of the 2 to get at, core plugs are round discs that fit it holes in engine left over from casting the block, they cost a couple of pounds, to get them out you bang an old screwdriver through them and leaver out, new one you just tap in with a hammer.

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That'd be £150 well spent then

Natalieledger said:

That'd be £150 well spent then

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its a fifty quid job max

dave said:

its a fifty quid job max

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I kinda agree....but say one hour at £65 that really is max..

Now you know what it is you can shop around for quotes if you feel like it. Whatever you decide to pay it's not too major and not the end of the line for the Panda

Probably hedging their bets because if the exhaust manifold hasn't been disturbed for a while then there's a fair chance of shearing studs on manifold and/or block and having to sort that out too.
Yes Natalie, mine's a blue ST and he's about 140,000 miles more....experienced than Kevs (Purple Haze) Had the same paintwork issues you mentioned, lacquer starting to bubble and peel on roof and bonnet, hence roof is now spraycan satin black and the bonnet is getting a satin black vinyl down the centre section soon (World exclusive announcement there!!!)
On the cutting out thing, I had loads of issues with a blocked idle jet in the carburettor which did that, basically little tiny bits of crud floating in the fuel which jammed it up. Cause was just the old rubber fuel hose starting to perish. Have a look for your fuel filter (it will be a little clear plastic cartridge on the passenger side of the heater box like these - had 2 on here to try and cure it)
If you can see little black flecks floating about inside could be the same thing. The fuel filter does catch them but if the hose before the filter is shedding rubber, the short length of hose between filter and carb probably is too. When I changed this few inches of hose..problem solved.
Andrew.

Natalieledger said:

this isn't a bad idea...

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Pffffff, who needs a bike rack?



I've also had a folding shopping bike in at the same time with a passenger.

Thanks Andrew! I'm away for a few days now but will have a look for that when I return. I will keep you all updated as this develops and your help is much appreciated!

Aston Martin said:

Pffffff, who needs a bike rack?

I've also had a folding shopping bike in at the same time with a passenger.

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Haha that's what I do at the moment too!

Sorry, arrived a bit late to this one, just can't keep up with all the threads these days, have I said that before?

If you feel you're getting ripped off locally I'll be happy to give you a second opinion if I'm not too far for you (SO32 3QY), I did have a customer in Hastings!

As has been said, a core plug does not cost £150 to replace, yes there is a chance that the job may take a little longer if the manifold studs break, but even then it should only be £100 tops.