General Bumble's Bee

[gar074]

That looks awesome! I'm dismayed to think that, down here in Norfolk, the home of Lotus, we don't do anything like that. We should close off the city centre in Norwich and have an annual Lotus love-in!

 

[bumble]

It's a well planned event and up until a tragic accident last year was the start of the Jim Clark Rally and the only UK mainland racing on public roads. It's true what you say about Lotus, we don't do enough to celebrate any of our manufacturing excellence! S


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[bumble]

My car needed a flexible front brake hose for its MOT. First time it's needed anything doing for it's test so I'm really pleased. Just needs a good wash and a polish and she's ready to go!


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[gar074]

 

[bumble]

All washed and polished and away for a run before the Grand Prix. I think I am going to address the ongoing MOT advisories in respect of the rear springs. If I buy new springs, do they come powder coated or are they just flash sprayed black? I want to maintain originality but is it worth getting a more durable finish on them before fitting?


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[bumble]

Ok fellow Barchetta owners, need your help again. Went to start the car after a week and battery totally flat! Recharged the battery with it disconnected from car and when I went to reconnect it, there is a decent. 'Splat' between earth wire and negative post! Something is drawing current when ignition is off. Any thoughts? Steve


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[gar074]

If the battery's flattened without explanation and you're getting a spark when reconnecting, but nothing's switched on, it sounds like you've got a short somewhere

 

[bumble]

Thanks mate. That's what I thought and the reason why I recharged the battery with it disconnected. However having reconnected the battery and closely monitored it for a couple of hours, there is nothing obvious. Apart from the alarm system and the digital clock, is there anything else that is switched on with the ignition off? Steve

 

[Dave-M]

My radio always has power to it despite the ignition being off.

 

[bumble]

Thanks Dave. I am tempted to rig up a multimeter and systematically pull fuses to try to find the cause of the 'drain'. I am also tempted to disconnect the feed to the alarm as I have never used it in the time I have had the car - however, I am not sure of the consequences of doing this and I don't have a red key if things go 'breasts up' Steve

 

[Crachat]

We've no alarm on ours, but as Dave-M says, the radio is always 'on'. Could be that. Is yours original, or replacement with removable fascia plate?

 

[Dave-M]

I think Steve your plan is the best action,
Unfortunately my understanding of the alarm system, and the consequences of disconnecting it are zero, I don't have one on my car.the fuse removal test would be a good plan.
Good luck.

 

[bumble]

Well folks - I hope I am not being too premature with this but I may have found an easy solution as it appears that leaving your car unlocked causes a drain on the battery! I rarely if ever lock my car as it is always garaged! With the car unlocked and the key removed, there is a considerable current being drawn. With the car locked (using the key in the drivers door lock) the battery drain is virtually zero. I couldn't lock the car with the remote fob as I had the bonnet open to carry out the test. I have no idea why there should be a battery drain with the car unlocked - anybody have any thoughts? Thanks for the help! Steve

 

[gar074]

That's a puzzle! I'd have thought it would be the complete opposite - i.e. locking the car sets the alarm and activates the sensors, which take power from the battery! My alarm malfunctioned several years ago (it would set the hazard flashers off randomly - and silently - while driving along, which was very confusing for other road-users) so I disconnected it. Problem solved

BTW, mine gets left unlocked in the barn for months on end, and leaving it unlocked doesn't seem to have any effect on the battery.

 

[bumble]

I agree Gareth. I had previously left the car for months/years without locking it. What is even more confusing is that now that I have locked and unlocked the car, the current drain has gone. It's like it has reset itself and I am wondering if it was a sticking relay? Anyway, problem is sorted and thanks for your help! Steve

 

[Dave-M]

Pleased Al is sorted Steve, I also do not lock my B. Should we be saying this on an open forum.lol.I'm sure these Barchetta just like to to keep throwing random fault's at us.

 

[gar074]

I don't lock the B, but I've got a bloody great big lock on the barn lol

Happy motoring, Steve!

 

[bumble]

Thursday was wall to wall sunshine in the Borders and I had my 83 yr old father to stay so, having polished the car, we went for a run to Etal in Northumberland where we had a swift pint at the beautifully thatched, Black Bull. Dad later commented "I wish I'd had a car like that when I was younger" to which I replied, "I wish I'd had a car like that when I was younger too" He is getting very vague and can be hard work but he described the sensation of being in the centre of the road and the roar of the exhaust as being like on his 1952 BSA motorbike which led to a really enjoyable evening of wine and nostalgia! I had been hesitant about taking him out in the car and actually thought he would struggle to get in and out! I was so pleased I did! S



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[StevePD]

Great stuff.

 

[gar074]

Wonderful story. Wish I'd been able to take my old dad in mine. My 86 year old M-i-L loves it though, and always asks apprehensively when I pitch up to take her shopping, "Have you come in the yellow one?" (referring to the Panda, and before that the DS3). There's a resigned sigh if I say yes!