What's made you smile today?

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Well, amongst all the gloom and depression in our lives just now there's a wee ray of sunshine. Mrs J has been knitting "leaves" for the "Heart of Newhaven" 16 ft high knitted Christmas tree. They are hoping it'll get recognition in the Guinness book of records and today it was on the TV and I see it's even on my computer's BBC news. It's cheered us both up no end!

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Well, amongst all the gloom and depression in our lives just now there's a wee ray of sunshine. Mrs J has been knitting "leaves" for the "Heart of Newhaven" 16 ft high knitted Christmas tree. They are hoping it'll get recognition in the Guinness book of records and today it was on the TV and I see it's even on my computer's BBC news. It's cheered us both up no end!

The 16ft knitted Christmas tree aiming to tackle loneliness

A community group in Edinburgh have unveiled a 16ft knitted Christmas tree aimed at bringing different generations together.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

The 16ft knitted Christmas tree aiming to tackle loneliness

A community group in Edinburgh have unveiled a 16ft knitted Christmas tree aimed at bringing different generations together.

www.bbc.co.uk

That's the one. Thanks for finding it and posting here. It's not just the tree, it's the social support of the group. I haven't seen it yet but I'll be popping in on my next walk down round the harbour.

 

[bugsymike]

That's the one. Thanks for finding it and posting here. It's not just the tree, it's the social support of the group. I haven't seen it yet but I'll be popping in on my next walk down round the harbour.

Round here they knit tops for the Round Red Pillar boxes with all sorts of imaginative stuff, my youngest grand daughter loves them.

 

[Johnbee]

Round here they knit tops for the Round Red Pillar boxes with all sorts of imaginative stuff, my youngest grand daughter loves them.

We have the Pillar box knitters over this way too. Spotted this one earlier. They always make me smile.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

That's the one. Thanks for finding it and posting here. It's not just the tree, it's the social support of the group. I haven't seen it yet but I'll be popping in on my next walk down round the harbour.

seems it has been for a very good cause.

My wife is an avid knitter, crochet-er and sew-er so I understand how much effort goes into something like that.

 

[portland_bill]

I bought the Doblo in Jan '23, 6 years old, and just over 12k miles. As a wheelchair vehicle, it has probably spent its life doing short journeys to hospital appointments.
The battery is original, and whilst it starts the van with enthusiasm, it is getting old and not at full capacity. As a result, the stop/start initially did not operate at all, but after a few longer journeys, it started to work, with the period of engine off increasing, to a max of about 11 seconds. Then more recently, it has ceased to work, not even illuminating the warning with the strikethrough, which indicates that it is operational, but not operating due to conditions.
I was beginning to think it was gone forever, when today, it worked. A couple of days ago, the van did a good run, about 100 miles, so the battery got a bit of a charge. Maximum duration of engine stop today was 5 seconds. I understand that to save fuel, it needs to stop the engine for longer than 7 seconds, otherwise the extra fuel for a start is more than any saved. So currently increasing pollution. I could put it on a charger, or replace it, but while it starts the engine, shan't do either. Made me laugh every time it stopped, then almost immediately restarted, like it changed its mind.

 

[FiatMatt94]

6 years is quite long for an original Fiat battery, the original one in my Panda only lasted until it was around 3 years old so for it to last 6 years it's done well. It's a similar thing with my Seicento, it had spent it's life doing short journeys around Norwich which is why it only had 22k when I brought it & when I started to use her everyday it started to have a problem with hot starting then after a while the issue disappeared & I thought maybe it's starting to get used to being used more regularly, after about 3 - 4 months the hot starting issue reappeared with a strong smell of fuel out the exhaust when it did start, I changed the temperature sensor that sends the signals to the ECU as I suspected it was giving false signals making the ECU think the car was colder than it actually was, sensor was about £7 off eBay for an Intermotor part & it solved it, I've had a few teething troubles along the way which was expected but she seems to be pretty near perfect & running really well now so I'm going to start focusing on the cosmetic bits, she has a new set of refurbed wheels going on very soon, the clutch is getting done in the spring, I'll probably do the linkages at the same time as it's a bit sloppy & I'm going to treat her to a brand new rear bumper & paint it myself as I cannot find one in the correct colour, also from memory the 100 series used to be a little prone to head gaskets so I'm thinking ahead & looking into fitting a analogue temperature gauge as she doesn't have one, just the "oh crap it's too late light" which I'm not too sure I would trust that much . I've also heard the old 903cc version of my engine fitted in Uno's, Panda's & possibly 127's had high compression heads whereas the 899 didn't & apparently the 899's run better with the proper mechanical tappets & rocker shaft off a 903 than the standard hydraulic ones on a 899 & it's supposedly a straight swap so that's something I'm possibly going to look into a bit more as I'm quite intrigued & if that's the case it'll be 6 bhp increase which doesn't seem a lot but in a standard 899 Seicento that'll be more than 10% increase which in a really small car like this with only 39 bhp from the factory it'll be a little noticeable.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Better news today. Mrs J tells me the pain under her right shoulder blade - which is where the partly collapsed lung shadow is - seems to be less sore today and she can take a deeper breath than she's been able to of late. I notice the medication they've given her is a new type which she's not been on before - Doxycycline 100mg. Today is her second day of taking them - two per day - Keeping fingers toes and everything else crossed.

 

[SB1500]

I bought the Doblo in Jan '23, 6 years old, and just over 12k miles. As a wheelchair vehicle, it has probably spent its life doing short journeys to hospital appointments.
The battery is original, and whilst it starts the van with enthusiasm, it is getting old and not at full capacity. As a result, the stop/start initially did not operate at all, but after a few longer journeys, it started to work, with the period of engine off increasing, to a max of about 11 seconds. Then more recently, it has ceased to work, not even illuminating the warning with the strikethrough, which indicates that it is operational, but not operating due to conditions.
I was beginning to think it was gone forever, when today, it worked. A couple of days ago, the van did a good run, about 100 miles, so the battery got a bit of a charge. Maximum duration of engine stop today was 5 seconds. I understand that to save fuel, it needs to stop the engine for longer than 7 seconds, otherwise the extra fuel for a start is more than any saved. So currently increasing pollution. I could put it on a charger, or replace it, but while it starts the engine, shan't do either. Made me laugh every time it stopped, then almost immediately restarted, like it changed its mind.

We've sort of come to the conclusion that if you let the batteries rundown completely more than a few times... that regardless of a 'good charge' from driving or a charger, that they're pretty much going to be done or unreliable. Do you think that can be the case?

Halfords did their tests on the Avensis once and said it was fine, but the next day... no start. Blamed the fact that it was discharged a few times completely and that it likely just wrecked it beyond saving. It was four years old, always thought 6-7 was a more reasonable time for the original to fail but depends on the driving habits too I suppose

 

[The Panda Nut]

2 days ago, I over did it and yesterday was in agony on the floor. Today its just moderate pain And pins and needles in legs and feet, so back to work. The hall light was a two way switch so I now need new switch wire and a 1m 20 mm drill. This is going to take some time. Hall light works on 1 switch so some progress has been made. Brickstitching works for a change and now thewall doesnt rattle. I shall fill in holes and render the wall tomorrow which will advance things. Ive spent £400 on epoxy resin and stiching rods so far Im pleased with the results and happy Ive wound the clock back 60 years. It may not last forever but its a massive improvement. Im gearing up (mentally) to replace the porch soon.
It still suprises me how long these jobs take. I have got a 3 plus earth cable to one hall switch. I now have the meter long drill to get to the other switch. It may benext week now before I get back as its proxi alignment day tomorrow fpr a members 500.

Better news today. Mrs J tells me the pain under her right shoulder blade - which is where the partly collapsed lung shadow is - seems to be less sore today and she can take a deeper breath than she's been able to of late. I notice the medication they've given her is a new type which she's not been on before - Doxycycline 100mg. Today is her second day of taking them - two per day - Keeping fingers toes and everything else

 

[The Panda Nut]

6 years is quite long for an original Fiat battery, the original one in my Panda only lasted until it was around 3 years old so for it to last 6 years it's done well. It's a similar thing with my Seicento, it had spent it's life doing short journeys around Norwich which is why it only had 22k when I brought it & when I started to use her everyday it started to have a problem with hot starting then after a while the issue disappeared & I thought maybe it's starting to get used to being used more regularly, after about 3 - 4 months the hot starting issue reappeared with a strong smell of fuel out the exhaust when it did start, I changed the temperature sensor that sends the signals to the ECU as I suspected it was giving false signals making the ECU think the car was colder than it actually was, sensor was about £7 off eBay for an Intermotor part & it solved it, I've had a few teething troubles along the way which was expected but she seems to be pretty near perfect & running really well now so I'm going to start focusing on the cosmetic bits, she has a new set of refurbed wheels going on very soon, the clutch is getting done in the spring, I'll probably do the linkages at the same time as it's a bit sloppy & I'm going to treat her to a brand new rear bumper & paint it myself as I cannot find one in the correct colour, also from memory the 100 series used to be a little prone to head gaskets so I'm thinking ahead & looking into fitting a analogue temperature gauge as she doesn't have one, just the "oh crap it's too late light" which I'm not too sure I would trust that much . I've also heard the old 903cc version of my engine fitted in Uno's, Panda's & possibly 127's had high compression heads whereas the 899 didn't & apparently the 899's run better with the proper mechanical tappets & rocker shaft off a 903 than the standard hydraulic ones on a 899 & it's supposedly a straight swap so that's something I'm possibly going to look into a bit more as I'm quite intrigued & if that's the case it'll be 6 bhp increase which doesn't seem a lot but in a standard 899 Seicento that'll be more than 10% increase which in a really small car like this with only 39 bhp from the factory it'll be a little noticeable.

Dont say 6 years is a long time. Noop is 6 in May. Touch wood the battery and stop starty are still OK.

 

[FiatMatt94]

Dont say 6 years is a long time. Noop is 6 in May. Touch wood the battery and stop starty are still OK.

Having said that my dad's Punto lasted longer than that, I think he's was about 7 years.

 

[The Panda Nut]

We've sort of come to the conclusion that if you let the batteries rundown completely more than a few times... that regardless of a 'good charge' from driving or a charger, that they're pretty much going to be done or unreliable. Do you think that can be the case?

Halfords did their tests on the Avensis once and said it was fine, but the next day... no start. Blamed the fact that it was discharged a few times completely and that it likely just wrecked it beyond saving. It was four years old, always thought 6-7 was a more reasonable time for the original to fail but depends on the driving habits too I suppose

Well I keep an eye on our batteries and if the carws are unused, They get a shoort drive to eercise the brakesa nd clutch and then are put on charge for a few days on the smartcharger, It seems to keep things regular, so I think you may well be right. Newer gel filled batteries seem even more suceptible to early death in this way.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Having said that my dad's Punto lasted longer than that, I think he's was about 7 years.

My Bravo did 6 years, My Laguna did 10, our Seat did an average of 7. I have to say I expect 10 years out of the first one.... Daft thinking or what.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Well I did the B&M and the Proxi on a pleasant young lady's 500C today. I will write a guide as there was a bit of an issue. I was so glad it was a C. We opened the roof and I could stand up which was good as my back is still bad. It took 4 hours to do this thing, lots of trim and an entire back seat to loose, along with two seat belts before we could see it. Seeing a young woman preapred to get stuck in was a pleasant suprise. At the end of the day the milage stopped flashing and I hope the flat battery each day will be a thing of the past. Im only sorry it took so long, but we didnt break anything and its all back together nicely so I have a sense of satisfaction. Why any reputable garage would sell a car like this is beyond me and if I knew which it was I would give them a piece of my mind!

 

[FiatMatt94]

My Bravo did 6 years, My Laguna did 10, our Seat did an average of 7. I have to say I epect 10 years out of the first one.... Daft thinking or what.

I agree, I'd expect the original ones to last at least 10 years as well, My Panda one went just out of the 3 year warranty which at the time did annoy me a little , my dad got a red MK2 Uno cheap around 20 years ago which had a Varta battery when he got it, the car only lasted a few months as the rear suspension went & went through the rear arch writing the car off but the Varta battery went into my uncles Fiesta which lasted another 11 years until his Fiesta went to scrap due to terminal rot.

 

[StevenRB45]

Trip to Cragside...

House is all dressed for Christmas, though the UKs tallest living Christmas tree is erm...not as good as the knitted one.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

We've sort of come to the conclusion that if you let the batteries rundown completely more than a few times... that regardless of a 'good charge' from driving or a charger, that they're pretty much going to be done or unreliable. Do you think that can be the case?

Halfords did their tests on the Avensis once and said it was fine, but the next day... no start. Blamed the fact that it was discharged a few times completely and that it likely just wrecked it beyond saving. It was four years old, always thought 6-7 was a more reasonable time for the original to fail but depends on the driving habits too I suppose

Trouble is when you let a battery really "deeply discharge" the sulphation which forms on the surface of the plates becomes hard and virtually impossible to dissolve. I keep my service batteries on maintenance charge pretty much all the time - that's what I bought the Lidl/Aldi charger for - and the oldest one, which has to be over 10 years old now as it came out of the Cordoba when I scrapped her and bought the Ibiza (since replaced by the Scala) recently started both my pal's Jag and neighbour's big six cylinder BMW without being recharged between use. I don't have a battery condition tester but it must be in reasonable nick to have done both of those just a day apart and without being recharged in between.

 

[StevenRB45]

I do wonder how long the Citroën one with it's stop start capacitor acting like a battery conditioner will last.

The Toyota has no capacitor but at 8 years old on the original battery the stop start seems to work.

I suspect if you forget about stop start functionality both batteries will last a long time... simply because due to the stop start they are actually bloody ginormous to start a little 1.2 petrol due to the need for quick start ups so even if performance has taken a dip the battery itself has specs you'd associate with a 2.0 TDI at lowered CCA it's probably enough to kick it over in normal none stop start circumstances as long it can still produce 12v to bring everything to life.

Of course the reason I'm wondering these things is in theory both batteries should be getting close to end of life but neither seem that bothered and both cars have working stop start.