Hello all,
I've owned a 52-plate N16 1.5 Twister (5dr) for just over 2 months and I've got a couple of questions about it which could determine its future!
The car was bought as a replacement for a 1.3 Ford Ka as I needed something bigger and less rusty. I noticed it seemed down on power compared to the Ka though but having read the forums have discovered that it's not unusual. Economy seems to be OK, I get 450 miles or thereabouts from a full tank, which is a good thing since I do about 1000 miles per month. The body is rust free, everything works including the A/C, it was serviced before I got it, has had the crossmember done, the cat replaced and swallowed a three seat couch - something the Ka could never do!
Anyway, it's done nearly 121,000 miles now and I've got used to it being a bit gutless. I just altered my driving style a bit and don't chuck it about as much as I did with the Ka. The handling's nimble enough to entertain, but I digress...
What's bugging me is the oil consumption. It's gone through over a litre in the last three weeks with no sign of a visible leak or smoke, plus no emulsion or contamination in the coolant. When running with the oil filler off, there is noticeable venting. It sounds like an exhaust. I suspect the piston rings are a bit worn so I'm going to do a compression test ASAP. Could there be anything else causing the high oil consumption? Is it normal for the 1.5 engine? Is there a PCV valve somewhere that's choked?
Other than the oil probs, I've had squeally belts (cured with some spray for the time being - probably need new ones right enough) and I've got a really bad judder in reverse gear, nothing in all the forward gears though. All engine mounts and gearbox mounts seem to be OK but the rearmost one might have a split. Could this cause the judder? The clutch bites well and there's no slippage.
If the probs are an easy fix then I'm going to keep the car & DIY them. If not, it might be time to shift it on, so any insight, experience or advice you could give would be very welcome!
Oh, and replacement keyfobs - where can I get them without having to sell my children?
Many thanks,
Bob (VonRedbeard)
I've owned a 52-plate N16 1.5 Twister (5dr) for just over 2 months and I've got a couple of questions about it which could determine its future!
The car was bought as a replacement for a 1.3 Ford Ka as I needed something bigger and less rusty. I noticed it seemed down on power compared to the Ka though but having read the forums have discovered that it's not unusual. Economy seems to be OK, I get 450 miles or thereabouts from a full tank, which is a good thing since I do about 1000 miles per month. The body is rust free, everything works including the A/C, it was serviced before I got it, has had the crossmember done, the cat replaced and swallowed a three seat couch - something the Ka could never do!
Anyway, it's done nearly 121,000 miles now and I've got used to it being a bit gutless. I just altered my driving style a bit and don't chuck it about as much as I did with the Ka. The handling's nimble enough to entertain, but I digress...
What's bugging me is the oil consumption. It's gone through over a litre in the last three weeks with no sign of a visible leak or smoke, plus no emulsion or contamination in the coolant. When running with the oil filler off, there is noticeable venting. It sounds like an exhaust. I suspect the piston rings are a bit worn so I'm going to do a compression test ASAP. Could there be anything else causing the high oil consumption? Is it normal for the 1.5 engine? Is there a PCV valve somewhere that's choked?
Other than the oil probs, I've had squeally belts (cured with some spray for the time being - probably need new ones right enough) and I've got a really bad judder in reverse gear, nothing in all the forward gears though. All engine mounts and gearbox mounts seem to be OK but the rearmost one might have a split. Could this cause the judder? The clutch bites well and there's no slippage.
If the probs are an easy fix then I'm going to keep the car & DIY them. If not, it might be time to shift it on, so any insight, experience or advice you could give would be very welcome!
Oh, and replacement keyfobs - where can I get them without having to sell my children?
Many thanks,
Bob (VonRedbeard)
