Bone Rat

Hi, Had the Rainexperts on till Boxing Day, they'd been on all summer after not being able to get any more A021s. Found them not quite as good as the A021 in the warm & damp of Wales. But better than the Avons. Boxing Day was a lot colder, little damp as well. Cue 180 degree spin coming out of a deserted roundabout at about 30 into the central reservation, fortunately only a kerb not Armco. Now, 4 new wheels, rear suspension & steering rack later I find myself back on ZV3s. Not a pleasant experience at all. Now what to replace them with... A

Sorry to hijack this thread but I find myself in similar circumstances, I also have a 6 year old Sigma 150 & need to get the belt done. Does anyone know of any people in the South East Wales area who are familiar with the settings & process for this odd engine. Not keen on doing it myself, other bits yes but i'm sure I could really mess it up... Andy

Hi, Will probably be shot down for this but I had similar experience. Looked at my v old 1/2" one & it's instructions & it stated to reverse use for L handed threads to dismantle the head - it only has 2 screws & replace the internals the other way round. Did it with the 3/4" one - hey presto a L handed wrench! Don't be afraid of doing it the internals of the head are extremely simple - the torque bits are in the handle. The head is only a crude ratchet with 2 or 3 working parts, not precision stuff, as mentioned the magic is in the shaft. I'd send a photo but can't work it out. Looked at yours - it's the same as mine. Andy

Hi, I installed the Racetech single seater mirrors about 4 years ago, easy fit to the stanchion. Was for the same reason. The lack of opening is far outweighed by the improved visibility. Quite cheap at £24 each. Can also easily store the doors when out, well when alone. Can't post pic as in work but this is the item as an example. http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/mirrors/racetech-single-seater-mirror-2 Andy

Hi, Same engine and did my own first oil change this winter. Wanted to install a temp sensor in the sump plug. Anyway used one of the oil sucky devices to drain it out first via the dipstick tube. Dead simple process. When I removed the plug no extra oil drained at all. From now on I'll probably leave the plug & sensor alone & just use the sucker. Much less messy and quicker. Would seriously consider that option if it's a regular ambition.

I ended up getting a set from Titon - these pulled up to tighten. None of the others seemed to consider this. Had a Willans set which pulled down - useless if you tend to the snug fit like I do. Good quality & quick turn around - cheaper than the big names

Hi, Mine just snapped in two - looking at the pics & description I assume it's a Sigma. I just ended up fashioning a piece out of a DVD box - cut a strip out rounded it, drilled it. It's held the cable for 4 years and looks OK. Sod buying new bits. Andy

Hi, A big thank you to everyone especially Martyn, this has been bugging me for months. It does sound fiddly but straight forward and I think it'll will provide many happy hours over the summer. Brings back memories of the step father trying to sort out his clapped out MGB with a Gunsons Carbalancer or something back in the 70's. Got to admit I initially thought the 150 a right pain when I first had it - CC used to insist the kangarooing was Normal for the car because I hadn't stuck my foot against the footwell to prevent sudden movement was because it had a cable not 'drive by wire'It was only when it was balanced that the engine really showed what it was capable of, really nice revving engine. I decided it was time to look after it myself. Once again thanks, made someone very happy Andy

Hi, Not a frequent poster as most things bumble along but thought I may need some help this time. I've got a 150 Sigma Roadsport - factory built and owned from new since 2011, at the moment it's running OK. When I picked it up it had the usual problem with the throttle bodies being out of balance and drove like a kangaroo. Eventually this was adressed at the Midland branch after some denial there was an issue. Had the latest map applied at that time & now drives well. Started servicing & looking after it myself this year, it appears to be straight forwards at least as the mechanical side goes. But I'm concerned that the throttles will eventually go out of balance again and need resetting. I'd like to be able to do this if push came to shove. I've got access to a synchrometer and Easimap 6. Every account I see talks about resetting the TPS as part of the process, however long I search I can't see any description of how to do this on the Sigma 150. The car has the original MBE ECU which I know is locked down. Easimap does read it OK. Can anyone tell me if balancing is a viable proposition for DIY and point me to any directions to do so especially around the TPS and resetting. Or is it a case of 'getting a man in'? Many thanks Andy

Hi, Just serviced my Roadsport 150 Sigma - as far as I could find out they were NGK TR5B-13. Seems to run fine after change from the original Ford plugs Andy

Hi, Just been through the thread - I have a factory built Sigma 150 Roadsport 2011 vintage. The rev counter flicks a bit when idling & has always done so, steady when driving though. Didn't notice any change in running of the engine so just assumed it's iffy earthing. The OPG always gives a steady 2 bar at idle rising to 4.5 bar when driving. I can only reiterate the quality control issues, I picked mine up from CC south & immediately thought 'I'm sure it should be easier in traffic than this'. It was a pig to drive in stop start traffic, constantly surging & refusing to be driven smoothly. On return to S.Wales & giving it a few weeks to see if it was just the 'raw driving experience' I decided it wasn't right. Contacted CC 1) They all do that. 2) It's the accelerator cable - it's not fly by wire 3) Wear thinner shoes 4) Jam your foot aganst the side wall to prevent jerky movements. All utter BS & rather patronising to an experienced driver. Eventually sorted by a phone call to CC Midlands - immediate response was - 'Yeah- you need the throttles balanced & updated map - just bring it up'. (Cardiff to Midlands in rain is not a short trip & not fun). The return trip was a revelation - it ran properly for once! Would it really have been so difficult to bother to balance the throttle bodies before releasing it & not trying to fob off with rubbish excuses. I really expected better from a niche manufacturer. Sorry for the rant - but it's interesting to see others have had the same issues. Andy

Hi, Wife has a 2.0 TT FSI, only 'carbon problem' is a bit left field. They have a problem with the evaporation system, fumes etc etc. There is a valve on the front of the engine & a canister of acitivated charcoal. These can get contaminated by fuel being sucked through if the tank is brimmed, the valve then seizes. Warning light & a bit splutterly. Audi will quote £350+ to fix, interestingly the parts are held in stock & cost about £80 & take 30 min to replace. The Audi & VW forums have threads on this. Other wise it's been fine, just regular oil changes & the cambelt Andy

Hi, Have read these articles with interest, is it just a problem with the Rover engine & sender or is the Sigma affected as well? May as well start planning for the worst if it is. Andy

Hi, Recently changed from Willans to Titon because of the adjustment issue. Much easier to adjust & therefore more comfortable. Very good service & quality, cost about £100 per seat. Highly recommended

Hi, I was ferrying round some in laws from Aus in the Mazda, I'd had a morning of whinging about the rain at Dan y Ogof. I saw you all - "Look there - that should have been you today" - que end of whinging about rain.

A very soggy looking convoy heading up the Swansea Valley on the A4067, I'm sure one didn't have a hood up - credit where its due Andy

Hi, Had been at it since 10:30 this morning trying out new roads, was pretty deaf when we spoke. Don't think my plugs work. Seemed kind of busy up there today. Andy

Hi, Live in Bridgend, work in North Swansea Andy

Clarification & useful info! Black in colour, 15/12 old - were in new build delivered Jan 2011. Removed within the month. Have seatbelt buckle not rotary type http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/product.php?id_product=1388 Andy

Hi, I've recently sold my Willans harnesses which replaced the original fit Caterham Road 4 point harness. These were stored in the Willans boxes - so I had to get them down from the attic. I really can't face another trip up there, too many dead mice - so anyone want them for £30 + postage. They were only used for about a month before I got fed up with octopus wrestling each time I got in. So, in excellent almost virginal condition - suitable for upgrading from inertia reel belts or anyone wishing to relive the feelings of realising they ordered the wrong harness when they bought the car Andy Edited by - Bone Rat on 3 May 2012 16:02:49

Thanks everyone, Picked up mails this am, sold to cskip. Andy

Hi, For Sale - 1 pair Black Willans 4 point race type harness. 3" shoulder straps & 2" lap straps. Drivers side 1 year old. Passenger 8 months & used once. Dated to 2015. Excellent condition,only used on road. Bought to replace road set in 2011. These are PULL DOWN to adjust - that's the reason for sale. Combination of narrow series 3 & fat backside made adjustment too awkward & sweaty. Would suit SV or someone more like a racing snake! Wife objected to rummaging to tighten hence used once only. Price £125 the pair. postage extra - no idea of weight yet - will discuss Andy Edited by - Bone Rat on 1 May 2012 20:11:09

Hi, Hardy soul in green & yellow striped heading I presume to Sennybridge range. 6 degrees only. Nice road there, thanks for the article 2 months ago .

Oops, Came looking for tips on replacing squeeky horn, anyone for Col Bogey... will go now. Andy

Hi, Found myself in similar situation, new Roadsport 150 on 14". ZV3 produced interesting handling & not terribly reassuring to a 7 & RWD novice. Swapped to A021 after about 3K miles & found it transformed the handling & confidence. Excellent in the dry, better than the ZV3 in the damp. An excellent investment. Andy