...ok, so after my Newbie intro and info. (found here: http://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=29347) this thread is for those who just can't engage with engines; who just don't radiate at the thought of radiators; who falter at filters, or, are just plain mechanically muddled. Like me. :grin:
If so, it'll hopefully give you a bit of inspiration, the odd laugh, and occasional tip, such as how to avoid a petrol eye-bath when changing the fuel filter, something I really wish I'd read before doing it!
So, feeling flush with my HCV success (see thread above) I formulated a plan. Unlike others, and hats off to them for it, my aim wasn't to do a thread on an engine swap or the like...though I have gone gooey over the thought of an ST180 lump and started a tiny bit of research :lol:
No, my plan required steely resolve to not get ahead of myself and definite not-so-bold action. It meant small steps, doing jobs that wouldn't cost much to fix if I messed up and using the "How to..." guides to help build my general maintenance skills but MOST importantly to build my confidence.
Now the easiest job going has to be changing the pollen filter, plus things get less whiffy if you do, so it's a win, win. You simply buy it, open the bonnet, look to the right side at the very back of the bay and there's the housing tucked away under where the rain gutter/scuttle (I think that's what it's called) is. Just pop open these tabs:
054 by G Whizz, on Flickr
swap old filter for new and you're golden, or, to be more accurate, carbon, if you've spent the extra few quid for an activated one. It really is that easy.
Here's the filter(s):
045 by G Whizz, on Flickr
044 by G Whizz, on Flickr
You can easily tell which is which as new ones don't come with leaves in them...though maybe they do with the ecoboost range?
There, you've done your first "job" :yay: ...see, nothing to this car maintenance lark is there?
Next post, the air filter (and more) but be warned it's a whole other level of complexity as you need to remove four bolts ...and, gulp, they might even be torx heads if original, eeek!
If so, it'll hopefully give you a bit of inspiration, the odd laugh, and occasional tip, such as how to avoid a petrol eye-bath when changing the fuel filter, something I really wish I'd read before doing it!
So, feeling flush with my HCV success (see thread above) I formulated a plan. Unlike others, and hats off to them for it, my aim wasn't to do a thread on an engine swap or the like...though I have gone gooey over the thought of an ST180 lump and started a tiny bit of research :lol:
No, my plan required steely resolve to not get ahead of myself and definite not-so-bold action. It meant small steps, doing jobs that wouldn't cost much to fix if I messed up and using the "How to..." guides to help build my general maintenance skills but MOST importantly to build my confidence.
Now the easiest job going has to be changing the pollen filter, plus things get less whiffy if you do, so it's a win, win. You simply buy it, open the bonnet, look to the right side at the very back of the bay and there's the housing tucked away under where the rain gutter/scuttle (I think that's what it's called) is. Just pop open these tabs:
054 by G Whizz, on Flickr
swap old filter for new and you're golden, or, to be more accurate, carbon, if you've spent the extra few quid for an activated one. It really is that easy.
Here's the filter(s):
045 by G Whizz, on Flickr
044 by G Whizz, on Flickr
You can easily tell which is which as new ones don't come with leaves in them...though maybe they do with the ecoboost range?
There, you've done your first "job" :yay: ...see, nothing to this car maintenance lark is there?
Next post, the air filter (and more) but be warned it's a whole other level of complexity as you need to remove four bolts ...and, gulp, they might even be torx heads if original, eeek!