One of today's jobs was a 2002 Honda crv with engine management light on, and lack of power( limp home mode). I plugged in the scanner and it came up with VTEC system circuit fault. VTEC is Honda's legendary variable valve timing system and is usually very reliable. The system relies on oil pressure to work, (as well as electronics) so I thought I better check the oil for a start. There was NO oil showing on the dipstick, and it took three litres to get up to the full mark. When filled with oil the engine sounded a lot quieter. And after erasing the engine light it stayed out after a test drive. The sump was found to be leaking oil, so I've told the owner to keep an eye on the oil level in the meantime till I source a new sump. The engine only holds 3.8 litres of oil, so there wasn't much left. Let's hope it hasn't damaged it. Time will tell.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR ANTIFREEZE UP TO STRENGTH! We've had some pretty cold weather in the north of Scotland recently, with temperatures as low as - 10. I've been called out to three breakdowns this week involving broken timing belts. At least two of these were caused by the coolant freezing inside the water pump. (car not started for several days in sub zero conditions with weak antifreeze mix) when someone attempted to start the car the frozen water pump couldn't turn. The timing belt snapped, the valves hit the pistons and bent. Meaning a cylinder head rebuild or worse. All caused by a lack of antifreeze.

Another week another rusty Nissan. This time a 13 plate, ( yes, four years old) Nissan Note with a full Nissan service history with a rusty/ perforated sump. The owner was just about to go away for a long weekend in the car, when she noticed oil drips in her drive. I had to order and fit a new sump. On the plus side, it's a good job she noticed the leak before her journey or it could have been A LOT more serious.

A 2003 Nissan micra's rough running was traced to a rusty fuel filler pipe, allowing rainwater to get into the petrol tank. A new filler pipe from Nissan, pump out and clean the petrol and it's back running sweet again. All caused by a blocked drain hole beside the fuel filler neck. And a poor design.

Thats the van all washed and clean. ( well the outside anyway). Thinking of silver lettering to go with the go faster stripes, what do you think? Give me a flash if you see me on the road or sitting outside Subway in inverness!

I was in Elgin doing a warranty inspection today, and THIS was in for an MOT at the same garage. But what is it?

That moment, when you go to do a simple welding repair to the sill. Only to find someone has filled it with expanding foam.......

Hmmmm.

I was working on an 04 plate VW polo tdi today, 273,000 miles and still going strong. Amazing!