AndyR

That does make me wonder at times, as it is only down to the refinement of the fuel. I could understand it if it was like it used to be with the 4 star leaded and unleaded. And you had the 2 star for mowers and mopeds. But now I use E10 in my mower as well. I don't know how my 1982 Datsun is going to fair with E5 or E10 though. When leaded was done away with, I just adjusted the carb and timing. Didn't even need to have new valve seats either. But thats a project for the near future.

Hi there. We all sometimes wonder where our previous vehicles have ended up, So don't think that you are being too sentimental. I sometimes wish I still had my 2.8i Capri, but times move on. According to the DVLA website, your 1989 Blue Astra was still on the road legally, until January 2006, and the last change of log book was later that month on the 16 January 2006. We can only hope that someone has parked it up in there garage for a while and intend to get it back out on the road at some point. Fingers crossed.

Or this one.

About the best picture of it I can get at moment.

Is that the one that also gives the outside temperature reading? It is in middle of front bumper behind the bottom grille.

It sure is a benefit of regular maintenance. As for your point about the coolant sensor and the ambient sensor, I changed the coolant sensor about 6-7 months ago, but I don't know if I have an ambient sensor. Where would this be situated please?, and I'll have a look.

I ran my Astra on E5 to start with, and it didn't seem to happy. Was quite spluttery at times. Went over to the E`10, and she runs like a dream. And i can get an average 45-50 mpg. 1.6 16 valve automatic with 141000 miles, and 23 years old.

Sat and worked out mpg for the trip to the coast the other day. And I can honestly say that I'm impressed. A round trip of 88 miles and £10 of petrol. Works out that I was getting 47 mpg. For a 23 year old car that's coming up to 241000 miles, and automatic. I think that's good going.

88 mile round trip to the coast and back. Had a little glitch on the way out, but that was it. Purred all the way with no problems. just got to work out mpg to see if it's back to its usual consumption. Oh I'm so happy to be driving her and not be worrying.

I have been sticking to the E10. I did try the E5 when it first was introduced, but she did seem to run as well as she could. So I went back to the E10, and she seems a lot happier. Is your Z3 finer tuned than a family car?

Here's the update on the astras running issues. Changed out the fuel filter this evening, and after a rough start and idle, she seemed to pick up. Took her out for a test run, and first junction after a mile, she cut out. Restarted straight away. Went on a run for about ten miles, and withhaving to stop every so often as it's narrow country lanes around here. She had no issues of stalling. Gave her a good hard run on the clear straights, and yes she's back toher good old self. Pulling like a trojan, and stopping without cutting out. So if anyone has these issues. Then I suggest replacing fuel filter. Tomorrow we're off to the coast. So some fresh fuel and a good run should sort her out.

Well the clean up of throttle body improved the performance and the idling is a bit better. I have invested in a new fuel filter as apparently it can give the same symptoms that i am suffering with at the moment. So at some point tomorrow afternoon, i will swap them over and see how it goes. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEWS ON THE OUTCOME.

Well I removed the throttle body and gave it a good dowsing of carb cleaner. It was very Carboned up below the butterfly. I'm going to give the EGR a clean out too. And hopefully it will be a good cure.

Well after doing some research, I have discovered that it is a problem with the throttle body. So later today its getting hauled off and cleaned out. If that doesn't cure the problem then I'll have to invest in a replacement. I will keep everyone posted on the results.

Hi folks. My Astra has developed an engine stall. Starts up fine and runs reasonably well under power. But as soon as you back off power to come to a stop, the engine cuts out. I didn't think an automatic would do such a thing, but yep she is. I have changed plugs and coil pack. No difference. It does sound like there is a bit of a misfire on tick over. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. TIA. Andy.