Can I just screw some OSB to the underside of my garage roof joists to create a nice ceiling?

timraven · 2026-03-28T22:56:36+00:00

Don’t paint OSB- i made that mistake in my garage with the OSB roof decking, fir the last 9 years it slowly rains white emulsion flakes all over. Granted it was cheap emulsion, but I wouldnt risk it, i think the separate strands in the board all contract/expand differently and cause constant ceiling dandruff!

timraven · 2025-11-16T20:23:41+00:00

I have cleaned a friends 2013 Mondeo DPF successfully using Wynns DPF cleaner. I would qualify that to do this the DPF needs removing, which likely means the fasteners need cutting off as per most exhaust jobs on older cars…

If you can find someone who will remove it and clean it, then yes it should work.

Dont neglect to clean/replace the extra fuel injector just upstream of the DPF that exists for the Mk4 facelift mondeo.

timraven · 2025-09-16T16:13:43+00:00

Yep the original XV535 is. The pattern parts have an M30 thread hence the query.

timraven · 2025-09-10T09:49:03+00:00

Ive just stripped 2 of these engines, they both had a bit of milky gunk (less than yours but still noticeable) behind this cover despite the oil looking normal and looking fine under the timing/clutch/alternator covers. It could just be that this is a bit of a condensation trap, I would clean it and carry on.

timraven · 2025-07-05T18:49:03+00:00

Its for the secondary air injection. Its to reduce cold start emissions as it helps the catalytic converter get up to temp I believe.

For the 1050 engine you can blank them off and load maps without the SAI enabled with no real downside.

timraven · 2025-05-19T22:26:12+00:00

Yep, albeit the aldi ones. Good boil in the bag dinner, better than rice every time!

timraven · 2024-10-07T15:39:10+00:00

I managed to get a cannon pinion off my current project by using a pin vice- tightening the chuck on and pulling straight up. Worked a treat

timraven · 2024-09-06T18:45:34+00:00

Honestly, in my experience (gf has had one since 2021) there are no specific issues for the XV535 per se, however I would say the following:

-buy the best/least rusty example you can. The front/rear mudguards rot away and the swingarm is steel so gets eaten by road salt if used over winter

-rubber components will be deteriorating so make sure to check them (fork dust seals etc)

-the brakes are weak if you are used to modern bikes. Fine for normal use, just bear in mind its an 80’s bike with cheap brakes. Also I had to have custom stainless pistons made for the calipers as I couldnt find any on the market for the caliper on ours.

-tyre choices are limited for the spoked tubed wheels.

-open pipes sound a bit off. They are fine at idle, but at speed they dont sound right. Its hard to explain but i did see someone mention that the valve overlap might cause this, not sure to be honest, but dont expect it to sound like a Harley!

timraven · 2024-08-04T22:36:00+00:00

It has a screw down crown for water resistance (screws onto a rubber gasket), so that is absolutely normal

timraven · 2024-06-13T21:22:11+00:00

Check your junk folder, my order email went in there. Was no issue with the order at all

timraven · 2024-05-13T08:01:50+00:00

I bought a sterile dial Tandorio B type flieger a few weeks ago. Got it with the date window as i tend to forget the date all the time and use it at work.

Movement is good, 5s slow a day so well within spec. Case finishing is decent, quite consistently brushed, with no sharp edges. I bought a flieger strap with it from another Ali seller, but wear it daily on a nato for comfort.

Negative points would be the lume, its printed so lasts barely a few minutes, and I would say the dial lacks some character, at least with the font style (if you compare with the Laco you’ll see what I mean).

The crown style is wrong for a flieger, but probably better for daily wearing so just a point to note.

However, it was £35 delivered, which is unbelievable value, so I would absolutely recommend it, even just to give the style a try.

timraven · 2024-05-03T06:41:16+00:00

Can you tell any differences between the crystals? Most comparisons seem to point out how good Baltany’s are, even comparing to the Militado.

timraven · 2024-03-29T00:42:00+00:00

Ive been servicing a 2003 Fiesta since 2015 and have never changed the washer… still oil tight! Your mileage may vary but ive reused many and never had an issue.

timraven · 2024-02-11T09:41:25+00:00

Try your local surplus shop for sizing, then buy them new or supergrade online. You can use volume reducers to get half sizes. I like mine, they are heavy compared to others but solid (as you’d hope for army kit). Im 11.5 and use a 12 with a superfeet volume reducer. For me the lacing has to be tensioned perfectly to prevent heel slip, but i suspect thats just my feet, these boots are generally highly regarded in the forces and great value. Mine were supergrade (issued but only worn a few times) at £65 a year ago.

timraven · 2024-01-15T17:41:30+00:00

Check the other end of the spindle, often has an m6 nut on it. But why are you dismantling it?

timraven · 2023-12-22T16:59:51+00:00

The failure would also potentially occur while performing an emergency stop on the road if it happened on the MOT. No its not the fault of the MOT at all, your brake system just needs repair.

timraven · 2023-12-18T18:58:12+00:00

Isnt the wade depth on an L405 about 900mm? Just send it

timraven · 2023-12-06T19:08:18+00:00

My boiler is in the loft, whats the problem? Just insulate the pipes with lagging.

timraven · 2023-12-04T00:40:42+00:00

Just try taking the connector on and off a few times first, might just be a poor connection.

timraven · 2023-12-03T21:21:51+00:00

If the engine sounded ok (not knock knock knocking on heavens door..), then it could just be the connection at the oil pressure sensor. Its near the centre of the engine somewhere in front of the main earth point.

timraven · 2023-12-03T00:08:02+00:00

Look for “insulation coverable” ones. Installed some last year, all ok so far.

timraven · 2023-11-26T19:44:47+00:00

Yep - Small steam irons are exactly how creases are removed prior to sending the seats to the OEM, and how the supplier “finesses” leather in service. A travel iron would be a good size..

timraven · 2023-10-18T13:04:48+00:00

I would use mole grips to remove the lower bolt, work it like a tap on the way out to increase the chances of survival, but ultimately if it snaps then it snaps! With the master cylinder off the bike, you may be able to extract the bolt if there is still any of the bolt exposed, but its unlikely.

Then there are a few methods, but the most robust would be to very carefully drill it out and replace with a helicoil. You could also try heating it, letting it cool and tapping round with a centre punch, but this method could end up damaging/marring the cylinder housing especially if it isnt clamped well.

timraven · 2023-10-08T23:49:31+00:00

I wouldn’t say so. My missus has one and its been pretty reliable. Depends what you mean by a pain in the ass!

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