Sparky

Can't get enough - had to go and give my baby a good thrashing again today. Did about 30 motorway miles. Within about 2 miles of returning home, I saw the coolant warning flicker once or twice, then watched the temp gauge doing strange things - fluctuating rapidly between 80 and 90. Pulled up at home and left the engine running - lots of steam, and a puddle rapidly forming! Turned it off and had a quick look around. It seems to be coming from the right hand side of the engine, low down. If this was any of my other motors, I'd be cursing. But I find it curious that I'm actually looking forward to getting under the Esprit tomorrow to fidure out what's up. Anyhow, the pleasure/pain equation is roughly balanced so far. Every time I get a grin on my face, the car tries to wipe it off! Couldn't care less, still loving every minute.

No worries! Given recent form, it'll get lost along with my bank details, my younger daughter's name and address, and my middle daughter's learner driver records...

New tyres (Toyos) fitted today. Amazed at the change in handling! I've never experienced such an improvement due to tyres alone. Might have something to do with the N/S/R outer sidewall - it was abysmal, and Simon was right - I was verrrry lucky to get away with it.

Stopped the Esprit on a double yellow today, just for a minute or two so my missus could jump out and grab something, and along came a traffic warden. "Not stopping, mate - only be a minute or so," I said, trying to smile nicely. "Don't worry - I wouldn't dream of putting a ticket on a beautiful car like that," said the warden, walking away. Cool. Mega. And all those other archaic words. I can't believe the effect this thing has.

Tangfastics. Mmmmmmmmmm

Tish, pshrew, hey nonny nonny. Or is that going a bit too far?

Fair comment, Simon - hadn't thought of it that way. Historically, the missus has stabbed me, split my lip, and laughed like a drain each time I've broken a bone. Maybe I've missed a couple of subtle clues? New kitchen was part of the Esprit purchase deal, unfortunately. Kitchen units arrive in 3 weeks. And then all the appliances which, by incredible coincidence, she tells me are all in need of replacement! They all worked last time I was in there (maybe a few months now). And she has the front to moan about a couple of tyres. Since you've collectively convinced me that a) I was very lucky; and b ) it was probably spousal sabotage, maybe I should figure out how to launch a culinary retaliation. Muhahaha New tyres will be fitted Wednesday. No doubt it will rain incessantly thereafter.

Don't think so. Drive to road is smooth with no lip, and it definitely wasn't flat on the way to the gas station. But I suppose it could have done as you suggested pulling on to the forecourt. I'm more annoyed at losing a nice drive than blowing a tyre! At least it's forced me to get on with ordering new rear tyres. Looking at Black Circle - don't know what to go for...

Woke up this morning, opened the curtains - fantastic clear blue sky. Wife was at work, so thought I'd give my new toy a serious spin. Drove up to the gas station, slammed in a few quid, and drove off... Bugger. Lurching from side to side, and that familiar rumble. Pulled off the road as best I could, dinking a bloody wheel in the process. N/S/R tyre flat! I debated invoking my breakdown cover, but as I was only a third of a mile from home (and convinced I must have a puncture), I nursed her back. Got out the compressor, inflated the tyre - perfect! No pressure loss. Can't figure this out. I definitely had pressure in that tyre when I was putting gas in, but 3 minutes later it was flat, and the car wasn't out of my sight for even a second. Sidewall's pretty trashed now, so no playing. Fortunately I was pricing new rears only last night as they're close to the limit. I'm just a tad miffed because I lost a glorious sunny day. :crazy:

No worries! Might slam one on eBay for a laff.

Ian - do you still need a DS? IF all goes well, I'll have 2 from California in a couple of days...

If you have a few spare minutes (I actually spent a couple of hilarious hours), visit www.quatloos.com , and look for articles by Brad Christensen. He takes on these scammers and plays them at their own game. It's a hoot.

Ian - I was just about to suggest USA as an option. I too need one fast, under pain of death from my 13-year old! I have a mate in Vegas at the moment and he's going to grab one for me (fortunately this console isn't regionalised). As a backstop, I've ordered a collector's edition with Zelda - the cult favourite - from an apparently reputable US eBayer. If I get both, then one will go up for auction just before Christmas. Last year I pre-ordered 4 Wiis to be safe, as failure was not an option. Got 3 before the day (amazed!), and auctioned 2 of them. Yes, I'm a capitalist pig, but I started them both at 1p, and I did deliver one personally on Xmas eve, thereby making one child's day. The 4th arrived in January and I gave it at cost to my mate for his daughter's birthday. So, I got my daughter's one for near as dammit nothing, and managed to put smiles on other kids' faces too. I guess the lesson here is to order early and well over the top. You're unlikely to lose out...

Duh. What a tool. I've done a quick fix, stripping out all existing pipes and fitting a single replacement between tanks. So, can anyone tell me whether the second pipe is necessary? I finally got my hand down and found that it just vents to atmosphere. Made one silly mistake though. Spent over half an hour trying to figure out why the engine wouldn't start afterwards. Turned out the fuel cutoff (which has a snag wire attached to it) had tripped - I must have yanked it whilst scrambling around. Huge relief when it started, and much celebration when I drove her around and couldn't smell fuel any more (well, maybe a tiny whiff once or twice). Simon - this doesn't mean I don't want the photos. I'd really appreciate the comparison. Thanks!

Hi Simon. That'd be great - yes please! It all looks pretty straightforward except for 2 items - I have a T junction on the left, and one pipe just disappears vertically on the right. Trid to get a look where it goes, but just can't get down there. Maybe 3 issues actually - the new hose will be tough to hide under the carpet. Lucky I bought a 5m reel though!

Cheers guys. Already started spending that float! Yup - wife currently finds me highly amusing. I'm just wondering when she'll get around to complaining that I don't gaze at her that way any more...

Hiya. Finally got around to investigating the awful fuel smell. Working according to a very informative article, and following extensive searches on this site, I dismantled the necessary. Trouble is, I have TWO pipes running left to right under the carpet! I've only found reference to one in all topics/articles written. The good news is both pipes are severed on the left, and one is severely cracked on the right. One routes as described, whilst the other descends past the engine on the right hand side. I haven't gone searching for the other end of it yet. Confused? Yeah. Fun? Hell, yeah. But - any advice regarding two pipes?

Cheers Russ! Yes, although acting like a kid in a toyshop, I deliberately bought one under budget - so now I have a cash float to work with. Looks like it won't go far though. I reckon new tanks pretty soon...

Cameron, I thought you were joking, until I looked at your profile. Alabama? You're probably dead serious!

Hi Bo - thanks! Saw yours - very nice. I came very close to buying a G.

Thanks. So, everyone thinks I'm normal except Andy, who wants to steal my car. It's happening again...

I'm one of those people who don't have dreams. Well, everybody dreams, but some people just don't have any recollection of them. I vaguely remember some detail maybe twice a year. But - something terrible has happened. Finally an Esprit owner, I've had two dreams - nay, nightmares - in the last three nights. In the first, my wheels had been nicked and the Esprit was up on bricks , and in the second I lost all my oil pressure on the motorway. Is this normal? I'd try the Samaritans, but I don't think they'd be too sympathetic.

Ah, if only. Unfortunately the Ayatollah says they'll clash with her new kitchen.

Great! I'll try that excuse with the wife when I roll in drunk from the office Christmas party.

They're yours! Just give me your paintwork and a couple of fuel tanks.