Speedo on SPEEEEED and other Q's

[oze30]

Hi guys,

I've been looking at a 325, with a jumpy speedo needle. Is this just a case of replacing the cable? or is it something alot worse?

Also, In teh back of the tourings, why is there a clearish garden house that connects to nothing but runs up the pillar, and a blue plug? (LHR behind the panel) Is this for the rear washer? The car doesn't have one, but has the 2 buttons for it.

How hard is it to fix the door hinges? Got a bit of play in the drivers door.

G reg, leaking oil from near the oil filter/pipes that lead to the cooler I'm guessing(?) where it bolts into the block???

If there is diff grouching (?) when reversed on lock, what is it?

How hard is it to wire up the front fog lights? It has them and the switch, but no lumens!

How hard is a radio to install?

Whats the best way to clean a grubby interior?

Sorry for all the questions. But been looking at a 325 Auto touring! G reg

Cheers!!

[Cloggy Saint]

Ok, i can supply a few answers for you, in no particular order.
The speedo is electronic, there is no cable. A possible cause of the problem would be failing batteries in the si board, but someone will put you straight on this.
The rear screen wash nozzle is actually located in the base of the wiper arm, lift the hinged cap and you'll see it. The pipe you're talking about is more than likely for this.
The lack of fog lights could be down to blown bulbs, fuse, knackered relay, bad wiring etc etc. If you work through all possibilities it should be straight forward enough.
Radio installation is simple enough, especially if you still have the factory loom installed. You probably already have 4 speakers in the car, in the front footwells and load compartment. Check for wiring from these to the radio position.
Not sure i've actually answered any of your questions fully, but it's a start!

[Brianmoooore]

Further to datourer's reply, the jumping speedo is probably an internal break in the wire from the plug on the back of the differential. It breaks just outside of the plug, and the two ends are probably making intermittant contact as the diff moves around.
Problems with a door hinge is very unusual - never seen one worn. You don't mean the stay that holds the door open do you? Common for the roller mechanism to crack inside the door.

[oze30]

it stays open, but the hinge has some play in it. You can lift the door up and down.

Also, where do they commonly leak? this has water in the rear footwell and in the rear D/S cubby in the back.

[Brianmoooore]

it stays open, but the hinge has some play in it. You can lift the door up and down.

Also, where do they commonly leak? this has water in the rear footwell and in the rear D/S cubby in the back.

Door is held on the hinges by two 6mm bolts. Are they done up?
Water in rear footwells is usually problems with a metal plate that blocks a hole (about 90mm dia.) in the floorpan. They either come loose or one of the retaining lugs rusts off. I usually weld them up completely when I do a renovation.
Rear drivers side cubby hole has several possible causes - Seal on the rear light cluster, rust hole under the boot seal rubber, or most usual I find, a rust hole in the rear right wheel arch.
This wheel arch has several brackets in it, which aren't undersealed, and give rust a starting point, and the silly half liner gives mud a place to lodge, rather than keeping it out.
Good news is that any of this rust is usually very localised, and rarely needs a patch of more than about 50mm diameter.

[oze30]

Thanks brian. I think I just bought a 325 touring!!! Auto, in metalic Grey (?) But need to sort out a few things first!

Do you know where I can get a manual online? the computer says its -30c outside!

[Brianmoooore]

If the OBC says -30, then the temp sensor is disconnected. Should be stuck in the front left brake duct, with a yellow plug.

[oze30]

cheers. Had a look at the water in teh back. Was a faulty seal. There's only 4 nuts holding one side on, and one of the lenses was full of water.

Where is the hole you mentioned that you weld up?

[Brianmoooore]

cheers.
Where is the hole you mentioned that you weld up?

Directly under the middle of the front seat cushions. (Look under the car).

[oze30]

Cheers,

Will have a goosy in the morning!

Oh, whats the best way to dry out the carpet??

[Brianmoooore]

Oh, whats the best way to dry out the carpet??

Take it out and hang it up on end. May be the best way if your going welding. You can have a look then to see if there are any more holes.

Oil leak around the oil cooler take off is usually from the cap over the oil thermostat. There's a little kit of parts from the dealer to fix this.

[oze30]

Hmm.. methinks this will be fun in this weather!

Thanks muchly