My Quick Fix

Problem
My Fabia’s temperature indicator light started flashing and beeping at me a few minutes after the engine was started, each time I used the car. The coolant level was fine, and the car seemed to get up to temperature quickly and stay there, never overheating. A quick search of the Briskoda forum revealed that this is a common fault, caused by faulty terminals and/or electrodes in the expansion tank vessel.
Solution
On the VRS models, and possibly others, the electrodes that measure coolant level cannot be replaced or cleaned, so a complete …

Problem
I recently replaced the water pump on my car, and found the existing paper gasket clinging solidly to the pump face on the head. I needed a very quick removal method, as it was getting dark and the car had to be driven 30 minutes later, so I searched around for something hard, flat, but not likely to damage the surface. I found an old Stanley knife blade and tried it, but it wasn’t very easy to hold while scraping the papery crap off.
Solution
In the end I found a blunt …

Problem
Stainless steel is a pig to cut with hand tools, especially if the cut has to be tidy. An angle grinder with a cutting disk will make pretty quick work of it, but it’s not accurate, and there’s a good chance you’ll chew up your work piece… or your fingers.
Solution
I tried lots of different sorts and brands of hacksaw blade, and then came across IRWIN “Cobalt HSS All Hard” blades. They are a standard 12″/300mm blade, and can be bought in 18 TPI or 24 TPI versions. I bought 10 …