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Jun 18, 2011 20:28:49 GMT
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Just a thought given what happened this afternoon  should the tech section have special rules for the people posting the answers? I mean, it's one thing having a section for technical questions and answers, but wrong answers and mis-information are not good. What I'm suggesting is that, before replying, people use some common sense. 1. If it is a MoT or DVLA question that can be answered by checking a website, include the reference with your answer. This also helps you get it right.... 2. If you are not sure of your facts, google for it, or better still say nothing - this isn't the general board, facts count not opinion or conjecture. 3. Try not to pass on third hand "my mate said..." info, it's just confusing and often wrong. 4. If there is any involvement of electricity/fuel/power tools etc always consider that the person you are replying to (the questioner) is not necessarily as experienced, capapble and knowledgable as you and may need the obvious stating. Think health and safety, and consider risk before posting "just do xyz, it's easy" Obviously, I'm not a moderator and have no say in how this site runs, but I think at least a "guidelines" sticky would be good. |
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To get a standard A40 this low, you'd have to dig a hole to put it in |
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Jun 18, 2011 20:38:47 GMT
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I think you are probably right here.
I have put an apology up to you but it never hurts to say so again.
Id also add that MOT criteria does not always tally with what is legally required so be carefull
Perhaps a sticky reminding people that not everyone using this board is a proffesional and that all hints tips and advice should be followed with caution
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Jun 18, 2011 20:42:19 GMT
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Id also add that MOT criteria does not always tally with what is legally required so be careful.
Absolutely, but if the question is "will my open wheel roadster pass a MoT" the answer is YES but "Is my open wheel roadster legal in the eyes of the law" would be a NO. I would suggest that we answer the question that is being asked, and not discuss similar, related issues (ref no2 - this is not the general board)
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To get a standard A40 this low, you'd have to dig a hole to put it in |
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ims
Posted a lot
Yaaaaaarrrrrrrrr
Posts: 1,055
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Jun 18, 2011 22:10:55 GMT
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Amen - that is all
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1993 Rs2o0o
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dungbug
Posted a lot
'Ooligan!
Posts: 2,852
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Jun 18, 2011 22:45:31 GMT
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I think that's part of the problem with a 'Tech Section', you get the guys who know their onions & those that think they do/have a guess or repeat something they were told yonks ago which isn't acurate. On the whole I've found mech & tech sections on various forums to be pretty good, but I can see where you're coming from. Questions regarding MOT's for example can be answered on VOSA's webpage, or ring the place you're planning to take the car for it's test and ask. Maybe a couple of sticky's for VOSA / DVLA website etc might be an idea, any posts regarding these areas can be 'directed' to the sticky if the OP has missed it. (I guess this should be in the forum section, Doh). ;D
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Past: 13 VW Beetles from 1967 - 1974
Bay Window Campers (1973 & 1974)
Mini's (1992 Cooper lookalike & 1984 '25 Anniversary)
MK2 Polo Coupe S (1984 & 1986)
MK2 Polo Breadvan (1981 & 1984)
MK4 Escort (1989)
MK2 Granada Based Hearse (seriously)
Fiat Uno 60S (1986) Punto 60S (1998) Cinq (1997)
1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat
2003 Ford KA
Current: 2004 Ford Focus (barely alive)
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Jun 18, 2011 23:27:42 GMT
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Funny, I did briefly consider whether I should have posted this in "website and forum...." but decided it would be better placed here. I see where you are coming from with FAQ... but the MoT manual is a touch on the arcane and hard to read side, so I can see why folk would need it explaining  |
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To get a standard A40 this low, you'd have to dig a hole to put it in |
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dungbug
Posted a lot
'Ooligan!
Posts: 2,852
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Jun 18, 2011 23:43:53 GMT
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I see where you are coming from with FAQ... but the MoT manual is a touch on the arcane and hard to read side, so I can see why folk would need it explaining Good point. |
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Past: 13 VW Beetles from 1967 - 1974
Bay Window Campers (1973 & 1974)
Mini's (1992 Cooper lookalike & 1984 '25 Anniversary)
MK2 Polo Coupe S (1984 & 1986)
MK2 Polo Breadvan (1981 & 1984)
MK4 Escort (1989)
MK2 Granada Based Hearse (seriously)
Fiat Uno 60S (1986) Punto 60S (1998) Cinq (1997)
1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat
2003 Ford KA
Current: 2004 Ford Focus (barely alive)
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30psi
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,024
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Jun 19, 2011 13:01:01 GMT
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I've never seen rules on any other forum asking people to cite sources or backup their statements with evidence. And as for googling this won't work well as the internet is inaccurate to start with. People will hold back giving advice or opinion if there are rules. I see this as a non-issue in my opinion.
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1962 Ford Thunderbird 6.4L
1981 Datsun Bluebird SSS CA18DET
1981 Datsun Bluebird SSS SR20DE
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Jun 19, 2011 14:19:56 GMT
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I think it's just a case of people need to be quite thorough in their explanations, as you mention in point 4 SOC. But then not throw all their toys out of the pram if someone disagrees. You can't be 100% right 100% of the time, hold your hands up, learn from it, move on. It's nothing personal, maybe next time you'll know something the other person doesn't.
It's pretty hard to diagnose things without having it sat directly in front of you and I think people need to just be aware that sometimes it might not quite work out as it should.
Do so at your own risk type thing. Most of us understand that anyway, but there's always one and that's when the trouble starts.
It's early days yet anyway, still things to iron out I'd imagine.
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murran
Part of things
Posts: 610
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Jun 19, 2011 16:40:32 GMT
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I like this new section..... generally I don't post help on things I'm not sure of from personal experience. i'm 30 and have been a mechanic from 18yo. ive been a tester nearly 6 years. experience with vag stuff and most "lesser" brands too..... but, I don't know everything, and i'll be the first to say it! an idea that might help everyone is.... whoever does like to post help on here. is if we have a sticky detailing what we "the helpers" have experience in then we know who has experience in what. weve sort of done this on the trampdrift forum.... also it might put off those from helping who don't know their  'ole from their ear'ole.... |
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Last Edit: Jun 19, 2011 16:41:30 GMT by murran
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Jun 19, 2011 16:59:21 GMT
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Okay folks, more than happy for a set of guidelines for this section... wasn't sure what issues it would come across. I'll have a looksee at some wordings for what SOC and co. have said and we can gradually evolve some guidelines.  |
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Jun 20, 2011 17:57:27 GMT
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I wonder if the badges system could be used here? Maybe create a few tech-related badges to give to the guys on here who really know their onions. Just a thought.  |
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Jun 20, 2011 18:04:55 GMT
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What about moderns? Are modern vehicles acceptable in the tech section?
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1989 Peugeot 205. You know, the one that was parked in a ditch on the campsite at RRG'17... the glass is always full. but the ratio of air to water may vary. |
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Jun 20, 2011 18:19:15 GMT
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as long as the person asking/taking the advice realises that the info is worth what they're payed for it, then there should be no major issues.
there's always going to be miss infomation, but there are a few guys on here who should and have pointed that out.
as always don't belive everything you read. people lie, repeat missinfomation as fact and sometimes just make mistakes.
use this tech section as just a guide, maybe sticky good info threads?
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Last Edit: Jun 20, 2011 21:40:51 GMT by Al Ramone
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Jun 20, 2011 21:29:15 GMT
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Fwiw maybe it'd help if people explained whay they came to their conclusion. For example 'this happened to my (identical) model and I cured it by (insert fix).
You'd like to think people would only reply if they've had the same problem and either found or been told the actual fix themselves but because the internet is a crazy world at times you'll get people who just guess at repairs or post what the bloke down the pub told them.
Having said that suggestions aren't always a bad thing because occasionally it's easy to overlook the simple things.
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Corsa Apology Champion 2014.
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Jun 20, 2011 22:04:14 GMT
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Its worth making a sticky to tell people to check any advice they are casually given on here, to see if the 'adviser' is 21 years old and from west wales. If so, test out the guy's tips on a scrap car before carrying them out on your own vehicle.
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1974 Lancia Beta Saloon
1975 Mazda 929 Coupé
1986 Mazda 929 Wagon
1979 Mazda 929 Hardtop
1982 Fiat Argenta 2.0 iniezione elettronica
1977 Toyota Carina TA14
1989 Subaru 1800 Wagon
1982 Hyundai Pony 1200TL 2-dr
1985 Hyundai Pony 1200 GL
1986 Maserati 425 Biturbo
1992 Rover 214 SEi 5-dr
2000 Rover 45 V6 Club
1994 Peugeot 205 'Junior' Diesel
1988 Volvo 760 Turbodiesel Saloon
1992 Talbot Express Autosleeper Rambler
2003 Renault Laguna SPEARS OR REAPERS
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sumpcracker
Posted a lot
Yes, I’m still here.
Posts: 1,751
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Jun 20, 2011 23:14:55 GMT
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I think there are a lot of us on here who would form a majority and the correct answers would be obvious.
If somone posts somthing incorrect it would not take long for it to be corrected by a few others, and this isnt like most other forums, many of us are old, and been in the game for years.
I think there are a lot of oily fingers on here.
Not like other forums where 90% are clueless and they decide to listen to the most popular person and copy them.
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Jun 21, 2011 10:33:46 GMT
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What about moderns? Are modern vehicles acceptable in the tech section? I suppose it depends what the question is... I can't see this being the right place to ask about why the engine check light won't go out on a 2005 vectra, but lots of us have modern engines in retros, so newer stuff does get discussed. On a related note, people asking the questions should remember to state what car/year/engine they are asking about, and people replying need to read the original question properly! |
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To get a standard A40 this low, you'd have to dig a hole to put it in |
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Tim
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,340
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Jun 21, 2011 10:47:07 GMT
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People not changing their usernames also helps :-)
This forum is a godsend for me - i've got some enthusiasm - some knowledge, but not enough to feel 'safe' working on various things (both for my health and wallet)
The fact i'm still fighting with a bloody polo makes this abundantly clear!
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dungbug
Posted a lot
'Ooligan!
Posts: 2,852
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Jun 21, 2011 11:40:34 GMT
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I used the mech & tech section on Vzi when I owned aircooled VW's, you get to know the guys who know what they're on about. I had suggestions for faults which turned out to be pointless/no help but in an odd kind of way it all helped with the process of isolating a fault/cause. Users will contradict/argue but as long as it doesn't degrade into a full on rant then it's cool as far as I'm concerned. This section is great, I'm reading stuff which doesn't have any immediate use for me but it all helps understand the cars we love & how people maintain them. It's great when a question is thrown up & someone remembers reading a thread yonks ago & remembers the answer.
As SOC has said, the OP can really help by giving the make/model/cc/year etc in the first post & list whatever (if any) methods have been used to fix the problem.
There's a wealth of knowledge & expertise on here on fabrication, engine conversions, electrical stuff & so on. Hopefully this section can stay well mannered enough so the guys that know their stuff aren't put off posting in here.
My knowledge is limited admittedly (to aircooled dubs) but I'll always be happy to make a suggestion or give a pointer if I think it might help, if I'm unsure I'll put that it's only a suggestion & shouldn't be taken a gospel. Sometimes a pointer is enough to help.
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Last Edit: Jun 21, 2011 11:42:36 GMT by dungbug
Past: 13 VW Beetles from 1967 - 1974
Bay Window Campers (1973 & 1974)
Mini's (1992 Cooper lookalike & 1984 '25 Anniversary)
MK2 Polo Coupe S (1984 & 1986)
MK2 Polo Breadvan (1981 & 1984)
MK4 Escort (1989)
MK2 Granada Based Hearse (seriously)
Fiat Uno 60S (1986) Punto 60S (1998) Cinq (1997)
1998 Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat
2003 Ford KA
Current: 2004 Ford Focus (barely alive)
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should the tech section have special rules for the people posting the answers? I mean, it's one thing having a section for technical questions and answers, but wrong answers and mis-information are not good.
