Not sure if your roof is lined but double check on the condensation levels as well, especially in the winter - it's surprising how much can build up and then start dripping when you move off. I initially thought they were leaks but apparently not. (I eventually lined the hardtop all over with a...

As above, have had mine both in hard and soft top modes and pretty easy to do with a kit of parts for the hood frame from Exmoor. I had a tailgate lying around anyway and fortunately the spare wheel carrier I have that swings out with the rear door in hardtop mode also works with the tailgate...

Can you just expand a bit - eg. does it stall as you are engaging clutch or does it happen after the vehicle has actually moved off, does it rev smoothly right up through the rev range without the gears engaged or is there hesitation, is there any noticeable drag on brakes after handbrake...

Sounds like you've been there as well. Was worse back in the day when the back window was always open as you had no A/C - massive grab to pull the window down as 15 tonnes of corn pushes the ram back down and hydraulic oil hits the windscreen from the inside. Easier now with all the controls...

Yes, probably should have said the gearbox tunnel panel to be fair so not the actual gearbox itself, although being farmers we are used to the taste of superheated hydraulic fluid as it hits you in the face from burst trailer couplings, drive pipes etc. Plus a quick sandwich on the go in the...

Just a quick update for anyone interested - turned out to be a straightforward fix. Removed transmission cover and discovered the 1st/2nd gear selector shaft had either not slid all the way back or had moved slightly forward and the ball on the end of the gearlever was effectively trapped in...

Thanks for quick reply tottot - I'll let you know what I find.

Thanks for the replies so far - haven't had time to get at it just yet but some good ideas of what to check for. Just before I dive in, can someone just confirm that on a normal S3 you should be able to get into at least a couple of the gears from neutral even if the clutch is engaged (ie pedal...

Before I start pulling things to bits I thought I would glean some insight from others who are likely to have better ideas/experience. I have S3 diesel 1982 (all standard), pretty reliable, no previous gearbox or clutch issues, strange noises etc. Reversed out of shed this morning, no problem...

Not sure what year your S3 is, but if you can find some sort of parts compatibility list or even the BL part number to cross reference then I'm fairly sure they must have have used this on other BL products. Can't imagine they designed an ignition lock for just a single model and it might help...

Apologies if this has already appeared here and I have missed it but just came across unusual S3 this while browsing Mathewsons auction site. Apparently one of three - not quite sure what the middle door achieves but interesting anyways...

Another Y Reg here, reg 1982 and has same light arrangement.

Thanks for the various suggestions above - much appreciated. As you say, it seems like quite an expensive fix although I guess its a one time cost - I found something in the US as well at about half the price but not sure if they ship here so waiting to hear back. In the meantime, I put the...

Hi there - its the ring seal that goes between the actual cylindrical filter canister and the housing I am am having trouble with rather than the seal between the block and the filter housing. Both seals just seem to want to twist as soon as the canister bolt is tightened (I'm being careful not...

Hi folks - just about reached the end of my patience today with trying to get the standard oil filter housing to seal properly - both filters (genuine and aftermarket) I have purchased have seals that don't seem to sit in the groove properly and then leak as the canister won't seat correctly...

Some of the replies have mentioned air getting into the system - my thinking would be the opposite and a vacuum or partial vacuum may forming in the lines if a breather is blocked. Vehicle would run ok for a limited number of miles but if no air getting into tank then vacuum forms and pump is...

This might help Vehicles of historical interest (VHI): substantial change guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk) You are fine with chassis swap plus other proposed changes are arguably "safety related". Power steering might be a moot point but realistically, is anyone actually ging to check?? I...

To be fair 109SeriesIIA, my comments were kind of tongue in cheek - I'm reminded of how "not perfect" the old NA diesel is every time I hit the incline to home. As far as "living under a rock" - well, running a fleet of 24 diesel vehicles ranging from tractors to combines to pickups and trucks...

Meanwhile back in diesel world our biggest issue is what glow plug arrangement to upgrade to - happy days.

Mine is same colour and the previous owner hand painted it and has done a decent job - obviously a more patient man than me!. I did the wheels in Limestone last year and hand painted those with three coats - the brush quality makes a big difference to the end result I found having ditched one...