Questions,questions.

[lavingp]

Picked up my new Griff from Fernhursts on Monday . Very pleased with it, but have a few questions for the assembled wisdom.
The diff makes a noise like a buzzsaw, but only really noticeable with roof on (test drive carried out with roof off of course-Doh!!). Is this a harbinger of impending doom, or is it a case of 'they all do that sir'

The throttle is very stiff-is that normal?

Fernhurst gave me some new number plates to fit, but the front one is smaller than usual with a smaller font. Is that legal?

I have been given a couple of spare alarm fobs with the TVR logo on them. Neither work, so I guess will need new batteries. Will they need to be synchronised with the alarm, and if so, how is it done?

Thanks for your help.

Paul.
PS Any previous owners of N937 TPK on this list?


>>> Edited by lavingp on Wednesday 26th February 00:29

[apache]

Picked up my new Griff from Fernhursts on Monday . Very pleased with it, but have a few questions for the assembled wisdom.
The diff makes a noise like a buzzsaw, but only really noticeable with roof on (test drive carried out with roof off of course-Doh!!). Is this a harbinger of impending doom, or is it a case of 'they all do that sir'

this is a bad thing, get it sorted

The throttle is very stiff-is that normal?

no, not normal

Fernhurst gave me some new number plates to fit, but the front one is smaller than usual with a smaller font. Is that legal?

yes illegal but so is mine

I have been given a couple of spare alarm fobs with the TVR logo on them. Neither work, so I guess will need new batteries. Will they need to be synchronised with the alarm, and if so, how is it done?

you're lucky to get 2, synchro depends on type of alarm (Meta does get baffled)

Thanks for your help.

Paul.
PS Any previous owners of N937 TPK on this list?


>>> Edited by lavingp on Wednesday 26th February 00:29

>> Edited by apache on Wednesday 26th February 01:00

[Leadfoot]

Does the diff sound really loud, or just more than you're used to in previous cars? Remember that it's only a foot or so behind you with a thin bit of fibreglass inbetween - hence much more mechanical noise gets thru to the cabin than on more mainstreem motors.
If in doubt take it along to another dealer/specialist for a 2nd opinion.

Alarm fobs - mine have gone out of synch before. Cured by pulling the plug out of the alarm control box to reset it (s'pose disconnecting the battery might do the same, unless the siren unit comes into it?). The box is probably behind the stereo in the bowels of the dash. Remove the glove box & you should just about see it.


Edited to say: I see this isn't yer 1st Tiv, so you'll already know most of this.

>> Edited by Leadfoot on Wednesday 26th February 01:09

[david beer]

My Griff throttle used to be stiff, i removed one of the two springs on the throttle arm and now its nice.

[lavingp]

Leadfoot said: Does the diff sound really loud, or just more than you're used to in previous cars?
------------------------------
No its not like any sound I've heard a diff make before, usually they 'sing'. Thinking about it, its too high pitched a noise to be bearings (I hope). A better descrption is its like a thin metal disc rotating fairly quickly and rubbing against a solid metal object, if that makes sense. With a bit of luck it will be something external to the diff that can be easily fixed. I will get underneath today to take a look. Isn't there a rotating disc for the speedo sensor in that area?
Thanks for the reply anyway.
Paul

[dans]

lavingp said:

Leadfoot said: Does the diff sound really loud, or just more than you're used to in previous cars?
------------------------------
No its not like any sound I've heard a diff make before, usually they 'sing'. Thinking about it, its too high pitched a noise to be bearings (I hope). A better descrption is its like a thin metal disc rotating fairly quickly and rubbing against a solid metal object, if that makes sense. With a bit of luck it will be something external to the diff that can be easily fixed. I will get underneath today to take a look. Isn't there a rotating disc for the speedo sensor in that area?
Thanks for the reply anyway.
Paul

Bryan said changing the oil on mine cured this kind of problem - take it back to him and see if the same is true of yours...

[Simon T]

Aren't they supposed to fix all of this sort of thing before they let it out?

Diff: does not sound good, no noise from mine although it might be the clutch release bearing?

Throttle: sounds like it needs a new cable

Alarm: Does this mean you cannot lock the car.

If t'were me I'd be having a stiff word them ASAP

Good luck,

Simon

[lavingp]

Simon T said: Aren't they supposed to fix all of this sort of thing before they let it out?

Well, they fitted a new dash, resprayed the front, supplied a front badge, new tyres on the rear, serviced it and gave it a new MOT. Also threw in some plates for my private number and a warranty, so I thought it was a reasonable deal.
---------------------

Diff: does not sound good, no noise from mine although it might be the clutch release bearing?

Don't think its the bearing, as it appears to be coming from behind. Appears when power applied (even gently), and goes when lift off throttle. Not when clutch used.
-----------------------------------

Throttle.
Sounds like it needs a new cable

Will investigate today.
-----------------------------

Alarm: Does this mean you cannot lock the car.

Alarm & locking work fine, its just the two spare fobs that don't work - not much use as spares unless I can get them working.
----------------------------------

If t'were me I'd be having a stiff word them ASAP

Will be ringing them later today after a looksee under car
-----------------
Good luck,

Thanks.


Paul.

[angusfaldo]

If they give you the "they all do that sir" then ask to hear another car with the same diff whine. It does not sound normal at all. They all make a bit of noise (after all your butt is pretty much on top of the thing when you're driving, it's so close) but they do have a habit of needing some TLC after a few miles. Can be a costly repair too. I'm kind of suprised they let you have it like that.

AF

[mel]

Ask Flasher about his "Fernies / Griff" story



sorry couldn't help that.

[RichB]

Hi - my diff does not whine, there is of course more mechanical noise with the roof up but no diff whine.
Throttle cables are prone to snapping so get this sorted a.s.a.p. in fact Fernies should know this so ask them to do it.
Obviously "small" front platres are illegal, it's up to you want to chance it.
As for the "blippers" no idea, sorry.

Enjoy your new car, it's been a good few weeks for it! Regards Rich...

[lavingp]

RichB said: Hi - my diff does not whine, there is of course more mechanical noise with the roof up but no diff whine.
Throttle cables are prone to snapping so get this sorted a.s.a.p. in fact Fernies should know this so ask them to do it.
Obviously "small" front platres are illegal, it's up to you want to chance it.
As for the "blippers" no idea, sorry.

Enjoy your new car, it's been a good few weeks for it! Regards Rich...

Well I've just finished crawling under the car, and went for a drive to re-assess the noise.
The diff seems to be ok with no undue play on the pinion or the output shaft bearings. Interestingly, the nuts on the propshaft coupling look new. It appears to be leaking oil from the pinion seal, but there is no sign of the filler plug on the backplate having been disturbed for a while. It could be just lack of oil (ouch). It looks like an absolute bar steward to get to, I think the exhaust will have to be dropped, and then maybe a special tool will be needed.
During the drive however (which I quite enjoyed apart from some t****r in a Sierra Cosworth trying to goad me into a race by almost ramming me in rear end several times - is this routine?) I began to wonder if the noise wasn't coming from the gearbox. It wasn't as bad as I remembered it, more a sort of a zizzing noise and only sounded as if it was coming from behind if I rotated my head to the left.

The throttle seems to be just a question of removing a spring, but haven't had a chance to try it yet.
Watch this space..........

Paul.

[RichB]

lavingp said:The throttle seems to be just a question of removing a spring, but haven't had a chance to try it yet.
Watch this space. Paul.

Good luck with all that but believe me I had 2 x throttle cables go in my S3c and I know some Griffiths are equally as prone to it, if it is stiff then by all means remove a spring (although you are required to have 2 on the track) but do try to get some oil / grease onto it to loosen it up and make sure it's not the cable binding in the outer. Rich...

[lavingp]

if it is stiff then by all means remove a spring (although you are required to have 2 on the track) but do try to get some oil / grease onto it to loosen it up and make sure it's not the cable binding in the outer. Rich...

---

Oo-er missus.
Yep, I intend to make sure the cable is running smoothly in the outer. If its not, then it will be replaced.
Funny though, I never had a cable break in 5 years of owning an S3. I think it's a matter of getting the correct adjustment so the cable isn't under undue strain at full throttle.

Paul.

[lavingp]

Well, its going back to Fernhurst tomorrow for them to check it over . Over the phone they are saying that as the car has a roll bar which is attached to the chassis, it is amplifying the noise into the cockpit. Sounds plausible I suppose. I have replaced the front number plate with a full size one. I also discovered one of the rear shockers was leaking oil. They say it is a gas filled unit, and the oil is simply to lubricate the shaft. Again, sounds plausible.
The power steering fluid is a muddy brown colour, so I will have to change that. I will ask about the stiff throttle when they drive it.
Watch this space....
Paul.

[kevinday]

david beer said: My Griff throttle used to be stiff, i removed one of the two springs on the throttle arm and now its nice.

I would be extremely wary of removing a spring like this, as someone else pointed out you require two if you take it onto the track, also I would imagine there are two for a good reason. What happens if one breaks (which they can do) or comes off? Answer - least problem is a car stuck by the side of the road, more probably a knackered engine because the throttle has stuck open, or worst case the car written off because of crashing due to stuck open throttle.

If the cable is stiff I would suggest the first thing to try would be to lubricate it by dribbling a light oil into the end and gradually working it along with use of the throttle. If this does not work then I suggest a new cable, not too expensive and safer than removing a spring.

Edited to add: If the shock absorber is leaking oil it is an MOT failure, the car needs new shocks.



>> Edited by kevinday on Thursday 6th March 07:21

[lavingp]

kevinday said:

david beer said: My Griff throttle used to be stiff, i removed one of the two springs on the throttle arm and now its nice.

If the cable is stiff I would suggest the first thing to try would be to lubricate it by dribbling a light oil into the end and gradually working it along with use of the throttle. If this does not work then I suggest a new cable, not too expensive and safer than removing a spring.

Edited to add: If the shock absorber is leaking oil it is an MOT failure, the car needs new shocks.



>> Edited by kevinday on Thursday 6th March 07:21

I thought a leaking damper is an MOT failure, but Brian at Fernhurst says no its not, as long as the damper is still working. Besides, the oil in these has a secondary function, although when it is all gone, presumably, the seal will fail and the gas will escape resulting in damper failure. Anyone have acess to the MOT testers manual?
Regarding the throttle cable, I would be surprised if the outer was not PTFE lined, therefore any excess friction will probably be caused by failure of the lining (worn through) or fraying of the inner. Possibly the latter causing the former. Either way, I don't think oil is going to be much use, so I will be going straight for a new cable if the cause is found to be the cable itself. Its very easy to open the throttle by hand at the engine end, so its got to be the cable or the pivot on the pedal.

Paul.




Paul

>> Edited by lavingp on Thursday 6th March 10:26

[simon.b]

There are actually three springs on the throttle, two tension springs side by side on the arm and a single rotary spring mounted around the spindle.

I have had one of the arm springs removed and the throttle feels much better, nice and light just as I like it. This was one of the first things TMS did when I bought the car as I didn’t like the feel of the stiff throttle.

Cheers,

Simon.