[lapis_lazuli]

Originally Posted by Biraj

Ishendar did a good job at diagnosing the noise and Mr. Gopalan tried to marshal his resources as best as possible.

Hmmm all's well that ends well. I am waiting for a happy ending too...!

It's good news that Crusoe is back to shape, but, it takes a 100 odd kilometers to seal the verdict! Just kidding...I am sure its all OK this time. The fog lamp discovery: well, that was funny, considering the near heart-attacks you had been suffering over the days .

{LITTLE OT: Unfortunately Crusoes' brother from another mother, well, he ain't no happy car no more. This time, I think the alternator belt (or the tensioner) has gone loose. Since yesterday, when I start it up, there is this shrill squeal for a minute after which it vanishes. Appears after 8 hours or so, after it cools down. I am tired of these imps, elves, gremlins and little ragamuffins with satin wings spraying the "naughty dust" over the car, though. Need to get a puja done or something! Or is it a sign of impending doom...??? }

Anyways, you go ahead with that trip of yours. Drive safe, and , er...which other thread gets the "A$$" review details please?

[Biraj]

Originally Posted by lapis_lazuli

It's good news that Crusoe is back to shape, but, it takes a 100 odd kilometers to seal the verdict!

Since yesterday, when I start it up, there is this shrill squeal for a minute after which it vanishes.

Anyways, you go ahead with that trip of yours. Drive safe, and , er...which other thread gets the "A$$" review details please?

Thanks, done 80 KMs so fingers crossed for the remaining 20 KMS I am still in office, so the trip is delayed. Will try to leave tomorrow evening or early morning on Thursday. Crusoe reminded me the promise about Sach Pass. Really confused whether to try Sach Pass. All the feedback and videos don't seem encouraging. Will decide after reaching Khajjiar.

I am yet to update the experience about Oberoi. Will do it in the dealership thread (where I praised them last time).

Btw, you have got a real attention seeker there. Keeps making all sorts of noises. Take it for a trip to somewhere in Himalayas and after that all the sounds will seem justified. If you want your family can join us, I can check for availability of rooms at Kalatop rest house.

[lapis_lazuli]

Originally Posted by Biraj

Take it for a trip to somewhere in Himalayas and after that all the sounds will seem justified. If you want your family can join us, I can check for availability of rooms at Kalatop rest house.

....the squeal has vanished after I "dried" the pulleys and the alternator drive belt with a cotton rag, removing the invisible "moisture" that gets trapped! This forum gets another thank you for getting rid of the squeal!

By the time you read this Crusoe would have been past the 100!

Just remembered: about the "fog lite" quick fix thingy: it is as quick in coming off too, in case the area of application was not cleaned of oily residue and dirt. Just give a slight nudge and see its still holding. If it does, great, else, get another layer of cyanoacrylate applied after due cleaning with an emery/sand paper.

{Of course, thanks Biraj, but I am leaving for Puri next week and all budget has been allocated there! I am on a "system flush" mode, to make way for all the sea food, khaja and chhana poda I can get. For the next trip: well, count me in!}

[Biraj]

The replaced clutch in the past two days wasn't feeling as smooth as a new clutch set should. Took it again to Oberoi and was attended promptly. The SA checked and agreed that there is a slight springing action. He checked with the person who had worked on my car and then informed that the mechanic might have forgotten to bleed the clutch so, air bubbles might have been formed. He asked for 20 minutes and got the bleeding done. Now it feels the way a new clutch should. Hope it stays like that.

Drove trough some crazy downpour today, surprisingly the Goodyears offered decent grip despite the excessive wear.

Some pics of the drive:


Attachment 1126232

[lapis_lazuli]

Originally Posted by Biraj

He asked for 20 minutes and got the bleeding done. Now it feels the way a new clutch should. Hope it stays like that.

Yes, the 100km syndrome!

Is the fluid used, same for both the brake and clutch? Does bleeding the clutch ensure air bubbles are out of the brake circuit too?

Your pictures almost always have this retro tinge.....I just love it!

[Biraj]

On September 1, 2013 Crusoe completed 21,000 KMs. Here's a customary shot of the Odo.



Most things are fine, so nothing much to report. Fuel efficiency has dropped to ~9 KMPL due to short runs and excessive traffic. To compensate for the short runs in traffic, I drive spiritedly whenever I get a clear stretch of road. Thus, the efficiency remains in single figure. No complaints as long as the turbo keeps whistling and Crusoe keeps accelerating.

Attended a mini-Tbhp meet on Saturday and clicked some pics of Crusoe with camera of ipod + phone (mine and Roy_libran's).





Earlier in the day, I cleaned Crusoe with ONR Wash&Wax and he was gleaming.

[puchoo]

Good to know all is well Biraj and she continues to gleam and shine!! Missed the opportunity to meet you on the meet - up , hopefully the next one.

Originally Posted by Biraj

On September 1, 2013 Crusoe completed 21,000 KMs. Here's a customary shot of the Odo.

Most things are fine, so nothing much to report.

[Biraj]

Originally Posted by puchoo

Good to know all is well Biraj and she continues to gleam and shine!! Missed the opportunity to meet you on the meet - up , hopefully the next one.

Thanks Puchoo! Crusoe is a "He".

I didn't attend the Delhi meet. It was too early in the day for me. These pics are from the local meet in Indirapuram (Ghaziabad).

[sameerg001]

Biraj, can you please shed some light on this ONR wash and wax thingy, whats exactly is this ? Wax or wash, or its just that, it gives wax kinda effect while working as shampoo ?

[Biraj]

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Biraj, can you please shed some light on this ONR wash and wax thingy, whats exactly is this ? Wax or wash, or its just that, it gives wax kinda effect while working as shampoo ?

It is a rinse-less car wash that really has wax. I have used Formula 1 wash&wax and find ONR W&W much better than the Formula 1. Of-course, the price is also significantly different. I use it mainly as a QD and find it extremely useful because

• It saves time
• Produces great shine
• Gives a slick finish
• Manages to offer decent water beading as well (difficult to gauge how much it contributes to beading as my car has a coat of Meguiar's M26 wax)

A bottle of ONR, Jopasu Duster, and a good quality wax are must have products to keep you car looking at its best. Check the detailing thread, it has been discussed in detail there.

EDIT: I ordered it at ECO Car Care's store on Facebook. Better to check with them on availability before placing the order.

Eco Car Care
Contact: Nitin Makam
Location: Bangalore
Phone: 808 888 0000

[sameerg001]

Originally Posted by Biraj

It is a rinse-less car wash that really has wax. I have used Formula 1 wash&wax and find ONR W&W much better than the Formula 1. Of-course, the price is also significantly different. I use it mainly as a QD and find it extremely useful because

• It saves time
• Produces great shine
• Gives a slick finish
• Manages to offer decent water beading as well (difficult to gauge how much it contributes to beading as my car has a coat of Meguiar's M26 wax)

A bottle of ONR, Jopasu Duster, and a good quality wax are must have products to keep you car looking at its best. Check the detailing thread, it has been discussed in detail there.

Thanks alot for the quick explanation, Now last question, From where to buy it ?

I have been using, Formula 1 so long and so far have been happy with it, But this time thought changing it, either to turtle wax, but then saw this ONR thingy.

[puchoo]

Sorry Biraj , no offense intended to Crusoe - habit to call cars " she".

Originally Posted by Biraj

Thanks Puchoo! Crusoe is a "He".

I didn't attend the Delhi meet. It was too early in the day for me. These pics are from the local meet in Indirapuram (Ghaziabad).

[Biraj]

Crusoe has completed 22,600 KMs. (Knock on the wood) Everything continues to be fine. I was away in Ahmedabad so Crusoe didn't run much in the past month thus, rust has built on the discs. It's a known issues with Fiats so, no panic. The rust should go away after a long drive, which is not too far as Crusoe might head to Ahmedabad during my next trip.

Utilised the Diwali holiday in the best possible manner. Detailed Crusoe.

Mixed (approximately) 2 portions of Muc-off miracle polish with 8 portions of Megs 26 wax and then diluted it with ONR. Never read about this concoction anywhere just felt like mixing it, so mixed it.

Cleaned each panel with ONR QD and then applied the hybrid wax with Meg's applicator pad. Wiped off with MF towel. Took 3 hours to detail the entire car. Sprayed the Muc-off QD on alloys, let it settle for 10-15 mins and then wiped it off.

Results: I am very happy. Here are the pics (was too lethargic after 3 hours of detailing so, didn't take it out of the parking for photo-shoot):

Crusoe


Reflection on the hood




Visible reduction in swirls. Finer ones have been covered by the wax and not eliminated.




Gleaming alloys




Forgot cleaning the exhaust tip.


Shall look good in dark


With the flash


My collection


The tools (green one was used for cleaning the alloys)

[sameerg001]

Biraj, Can i get an appointment to detail my car from you ??

Nice results, The swirl free shine is awesome. Hope to see you at this sunday meet with crusoe.

[Biraj]

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Biraj, Can i get an appointment to detail my car from you ??

Nice results, The swirl free shine is awesome. Hope to see you at this sunday meet with crusoe.

Whenever I plan to detail it next time, I will pm you. You can come and replicate the steps on your car.

I might drive to Ahmedabad on Friday thus, not sure if I will be able to join on Sunday. In case my trip gets delayed, I will definitely join.