FabSwingers.com forum: Jammed stop cock.

By *at69drive OP Man
over a year ago

Hertford

Fed up listening to a drip from the kitchen sink , so went to change the washer . The stop cock below the tap is jammed and will not release . I have now sprayed it with WD40 and will give it a knock with a hammar in an attempt to release . Does anyone have any other tips to release a jammed stop cock / tap. I don't want to use too much force in case I damage it .

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

Heat is better than hitting it with a hammer!

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By *urreyfun2008Man
over a year ago

East Grinstead

If a quick job and water pressure not too high consider a freeze kit

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Turn the water off at the stop cock outside your house.

Then turn your taps on to drain the water from the pipes.

Then change the washers in the stop cock and in your tap.

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By *at69drive OP Man
over a year ago

Hertford

Thanks for advice . Will try a little heat if a gentle tap with a hammar does not work.

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By *at69drive OP Man
over a year ago

Hertford

"Turn the water off at the stop cock outside your house.

Then turn your taps on to drain the water from the pipes.

Then change the washers in the stop cock and in your tap.

"
. Thanks . The stop cock is on a pavement and is currently filled with soil. !!!!!. I think my neighbour and myself share the same street stop cock.

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By *r and mrs sanddancerCouple
over a year ago

BOLDON COLLIERY

if you get it moving and sort the tap dripping when turning the stopcock back on DON'T turn it full on turn it on fully then back it off 1/8 of a turn that way it won't stick next time

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By *odareyouMan
over a year ago

not far from iceland,,,,,, tescos is nearer though :-) (near leeds)

If they're not fitted already I'd suggest fitting in line service valves when you get the mains turned off that way you can isolate individual taps or water supplies..

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

i would not advise any of the suggestions if its so bad its jammed then it could be rusted damage to the tap

best way clean outside tap for a reason if you hit it with hammer and it snaps off your house could be soaked before you get to the tap

freezing it is a last resort and you have 15 mins to fit a new tap on it

warming it will damage the rubber inside the tap

that leaves a spanner to turn the tap off sometimes it will give and turn sometimes it wont

if its your own house you will either need a new stop tap with the same centre you can get them there not cheap though last one cost 40.00

fitting another stop tap is much cheaper but fitting it onto lead pipe is fun to do

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By *eywood jablomeMan
over a year ago

centre

Loosen the packing nut off where spindle goes into tap body, don't bang or heat it should shut once you've loosened nut, remember to tighten nut afterwards,

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By *illwill69uMan
over a year ago

moston

"i would not advise any of the suggestions if its so bad its jammed then it could be rusted damage to the tap

best way clean outside tap for a reason if you hit it with hammer and it snaps off your house could be soaked before you get to the tap

freezing it is a last resort and you have 15 mins to fit a new tap on it

warming it will damage the rubber inside the tap

that leaves a spanner to turn the tap off sometimes it will give and turn sometimes it wont

if its your own house you will either need a new stop tap with the same centre you can get them there not cheap though last one cost 40.00

fitting another stop tap is much cheaper but fitting it onto lead pipe is fun to do "
Question: What sort of stopcocks are you fitting? All stopcocks I have ever come across are metal and have olives to seal their joints. I suggested heat for the jammed stopcock, not the tap as the water in the pipe will keep the moving parts of the stopcock cool while heat will cause the housing to expand thus freeing up the valve mechanism...

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple
over a year ago

in Lancashire

put the hammer down..

and listen to the guy above..

good luck with it..

ps, the amount of people who have no idea where there stop cock is simply lots..

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

lol the one i fitted the other day was an old lead pipe stopcock inside of the house both sides of the stop cock is lead piping not the new type where compression fittings are used

the internal cost so much as the tap had to be the same fitting but had to buy the whole fitting to get it to fit

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By *at69drive OP Man
over a year ago

Hertford

"i would not advise any of the suggestions if its so bad its jammed then it could be rusted damage to the tap

best way clean outside tap for a reason if you hit it with hammer and it snaps off your house could be soaked before you get to the tap

freezing it is a last resort and you have 15 mins to fit a new tap on it

warming it will damage the rubber inside the tap

that leaves a spanner to turn the tap off sometimes it will give and turn sometimes it wont

if its your own house you will either need a new stop tap with the same centre you can get them there not cheap though last one cost 40.00

fitting another stop tap is much cheaper but fitting it onto lead pipe is fun to do Question: What sort of stopcocks are you fitting? All stopcocks I have ever come across are metal and have olives to seal their joints. I suggested heat for the jammed stopcock, not the tap as the water in the pipe will keep the moving parts of the stopcock cool while heat will cause the housing to expand thus freeing up the valve mechanism..."
It is an old metal one a bit like an outside tap. It is not the main one for the house , it is for the cold water supply to the kitchen sink and is directly before the tap. These days it would probably be an in line valve. A few knocks with a hammar has had nil impact .

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By *at69drive OP Man
over a year ago

Hertford

"put the hammer down..

and listen to the guy above..

good luck with it..

ps, the amount of people who have no idea where there stop cock is simply lots.."
. Will try using a blow torch and asbestos mat . Have left in another house so will try next week.

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

i would advise stop now until shops open on monday find the outside stop tap and clean it out the one under sink is the main one to the house the outside one shuts the block or even the street off

make sure that you can close this tap off and turn back on again when open it all the way turn it 1/4 back from full open

also depends on what you are wanting to do from here either you keep trying on monday if you break it or snap it off you can get parts for it if outside stop tap needs shutting off

if its leaded pipe its a speacialised item to get a new body for it if you break or damage it last one i got was recent and cost 40.00

if you mess with the gland nut on the end of the tap you can cause this to drip therefore defeating what you are doing in the first place with a dripping tap or you could damage it

as its your choice on what you do my advice wait till shops are open again

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By *at69drive OP Man
over a year ago

Hertford

"i would advise stop now until shops open on monday find the outside stop tap and clean it out the one under sink is the main one to the house the outside one shuts the block or even the street off

make sure that you can close this tap off and turn back on again when open it all the way turn it 1/4 back from full open

also depends on what you are wanting to do from here either you keep trying on monday if you break it or snap it off you can get parts for it if outside stop tap needs shutting off

if its leaded pipe its a speacialised item to get a new body for it if you break or damage it last one i got was recent and cost 40.00

if you mess with the gland nut on the end of the tap you can cause this to drip therefore defeating what you are doing in the first place with a dripping tap or you could damage it

as its you. r choice on what you do my advice wait till shops are open again "
. Thanks to everyone for all the advice . Luckily I decided to use a pair of pliers to increase the leverage and it turned first time . Was in an awkward location but managed to turn without removing the shelf . I have learned a lot from all the advice given. Thanks once again

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If they're not fitted already I'd suggest fitting in line service valves when you get the mains turned off that way you can isolate individual taps or water supplies..

As has been said a one shot freeze kit isnt very expensive

Once had to cut a 22mm water pipe live that had split from freezing up. Stop tap on the pavement was broken and the electric pipe freezing started defrosting it once attached

Luckily it was still frozen up from the cold

Insulate your pipe work kids !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car? "

Totally agree

I did an apprenticeship in plumbing to NVQ 3. My younger brother did joinery and my dad will turn his hand to anything. There's not much we can't do between us. Although I leave any electrics well alone.

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By *empting Devil.Woman
over a year ago

Sheffield

"Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car? "

I know how to do all of the above except for servicing my car. And I can do them all in a lovely little frock, full makeup and heels

Parent to child not father to son is the way to go.

Now, which of you fine forumites fancies teaching me how to service my car?

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By *ipsTeaserCouple
over a year ago

here and there, thereabouts

"Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car? "

I am female and can do most of the above with the possible exception of service a car as I don't own one to do it regularly so would always take pointers from bugs.

I am also comfortable doing plenty of DIY and landscaping.

Most of this was passed down from my dad.

We all have things we are not confident doing and like an extra support with.

At least the OP took the time to ask!

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car? "

Why should only men be taught things like that? Single women frequently have to be self sufficient these days.

I can do most of those things plus basic diy, replace wound wire fuses and so on. I can generally be trusted with most power tools too.

I'm not a great mechanic but I can work out how to do most things if I need to, if I can't barter services to get someone else to do it.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

The one I can't do is change car light bulbs.

That's because the bulbs on my previous car were an absolute pig and I've not needed to change any on my current car yet.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

Oh and I can gas weld (at least I could. I'm out of practice now) to a basic level and was learning to MIG weld.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car?

Why should only men be taught things like that? Single women frequently have to be self sufficient these days.

I can do most of those things plus basic diy, replace wound wire fuses and so on. I can generally be trusted with most power tools too.

I'm not a great mechanic but I can work out how to do most things if I need to, if I can't barter services to get someone else to do it."

I think he specifically said guys because the op is a guy.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car?

Why should only men be taught things like that? Single women frequently have to be self sufficient these days.

I can do most of those things plus basic diy, replace wound wire fuses and so on. I can generally be trusted with most power tools too.

I'm not a great mechanic but I can work out how to do most things if I need to, if I can't barter services to get someone else to do it.

I think he specifically said guys because the op is a guy. "

It was the "men today" part I was responding to. As if only men should be taught these things.

I had to work some of them out for myself because nobody taught me. It would have been useful if someone had!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If ladies can do all the mentioned stuff. Brilliant and fair play, not got a problem with this and actively encourage it.

Basically my comments are directed at society today male and female.

Far too many people shy away from manual labour and scared of getting dirty.

Everyone wants to sit behind a desk these day's.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

I don't like getting dirty so I wear suitable clothing and gloves. It's not rocket science!

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

Oh and desk? I don't even want to have to get out of bed.

Where's my butler when I need him? Bloody slacker.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If ladies can do all the mentioned stuff. Brilliant and fair play, not got a problem with this and actively encourage it.

Basically my comments are directed at society today male and female.

Far too many people shy away from manual labour and scared of getting dirty.

Everyone wants to sit behind a desk these day's. "

Manual labour is good for you !!

Out of the close group of friends I had when leaving school the guys who did apprenticeships are all fully qualified and paving their way through life.

The guys who did media and music etc through to uni are all stuck with debt and unskilled minimum wage jobs

I fully support skilled technical apprenticeships over these college/uni courses that promise the world and very really materialise.

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

"If ladies can do all the mentioned stuff. Brilliant and fair play, not got a problem with this and actively encourage it.

Basically my comments are directed at society today male and female.

Far too many people shy away from manual labour and scared of getting dirty.

Everyone wants to sit behind a desk these day's.

Manual labour is good for you !!

Out of the close group of friends I had when leaving school the guys who did apprenticeships are all fully qualified and paving their way through life.

The guys who did media and music etc through to uni are all stuck with debt and unskilled minimum wage jobs

I fully support skilled technical apprenticeships over these college/uni courses that promise the world and very really materialise. "

Universities do offer courses that aren't arts subjects or based on manual labour you know!

Slating all university education is perhaps generalising just a tad much.

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By *at69drive OP Man
over a year ago

Hertford

"Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car? "
. I can do most of those things and have even installed a central heating system. However sometimes time can be valuable and in certain cases jobs may be best left to the professionals or skilled tradesmen. In other instances you potentially may do a lot of damage and end up spending more money than you save . I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty and have even cleared a manhole which was full of human shite by clearing the blockage with drain rods .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If ladies can do all the mentioned stuff. Brilliant and fair play, not got a problem with this and actively encourage it.

Basically my comments are directed at society today male and female.

Far too many people shy away from manual labour and scared of getting dirty.

Everyone wants to sit behind a desk these day's.

Manual labour is good for you !!

Out of the close group of friends I had when leaving school the guys who did apprenticeships are all fully qualified and paving their way through life.

The guys who did media and music etc through to uni are all stuck with debt and unskilled minimum wage jobs

I fully support skilled technical apprenticeships over these college/uni courses that promise the world and very really materialise.

Universities do offer courses that aren't arts subjects or based on manual labour you know!

Slating all university education is perhaps generalising just a tad much.

I didn't slate all university education, just the ones that I have seen for my self very rarely working. I spent a lot of time at leeds college of music recording drums for the people I knew who were studying there and not one has a career with anything remotely close to music, which is where my previous comment came from

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty and have even cleared a manhole which was full of human shite by clearing the blockage with drain rods ."

Now that's one job I used to turn down when I had my plumbing business, just used to tell them to call a drainage company out

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

in the same boat here myself plumbing is my job but i can do all the building jobs as well and electrics i can do as well

im also teaching my own kids to do all the building jobs as well as it will come in handy for them later on in life and that includes the boy and girl same with repairing the car and welding the car if need be

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If a quick job and water pressure not too high consider a freeze kit"

Having used one myself, I would recommend against. What if a problem crops up halfway through and you can't get it finished before the 'freeze' thaws out? If you absolutely can't free off the stop cock - there is a mains one outside your house - where your water meter is. Here's another tip regarding stop cocks. When opening them - turning the water back on - once fully open, turn it back a quarter or half a turn as this prevents tgem from seizing up

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By *anxfrankMan
over a year ago

isle of man

If you have a duel water supply pipe with the house next door, you will need to get on to your local water company, and that way they can do css for ( common supply séparation) and also they should install new boundary stop taps. Should be free of chargé too

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By *iss_Samantha_LovecockTV/TS
over a year ago

bmth /poole sometimes blandford

might be a good time to re new the valve assembly in your stop cock.. just make sure u can turn off in the street if u have to

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By *andAukCouple
over a year ago

leeds

" It is an old metal one a bit like an outside tap. It is not the main one for the house , it is for the cold water supply to the kitchen sink and is directly before the tap. These days it would probably be an in line valve. A few knocks with a hammar has had nil impact . "

I don't really see what the issue was . I'd have turned off the main stop cock in the house and fixed the dripping tap and at the same time fitted a new isolater . As mentioned above the stuck tap was only an idolater tap for that specific cold tap . If you could live with you could have even just left it , but if turning off the main you may as well make right for the next time . Glad you got it sorted in the end though as there's nothing more annoying than a dripping tap

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Fed up listening to a drip from the kitchen sink , so went to change the washer . The stop cock below the tap is jammed and will not release . I have now sprayed it with WD40 and will give it a knock with a hammar in an attempt to release . Does anyone have any other tips to release a jammed stop cock / tap. I don't want to use too much force in case I damage it ."
just listen the packing gland and the bottom of the spindle use some grips to start getting it moving as it starts to move edge it back and forth closing a tad more each time .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Fed up listening to a drip from the kitchen sink , so went to change the washer . The stop cock below the tap is jammed and will not release . I have now sprayed it with WD40 and will give it a knock with a hammar in an attempt to release . Does anyone have any other tips to release a jammed stop cock / tap. I don't want to use too much force in case I damage it . just listen the packing gland and the bottom of the spindle use some grips to start getting it moving as it starts to move edge it back and forth closing a tad more each time . "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Fed up listening to a drip from the kitchen sink , so went to change the washer . The stop cock below the tap is jammed and will not release . I have now sprayed it with WD40 and will give it a knock with a hammar in an attempt to release . Does anyone have any other tips to release a jammed stop cock / tap. I don't want to use too much force in case I damage it . just listen the packing gland and the bottom of the spindle use some grips to start getting it moving as it starts to move edge it back and forth closing a tad more each time . "

* loosen

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just move house , its easier

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By *bfoxxxMan
over a year ago

Crete or LANCASTER

Call an Ambulance. . .

It wouldn't be the first time.

No don't.

Before you touch it,turn off the supply to said stop cock.

It's probably out in the pavement.

Best call a Plumber.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Perfect example of how men today are not taught the basics.

Wonder how many guy's on here can't.

Turn off a stop cock

Change a tap washer

Change a flat tyre

Change wiper blades

Change car light bulbs

Regularly lube window and door locks

Can unblock a sink or toilet.

Classic examples of society today, people see manual labour as below them.

Lessons passed down from father to son is dying out.

Op fair play for having a go.

How many guy's on here would know how to service a car? "
that a lk depends on the age of the car. Modern cars are pretty much designed to be non self maintenance proof.. However when I started driving I used to pretty much everything on my cars.fluid and filters brakes exhausts belts etc.... I don't need to worry these days as I have a company car.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I do all maintenance and servicing on my car - always have.

Even with modern diagnostics

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