Servicing my Skoda NOT A FORMAN Favorit

Yes, the opportunity has finally arisen to apply some more love to my Favorit Estate (not a Forman). New oil and filters, valve clearances and some new ignition bits. Includes test drive.

[@RobRandomVids]

Have a Superb Christmas and a Fabia new year

[@mickles1975]

Well done.

[@MGBetts1]

Hahaha - very good!

[@tonypp.7093]

Ha ha! That's my Favorit comment..

[@frglee]

Feliciatations and a Rapid growth of subscribers in 2019!

[@stevie007]

@@frglee Excellent comment 👍👍👍 and "Feliciatations" to you this Christmas time too😊😊😊😊

[@mattw8332]

Christmas day and I'm watching a guy service a 24 year old Skoda! 😉 Merry Christmas!

[@the.internet]

I've decided this is what Christmas is all about now I'm in my 30s. Tis the season, I say.

[@robc5955]

The Internet wait TIL ur in your forties my friend, my wife is not happy because nothing but crap sky box hasn’t recorded something awful about midwifes, my daughter has gone out with friends having told me I need to transfer money into her account and my son is ranting about Xbox download speeds, it’s only hubnut keeping me sane.......🤪 oh and two West highland terriers a box of choc Brazil’s and huge mug of tea.

[@grantmarshall3026]

Robajob I'm in my 40s with exactly the same predicament as you,kids out and about whilst I feast in hubnut and other inferior car people. What could be more festive than an oily dipstick and the wife serving tea?

[@waltertaljaard1488]

Actually there are people who have to work during Christmas. Had to drive more than 200 mls through rain and darkness to proclaim the Gospel in 3 parishes. Wife works in a carehome and son is a policeman, so they had to work as well.

[@timhancock6626]

So your son arrests them...and you forgive them. I think you've got the market sewn up there. My best wishes to your wife for her work in the care sector.

[@solent7430]

Happy Christmas Ian & Mrs Hubnut, thank you for a timely distraction from the madness of Christmas Day 👍🏻

[@Turnbull50]

When I worked as an apprentice motor mechanic in the early 70's the oil was supplied from a large tank with a pressurised system my friend had just finished draining the sump on this car and he started to pump the oil in every time he checked the dipstick it showed no oil on the dipstick. He kept pumping more oil in. Then he felt his feet sticking a bit to the floor. He had forgotten to replace the sump plug and of course the oil was pouring straight out again. What a mess he had to clean up. He never forgot again.

[@frglee]

The best viewing of Xmas Day! Thanks for posting this Favorit servicing vid, thoroughly enjoyed it. The car was always a consummate plodder, not an exciting racer. But what they do, they do well - and I always found my Favorit and Felicias to be pleasant and comfortable driving experiences, especially on longer runs.

[@Phil-1969]

Happy Christmas Ian and Mrs Hubnut It was a toss up between the mother in law and strictly on bbc1 or you I’m glad to report you one Ian Happy days

[@riccardoscavo8485]

Well done. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Safe trip in your tweaked Favorit.

[@tonylitherland7830]

Hi ian, another great video. Regards rule of nine ,i was taught year's ago that only cars with siamnise ports applied, Car without like your old fiesta 1.1 had to be adjusted with valve's "rocking "on a cylinder and adjust valves on cylinder with both valves closed, turn engine till all cylinders checked. Also check rocker pad isn't indented ,if so either remove rocker shaft and reface with oil stone until flat or use click tool if available. Best wishes to you and Mrs hubnut for the new year.

[@HowardLeVert]

The more I look at this Favorit and the more you do on it, the more I begin to appreciate Škoda.

[@inglepropnoosegarm7801]

A Christmas Day special. Greatly enjoyed. Can't believe the structural condition of that Skoda. If seen on the street you might think it an old wreck judging by its body paintwork, but where it matters it's practically mint! A diamond in the rough indeed.

[@jurivlk5433]

Red paint always gets quickly ugly. When polishing it you will have a car that looks like new.

[@davidk6271]

I never get bored watching these services. I may have seen and done a service many times, but not on this car! Thanks for sharing.

[@daniellee9015]

Merry Christmas ian brilliant video

[@mehrzahl2219]

Merry X-mas HubNut! Nice to see these tinkering videos being churned out! Thanks, very inspiring!

[@TommyRogic18]

Merry Christmas Ian, hope all's well at Casa Hubnut. Still amazed at how clean your Favorit is underneath and seems to run sweet as a nut. Will look brand new polished. The polishing video is as eagerly anticipated as the mythical garage clearance! Have a great new year and thank you again for hours of entertainment over the past 12 months.

[@PaulinesPastimes]

What a delightfully simple engine and with fuel injection too! How modern. I’m sure the effort will pay off. Shame about the odometer, at least you know how it comes apart now. What fun it is to own a fixable car. Happy motoring.

[@markwhitehead1658]

Great video 👍 Happy Christmas. All the best 👍

[@mcboney1489]

Thanks Ian for some quality Christmas day viewing. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@MalcOfLincoln]

100% way to set tappets on ANY standard 4 stroke Ian. Turn the engine over (anyway you want) until a valve is fully open. Turn the engine 360 degrees (one full turn) and that valve will be on the back of the camshaft. Rules out mistakes....which of course we've all done in the past.

[@PadraigFIRE]

Fan-tastic. Happy Christmas Mr & Mrs HubNut.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

At last! something worth watching over Christmas 👍 with the distributor you may be able to put a drop of oil down the centre of the shaft. (3 small drops) Hope you, Mrs HubNut and George are having a great Christmas 🎅

[@Georgeolddrones]

Thanks Ian excellent job 👍🇬🇧

[@vampireechidna]

Excellent video. Every time I look at this car, I'm wondered by amazement just how clean it is in condition. Merry Christmas to you hubnut sir and and to all.

[@martinpook5707]

Happy Christmas, safe journey

[@Bryan-fg3ey]

Love the video Ian. Takes me back to a teenager in the 80's,Sunday morning doing the placebo tune up (basically cleaning plugs and stuff)to my 1980 mk 5 1600gl cortina, resplentant with its decadent headrest pads and adjustable mirrors.

[@EinkOLED]

Happy Christmas. My brother is delighted with the hubnut calender.

[@Roadwarrior92]

Merry Christmas hubnut!

[@Turnbull50]

In the mid 1970's I bought a Dolomite Sprint and they had a recall because they used chamfered spacers for the 16 valves which had a tendency to just pop out with a tremendous increase in rocker noise. Triumph replaced them free of charge and everything was fine again.

[@IOWPCV]

Happy christmas to you and mrs Hubnut 🎄 another good vid !

[@richardcallison1637]

Hope you had a great Christmas! I turned technology off for the festive period but it has been great to catch up!

[@imnotamechanic3491]

Enjoyed seeing this, my Suzuki has valve clearance check on its service sheet and I have no idea about it, so its good to get a rough idea of whats involved. Happy New Year and look forward to seeing your adventures in 2019!

[@srichards9707]

I find setting the rocker gaps a very calming exercise. I'm weird like that. I also wanted to step back a bit when you drove out of the garage. That's how involved I was in the video. Cheers Hubnut. Great vid. Merry Christmas.

[@antonyhowell6189]

Happy Xmas or Feliz Navidad, you have just reminded me must go down the garage and check my oil water and battery. Cheers 👍

[@Menditman2014]

Bit late but happy Christmas, I enjoyed the skoda service, my dad has a Felicia pick up, that's a diesel though. Good vid🙂👍

[@stevenjones1972]

Hi Ian,another job done on the Skoda,what a nightmare about the leads,its nice to work on a car that's easy and simple,awesome video.

[@paolotarantino-televainio6706]

Merry Christmas to Ian and Mrs HubNut from an assiduous viewer of your channel!

[@grahamclark4518]

Merry Christmas Ian. I spent my Christmas watching you. Yes I am sad and alone, My poor mums not well,

[@HubNut]

Aw, sorry to hear that. Plenty of other people are watching, and they have no excuse at all. Hope your Mum gets better soon.

[@ginggur17]

Lovely lil vid.

[@redsorgum]

Sounds awesome 👏 👍 well done

[@lanehogger1532]

Happy Christmas HubNut. My first car was also a mk2 fiesta but it was a 1.4 Ghia with self adjusting tappets.

[@Danny-204]

Such a simple engine to work on, I know new cars are nice to drive, but the old one are so easy to work on, cars of the 80s and 90s are brill, happy Christmas

[@cme2cau]

Top tip that about sparkplugs. I had one fouled with aluminium when a parts place gave me the wrong one (too long) and I didn't look. As it was a a single cylinder 2 stroke motorcyle, the repair was quick and easy and not too expensive, as I remember.

[@johnnorth9355]

Only thing sadder than you posting this on Christmas day is me watching it on Christmas day ! :-) . Merry Christmas .

[@tonypate9174]

Let the Queens speech wait doubt anyone told Meghan that Apache attack helicopter crews don't do traffic news updates for local Tv/radio just yet must be waiting for the "bump" ....Any way back Mr Nut and life in the man cave see if any "box spanner" action ...ho ho ho

[@chippers9912]

Just found your channel really enjoying your content especially the skoda favorit series nice to see content that is not super car or heavily MOD cars

[@Chriswales]

That's why I use a vacuum oil extractor. The oil filter being on the top in my TDI, means I don't have to get underneath. So much easier on my old bones. I can also confirm you don't want to cross thread spark plugs. Got away with just a helicoil after doing it 20 years ago. I always treat spark plugs with respect now.

[@VintageLynx]

I do find changing the timing chain on Skoda engines gets rid of tappy sounds plus it reduces noise at high revs. I think you will enjoy the car more if you do change it. Regular oil changes stop the new chain from wearing so quickly.

[@marinmarinov5935]

Yes most rattling noises come from chain, but i have seen chains on this engine to last 100kkm-200kkm no problem. Be sure to use original chain, because aftermarket chains sucks, saw it rattle around 1kkm :/

[@timhancock6626]

Merry Christmas Ian. Keep it up ! Sounds better to me. Hate to say it but motorbikes taught me that NGK plugs are the best.

[@MrButtonpresser]

May your push rods always be straight and your cam well oiled! Merry Xmas.

[@nickthomas181]

Merry Christmas to you and Mrs HubNut.Just got another Dacia T Shirt for crimbo this time the Daring Duster.

[@1066gaz]

I see you service the car just before the winter nice one ian. Ahhh valve clearances used to be doing them all the time. You can actually do it better with the engine running adjusting the nut to quieten the tappet then lock it off,then check them all when you turn off the engine. Tricky though and you get a bit of splatter of oil around the engine bay. Although don't do it now as i have got hydraulic lifters on mine now yipeee! Don't forget when you change the plugs to make sure the engine is cold or run the risk of stripping the threads when tightening the plugs. Good video ian merry xmas & happy new year to you all.

[@richroadin]

I have fond memories these on yts as car valeter at a skoda dealer. In a old house with a MoT bay and 3 garage bays I drove the favourit pickup many times down back lanes in Nottinghamshire area flat out it loved being tested to its best I remember a favourit van basically a estate with no Windows very enjoyable times 1990s early😀

[@kyle_cars3059]

Merry Christmas

[@plechaim]

I love the valve chatter! I want my car to have chatting valves!

[@Toby_the_Glen]

Hi Ian and Merry Christmas. Dont want to teach my Grandmother to suck eggs but on these older OHV engines they tend to wear the rocker arms and the feeler gauge doesn't include this wear. There is a little 'gadget' you can buy that measure the complete 'lift' (engineering!!) of the tappet, correct gap plus worn bit. Happy days!!!!

[@gavinhamilton7883]

Pleased to see this red beast on the a303 today. You were behind my mk1 v70 queuing just past Winterborne Stoke. About the same time the green avantime went by. 👍

[@HubNut]

Ha! We were filming as that came past. You might be in. Did click the Volvo but was feeling quite miffed about the traffic levelsn

[@paulbirch1985]

Great Christmas entertainment thanks

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Merry Christmas Ian, usually adjust my spark gaps by banging them against the road.

[@garyhardwick8489]

Excellent! My dad used to mention something called the 'rule of nine' when he did tappets;think it meant,9-1=8. So if 1 was closed,8 would be open so check that first. 9-2=7 etc etc. The 'rule of thirteen' was apparently used on six cylinder engines. Not that he ever had any.....

[@klwthe3rd]

Merry Christmas Hubnut! Absolutely great video as it's always great to see proper maintenance being done on a lovely vehicle. I did notice that when you performed your oil change that you used synthetic oil. It's been my personal experience(well documented too, lol) that if you convert a car to synthetic oil that used to use conventional oil since the day it was manufactured, you develop oil leaks. I have a Toyota engine that has used conventional oil since it was new back in 1994 and just this year I decided to upgrade to synthetic oil. Not even within the first 1,000 miles did I start getting oil leaks on my driveway and oil burning out the tailpipe. Synthetic oil is smaller on the molecular scale and can pass by rings and gaskets if used on cars that weren't designed for those tolerances. Hope it helps. 🤗

[@HubNut]

Thanks, but I can't say I've really had the same bother. Semi-synth is a good compromise oil.

[@Phil-1969]

Kenneth White I totally agree with you on the oil

[@stevo6900]

Nice to see how cars were once serviced as for euro gave up on them years ago after ordering a full sports exhaust system for a MK1 golf what they sent out fitted through the letter box had the correct parts bin tag on a two inch piece of pipe

[@sooty655]

Merry Christmas, Ian. There used to be a tool available which was a combination of a screwdriver and a socket with a graduated scale. It allowed tappet setting without a feeler gauge. Release lock nut, fully tighten adjuster, back off by required clearance as shown on scale, hold and tighten locknut. Worked a treat, and also compensated for wear in the rocker faces. Don't know whether they are still available, but worth a look.

[@saxon-mt5by]

The original was the SPQR Tappet Adjuster - I don't think that's still available, but Gunson do something similar, I think it's called a Click Adjuster.

[@saintfunny]

This is so comforting on Christmas Night. 😉🍷 (burp!)

[@saddoncarrs6963]

Ditto

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Hope you had a good christmas Ian. I buy my parts from Mill AutoQuip but they are based in the southwest. Not sure if that really helps as you are in wales lol.

[@nickwills6042]

Your videos keep getting better and better - I dont want to sound patronising or anything like that, but you have seriously improved in 2018. I cannot possibly imagine how brilliant your videos will become in 2019. So I will say congratulations, and here is to a great 2019! Have a happy new year Ian/Hubnut!

[@HubNut]

Thanks. I've been trying to make gentle improvements throughout the year, but while not spending too much money!

[@nickwills6042]

@@HubNut Well whatever you have been doing is working!

[@westburybear]

OMG..... fond memories of hours under the bonnet of my first Chevette. Tea, plasters......... and it was always raining

[@dodgydruid]

Happy Xmas to you m8 and to Mrs Hubnut too, was wondering if you had ever tried one of them Tite-Reach's remote socket tool, was thinking of that when you said about cranking the engine over to do the valves. Lidl's when they have them in do a very good copy of the Tite-Reach and its a really useful bit of kit if you have hard to get to nuts n bolts :)

[@vix_in_japan]

I am watching literally a man doing something with oil whilst I type a script up on my 1992 Commodore Amiga 600 in 2019... I think we're doing the same thing but with different old stuff... :) having fun with it!

[@simonrawle7885]

it's christmas eve and the sump tank is filling lol to the tune of the poges

[@jezmun]

You could have a day off and cwtch up with Mrs H, we wouldn't mind. Anyway nice video to watch post Christmas dinner. Enjoy the break.

[@HubNut]

Oh don't worry. We actually had our Christmas on Sunday as that just worked better for us anyway.

[@k1ckyscotland988]

Thanks for the entertainment during 2018,looking forward to spending 2019 with you.Could I suggest,that whilst working on running engines,you adopt a trendy "man-bun",it won't be any safer than tucking your hair under your collar,but it will give us all a laugh.

[@scaleop4]

merry Christmas again hybnut 😄🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗

[@coldstartdaily9738]

the rule of 9 is a great way to remember i learnt it from playing with classis MGbs and MGas etc. Some engines dont follow this though. my transit 2.5 smiley face doesnt follow the rule of 9 [and they dont have lock nuts lol!] i find any valve/spring assy with no load on it [load fully off] can be adjustted and no need to follow certain numbers - apart from the ones that are compressed lo l

[@stabbs_15]

Ah the valve clearances, the first thing comes to mind are old mercedes diesels :D I though Skoda had hydraulics lifters but then I remembered this is pre-VAG :D Merry Christmas! 🎁🎄

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Was aware of the rule of thirds in photography by the rule of nine is new to me. You learn something every day here on the HubNut channel.

[@saxilbyjoe4325]

Happy Christmas - great video. It brought back memories of servicing my 1980 Datsun Cherry N10 in the late 80's ....

[@robinwells8879]

I just bought myself a Christmas present in the form of a vacuum sump drain pump. Oh what a wonderful revelation! Just insert lift tube down the dipstick tube and pump down the flask and wait for the sump to empty out into the flask. No more crawling under the car to remove undertrays and sump plugs. I thoroughly recommend them for the lazy DIYer!

[@pepedrat2982]

Lidl do them, and yes, they're very good. To do a more thorough job, I want to get some fine bore metal tube from B&Q to fit down the dipstick hole, and then I'll know it's made contact with the bottom of the sump. And..., if you run a bit of white spirit through the pump, it cleans it nicely.

[@kimkiriniki9433]

@Robin Wells. Yes! I bought a similar device (Pela) several years ago. Brilliant bit of kit, love it, terrific also for transmission fluid changes.

[@robinwells8879]

Flash Herbert mine has what appears to be a bicycle Bowden brake cable outer. Small diameter and semi rigid yet flexible enough to go down the dipstick tube and also collapse proof. Works a treat.

[@tauncfester3022]

That's a great oil for pushrod, solid lifter OHV engines. Usually you can't find synthetic blend with Zinc additive. It's usually Dino only. Note the spark plug leads you purchased look exactly like the leads used on the M110 Mercedes engine type. Generally with old school, Bosch distributors there should be a wick or felting buried within the hollow, distributor rotor drive shaft that you give a few drops of fresh motor oil into. It keeps the advance mechanism lubed. Some of them even have a little spring loaded cap/reservoir elbow looking thing leading off the body of the distributor to put a few drops of oil into that keeps the distributor shaft upper bearing lubed. But this is from my experience with 1960's vintage Bosch distributors.

[@sotirismp2883]

Merry christmas Ian

[@markstevens2248]

Hi Ian When doing valve clearances, put in gear and Jack one front wheel up and spin the lifted wheel by hand, saves pulling the car forward. Works well on Land rovers and also the rull of nine. Have a great Christmas.

[@HubNut]

Thanks but it's easier to watch the state of the rockers by pulling on the front panel. It isn't a heavy car!

[@keithf8890]

Have a good un!!

[@jimdavis8804]

Good work Ian. I Have used Amsoil Synthetic oils in all my Cars and Trucks. Lawn mowers and a Ford V 12 motor home. It’s a Great oil and I’ve used it since the early seventies. I’m a dealer and it’s not so expensive.

[@HubNut]

Not sure we get it this side of the pond.

[@rustywreck6631]

Still amazed how clean it is under the bonnet

[@theitalianjob1372]

I’m with you on the Euro Car Parts cock ups Ian!! I could go on all day about how many times they’ve given me the wrong parts. There spending too much time convincing us there’s a one off sale on 😄!

[@MySpeed12]

I was looking for a favorit myself, turns out there are about 30 left in my country...I love boxy cars like these and lada etc.

[@peterbarker6249]

Like the pallets at the very end .

[@HubNut]

Pallets are great things to have about the place.

[@AdrianColes]

They make excellent firewood to chuck in with bigger logs. I pick them up whenever I can.

[@crashbox7130]

You could have done with a Czech mate to help you out.

[@andrewwilson8317]

I still have one of those SPQR tapped setting tools in the garage from back in the day. Think it was called a clickadjust too? Was good for setting tappers that were a bit worn and so difficult to do with feeler gauges. Saw a lot of service on old land rovers and MGBs. Those Skoda engines did sound a lot like early French engines- like rattling a bag of bolts. Anybody who has owned a Talbot will know the noise,they came like it from new! My Renault five was the same,sounded like it was always going to let go but it never did and lasted for tens of thousands of miles of thrashing before it was sold.

[@skodakatie7341]

2.42” You are literally watching a man pouring oil into an engine”, I love that comment, it made me laugh so much, but so succinct, I was actually attentively viewing a very talented man pouring oil into an engine, and that is worth watching anytime !.

[@bentullett6068]

I see what you have done in the title of the video as I know they are called a Skoda Forman Favorit in other countries, like Malta. Very popular there as well

[@HubNut]

It's mostly because I get a lot of Czech people telling me it is a Forman. Not here it isn't!

[@kittyhawk9707]

Hoped you had a happy Christmas ..I remember doing this stuff on a Talbot Sunbeam and a Pug 309 ..yup French Cars suck for being completely different to anything else .. I had Bendix brakes on the rear and Lucas on the fronts... makes it a right sod trying to get bits . BTW .. What happened to the Dacia? ....Have i missed something ????

[@HubNut]

Dacia is hibernating with Rich.

[@hibbs79]

Excellent video thoroughly enjoyed it well done for looking after the car yourself as much as possible. Quick question,. Did you put a gasket on the cam cover when you put it back on?

[@HubNut]

No. Old gasket was still supple.

[@pagegreer5081]

This afternoon on western US. Admirer you stick to it ness. Its19 Celsius 8 low here! On 25 so you probably posted on the 24 though I do remember the pre fall scoda in Germany like 3000 US at the time. drive 5 years then was some one Else's worry.

[@MrAuriga67]

Hi Ian, another great video on the Skoda. Have you priced up / checked that the temperature sensor for the gauge on the fascia, is the correct one ? I have known sensors that look the same but are different values, causing errant temp gauge readings. As i think this maybe worth investigating. Merry xmas, and thanks for posting video.

[@HubNut]

Not yet. Too much else on!

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

Great vid as usual. Crickey, did get quite hot, maybe a sticky thermostat or hot water sensor?

[@HubNut]

I think it is a 93 degree switch, so I panicked at just the moment it kicked in. Might replace anyway.

[@neilmason298]

any idea if any Tea making establishments will be open in Aberystwyth on new years day?? feel a drive to the coast coming on!!

[@HubNut]

Hmm. Good question! I've no idea sadly. I should imagine somewhere will be, but can't promise anything.

[@potmej1]

That's a fine example of a Forman you haven't got there :-) Not many of those left...

[@drteeth7054]

I always fill the oil filter before fitting. ALWAYS take the spark plugs out when checking valve clearances.

[@SuperTabitha22]

You're certainly maintaining the Favorit well Ian. It's rewarding to see a vehicle like this being given the care and attention it deserves. It will only appreciate in value. Would you consider getting a Mk2 Astra next?

[@HubNut]

Maybe. Interesting wipers...

[@YllaStar95970]

Great self service on the parts you can check, takes me back to my first 2 Ford Capris. And to stop oil glug......Turn the oil pack 90 degrees , it will pour, making you look like a professional, a bit like grabbing a hammer by the end of the handle, rather than the neck!

[@dannyhtheretrogamingmaster9548]

Hubnuts videos are a few of my favorit things...

[@stevie007]

George your cat, has its pawprints all over the bonnet of the car because it has been secretly servicing the Sodka while you have been eating too much turkey and not paying attention to the job in hand !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May this be a lesson to you !!!!!!!!!!!