SKODA FABIA UPDATE Mk1 1.9TDI PD

[@VintageLynx]

The Mk1 Fabia is a refreshing change from the glitzy tat being churned out these days. Simple and solid. Definitely worth looking after - I don't suppose we'll see the like of them again.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Couldn't agree more, Mk3 not bad either :-)

[@davepusey]

Always great to see another Fabia. Slowly getting towards 67k miles on my 2005 model.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

That sounds a great car for the age, is it a diesel version or petrol?

[@davepusey]

@@HatBoyHarvey Petrol 1.2 12V engine (BME). Ambiente trim level. Have owned it since 2013.

[@jonnysniper666]

I got a mk1 fabia VRS last month. Your videos have been really helpful for getting it up to shape

[@MarianiRobinson]

Thank you for your videos, I absolutely love them and find super helpful. The way you describe and walk through the steps. Thank you!

[@HatBoyHarvey]

@@MarianiRobinson you're very welcome, will continue to help as much as I can :-)

[@johannesk4255]

Great ! Looking forward to the next video, change of timing belt I'm about to do the job also... With you as guidance going to go even smoother

[@HatBoyHarvey]

@@johannesk4255 Thanks my friend :-)

[@skodakatie7341]

It’s always great to see the lovely Fabia, looking forward to the next video❤.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

@@skodakatie7341 Me too, thanks :-)

[@stephenwilliams8388]

A great tip for getting your seats clean HatBoyHarvey is dishwasher tablets (preferably the liquid type), melt 8 or so in a bucket with a kettle full of boiling water, whisk for a few minutes until everything is dissolved, rubber gloves on, use a microfibre cloth to wipe the solution onto your seat fabric and watch the dirt disappear in seconds. Use a wet vacuum to pull the solution out of the seat. You can rinse with clean warm water and repeat with the wet vacuum, then allow to dry. I use a fan heater to speed that up but be careful where you place it. Cheaper and much more effective than an automotive interior shampoo.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Thanks for sharing, I'll probably use the car shampoo I've got in stock, but your idea sounds good.

[@355kowalski]

thanks for the video, in my skoda 1.9 tdi mk1, I have to change the belt with the pump and the oil. Have a nice trip, greetings from Poland!!!

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Watch this space :-)

[@rogerkretzschmar8280]

I've got a 2008 Fabia Greenline Estate 1.4 tdi. Not quite the same as yours but still find your videos useful. Just hit 140, 000 miles. Changed the oil and filter myself today , £44 all in. Great cheap cars to run, and surprisingly roomy and practical for a small estate. Just wish it had cruise control for longer journeys.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

The estate is a very useful variant and yes cruise control is very useful these days with all the speed restrictions - set and relax :-)

[@rogerkretzschmar8280]

So now we just need one of your excellent videos on how to fit it 😅

[@andyeve8]

I like so many others. Are so so greatful for all your videos. You give us all confidence that our little Mk1's are still great little fixable and upgradable little gems. Thank you for all your hard work. Enjoy your road trip.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

You are so welcome my friend, only too glad to help where I can :-)

[@PeteA4-q5w]

Always enjoy your content Harvey, thanks. Noticed that your battery light doesn't seem to come on with ignition? This tends to mean the blue alternator wire (excitation) is broken. Look for wire breaks where it goes through a 2-way plug/socket pair on the bracket near starter motor.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Thanks for noticing that, I'll have to check it out :-)

[@carolineowen7846]

I could do with adding an additional USB point, love the content btw - you are my go to :) I'll check out your video :) I've had mine since 2008 & it has now approached 250K miles. Going strong and well. I get the timing belt done regular, but could do with doing it myself as it is expensive. Make sure you have warning triangle, hi vis jacket, spare lights & I think a breath test kit for France etc, Halfords do an easy kit as does Screwfix (but I guess you know all this) more for the benefit of other readers.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

@@carolineowen7846 Great, thanks for sharing :-)

[@AL-HD]

Perfect timing! I’ve been looking into replacing the timing belt and water pump on my Fabia mk1, but I’m not a mechanic and not sure if I can handle it on my own. I’ve been searching online for help, so I’ll definitely be watching for your update!

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Thanks, perfect timing will be on the agenda :-)

[@ValentiNino]

Same here :)

[@markwilliams4258]

Good lad Harvey another 100000 grand on that engine well looked after nice videos 👍

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Thanks 👍

[@chrisdavies860]

Oooh looking forward to the timing belt video, mine is on the list to do (Roomster but it’s the same engine). Where did you get your bits from? (I tend to use PartsInMotion for most stuff these days, although my exhaust came from Poland via eBay on your suggestion and I wasn’t disappointed) 👍

[@HatBoyHarvey]

@@chrisdavies860 I got mine trade, but will put a link to the kit in the video. Thanks for your support :-)

[@kenkennedy5516]

Rocker box seal, try using hylomar instead of silicone, better movable seal…😎🚀

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Thanks for sharing that 👍

[@zetnakatel]

This engines have hydraulic tensioner besides a normal one. did you buy that? It's extremly diffucult to find right parts for timing in this engine. When I gave mine to mechanic, they order parts via VIN number and it didn't work. Only fourth time a guy came with another set of parts it was ok. but since it's done engine giving strange noises for 2 years now. It's this tensioner. quality of parts is bad. I payed a lot of money to change timing. calculating to british pounds it was about 200 GBP. Also you need VAG com, computer software to set camshaft synchronization angle after messing with timing. Also INA is blacklist firm. People had timing failure after a month, few days etc, bacause quality of parts.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Got me worried now, let's see ;-/

[@ikabod6908]

How do you keep your engine bay clean... mine is manky.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

I gave it a ounce over with a pressure washer, but not to be recommended as I had electrical issues after. Although seemingly NOT related to the washer. Do it leaving the engine running is best IMHO.

[@Gazshadows]

How much was the timing belt kit? Where did you get it from? Thanks 👍

[@HatBoyHarvey]

When I put the video out I will put a link in the video, hopefully to the same kit. There are slight differences so when you order one make sure you give them your reg number or Vin etc just to be sure. I got mine trade so can't say :-)

[@eliasnieminen]

What do you mean by 'sticking something to the headlights' when going to a foreign country?

[@HatBoyHarvey]

@@eliasnieminen you can get stickers that stop right hand drive headlights from dazzling oncoming cars.

[@eliasnieminen]

@@HatBoyHarvey Ahh, I didn't realise there was a difference in left-hand vs right-hand lights. My new headlight units have a difference in beam height which got notified in the MOT and now I begin to wonder if this is the reason. They should be RHD according to the seller, though, which should be ok in Finland. 🤷‍♂

[@nathansalway8015]

What's your fabia like underneath mines getting a bit rotten now. Mine on 138k very early spec 2000.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Mine did have rusty sills near the front wheels, but I've welded those now and all is good for a bit :-)

[@philemonsameh3958]

Nice video ❤

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Thanks 🤗

[@ruimvp]

Our cars have the same mileage. Yours 140k miles mine about 220 k km. But yours it is a diesel. Mine other car was a tdi from 1998 and i sold it with 330 k km with no engine issues.

[@HatBoyHarvey]

Solid engine that lasts.