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Barry14UK

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  1. As regards the dangers of asbestos, this was known a long time before it was widely disclosed. In fact I can remember, and I am showing my age here, that before fibre and then plastic rawlplugs, you could buy asbestos which you needed to moisten (often by chewing), and then rolling into a plug before inserting into a hole to take a screw. I also remember rasping a cracked asbestos soil down pipe at my first house and repairing it with some fiberglass. I had plenty of that spare through repairing old cars in those struggling times! Knowing better now, one of the first things I did when I moved into my current bungalow was to soak the asbestos sheeting and dressed appropriately, remove and double wrap it and take it to a dedicated disposal place. We live and (hopefully) learn! Sorry for all those affected by Asbestosis, it's a rotten experience that I luckily managed to avoid.
  2. Sorry Herbie I though you had had your Colonoscopy but you will doubtless do better than me. Originally staff from London were coming down to Devon to do my procedure at a weekend at my local Hospital. However, this was cancelled twice due to rail strike action so it was agreed it would be done by local staff instead during the week. I might have done better had I waited longer for the London team.
  3. Didn't want to say previously as members were awaiting their Colonoscopy but I had mine some weeks ago and it was the worst experience of my life! In fact I was in so much in pain, regardless of the sedation, that I just had to ask the procedure to be ended prematurely. I am certainly no snowflake having had 13 teeth extracted under sedation at one sitting and at another session 7 teeth extracted and 7 dental implants placed, although the latter zonked me out for a few days afterwards. I also had my last Transperineal Prostate biopsy under deep sedation without problem, so I can't understand why the Colonoscopy was so painful. My problem will therefore have to be investigated another way if it is affecting the area beyond which they had to stop. Anyway, the good news is that the second HIFU (High Intensity Focal Ultrasound) I had last December as salvage treatment for failed Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer has resulted in 3 low and consistent PSA figures this year. Notwithstanding, I have an MRI check next month at UCLH. Best wishes to others who have had or are in the process of medical procedures. It sure doesn't get easier as we age.
  4. I note there are a number of bidders and it seems likely price will increase. So you need to consider (but obviously keep to yourself), how much further you are prepared to bid. Often bidders keep an eye on bids and some increase theirs quite late. Buying without a warranty is a risk you have to accept but the RX450h is a more reliable car compared with other large SUVs. If you want a car that is cheaper to run, but reliable, if not quite as nice or comfortable, a used `Rav 4 hybrid is perhaps worth a look.
  5. Looks good and has been applauded by some but with the non all electric version heavily criticized by others as here under reviews. https://www.surecritic.com/vehicles/reviews/genesis/gv70/2022?business_slug=ruddell-hyundai&page=1&sort=lowest-rated So a bit of a leap into the dark but sincerely hope you enjoy.
  6. I bought my right angle replacement connector off ebay. I think they are mostly standard and a push in interference fit. It came with a few inches of thin wall plastic tubing which I set aside for some other use. The connector on mine is white but I don't think the colour matters. The existing Lexus vent tube then fits directly to your new connector. You could keep the one used with the Panasonic battery for anybody who wished to revert to the original Panasonic battery in future.
  7. I am sure your newly purchased battery does have provision for a vent pipe as shown in the picture of this battery. I replaced the original Panasonic VRLA AGM battery in my car with a Halfords (Yuasa) battery. I had to prize out the transit plug in order to fit the vent tube and indeed use an alternatively purchased connector because the Panasonic one was too large for the new battery. The VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) battery benefits from the vent to outside where in the event of the valves opening, largely due to overcharging, gas is safely expelled to outside. The valves are less likely to be tripped in your car than in a more conventually alternator charged one but if you use a battery charger at some point the could happen. So it's really up to you as to whether to incorporate this safety vent that Lexus fitted. Omitting it could could adversely affect the battery warranty if you had a problem as Hankook say will be the case if the battery fails due to the voltage falling below a figure they give. (If you just prised out the transit plug and omitted the external vent, gas could be released into the cabin). PS. Some batteries come with a vent position at each end so you use the most convenient one and leave the plug in place at the other end.
  8. I agree with Herbie that in probability you need a new battery for the reason he gave. In effect, I was in a similar position with a locked down tail gate when I deliberately disconnected the battery negative to do some work on the car. However, I did first remove the the battery cover so that I could more easily open a rear door and reach the battery connection. But you should be able to fold up the cover and release the plastic fixers that secure the compartment cover and either clip a good smart charger to give a long charge or connect a spare battery. I did have to reinitialize the tailgate after, also windows, and sun roof, also reprogramme radio stations. Where a battery is flat and will not accept a charge, sometimes it can be made to do so by correctly coupling a second OK battery to it and charging the two as an entity for at least 24 hours. However, this may not work well or for long. A new battery is a much better solution and never let it go near flat again.
  9. Quite right and the replacement I have obtained is made in the same way. You just order your appropriately sized length. It is NOT just a length of rubber that you cut to size.
  10. Yes Denso as originally come from factory. I replaced mine from Euro Car Parts when they were on offer a couple of years ago but now need replacement. I think it is very likely that mine suffered due to cement/sand dust during building work. I did check immediately before the MOT and found one had split at the end where they often suffer. Due to time constraints, I used the expedient of sticking the split with super glue which stopped a fail. Meanwhile I found the cost of these wiper blades had increased considerably. I therefore researched what rubbers only were available of the same size, thickness and profile. I found a possibility from Latvia or Lithuania I think it was, (must check). I ordered the longer one for £6 inc postage. This has now arrived and I will need to slide in the existing Denso metal strips, offer up to the existing Denso holder and refit to car. If this works I will order the shorter one and perhaps a couple of spares. I will follow up with a posting in due course after some use.
  11. This thread has served to remind me that I should investigate the potential advantage of adding battery storage capability to my pv system. I had it installed just after I bought my bungalow some 11 years ago. I paid circa 12K for the system which is probably slightly more than it would cost to install today. However, it was installed just before the Government reduced the Feed In Tariff rate for new Installations. The actual FIT rate for us increases every year and this in itself has paid for the system in just under 7 years and we have had the benefit of reducing our electricity bill, particularly in the summer. Also, there is a small reimbursement for the electricity we export to the National Grid. I believe our FIT is for 25 years, (although I understand this was reduced to 20 years for later installations), either way, property apart, this has to be the best investment of mine. With the considerable increase in the cost of electricity and the low rate Electrical companies pay for partial export to the Grid, batteries may be worth the cost of incorporating. I even wonder about installing a specialised small compact windmill in the garden. Then there is the is the possibility of an air heat pump. I think an underground heat pump might be too disruptive and likely expensive. I suppose it makes sense to review all ones energy options before jumping in. A nice exercise!
  12. Although interesting, the reason for preferring a particular brand can be subjective and vary for a number of reasons, ambient temperatures, and degree of severe weather experienced, along with terrain, the type of driver you are the type of vehicle you (and maybe share with another person). Also, as all weather tyres are a compromise, do conditions and annual mileage justify changing from summer to winter tyres as some do. Are you prepared to compromise some performance for for longer tyre life and less rolling resistance for more MPG. Alternatively, are you prepared to pay more for greater performance. Members are more likely to fit at greater cost tyres proving greater overall grip and handling to their more sporting models regardless of cost. So a member driving a sporting model may opt for a different brand for their SUV if they also drive one of these. What I am saying is that to be rather more nuanced, you really need to allot votes to the collective type of car you are driving to improve comparisons. As regards my RX, (which is the only type of Lexus I have driven, I have only driven it with the Dunlops as were one of the original brands fitted. Although only about 40% worn I found these unacceptable. I asked Lexus what they thought and was told the Michelin Cross Climates were very popular and so had these fitted. I found these greatly improved the ride and handling if not the MPG. However, there may well be another brand that if tried would have been just as satisfactory, one doesn't get the chance to sample many brands/models so have to consider opinions of other drivers and published comparative test. Finally, in considering the most popular tyre brands/models, results in a general survey could be skewed by a preponderance of submissions by say SUV drivers, perhaps going some way to explain why the Cross Climates received so many votes.
  13. On my 3rd Gen RX you move the central armrest to expose two rotary switches that you manually turn to control temperature. These are part coloured red and blue. I assume this arrangement was used on earlier RX cars. If so could adjustment there be your problem?
  14. Before transferring to Exeter I did ask my nearer Toyota dealer what they would charge for the seventh year service but was quoted £325 as seems the most widely opted Lexus price. It will be interesting to learn whether Lexus Exeter are prepared to offer me a discount next year to keep my business. As an aside, whilst at Exeter I looked in at the close by Toyota showroom to view the new bz4X. Spacewise, it was very good but to my eyes the hideous plastic wheel arch extensions were an immediate turn off and the interior was cheap looking. Quite frankly, if I was gifted either one of these or a Skoda Enyaq, I would opt for the latter. The RZ needs to be considerably upgraded to merit being a Lexus.
  15. I bought my 2015 RX450h from Lexus Cheltenham and have no complaints concerning the purchase or subsequent servicing by them. However, when I asked about servicing costs, they confirmed that Essential Service had been discontinued so I would have to pay the full price for the seventh year service which I understand is £325 now. Encouraged by the post of another member who reported getting a discounted price, (can't remember the Dealership), I thought I would see what my nearest one at Exeter would offer saying I might transfer to them or go with an Independent. My request was answered in a rather strange way by the receptionist prior to my booking, who said, "We will look after you". I asked what was meant by that and was told that they would do the service for £275, which they did in the event. Although a round journey of some 125miles for me, it is less than half of a return to Cheltenham, so again a saving in fuel and time. I can't say whether this was just an initial inducement to go with Exeter or a reduced price will be offered for subsequent services - only time will tell. Anyway, if you don't ask, you don't get!
  16. Good result in this case. However, where Lexus are not so forthcoming and a battery with bottom hold down extensions is an alternative, as mentioned in this thread, provided the battery tray is modified or battery extensions cut off, I would not do the latter which may well invalidate the battery guarantee, even though in reality it would not affect the integrity of the battery. I was presented with this situation when I replaced the Panasonic battery on my RX450 with a better Ah but less expensive AGM one, so modified the polypropylene Lexus base. I wanted to stay with the AGM type but getting a suitable case size is more difficult than with full flow lead acid which have a much larger range of case sizes.
  17. To get a true comparison you would need everything identical for testing in the UK and USA including tyres, tyre pressures, fuel octane and ambient temperature and humidity. Then some cars perform slightly better than others, so probably an average figure is given. In general use, such a small difference is academic, particularly in a car such as this.
  18. These side rails are often wanted but rarely people sell them. I bought mine for circa £300 from Lexus Parts Direct about 3 years ago, so bearing in mind costs of most things have gone up in the interim, I suppose that's not a bad price. Your best bet is probably a breaker but they know how these are in demand so don't sell cheap. If you do manage to get a used pair, try to get the longer bolts needed to fit them. New rails come with these and new gaskets. The later is important as this has been identified as an entry point for water ingress, although an appropriate silicone may suffice.
  19. Hi Daniel, My view is that on balance, if you have got past the point where you qualify for 12 months extended warranty each time Lexus service your car, ie 10 years, you are paying out a lot of extra money for service that could go towards service by an independent and additionally pay for some parts. In your position I would go with an independent. However, if you wish to sell soon, it might help adding one final stamp to the impressive record. It is unfortunate that Lexus abandoned the Essential Service for older vehicles as it would have made continuing with Lexus Franchises a little more attractive.
  20. ok, found it, a rather long thread. Start by reading comments by 'deleted member 159235', starting on 16th Dec 2020, somebody who obviously has some considerable knowledge of the subject if self opinionated. https://forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/eurobrake-brake-pads.235389/
  21. As regards brake pads, there is a lot of confusion because several brands can be owned by one Company/Group. One of the biggest is TMD Friction whose brands include Textar, Nisshinko, Mintex, Don, Pagid and Cobreq. Then within the brands there are different qualities. Sometimes the backing plates from one brand can include friction material from another and there is a measure of rebranding. As it happens, I am about to fit new front discs and pads to my RX 450h. The pads 04465-48190 Toyota/Lexus.. The backplates has TEXTAR T4146FF 477-XUL1 TOYOTA stamped into it. The box says made in Japan whereas Textar website says 'MANUFACTURED IN-HOUSE We don’t go shopping for our brake pads; as a global manufacturer of friction products, you can rest assured that Textar has been manufactured to the highest standards at our in-house facilities. All Textar pads are manufactured in Europe.' Incidentally, the pads have fine metal inclusions, whereas for a near identical car in the USA, the discs and pads are different and interestingly, Akosombo, a leading pad brand and said to be OEM, are ceramic and without the metal inclusions. The RX450h is also made in Canada so may have a bearing. Textar are one of the OEM pad brands used by BMW and when a forum member complained about his Textar pads bought from ECP squealing, he was refunded by them having then bought Textar direct from BMW. Regardless of other considerations, there was an obvious difference in as much as in one case there was a gap down the centre of the pad and none from the other. This supports the allegation found on several forums that ECP have an arrangement for a cheaper range of Textar and Pagid pads from those fitted by car manufacturers on their cars as OEM and sold as official replacements. There are very interesting contributions on Mercedes forum from a person who was highly involved professionally with discs and pads. I will try to find and post it.
  22. It's quite usual for some some blood to be in your urine for a couple of weeks and sometimes a few weeks more after a biopsy, particularly a Transperineal one which you appear to be having where more cores can be taken than the TRUS one. The amount of blood will in part depend on the number of cores taken. It is also quite usual for blood and sometimes even small clots to be in semen. This should gradually clear as the Prostate heals. I mention it as not every man who has a biopsy is told about it and it can cause concern. I have had two of these, and my tip would be to rather slouch back rather than lean forward when sitting as doing the latter puts extra pressure on the Transperineal area. You may also find the couple or so days after the day of the biopsy you are somewhat more uncomfortable due to bruising being more evident. Generally, it's a pretty easy procedure.
  23. Some of those filling your car with Petrol, years ago would ask "check your oil sir?" The days when you got service! More recently, I asked at a service station if they had a particular auto transmission fluid. Neither of the men in the store knew what I was talking about and just offered something that was inappropriate telling me it would do, (which it wouldn't). You would think as a motor service station they would know a little about what they were selling but the range of non specify motor goods they now sell means they are just a mini shop that also sells a few motor products as a small addition.
  24. If using a charger for bringing up level in an AGM battery it should not be capable of charging at more than 5amp according to Lexus manual on my RX450h which also means using an appropriate 'smart charger', in AGM charging mode, I read some car models with AGM batteries (but I don't know which), should be charged at a maximum 4amp. AGM batteries are heavier and contain more lead than their free flow lead acid counterparts and as has been said the acid is absorbed within a mat.
  25. Maybe some sort of heat/smoke sensor could be incorporated along with a sounder. It might not save your car but if you were in it, it could give you early warning more time to get out of it with minimal injury. The same could apply in the cargo/battery area of a plane (if not done already) Additionally, at least in this latter situation, hopefully dry powder could be released to help restrain any fire.
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