So now its a week to go to IVA test. Went up to my lock-up, just to fettle the fuel cap tether, one of the last fixing jobs. Could still do with sorting out the cockpit edges, so I might try a "temporary" cover over the very short sharp edge, just in front of those curved rails (by wheel arch).

And now - yet another problem!!!!! My Xflow 1600 seems to have sprung a leak, in the cooling system. Its been fine, for most of the summer, have run the engine a few times, mainly to keep battery charged. Took nose cone of this morn, leak seems to be from top hose. Why should this suddenly start to leak? Hose is a) rubber, and b) new (not 2nd hand). Have tightened hose clip, to check overnight. Tricky stuff, this water. Gets b****y everyhere, where you least want it, and when its most inconvenient.

Should I go for some new silicone hoses now, or wait until post-test?

Not sure silicon would help. I've just replumbed my pinto to fit a polo rad, used brand new silicone everywhere and I cannot stop a leak on the thermostat housing. I've tightened the hose clip to **** and it still won't stop, was fine with the old rubber hose.

Use 2 clips, some clips loose tension if tightened to much

I tend to find, tighening the clips up when the rubber is hot ( ie having just had the car running up to temp) helps a lot, you can get a good few more turns that way...

Just my 2p's worth.

Helps when tightening hose clips if you use one of the proper hose clip tools with a flexi shaft and a 6mm or 7mm socket rather than a screwdriver. A cooling system pressure tester helps as well

Feedback much appreciated, and your comments and advice duly noted.

As a 1st step - gonna buy some new, quality hose clips.

[Edited on 11/9/12 by Dick Axtell]