Thanks for pointing us to the YouTube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az2u3-GLl1o I didn't know any of this or seen this test. I use Momentum as it's the nearest, though occasionally V-Power also quite close. I'd heard that Esso Supreme was low in ethanol but seems to be less good overall. I'...

The K-series should run on either, however I use the more expensive E5 (Tesco Momentum, Esso Synergy, V-Power etc.). The lower ethanol is probably better for the tank and various hoses and seals, and it's likely to absorb less moisture if left for a while. The other factor is that the ethanol adds o...

I expect the Honda engine alternator is an industry-standard type used on several different cars from that era, so spares for it are probably available to fix common faults such as the brushes/regulator or rectifier assembly. Have you been able to find equivalent part numbers from suppliers like Bos...

Interesting. The one on my early 214 is metal. Maybe more durable.

Have you tried adjusting the position? You can adjust the catch itself (three bolts holding it to the boot). I've found over time it can get pushed backwards and swivelled slightly sideways making it hard to lock. The fixed loop at the bottom can also be adjusted, it's held on by two Torx bolts. My ...

One other thought. Reading your initial message, you mentioned three intermittent faults. Did these happen simultaneously or were they individual at random times? If they happened simultaneously, then you are looking for some common circuitry.

I've done bushes on upper and lower rear suspension links and also the trailing arms. I cut the old ones out by drilling through the rubber to remove the centre of the old bush and then carefully cut a slit in the outer shell with a hacksaw so it can be collapsed slightly and knocked out. They are o...

On our 1990 214 it did just cut out suddenly while driving, engine just went completely dead. Fortunately I wasn't too far from home. I'd just picked up my son from the station so we were able to push it off the road and walked home and got another car to tow it home. When we got back to the 214, it...

I'm not so familiar with these later cars, but is there a crankshaft position sensor on yours next to the flywheel? If this goes intermittent it has pretty significant effect on operations as the ECU gets no RPM or angle data. The one on my older 214 was temperature sensitive. OK when cold but cut o...

One thing you mentioned that the issue might be affected by battery voltage. The ECU monitors battery voltage and if it is low, it increases the engine RPM, but not as high as 1500 RPM I think. Is the battery and alternator working fine? At idle you should be getting around 14V without lights etc. s...