Transit mk6 starting problem

[Bertiegas]

Hi I've sort through no end of posts on the forum and can never 100% find the same issue as mine although very similar....... I have a 2006 mk6 350 lwb 90ps, I brought the van 3 years ago on the cheap from a rental company as it had a couple of issues the main one being a suspect fuel pump. I had a new pump fitted at transit specialist and after a few days was struggling to start, it went back and had another one fitted as it was at fault(backstory) The van struggles to start on a morning or when left for a while, some days it will go straight away but 90% of the time it turns over, starts, runs noisely approx 2-5 seconds and stalls, orange coil / EM light comes on, I have found myself starting the van lately and trying to accelerate at 1500 revs for 30 seconds or so and seems to do the trick....... It seems to be getting worse as in time wise I can leave the van an hour and it starts roughly..... I initially was looking down the lines of fuel lines/housing letting in air but have had these checked to no avail(even wrapped all housing and connections in special silicone tape in case any runners were at fault...... I ran it from a separate fuel source and it did start 2 mornings in a row no problem but the van can do this randomly so it doesn't fill me with confidence....... During its starting problems I also hear it run noisely and then something seems to engage and it runs fine, which makes me think it's the tensioner/chain........... I left the van at garage this week to have a listen/check over and they have confirmed that the pump has threw up a few codes but not necessarily meaning it's knackered and are now waiting on my decision of where to go next...... Full chain kit or fuel pump but I don't really want to go for pump as its only done 12,000 since it was renewed and it's a lot of money to fork out if it makes no difference, chain kit is half the price but I'm 80% certain they did this for me a little over a year ago but have forgot.......... Sorry the post is long winded and a lot of ifs buts and maybes but I would just appreciate a bit of input to see what people think as I have toyed with the idea of a newer van but I can't afford new so I could go and buy a nail and be back to square one, the van flys through its mot and is in really good condition so I'd rather stick to the devil I know.... It's just getting a little infuriating lately......... Thanks in advance

[ned]

Do you know what the codes are, posting them may help someone to point you in the right direction. N

[Bertiegas]

Hi sorry no I don't, tbf when I collected it tonight they were closing as it had taken us 6 hrs on the motorway to get from Brixham and I didn't want to hold them up any longer

[Frag]

That sounds like a worn timing chain and / or guides...

It will throw up fuel pump codes,usually P0149 fuel timing error and 1564 reduced fuelling
(Due to the slack in chain pump timing alters out of tolerances)

90ps were known for timing chain issues,also starting and stalling 3 times then being ok.

Tensioner and blades were revised,and a t.s.b issued also,

P.S.
I wouldn't bother with non-gen replacement parts,if it were me from what I've heard...

[Bertiegas]

Thanks for the reply, I am nearly 90% certain that they were done last year or so but Ill be over the moon if that's what's the problem is, I'm just concerned if it was changed why it's gone so quickly......
1) what's the best kit to have fitted (eurocarparts have one from 250 to 200 this weekend)
2) could there be an underlying problem with engine that could cause it to keep going faulty

thanks again

[Frag]

I cannot vouch for anything other than genuine ford parts,regarding the timing chain or tensioners.....

I've heard nothing but bad things about various aftermarket replacement kits,but that's your choice...
And if your asking why it's not lasted ?

[bambi mk 1]

Thanks for the reply, I am nearly 90% certain that they were done last year or so but Ill be over the moon if that's what's the problem is, I'm just concerned if it was changed why it's gone so quickly......
1) what's the best kit to have fitted (eurocarparts have one from 250 to 200 this weekend)
2) could there be an underlying problem with engine that could cause it to keep going faulty

thanks again

As Frag posted use a genuine kit as its a lottery with non genuine

[Bertiegas]

Thank you, maybe that's where the issue is, the one that was supplied and fitted was of poor quality, I have read on here that ford tensioners seem to be a problem and allow too much slack, I've also seen you tube videos showing this but I would have thought manufacturer is always the best route to go it's always the way in my line of work......... Thank you again I'll speak to the garage this week and see if it's ford one there fitting or if it was ford the last time if it was done, I suppose they'll find that out once they remove the front black plate........ If it has been done and say for instance they think it's just the tensioner at fault would you recommend still renewing the whole kit for peace of mind ?? I only do about 3-4,000 miles a year so the chain and guides would have only done 5-6000 miles........... I have just been out to try the van and it started but not correctly and then I had the noise like the tensioner engaging the chain and then runs correctly, so imagine your correct in your analysis with the chain..... Thank you I really appreciate it

[Bertiegas]

I have phoned ford dealer by me and it's 450 for the chain kit (all separates) inc vat and another 100 for the 2 top sprockets if needed ??? Does that sound right ? I've looked through some paperwork and found timing was done 16 months ago and cost me 350 all in so judging by the price difference it must have been after market kit........ You live and learn

[Bertiegas]

Update in case anyone has problem and wants to give this a try........ was bored on Sunday so ordered new filters for the van and decided to give it a service as I had free oil....(was going to book in for chain this week)
Changed air filter although was perfect but only 6.00 (Mann)
Changed fuel filter (Mann) £16 5 micron other one was ford but didn't state tddi or tdci
Changed oil and filter (Mann 4.50) 5/30 full synthetic (freebie) old oil filter was slightly crushed/deformed

Van has started every morning first turn and when left for any period of time during the day and seems to tick over sweeter than before........ has been 5/6 days so far but I'm confident it's solved it, can't say it may be the fixer for everyone who suffers the issue but worth a punt for under £50 if you had to buy oil........ Thanks for all of your help I've learnt a bit from your knowledge

[Altransit]

Nice feedback


Let's hope it's sorted