by Kjeles » Mon Jul 09, 2018 10:05 pm
Hi FSeixasPT,
According to an older mechanic at my local workshop, Ford's low-compression, 2.0 L petrol engine (Pinto) is among the most durable car engines ever produced. I have had four Transits with this engine over the last 35 years, a bus in the 1980s, another bus in the 1990s and currently two Reimo campers (a 1987 and a 1988 model). Apart from being durable, the engines are easy to maintain.
Although the engine is generally durabel, you probably don't know the history of the particular engine you are about to buy. Your photos indicate that the engine is very clean. It has probably low milage(?). If you have a chance, you should, nevertheless, measure the compression of all cylinders and look at the color of the electrodes of the spark plugs. Also, check the color and the smell of the motor oil. If you don't know the history of the timing belt, you should change it soon. It's simple to do. Age of the belt is as important as the distance driven since last replacement.
Owning a thirty-year old camper will, however, require that you become a hobby mechanic as soon as possible. There will, no doubt, be repairs to be made, such as wheel bearing replacement, brake fixes and engine tuning. The technical simplicity of a 1987 Transit makes it a perfect starting point considering that you regard yourself as having 'very limited knowledge in car mecanics'.
Good luck with a fantastic camper. My 1987 model was cruising through Portugal two years ago. Hope to see yours passing through Norway soon.