should i buy a 98 petrol swb?

[colly 695]

Hi all,
just been offered a 98 petrol swb shr, it used to be a police van years ago,going to see it 2morrow.
The guy only wants 500 quid for it,the body work is shot in the usual places,mostly on the back doors at the bottom.
What i'd really like to know is, is there any engine problems i should look out for,i think its a 2 litre, i've heard the petrol engines are really good to go,but as i've never had a petrol tranny,i'm a bit nervous of buying one

Can anybody give me a few pro's and con's about the petrol version,obviously 2morrow after i've test driven it i should be able to make my mind up, but until then i'm sure someone can share their experience with a petrol tranny.

Cheers Davie

[MinorMatt]

I havent heard any horror stories about them...

The service parts are all easily avaliable. They have 115PS but about the same amount of torque as a 76PS diesel. I think they are generally pretty reliable

[zephyr]

I don't know which engine they put in the '98 models but I had an old MK3 with a 2.0Ltr Pinto in it and that was pretty strong.

Keep in mind that the petrol engine doesn't tend to last as well as the diesel. If it was me, I'd steer clear if it was anywhere near the 150K mark mileage wise. Other more knowledgable people may be able to tell you different about life expectancy though.

Obviously, a lot will depend on service history and how it has been driven. The general condition of the van is usually a good indication of how well it has been treated in its life.

Don't be fooled by a quick spray over or mop down (I've been caught by this one before). Obviously, rust is likely to be present unless it has been wrapped in cotton wool all its life but keep an eye out for dents in unusual places, abused interior or excessive amounts of filler. All the standard stuff really......

I'm guessing that the petrol version will also do significant less miles to the gallon as well which may be something to consider.

[cmeonthemove]

I have one for a while and had no complaints! The engine is the 2.0 DOHC as fitted to the Scorpio.
They are strong and robust engines and should carry on to 150-200k no probs provided they are serviced when they should be.

Obviously mileage would come into it if it's high. The main thing I would advise is starting it from cold and check for any rattling from the engine. DOHC engines are fitted with a timing chain, not a belt, and the tensioners can go after about 120k, throwing the chain off. Usually the rattle is the first sign of a weakening tensioner. If all is quiet on startup you should be fine.

The only other weak point of the DOHC is the head gasket, so check for smoke/steam.

The only issue I had with mine was the oxygen sensor, probably as a result of someone forgetting it was a petrol and sticking diesel in it (or Tesco's dodgy stuff).

MPG on mine (a SWB 80) averaged around the 29mpg mark - 32-33 on a good run, so comparable with diesels.

500 isn't a bad price for a '98 although that depends on its overall condition.

[mr.sparkle]

Obviously mileage would come into it if it's high. The main thing I would advise is starting it from cold and check for any rattling from the engine. DOHC engines are fitted with a timing chain, not a belt, and the tensioners can go after about 120k, throwing the chain off. Usually the rattle is the first sign of a weakening tensioner. If all is quiet on startup you should be fine.

oh dear i have had a petrol van for a few weeks now and it was great but now on start up it rattles for about two to three seconds does this sound like the tensioner ?? is it a easy change job. the bus was a special needs school bus and has only covered 59,000miles what do you think?