Advice on buying 1999 2500 cc Diesel non Turbo

[sittingbull]

Hi,
Sorry to say, I am new to the more modern Transit engines. Meaning after the 80's !! Shows how old I am !!
I am interested in buying a Transit Camper van which has a genuine 40,000 from new and has been regularly serviced. 1999 year, 2500 cc, Non Turbo. I am used to doing most of my own servicing and repairs on basic Landrover diesels.
What can anyone tell me about the reliability etc. of these engines, if they have been looked after. Will we manage to get up hills at a reasonable speed with this non turbo. I don't expect to do a ton !! Also what can I expect to get mpg ?
I would be most grateful for any advice before I go and take the plunge !!
Thanks Nick

[Altransit]

the more modern Transit engines.

Some on here would say it's an antique, but the Di engine is probably the most reliable diesel engine ever produced by Ford ................................... but it's really not very quick, especially in a large vehicle

Mine does between 30 - 36mpg depending on how loaded it is, and how "fast" it's driven

[IgorVigor]

I have a 120 SWB (ex BT) transit, with the 70ps N/A diesel....

in standard form, they are a slow and sluggish to be honest......

but there are 2 modifications which are commonly done, which really make a difference....and best of all, it costs nothing

1 - turn the fuelling up (screwdriver, socket and an allen key are needed)
2 - disable the EGR (cable tie or torx bit required.....small blanking plate optional)

once they are done, it will have a bit more power/torque AND if driven sensibly better MPG


mine has been tuned a little more than most N/A transits, and I'm getting 30~32mpg running around with 'spirited driving'





but I agree with Altransit.......
the Ford Di is probably the most reliable Ford diesel
and I'd even go as far as to say one of the best 'small diesels' ever made

[sittingbull]

Thanks for the advice so far, it's much appreciated. We don't want to travel too far or fast. It is difficult with a limited budget, as a more modern camper would be so much more expensive. Just hoping to find an older, one that has been well looked after and that might go on for a bit without needing a huge amount of work all of a sudden. What are they like for rust ?
As it is a long trip to try it out I wanted some idea before we might go and view it.
Thanks for help.
Nick

[landiman]

Well my transit is a Mk5 Hicube LWB fitted with a 70 ps Di engine and to be honest i'm pleased as punch with it... it was a bit gutless when i first had it but after doing the mods.. it's so much better. best of all its still returning 35 mpg.
Its the best vehicle i've ever bought

[MinorMatt]

I know its low mileage but factor a new cambelt in (typically £150 to 250) unless its been done in the last year or 2. Interval is 50,000 miles or 5 years. Engines are bullet proof whether they have been looked after or not. Neglected ones can be difficult to start in sub zero temps.

But they do rust, badly! And they can go anywhere, arches are a favourite though. Campers are generally better than vans as they tend to be looked after

[IgorVigor]

I know its low mileage but factor a new cambelt in (typically £150 to 250) unless its been done in the last year or 2. Interval is 50,000 miles or 5 years. Engines are bullet proof whether they have been looked after or not. Neglected ones can be difficult to start in sub zero temps.

But they do rust, badly! And they can go anywhere, arches are a favourite though. Campers are generally better than vans as they tend to be looked after

I thought it was 40,000 miles or 4 years
I'm sure I read that somewhere


either way though, a new cambelt is definitely a good idea
its easy enough to do yourself though if your capable

if you REALLY want to make sure its good (especially if your doing long distances), I'd replace the water pump while your doing the cambelt.....
piece of mind that its sorted, and then the radiator can be removed to make access easier (and nice new coolant)

[sittingbull]

Thanks for all these tips and advice, much appreciated. Might get to see it this week. I expect there will be many more things that I might need advice with in the future if I buy it. Great Forum with loads of info. !! Glad I found it.
Cheers Nick

[Richieintransit]

I have a 120 SWB (ex BT) transit, with the 70ps N/A diesel....

in standard form, they are a slow and sluggish to be honest......

but there are 2 modifications which are commonly done, which really make a difference....and best of all, it costs nothing

1 - turn the fuelling up (screwdriver, socket and an allen key are needed)
2 - disable the EGR (cable tie or torx bit required.....small blanking plate optional)

once they are done, it will have a bit more power/torque AND if driven sensibly better MPG


mine has been tuned a little more than most N/A transits, and I'm getting 30~32mpg running around with 'spirited driving'





but I agree with Altransit.......
the Ford Di is probably the most reliable Ford diesel
and I'd even go as far as to say one of the best 'small diesels' ever made

how do I do this? any pics? thanks

[Altransit]

how do I do this? any pics? thanks

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3968

[Richieintransit]

how do I do this? any pics? thanks

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3968

hi AL,
Tried that mod today but the one in the pics was different to my mates, my mates is a w reg and has a much longer link from pump to egr than the one pictured and the one pictured seems to be on the same side as the pump, my mates is on the opposite side of the engine, anyway cranked the pump about a turn and 3/4 or so and took the big pipe off the egr and no butterfly inside! but the egr looks alot different yjan the one in the discription and has a much longer link, so what's going on! when did they change these bananas and should there be a butterfly,,, cranking it up on the pump hasn't made much difference either
cheers mate