1998 camper. Sometimes OK uphill, sometimes struggles

[mrwilko]

Hello,
Newbie here, hoping for some help. I have a much loved 1998 Transit based 'Duetto' Smiley (not banana engine). Last year I noticed a problem climbing hills worse than the normal leisurely ascent caused by camper weight. I had a service including having all the filters changed. That temporarily solved the problem. When it mysteriously re-appeared I had the turbo replaced. The first long journey with the new turbo the same problem happened again but then mysteriously disappeared. Last week it happened then improved after an oil top up. On a long journey this week It was fine one day and bad the next. Any ideas gratefully received and happy to answer further questions.

[MinorMatt]

What does the engine management lamp do?

Auto or manual?

[mrwilko]

Manual.
Engine management lamp? Sorry I need you to explain that. Thanks for the reply.

[MinorMatt]

As a turbo it should have an engine management lamp - a light that comes on on the instrument cluster when you turn the ignition on.

Its red and has a picture of an engine.

It should come on when the key is turned on, and turn off when the engine is running

[mrwilko]

Hi. Sorry, didn't know about that, never seen it. Will start up and have a look.

[mrwilko]

Hi again,

No red lights continued on after start up. Thanks.

[Chug]

Does the light come on when you turn the ign on? or have you no light at all?

[mrwilko]

No light. I think it's too old to have one. I've got batt, oil and brake but no engine symbol.

[MinorMatt]

well the management light is present on all transit turbo diesels since 1992 - so it sounds like someone has removed it to mask a fault.

You need to get it plugged in by someone with the correct equipment (Lucas Laser 2000)

Where are you?

[mrwilko]

I'm in Bournemouth but frequently travelling around the south for work. Where on the instrument panel should the light be?

[Chug]

between the fuel and temp gauges

[mrwilko]

OK thanks, I'll have a look at that.
Let's say there is a fault that the lamp removal is masking, based on the symptoms described previously in the thread, any ideas what it might be?

[MinorMatt]

Sticky cam plate in the injection pump (adding 500ml-1L of mineral 2 stroke oil to each tank of diesel may help - if not new injection pump needed)
Faulty cam position sensor
Faulty rotor position sensor
Fuel filter issue
Lift pump issue
Partly Binding brakes
Overboost
Underboost
boost leak

If you are around Newbury at any point I could plug it in for you with the correct diagnostics. (outside office hours)