Tappets

[New transit lover]

My partner and I have just recently bought a 1990 F. Transit. We took her in to a diesel mechanic and he told us that we needed both new tappets AND a new gear box (yikes). I then called another mechanic just to find out about prices elsewhere and he told me that a 1990 transit shouldn't need new tappets. Who should I listen to?? Help me pleaase!!

[mk2panelvan]

Sure someone on here will help you with advice, but hey! welcome to the forum!

[FredTransit]

Welcome! I wouldn't have thought you would need new tappets, maybe they just need adjusting, how many miles has it done?

[Luke]

What makes him think it needs a new gearbox??

i think i would have a go at adjusting the tappets - has the first guy had a look in depth at the engine- ie got any spanners out??

and what made you take it to a mechanic in the first place??

[New transit lover]

We took her to the mechanic for a service (hadn't had an oil change for 19,000 miles!) - we'd only just bought it -and because when idling she was very shakey, and getting into first gear was sometimes a bit difficult. It's done 89,000 miles and I'm not sure the details on why it needs a new gearbox.

[bortaf]

My truck's just about to pass 200,000 miles the oil hasn't been changed for 40,000 miles and it's allways been hard to get into gear ever since i've had it
admitedly mine needs a new clutch adjuster and cable but i'll get round to it, the last box (had a second hand one 30,000 ago) was exactly the same.
They last well these ols diesels but are noisy and shake a lot if the idle is too low or the mounts are worn, did the first mechanic actually take the rocker cover off? if not he has no way of knowing what it needs!
get a 3rd opinion if possable, very few mechanics are good enough to diagnose a noise without further investigation

[gazza]

need adjusting unless its been to the moon and back!, easy job get a haynes manual, then when you have fined the job succesfully you have the added warm feeling of not being ripped off by a dodgy 'mechanic'
good luck

[madmark]

alot of the 89 -90 di,s seemed to be very shakey on idol! never did find out why ,as i dont think they done it from new!

[jay]

where are you from??someone may be near to help you or a least have a look!!