TheDrunks - Ex-BT Van project

[TheDrunk]

haha yes for sure

[TheDrunk]

Couple of silly questions.

I'm actually wondering what 'mk' transit this one will be??

First registered in 1994 - 120 D

Also, will the battery be round or square terminals? Can you tell from the pic? I am not sure. Cheers. (Needs a new battery).

[djswampy]

It is a Mk4 and the battery terminals are bolt hole type, not round ones. It was around that age that they went to the round studs from bolt hole/lug terminals.


And you can carry 1,200kg in the back over the axle.

[TheDrunk]

Any recommended oil I should buy for this particular engine, and if so, how much should I get and can I buy it online?

TIA

[MrMPuk]

Any recommended oil I should buy for this particular engine, and if so, how much should I get and can I buy it online?

TIA

http://fordtransit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10408

[TheDrunk]

Just took delivery of the battery, oil, fuel and air filters.

The oil filter is quite short. Think the one on my van is long? I'll check my photos...


The battery was leaking acid everywhere Guess I'll need to top it up with distilled water... Any idea what tools I'll need to do the change over?

[TheDrunk]

Any recommended oil I should buy for this particular engine, and if so, how much should I get and can I buy it online?

TIA

http://fordtransit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10408

Clear as mud to the likes of myself

If I go to halfords and say "please give me 6-7 litres of engine oil for a 1994 ford transit 120 D (mk4)" do you think they will give me something reasonable?

[djswampy]

From that link I would of said 10w30 multigrade. Should do fine.

[TheDrunk]

My 'mate' reckons this will do the job:


http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... ryrn_77304

[djswampy]

Yeah, most average oils will do. In theory, the more you spend the longer life the engine will have. But your van has another few years and that's it, your not going to extend its life by putting top notch stuff in it.

[TheDrunk]

Right, after spending a small fortune in Halfords and heading up to the site, todays work is at and end.

Shopping list:
Castrol Oil 4l x2
90 piece tool set
rubber gloves
oil filter removal tool
overalls
large plastic container
wd-40
screwdriver set
distilled water
wyns fuel system cleaner

Your very own amature mechanic in a box


Firstly I removed the battery as instructed in the Haynes manual. The battery tray appears to be in very good condition. It was pretty much all still coated in the original paint with no signs of corrosion. The only bit that is bad is the bit that fella spotted in the photos (one corner).

Then I checked the new battery, electrolite still appeared to be covering the metal plates. I stuck a little water in just for good measure and then set to work installing it in the engine compartment.

Started the van up and happily it started first time. However the battery low light stays on, even after I left the engine ticking over for 5 mins.

Will I need to go for a long drive to get it fully charged or could this indicate a problem with the alternator / other?

-----

With that completed I decided I would attempt to remove some more of the plastic covers on the floor inside the cab.

I was able to remove the triangle shaped covers that sit just behind the wheel arches, before the foot well. Low and behold there were signs of corrosion under these parts.

Looking under the van, at the bottom of the wells and this area I had just exposed, all you can see is the black (underseal?) coating. I am guessing some heavy duty work may need undertaking in these areas depending on the extent of the rust behind the outer coating.

Stupidly I forgot my camera so photos will follow when I am next up there.


For my next trip, I will look into what I need to do to change the air/oil/fuel filters correctly. Air and oil seem simple enough. Not sure about fuel.

Many think that is confusing me is the differing advice in three places regarding which oil to use:

1) here
2) haynes
3) owners manual

In a little while I will post what all three say side by side so we can try to get to the bottom of this. All I want to know is if the oil I have purchased is going to be right for the job. I'd rather have the absolute correct oil in there though.

[MrMPuk]

Also if the battery was leaking acid I would forget the distilled water and get a new battery.

[TheDrunk]

It was leaking as it had been tipped on its side by the couriers. It isn't leaking when upright.

[MrMPuk]

It was leaking as it had been tipped on its side by the couriers. It isn't leaking when upright.

It will still be low on acid, and will either need more acid or a new battery.

[djswampy]

yup, MrM's right. The level of acid is a set thing for the battery. it might be worth testing the acid level with a specific tester. If it doesn't have enough acid in it then it won't hold as much charge as it should .
You should of refused the delivery from the couriers, that acid stuff is dangerous.