Diary of an Ordinary Van

[Altransit]

I have just bought a set of those strips for my van, what's the best way to stick them on? my van doesn't currently have them

See my post above

[Vee4]

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.*



It was supposed to be the three-month review and then the six-month review.
It's nearly seven months now ... so much Ordinaryness, so little time!

Before I start, let me say that I decided not to make direct comparisons with the Mk5.
That was a true classic and stands alone, beyond compare ... sic transit gloria mundi.**



The Ordinary Van has been trouble-free and there really isn't anything to complain about so I will offer a few observations. If any member is interested in more detail on any aspect of the operation mentioned, or something I've omitted, please ask.

In no particular order and subject to some things I might have to add later:

(1) Power and speed
a) "Car's got a lot of pickup." as Jake Blues would say (http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Blues_ ... s#Dialogue). There if you need it, and it's nice to be able to accelerate while going uphill! Still hasn't been over 2500rpm (2250rpm at 70mph GPS).
b) Speedo reads about 5% high compared to GPS.
c) Very occasionally, seems to hesitate when moving forward slowly in first gear. Note: after more experience, I've got used to that, so I open the throttle a little - the Mk5 would move forward on tickover. I said I wouldn't make comparisons ...
d) I haven't tried it 'flat out'.

(2) Gearbox
6-speed is the way to go (viewtopic.php?p=370772#p370772). Now I wish there was a 7th gear, or perhaps the 16" wheels of the Econetic (http://www.fordtransituk.co.uk/NewFordT ... onetic.htm).

(2) Sound system
a) Sounds OK to me. Receives Radio 4 and Radio 5. Plays Country and Western (http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Blues_Brothers#Others).
b) No chance yet to try the AUX input.
c) The fingertip volume controls and 'telephone' mute buttons are handy.
d) A pity it doesn't play MP3 files from CD (viewtopic.php?p=542942#p542942).

(3) Handling
a) Stable and responsive, and good in the recent snow storms (viewtopic.php?p=456619#p456619).
b) Still no apparent intervention by BTCS or ESP.
c) Smooth and quiet with no annoying rattles.
d) Power Assisted Steering - OK, I got used to it! There is now no excuse for incorrect steering wheel technique. Recently, when I drove my Dad's Rover Metro (proudly built in Longbridge), I thought there was something wrong until I remembered - no PAS.

(4) Turn signals
a) The 'lane change' feature (light touch, then flashes three times, viewtopic.php?p=440466#p440466) is a mixed blessing. I reckon four flashes would be better for changing lanes at motorway speeds. Also, I've sometimes triggered it accidentally while reaching for the dip switch - the embarrassment lasts three times as long.
b) Could possibly do with a beeper on the turn signal relay (see above link).

(5) Visibility and wipe/wash
a) I would prefer it if the washers could be operated independently of the wipers, and if the washer jets were mounted on the wiper arms.
b) Still having trouble with the washer jets freezing in <-5°C conditions.
c) The wide-angle section of the mirrors has proved quite effective.

(6) Instruments
a) The rev counter and speedo seem accurate and the readings are stable. Speedo reads about 5% high compared with GPS.
b) The LCD screen is OK in the dark when lights are on, but not so good in daylight. It's not just me: viewtopic.php?p=428311#p428311.
c) Trip computer probably worth the extra cost. Gives an average of speed and fuel mpg since last reset in addition to miles to empty. It's a pity it doesn't read in 0.1 MPG increments (viewtopic.php?p=541924#p541924).
d) External temperature readout has been useful in recent 'arctic' conditions, although it could do with more hysteresis when the temperature is hovering around 4°C. Sometimes, while resetting the warning message, I've inadvertently reset the underlying reading, e.g. average MPG.

(7) Central locking
a) Anti-hijacking system is good for reassurance in some parts of town.
b) System seems to work now I'm used to it - still feel it necessary to go round and check all doors have locked!

(8) Lighting
a) Exterior lighting is good. So far I've only been in the wrong kind of fog for testing the front fog lamps.
b) The interior lights come on to welcome you to the van, convenient unless you are trying to be super discreet. Handy not to have to go to the cab to switch on the load compartment lights.
c) Headlamp levelling control is indispensable.

(9) Heating and demisting
a) The Quickclear is great and the heated mirrors - say no more.
b) It could do with more hot air from the heater diverted to the quarterlights to maintain a clear view of the mirrors - wide angle section not always visible.

(10) Bodywork
a) Mudflaps are a token gesture. They are rigid plastic and it seems as if they will bend or crack in the event of accidental contact with a high kerbs, etc.
b) Fuel filler flap is a bit fragile. Made of plastic and feels as if it will fall off every time I open it. Fortunately, that is not too often because of the 650 mile range.
c) A thumping noise comes from the fuel tank when it's between 3/4 and 1/2 full. Again, it's not just me: viewtopic.php?p=411929#p411929.
d) Electrically-operated windows are fine. Handy to be able to wind down the passenger side window without jumping out of the driver's seat. It always sound as if the motors are struggling.
e) The trim strips don't seem to be stuck too well (viewtopic.php?p=551198#p551198).

(11) Some of the first impressions
a) viewtopic.php?p=456588#p456588
b) viewtopic.php?p=456619#p456619

(12) Load carrying
a) Being FWD, the load compartment benefits from the lower floor in terms of loading height and increased volume.

(13) Faults
a) Only one minor fault so far, as previously reported (viewtopic.php?p=458722#p458722).

I don't know if Ford engineers or marketing people read this Forum, but let's hope they take note of members' comments and incorporate the improvements and corrections in later versions.

It's earned its emoticon upgrade, and I've given it a . I may have to demote to or even it if starts being troublesome in future.



*One of the most anthologised poems by Elizabeth Barrett-Browning
http://www.poetsgraves.co.uk/barrett-_browning.htm

** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sic_transit_gloria_mundi

Edits:

06 Apl 2010 - some minor corrections.
08 Apl 2010 - added (12) Load carrying.

[ake]

Good to see the van has had it 'Smiley' Updated

I particularly agree with
(5) Visibility and wipe/wash
a) I would prefer it if the washers could be operated independently of the wipers, and if the washer jets were mounted on the wiper arms.
(9) Heating and demisting
b) It could do with more hot air from the heater diverted to the quarterlights to maintain a clear view of the mirrors - wide angle section not always visible.
(10) Bodywork
b) Fuel filler flap is a bit fragile. Made of plastic and feels as if it will fall off every time I open it. Fortunately, that is not too often because of the 650 mile range.
Its not the flap as such that the problem but the clip that its retained by, however some blu tak sorts this problem

[Vee4]

Good to see the van has had its 'Smiley' updated

I decided to take an oblique approach with the because the Ordinary Van still feels a bit like the posh van that you have on loan while your real van is being serviced!

[Vee4]

Oiling the wheels of British industry (before they all fall off!)

I bought some of this for topping up:


http://www.carlube.co.uk/index.cfm?product=71

It seems to "tick all the boxes" (viewtopic.php?p=542800#p542800) plus it was available at a reasonable price from one of my wholesalers. The manufacturer claims race car pedigree:


http://www.carlube.co.uk/index.cfm?page=92

[madmark_50484]

To the review thread I know you were not comparing to the mk5 (well not a lot anyway) could you give us an idea on what the fuel economy is on the new one to the mk5 or actually could you do a comparison thread as we have had a lot of mk5 v the world comparisons but as you have had both I think you could give a good unbiased view of the 2 vans.

[Vee4]

Could you give us an idea on what the fuel economy is on the new one to the mk5?

I didn't include this in the 'review' because it has been covered elsewhere (viewtopic.php?p=489827#p489827). In summary, the long term average for the Mk5 was 35 MPG and that didn't change much during its 12-year life. The long term average for the Ordinary Van is trending towards 38 MPG, derived from total mileage and total fuel purchased. The trip computer average is usually around 39 MPG but it does move in large steps (viewtopic.php?p=541924#p541924).

The OV figures are a little disappointing as I was hoping for something in the early forties. However, that is partly due to traffic conditions where I have been working. The trip computer includes an average speed reading and I've seen it as low as 10 MPH. I may consider an 'economy' remap some time in the future.

could you do a comparison thread as we have had a lot of mk5 v the world comparisons but as you have had both I think you could give a good unbiased view of the 2 vans

I did think of something like that, possibly a spreadsheet-based chart with columns for the different vans, but it is a bit like the old apples vs. oranges conundrum. Oranges are not the only fruit and I sure hope the OV doesn't turn out to be a lemon! Anyway, I'll give it some more thought.

[madmark_50484]

Could you give us an idea on what the fuel economy is on the new one to the mk5?

I didn't include this in the 'review' because it has been covered elsewhere (viewtopic.php?p=489827#p489827). In summary, the long term average for the Mk5 was 35 MPG and that didn't change much during its 12-year life. The long term average for the Ordinary Van is trending towards 38 MPG, derived from total mileage and total fuel purchased. The trip computer average is usually around 39 MPG but it does move in large steps (viewtopic.php?p=541924#p541924).

The OV figures are a little disappointing as I was hoping for something in the early forties. However, that is partly due to traffic conditions where I have been working. The trip computer includes an average speed reading and I've seen it as low as 10 MPH. I may consider an 'economy' remap some time in the future.

So the ordinary does slightly more MPG compared to the old one. I find that interesting as from what I gather the mk6's performed slightly worse on mpg to the mk5. sorry if you have posted that before I must have missed it.

[Vee4]

So the ordinary does slightly more MPG compared to the old one. I find that interesting as from what I gather the mk6's performed slightly worse on mpg to the mk5.

The reason for my disappointment is that I hoped for a more dramatic improvement with "all them new-fangled computers and such".

[madmark_50484]

So the ordinary does slightly more MPG compared to the old one. I find that interesting as from what I gather the mk6's performed slightly worse on mpg to the mk5.

The reason for my disappointment is that I hoped for a more dramatic improvement with "all them new-fangled computers and such".

The saving on the long term should be worth it but I see what you mean a 3 mpg increase when you look at reliability issues although in saying that you have been more or less free running.

[Vee4]

'Ello, 'ello, 'ello. What's all this then?

Doing some spring cleaning recently, and this (right side door step) doesn't look like mud to me:



As previously mentioned (viewtopic.php?p=554443#p554443), I recently topped up with one litre of oil. It didn't seem to make much difference on the dipstick, so I decided to have a good look round for leaks. There is a small leak on the joint between the gearbox and clutch housing (which is probably gearbox oil, of which more later) but the amount of corrosion was more worrying.

I know it's been a bad winter with lots of salt on the roads, but ... for example:

a) the alloy castings on the engine mounts look as if they have been on the deck of an ocean-going ship for years;
b) the screw heads are going rusty as if they have been tightened carelessly and the plating damaged;
c) rusting precursors on the chassis;



d) hose clips starting to rust.



I'm tempted to get the pressure washer and clean the inside of the engine compartment but I'm concerned about the delicate components such as radiator and intercooler cores, and the electrics. Any opinions?

[ake]

Before you clean anything get it to the dealers and get the oil leaks fixed

[Altransit]

I'm not a big fan of pressure washing modern engines, due to the high electrical component content of modern vehicles

I just use a small hand sprayer and a brush for the degreaser fluid, and rinse it off with another hand sprayer filled with warm water

[Vee4]

Before you clean anything get it to the dealers and get the oil leaks fixed

I noticed this last week while I was checking to see where the missing engine oil went. I haven't noticed any drips where the van has been parked, so it's just seepage thus far. I will contact the dealer and see if they want it in before the service is due.



Would this be fixed by tightening the screws, or does it imply gasket failure?

[AndyG]

I'm tempted to get the pressure washer and clean the inside of the engine compartment but I'm concerned about the delicate components such as radiator and intercooler cores, and the electrics. Any opinions?

yes DON'T