Lee J's Van... the story so far...

[Lee J]

UPDATE - 26th FEB

Tootling down the M62 towards Manchester and Bang! yet another head gasket blown. You will recall I have just had another engine fitted due to the first engine blowing it's head. Now the second one has done the same.

Good job it's under warranty.

But folks, I'm afraid to say I will get this fixed then it'll have to go and I'll be replacing it with a Sprinter. I just dont have faith in Ford anymore. I've only had this van 6 months.

[FredTransit]

Get yourself a Mk2, if it wasn't for the drivers, they are great! If it's something newer you are after, get a smiley. After all, if somebody has gone through all of this sh*t in the first 6 months already, and the van has come out the other side (or not had any sh*t), the relyabilty is sorted. What makes you think that a sprinter would be any better? Cos it's a merc? If you can find a sprinter forum, I am sure you will find just as many owners who have had problems with a new sprinter as you would transits. We had a new Mk2 in 1986, within 6 months we had the RAC out to her with a total electrical failure. That apart from that hiccup, we still have the van!

[Transit-Tricky]

I dont know much about Sprinters, but I have heard the same thing from two people:

The Old style Sprinters were great (350K+ & still going strong)

The latest Sprinters are crap & always breaking down

One guy is a driver for DHL, the other is an Ex-AA Mechanic who sees a LOT of motors. Mk3/4/5 are lovely looking motors and wont break the bank

Cheers, TT

[100ps_drw_hicube]

well all i am going to say is you reckon the new transit is unrealiable well your going to need to have a breakdown truck following you if you buy a sprinter they are crap the 5cyl turbos are shite always blowing up guy that delivers glass to us is always in a courtesy van as his is always getting fixed and the 2.3's or whatever are gutless my old 76ps di would go better than them good luck if you go and get a sprinter youll need it your better off getting a late smiley alright the wings rot but they are far more reliable than any modern van if you were considering anything else it should be iveco or lt as they cheaper than sprinters all you pay for when you buy a sprinter is the badge thats why if bmw bought a van out tommorow it would be a good seller cause people buy it for the badge as far as im concerened you cant beat a dagenham dustbin

oh ye and sprinters rot very quickly as well nearly everyone round my way older than 3yrs the back doors are well and truly rot the salt in the air dont help

[100ps_drw_hicube]

The Old style Sprinters were great (350K+ & still going strong)

)

very true but when they get to 300k they usually start to go wrong and when they do, they cost the earth to fix re con engine for example your looking at £1800 for the 5cyl td whereas a transit you can get recons for £1200

stick well clear of the german heaps

[Lee J]

my van is 5 year old, it's a new shape 2001. I've owned it for 6 months and it cost me approx £4000 to buy, i've probably spent £1000 converting it (i run a band so extra seats/window in side etc) and it's cost us £2000 in repairs. now thats one dear tranny van!

i like the Iveco's. I love transits but im losing faith

[100ps_drw_hicube]

my van is 5 year old, it's a new shape 2001. I've owned it for 6 months and it cost me approx £4000 to buy, i've probably spent £1000 converting it (i run a band so extra seats/window in side etc) and it's cost us £2000 in repairs. now thats one dear tranny van!

i like the Iveco's. I love transits but im losing faith

ye i believe you as the new shape are good till they go wrong and they always do it when there out of warranty youd be better off with a iveco as the parts are really cheap and they are far more realiable than a sprinter. or you could get a smiley i know there older but they really do seem to run and run

[Lee J]

OK quick update.

Head test done on engine and is fine??? Found that the thermostat had stopped working and the coolent wasn't circulating properly. Apparently after running it for a while the bottom of the engine/radiator etc was hot but the top was cold. They replaced the thermostat and a hose and it seems ok now.

phew

[Transit-Tricky]

Great News!
We didnt wanna lose you to the evil Sprinter

[Lee J]

Latest update....

Van running sweet as a nut now.
I've got the bullbar fitted, spots working, work lights fitted and working.
Roof marker light are on and I've done some work inside with the CD system. Here's some pictures, more to follow soon.

[madmark]

she is looking good mate!

[Transitwalla]

Having read most of the posts in this thread I can understand how disheartened you became But....there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and despite what you've been through it nice to know....

YOU KEPT THE FAITH .

[AndyG]

Just been reading this post
Can you find a used sprinter that hasn't had an engine replacement

Go on Ring a few and find out first hand

[Lee J]

PROGRESS REPORT SEPT 2006

MOT - FAILED

Needs 2 new headlight unit due to water leaking in both. (already bought)
both sidelight bulbs are the wrong colour (but I like blue!)lol
number plate bulb out (not a big problem)
All brake pipes need replacing, front to back (whoah! ouch!)
Parking brake only working on offside and thats only 7% effiecient.

the joys of Ford Transit motoring lol!

[Transitwalla]

You got away lightly considering there's nothing structural on the failure sheet 2 hours work an a good power bleed and all thing s will be hunky dory again