My First Transit - '02 Lwb t350 Mid Roof

[School Boy]

Hi, it's been a while since I've been on here but last week I bought my first Transit, a t350 semi high roof 120. Body has seen better days but it was a px to clear. Know the garage well so trust them and the price was fair. It's done 146000, got a new clutch, diesel pump, alternator, starter motor and new MoT. Not sure of the service history apart from that soon I'm hopefully going to get it fully serviced, check and replace belt if needed and maybe the timing chain. Unfortunately the sliding door lock doesn't open very often and the reversing lights don't work so think the switch is gone. Pictures to come soonish though it looks like any other transit.

Thanks,
School boy

[School Boy]

Also I want to fit a flashing lightbar and possibly some chevrons on the back, been rear ended on the motorway before so hopefully they'll see those.

[School Boy]

Quick question, mines a 5 speed and I've only done 70 once as it sounded and felt like I was revving the hell out of it, are they happy at that speed? I'm trying not to use it too much or hard before I get it serviced and the belt and chain get done as I don't think it's ever been done and sounds like 146000 is pushing it. Fortunatly it doesn't knock or rattle much when I turn it on. I'm quite involved with the London cab trade and the tx11 cabs have the 2.4 and loads of them seem to knock really loudly and there are loads of garages that do strengthened and upgraded chains and the others bits to it and they still suggest changing it every 2 years or 90,000 miles.

[transitandy]

get some piccies on when you get a chance

[School Boy]

Finally managed to take a pic. This is next to two minibuses of the same age and spec. Also just had an ex AA lightbar fitted there. It went fine over the weekend, did nearly 300 miles no problem and cruised on the motorway no problem. Surprised at what speed it was happy with. Now though it doesn't want to start. Had this happen twice and before the light bar was fitted. Turn the ignition, hand brake light comes on and nothing, leave it for a bit and it's fine but this time it hasn't started after leaving it, battery is fine also. Hope it's not the starter motor!

[School Boy]

It started first time this morning. Might get an auto electrician to look at it.

[ake]

My moneys on the starter

[winterheating]

Quick question, mines a 5 speed and I've only done 70 once as it sounded and felt like I was revving the hell out of it, are they happy at that speed? I'm trying not to use it too much or hard before I get it serviced and the belt and chain get done as I don't think it's ever been done and sounds like 146000 is pushing it. Fortunatly it doesn't knock or rattle much when I turn it on. I'm quite involved with the London cab trade and the tx11 cabs have the 2.4 and loads of them seem to knock really loudly and there are loads of garages that do strengthened and upgraded chains and the others bits to it and they still suggest changing it every 2 years or 90,000 miles.

Its not the chain its the tensioner and guides that wear, upgrading the chain somehow wont make any difference.

[School Boy]

Oh right I got that bit wrong, this is a description of one of them: http://www.cricklewoodcarriers.co.uk/chain.htm
Sounds like I don't need one yet though.

[winterheating]

hmm intresting that.

Do you know how much the upgrade kit is? Just the chain tensioner guides and sprockets?

I wonder if they still recommend replacing the tensioner though at set milage, as thats primarily what allows the chain to slip.

[School Boy]

I don't know exactly, that one is one of the more expensive ones I think. Different places do different kits anywhere between £600 to £800 for a non standard one. Some garages do 2 year unlimited milage. The say to change it all around 90,000 weather it sounds like it needs it or not just to be sure because supposedly it was an original bodge to get the engine to work with the auto in the taxi body as they changed supplier and kept the same body. For example they use either the rad or intercooler from the 2.2 so it fits.