mk2 - engine replacement - the best options

[davorin13]

Greetings from Slovenia. I'm not even 100% sure which version of the Transit I have (camper), I'm attaching some photos and the information I have.
- Ford Transit, 1983,
- petrol,
- 1954 cc,
- 57 kw,
- engine type: C
- Type: VCS 100
- Serial No.: WFOCXXGBVCDD12845

I would be grateful for any hints, guidance, what options do I have for engine replacement, which engine type is compatible, preferably diesel?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Kind regards

[Chug]

welcome davorin from slovenia, yes it's a mk2, and a nice one they were made from 1978 to 1985, 1983 was the facelift year when the plastic front grille came along.

Why do you want to replace the engine?
there isn't really a straight swap diesel engine, the mk2's had the york diesel engine, and some folks have fitted the later mk3/4/5 Di diesel engine.

[davorin13]

Thank you so much, Chug, for your kind and welcoming reply.
My family (wife and two small kids) are using this motorhome for the house, we travel a lot.
I'm not an auto mechanic, but I can tentatively tell you that the existing engine spits oil through the oil filler neck, which also blows air through. As a result, the spark plugs get dirty and, finally, our clutch failed or got fouled because of the engine and the oil spitting. The compression of the engine is satisfactory, maybe the worn valves are pushing the oil which is burning in the top end, I don't really know.
The second reason I would like to replace the engine is to at least gain some power. The existing engine suffers a lot in the slopes.

I am therefore gathering information to pass on to mechanics who, in this part of the world, have very little knowledge of such old vehicles. However, I can see that, at least here, it is easier to get used engines for the mk3/4/5 than for the mk2, so perhaps this would be a better option than completely overhauling the existing engine.

I will ask anyway, what are the biggest problems and challenges when putting a mk3/4/5 Di diesel engine in a mk2?
(also, I don't know the mk3/mk4/mk5 models, but the existing transit is rear-wheel drive)
At the same time, I apologise if this question has already been answered in another thread which I overlooked.

Thank you for any guidance. We would really like to keep this transit because we love it.

[davorin13]

p.s. for example this two engines I can get for reasonable prices:
1. https://www.transitcenter.com.hr/motor- ... -3439.html
Copied translation of the page:
"Engine 2.5 diesel Ford Transit 1991-1994 4CA
engine checked, works properly
Bootable warranty product
motor sold without additional equipment - as in the photos. The pictures show the actual condition of the engine.
Suitable for:
Ford Transit MK4 1991-1994, 2.5D
Article number:
Code 4CA
Condition - used"

and

2. https://www.transitcenter.com.hr/motor- ... 1c89f03203
Copied translation of the page:
"Engine 2.5 D Ford Transit MK5 4FB
the engine has been checked, it works fine
Product covered by warranty to boot
Engine with code: 4FB
The engine is sold without equipment (only the engine block and cylinder head, as in the picture).
The pictures show the actual condition of the engine
Suitable for:
Ford Transit MK5 1994-2000, 2.5 D
Article number:
Code 4FB
Condition - used"

[dumper]

Looking at both engines they are not complete you will need a lot more parts to get them running if it was me I’d be looking for a scrap van with a running engine the last of the UK mk 2 s had a di in them I have fitted a early mk 3 into a mk 2 with just a few modifications I’m not sure if the mk 5 di will with a banana manifold and clear the bonnet and it will also have a flyby throttle to sort out as well.

[davorin13]

Thanks dumper, so the best option if I decide to swap is to put the mk3 di in the mk2. I would be grateful to know what minor modifications were involved when you did such a swap. And of course any experiences of other members would be much appreciated.
I am extremely impressed by the breadth and dedication of this forum. Thank you for keeping the tradition alive

[Nordic Blue]

I am not a mechanical expert at all, but would it not be easier to find a replacement petrol engine?

I had a SWB mk 2 back in the late 1990s and ended up having to put a 2L engine from a Granada in it after the original was blowing blue smoke out of the exhaust.

Funnily enough with the replacement engine, I once took the oil filler cap off and forgot to put it back, drove 180 miles and then noticed.... Luckily there were only a few spots on the inside of the bonnet, which is the opposite of the OP's engine by the sounds of things!...and before anyone says anything - it did still have plenty of oil in the engine lol!

I realise it is now almost 25 years later, but I would have assumed there were a lot more 2L petrols produced than diesel, so would have thought they would be the easier to get? I know you are lugging a camper around but I always found my petrol van to be quick enough when required?

Just my thoughts. I miss my Mk 2 and wish I had never scrapped it!

[dumper]

Long time ago but maybe a bit of wiring nothing major but you will need the radiator all the hoses exhaust system fuel tank the diesel will have a return to the tank I charged from a York engine so more or less a straight swap .That’s why with yours being a petrol it’s easier if you can get a rotten mk3 or really better a rotten mk 2 I think you may have to extend or shorten some of the wires and if it’s a mk3 the radiator mountings may need some new brackets made up.

[davorin13]

Thank you so much, Nordic Blue and Dumper , it is so good to hear different experiences. I'll stick around if any other member comes up with any extra ideas.

[davorin13]

BTW, I found this one near my location, do u think it could be the right one for the SWP?
https://www.subito.it/auto/ford-transit ... d=72392460

[davorin13]

...but not sure if it is DI engine...

[Ralph.9]

If you change from petrol to diesel you will also need to change the gearbox bellhousing, clutch, clutch cable & probably a higher ratio rear diff. Much easier to change for another Pinto petrol engine.

[davorin13]

Thanks, Ralph!

[dumper]

BTW, I found this one near my location, do u think it could be the right one for the SWP?
https://www.subito.it/auto/ford-transit ... d=72392460

That should be a di but with no engine photo it’s hard to be sure looking at the front wheel it looks like it’s a twin wheel rear axle yours is a single so you probably will not be able to use the axle if you’ve ratio is not suitable to use .Why are you looking at a engine change is it because you want to go diesel for cheaper running or is your engine worn out you could always go for a rebore and crank grind on your engine.
When I replaced the V4 with a 2 L pinto it had a 5.1 diff in it I put a 4.6 ish and the mpg dropped from 18 mpg to 15 mpg with the speedo adjusted for the new diff it was a lot nicer drive but I put the 5.1 back in due to the higher consumption.

[Nordic Blue]

My 1982 Mk2 was an inline 4 2L, not a V4. I assume it was a pinto, I never really knew about those kinds of things back then as a teenager. A mate of my dad's supplied the Granada engine and did the swap. The only difference I could see was an extra spare pulley for (I presume) aircon which the Granada would have had.

Of course the one he took out may not have been the original engine either, but I assume the OPs will be the same? I don't think I have seen any Mk2s over the years with a V4 (although i am probably very wrong).