MK7 user wrote:Alright buddy.
You've got an old van that for the most part does what you want & you like it....you've probably even become attached to it, nothing wrong with that, there will be dozens upon dozens of other forum members in the same position.
Now comes the
BUT....I would urge you to consider your options before doing anything
I can think of at least two good examples in the forum archives of how
NOT to resolve a problem with your van....
1. A guy with a Mk6 125ps chimed in to tell us what a pile of shat a 125ps Mk6 is, Ford are a gang of prats for even designing the van & the local dealership know everything about every van ever produced but nothing about a 125ps. He changed the fuel pump & Injectors convinced it would solve his lack of power issue, but the van remained a pile of donkey poo. After several rants & much money spent he replaced the inlet manifold & it solved his problem....oh dear, lots of lolly spent on parts he didn't need.
2. A guy with a late model Mk6 115ps spent several weeks blindly chasing his tail trying to resolve a starting issue....he claimed to be a competent mechanic but never felt the need to prove a component was defect before replacing it....he spent several thousands urinating in the wind.
So I think the way forward would be to find a local guy who knows transits & will give you some good advise & direction without pulling your pants down over the price.
Another thing that comes to mind is the fact that an engine remap can overcome some of the gearing problems....that way you wouldn't need to change the axle if the engine is running sweet & pumping out more torque....something like up the 120ps to 145ps (or so) & the corresponding increase in torque pulls the 5.13 gearing better.
DO NOT ever....never ever, have an engine that is not running 100% remapped
Be careful....there are sharks out there.
Yes so far i have only replaced the oil and filter, air filter and fuel filter. I also removed the inlet manifold and really went to town degreasing / cleaning it out and then inspecting the internal passages with a bore scope to ensure it was spotless, i also cleaned up the EGR valve and blanked it.
I also removed the inter-cooler and degreased that and it's 2 large hoses as they were a bit oily. I can't see any split hoses that would cause an air leak and a subsequent loss of ooomph.
The chap i use is a very good general mechanic but HE DOES NOT specialise in Transits, he has worked on my pickup truck, wood chippers, wifes car, etc and he seems adept at fixing anything from cars, farm machinery to motorbikes etc. we really rate him, plus at £20 per hour plus VAT he is cheap.
He loves a challenge so i reckon he'll relish the thought of checking the timing is setup correctly and the condition of the chain and guides, and establishing which version of cam chain tensioner is fitted along with replacing the timing solenoid. I have no intention of replacing the injectors and diesel pump unless they are deemed excessively worn and 'unfit'.
I have a feeling the timing solenoid is part of the problem with regards to 'low power' and the timing may also out by a tooth or two but we shall see.
I have driven alot of transits over the last few years (MK6's and MK7's), although some were lowly 90 & 100 ps models and some were 115's and 140's and they all from memory felt much better to drive than my transit in terms of acceleration and outright grunt whilst loaded up or towing so i'm certain that 'throwing some money' at my van is worth while.
(ps. I won't consider a remap unless the van is running tip top, but then i may not need it if my investigations and expenditure bare fruit)
Yet again thanks for the support and advice !!
2002 Yella Transit Crew cab Tipper. T350 120 bhp Fairly clean and literally no chassis rust. 2011 MK7 crew cab Transit tipper. T350 115PS Euro 4