Newbie owner - loads of questions - Help!

[transitdude]

Hello All,

Picked up my new van today (second hand) 2003 - 100 T260. Seems to be in good condition all round and at a reasonable price.

I want to do a service on the van as the last one documented was about 20k miles ago - but that said it does appear to run well with 51k on the clock.

Since there is no owners manual with the van I need to ask some general questions which I hpoe some of you can assist:



1) Where's the Engine number located?

2) Where's the VIN number (not the one stuck on the dash)

3) How much engine oil does this engine take?

4) What type of specification oil should I use?

5) How do I change the engine anti-freeze - is there a set procedure?

6) What is the significance of the 'press to reset' coloured valves which are positioned on the airbox and fuel filter?

7) Has anyone got a soft copy of the maintenance manual for this van?

8a) Is there anything else I should look into changing with the mileage currently on the van?

[Nighthawk]

1) Where's the Engine number located?
On the side of the engine obscured by the turbocharger

2) Where's the VIN number (not the one stuck on the dash)
on the sticker on the B pillar and also stamped into the body inside the O/S front wheel well...look near the O/S strut and you'll see it

3) How much engine oil does this engine take?
about 6.5Lts

4) What type of specification oil should I use?
5W30 semi synthetic

5) How do I change the engine anti-freeze - is there a set procedure?
empty the old coolant into a suitable container and refill with a 50/50 mix of new coolant slowly, they usually self bleed ok

6) What is the significance of the 'press to reset' coloured valves which are positioned on the airbox and fuel filter?
they are filter condition minders, ignore the one on the air filter box as it never worked and has since been deleted, new filter every 30K

7) Has anyone got a soft copy of the maintenance manual for this van?
buy a hooky TIS disc off ebay

8a) Is there anything else I should look into changing with the mileage currently on the van?
not really unless something needs changing.


hope that helps




BTw, welcome to the site.

[MrMPuk]

Welcome

[transitdude]

Cheers Fella, and thanks for the replies.

Just to elaborate on some previous answered questions:

I bought some 10W40 Diesel oil which says it's suitable for all turbo engines and cars and light vans.... do you reckon I can get away with this in this engine?

Is there a engine anti-freeze plug somewhere to release the fluid or do I just pull a hose off?

Do you need to change the timing belt or cam chain on this engine or is it a chain that lasts forever..

[Nighthawk]

i'd take the oil back tbh and get the 5W30 semi synth, that was what the engine was designed to run on.

The hydraulic tappets and cam chain tensioner will thank you for it.

Yup, pull off a hose from the lowest point or just undo the drain plug on the radiator. there is also a bung in the engine block. it's on the turbo side of the block between cyls 3+4
but tbh, you'll be alright with pulling a hose.

the timing chain was designed as a fit and forget item......but some of the tensioners have given problems which has lead onto the failure of the cylinder head

still want to take a chance on the oil viscosity?

[transitdude]

Okay, wheres the best place to buy 6/7 ltrs of 5w30 diesel oil from? Does brand matter? Halfrauds charge about £45 for 4litres of Castrol stuff!!

[MrMPuk]

5w/30 semi from a motorfactor like PartCo or whatever you have locally.

[gemini]

go here on the left click on where can i buy

[transitdude]

Okay, sorted. Got hold of some 5W30 Semi Grade oil from UniPart (they recommend as they use in their vans). Weird how it says it can be used in both Diesel and Petrol!

Anyhow, jobs a gooden, shall change it this weekend and all should be go.