Transit Connect LPG

[sambrown]

I've had problems with my 2004 Transit Connect LPG. At about 40,000 it developed a sticky valve and had to have the head off to repair. Now at 95K it is losing compression in one cylinder. The dealership took the head off and did something to the tappitts (sorry, now going into areas I do not understand, but I'll continue as best I can) but am still losing compression on one cylinder.
Someone told me that Ford were aware of a design problem and that the valves have been changed since the 2004 model, however my dealership says there's been no change.
Should I get a new head? New valves? New van? Any advice/similar problems would be great.
Thanks. Sam.

[coconut]

LPG engines do tend to suffer with burning out valves and valve seats because they run much hotter than petrol.
We replace complete heads (they come complete with valves etc) rather than messing around replacing single valves and refacing valve seats.
I am not aware of any change in designs of the head, but I do try to stay away from LPG vans

[sambrown]

Thanks so much for the reply. Rough cost for a new head all fitted etc?

[coconut]

Its about 6 hours to remove and install the head plus 1.5 hours to swap bits over (thats book times) plus the price of the head, gaskets bolts etc (sorry dont know the price of them!!)

[transitgeoff]

loads and loads

[sambrown]

Thanks again. 95,000 miles doesn't seem a great life-expectancy for an engine. When I took the van in to Ford and suggested that it needed a new head, they insisted on doing a full diagnostic. They decided to adjust the tappitts and I ended up with a £380 bill - money I would have preferred to have spent on a new head - and still had a lumpy engine! I'll be more assertive when I see them on Tuesday!

[dug1001]

Hi,

I had to get my head replaced at 142,000 miles. Valve had apparently worn through too much to be repaired.

Mines a 2003 2.3 Transit, the head was £740 + vat from Fords, and in total the whole job cost around £1700! including vat.

That was with the new head, bolts, timing chain, gaskets, full service etc,etc.

(it wasn't done by a dealer btw)

[sambrown]

Thanks for the info. My mechanic has found a company who replace the head with upgraded ones! Super-duper extra hard valves etc. When I have details I'll post the info. Mine's in the workshop at the moment... Should be ready wednesday. Very excited!

[UK_ANDY]

Have you thaught of fitting one of these ??? http://www.tinleytech.co.uk/acatalog/FlashLube.html

[sambrown]

Thanks for the link! Have forwarded it to my mechanic. New head doing fine so far!