Im going to see a few LWB tranists tommorrow but i dont really have a clue what to look out for?

Anyone know of any common problems or faults i should be checking for?

Ill be looking at ones from X plates to 2002 models. Looking at spending around £2500-£4000 depending on condition.

It seems every one has damage of some sort in this price bracket. Why do all transits seem like theyve been abused though?

Any advice appreciated.

 

Rust is the biggest problem with all Transits mate (Sprinters are even worse) so make sure you go right over properly.

As for damage etc they're workhorses mate, not cherished show motors and they need to earn their keep !

 

at work the usual stuff to go wrong are wheel bearings gearboxs and the central locking stuff oh and the key for getting into the bonnet seems to wear so you have to use the spare as its usually unused like

 

A few FWD 85 T260 ones I've driven seem to jump out of 1st gear but they're post office ones I love em though!
The best looking vans I reckon. Get one!

 

Watch out for noises from the 2.4 engines on the LWB RWD models. They tend to eat the bore of number 1 cylinder if not maintained correctly. When I was @ Ford, they would not warranty a replacement or repair if the servicing had been overlooked, it is that specific.

Feel for any judder on the clutch when pulling away as the dual-mass flywheels can go, taking the clutch with them. Replacement is either a new clutch and flywheel dual-mass combo @ about £400, or retro-fitting an early-style clutch and flywheel (still not cheap).

Make sure every key works the ignition as if you use an unprogrammed key in the ignition, it wipes the lot as a security measure. Better to find out before you buy than after.

Remote controls for the locking can and do play up, but they are cheap to replace and can be programmed manually.

Also, there was a security modification on all these Transits where 2 L-shaped plates were rivetted to where the looms go to the rear doors. People were having the looms cut which meant that the back door could be opened and stuff nicked. It was retro-fitted on the next available service schedule. If they are not there, then either it ain't been to Ford for servicing, or the workers there were shoddy.

 

Nice one cheers. So basically, its rust, bearings, central locking, clutch and gearbox, and check for a decent service record.

Ive searched the net and seen few people metion the oil pump? I dont suppose theres any way i can check that though?

Cheers.

 

Front wheel bearings are prone to being noisy. cheap to replace but a bugger to do. The dual mass flywheels are absolute crap. Ours was replaced under waranty after 10000 miles. Starter fust failed and turns out the flywheel has worn leaving metal filings in the bell housing and filling up the starter! Replaced it with a traditional one (obout £280 for the full kit). clutch plate was excellent even after 120000 miles! shame to bin it! Ever since the new flywheel gas been fitted it doesnt stall like it used to and starts better in a morning! apart fron that its been very good.

 

Shame you need a long wheel base one, have an SWB Y plater for sale....

rust is something to look for. sills, inner and outer have been picked up on ours for the MOT.

 

My mate got an ex rac transit. 53 plate with 50k on the clock for £3500 so you should find something.

His has a few dents and alot of scratches but its orange and still has the chevron marks on the rear door. quite handy for his business! i want a shot of it lol

 

I just collected my T300 LWB 2.4TD 2 weeks ago..........

I was lucky as its a 02 plate with 50k on the clock ...ex-ayrshire council van and is immaculate condition which is what i needed for my valeting business.

I looked at hundreds of vans that were advertised as mint for a van etc etc but im not stupid they are workhorses and need to earn people money so its a hard find getting a good one

 

How much did you pay for that mate if you dont mind me asking?

 

I'll send you a pm matey

 

dont change from 4th gear at 90mph to first and let clutch out lol

 

 

i can second that i done that in a 56 plate tanny they dont like it

 

What sort of speed are they good for? I know there's different engine specs. Would be interesting to know

 

watch out for diesel pumps as well. just had mine done at a cost of £1300 on lwb 350. The way you can tell is when they are started up cold they sound like a bag of spanners and stall. they sound ok though when they warm up so make syre you start it from cold

 

yes i done it in a 3 week old transit about 6 months ago......very oily threw a rod amongst other things.

 

Will Ford repair this under warrenty do you know? as my 350 lwb has been doing that for a couple of months and seems to be getting worse only good thing is the warrenty runs out at christmas so heres hoping

 

Ours was doing exactly that. Hasnt been a spot of trouble since getting rid of the dual mass flywheel...........May also have been somthing to do with the crank sensor being covered in metal filings! Worth taking it out and cleaning to see if it makes any difference.

 

What i wanna know is hows folks changing from fourth to first gear

 

lol and me, check for cold start engine rattles as chan tensioners play up, there was a recall.

halfshaft end float is another, again under recall.