alistair ross

When starting from cold the oil pressure light takes a few seconds (more
than it should?) to go out. Until it does go out (indicating that the oil
pressure is OK) the engine sounds like a bag of nails. The engine will then
be OK all day long until the following morning.
Done the usual of change the oil and filter, but no difference. Oil pressure
relive valve seems OK (piston slides OK, spring is not broken) even fitted a
pressure gauge to make sure there is pressure.

Needless to say I'm worried about damage to the engine on cold start-ups.

Any of you wonderful mechanics got any ideas as to what it might be? This
problem did start after a relative long trip.

Mileage 72,000
2004 vintage

All help appreciated

ttfn....Alistair

alan mac farlane

hard to lose an oil pump ... but it happens.

when a Ford Diesel is sorted out correctly, once the glow plugs are hot
(the dash light is out saying you can start engine) ... it will fire
right up ... the various lubricants in the drive train take about 30
seconds to pressure up as a short wait is indicated ... then it is off
you go.

recommend bio-diesel as a premimum fuel ... ford diesels run soooo
smoooth on it i must say.

note "" if the oil the bio-fuel is made from will plug up your arteries
.... then that oil will plug up your fuel injectors.

other then that ... just have to keep a mold inhibitor from growing on
the food fuel ... and be in a temperate climate to run 100% bio-fuel.

if in Tahoe/Minnasota country ... then 20% bio-diesel mix is the best
you can do ... Ford diesels have fuel heater in their fuel delivery system.

soooo ... give your oil pump a look at ... you can also do an oil flush
.... run the gunk off the engine ... doubt you have that problem ... but
what the heck .. might as well take a good go at it and thinking sludge
has not gotten the good end of your engine.

Might be though ... got some very bad fuel on your long trip would do it.

sumbuddie on da watchtower

"?

alan mac farlane

oh Alistair ...

on startup ... some people use a stethescope ... or even a used broom
stick to help pinpoint the noise ... that is being heard until oil
pressure comes up to make up the difference ... such as losing a
connecting rod bearing making a slapping noise.

Well, using a broom stick on the parts of the engine block while
running, with an ear on the other end ... can help you locate where the
noise center is ... and this will give you a better idea where to look,
like in busting down the engine block just a little bit for a look see
and feel around.

sumbuddie hopes this helps

:?

jim warman

One needs to exercise care when dispensing advice....

For warranty purposes, Ford would prefer that bio-diesel content be no more
than 5%.... However, I have very little experience with bio-diesel.
Currently, there are no regulations (or infrastructure) to ensure that all
bio-diesel is created 'equal'. Where I live can get pretty chilly in the
winter... we always have some -40 days and -50 isn't unheard of...
bio-diesel doesn't seem to live all that well in those temps...

Fuel heaters.... time to catch up with the world.... 6.9s and 7.3s have fuel
heaters... early 6.0s had them BUT.... if you are replacing the WIF sensor
or the HFCM, you will find that fuel heaters are a deleted item... no
more... vanished.... gone...

Lastly.... Alistair is talking about a Ford Transit Connect... I don't think
we see many of them on the streets of North America.... However, they ARE
now being imported to North America... but, AFAIK, only with the 2.0
gasoline engine.

Alistair, given our lack of familiarity with your motor, my only sane
suggestion would be to recommend that you find out if your oil filter
requires an anti-drain back valve and then to be sure your brand of oil
filters has one if required. Other than that, Google to see if there are any
forums more inclined towards either your van or your locale....

But then - I'm a Yorkshireman....

Ayup.....