Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi All,

I'm looking at maybe buying a County with a 4BD1T fitted. The car is a long way from perfect but it does have it good points. The biggest worry I have is that it seems to run rough and have no power on slight throttle openings. You really have to give the throttle a good shove before it seems to clear its throat and start making some power and running smoothly.

It is not the throttle cable - it does the same thing when you operate the lever in the engine bay. I've had a few 4BD1/4BD1T powered cars and all have been pretty responsive from low revs - nothing like this.

The owner reckons it is just the pump timing, or the springs that govern the advance in the pump. I'm not convinced and have a feeling it may not be cheap to fix. The injectors are new and there are no obvious diesel or air leaks. The owner seems to think it has always been like this, so it's not something that has just started happening.

Has anyone else had this problem or seen it before? If so, what was it and what sort of dollars would I be up for to fix it?

Cheers, Dave.

Dave,

Mate, I am a diesel fitter, and I fix big yellow machines on mine sites in the Pilbara. You aren't to know, but it it is always a good idea to check out the simple things first. Basics such as:-
1. What is the coolant like?
2. Is the oil level really high, and is the filler cap like mayonaise?
3. How about the air cleaner?
4. Are there any splits in the air cleaner pipe work, or any loose clamps?
5. When was the engine last serviced?
6. Is there any crap in the fuel tank?
7. Is the exhaust particularly smoky when running? If so, what colour is the smoke?
8. How many k's are on the engine? And why did the current owner put a new set of squirters in it?
9. Is there a knocking sound when the engine is running?
10. Ask if the pump has been off the engine before.

Any of the Japanese diesel engines are fairly tough little beasts provided that they are looked after. Let me know how you get on. Check these out before a prognosis can be made.

Cheers,

Andrew

Thanks Andrew. As it turned out I didn't buy the car - bought another one instead. Your advice is really handy though and I'll keep all this stuff in mind.

Cheers, Dave.