Searley

Thom The Legend and My Inspiration.Thon "The Tax Cab Street Sleeper Man"

Hello Fordys, Ha-Ha _ _ _ Just reading these stories makes me Larf _ _ Coz we've all been thru these experiences and Miraculously Lived to Tell the Tale. Grandpa was probably so shit scared of driveing that XF Ute he just left it in the garage and left it. As for the ZG Fairlane _ _ and they are'nt small & light. Bloody Car Yards & 2nd hand car salesman selling an obvious deathtrap to a young man in his prime with his whole life before him! It could've been a young family man with a wife and 2 Bubs needing a bigger car! Should've been used in a Ford Versus Holden Demolition Derby! FFS! I've driven some Scary Lemons when I was Younger and Fearless But that would take more than I've got. Nerves of Steel Cables and Balls made of Titanium_ _ and some Genetics borrowed from Evel Knievel. Have a Happy Safe Sane Day.

6 hours ago, SPArKy_Dave said:

The XH seems to have a reco'd steering rack and power steering pump, plus newer lower ball joints,

but all the shock absorbers appear to be original still.

That's Good ! One day at the Woolworths Checkout ta Guy that shares my interest in Fords & XFs was raveing about how he just bought a Ding Free 1 owner XF real cheap deceased estate been sitting in the Garage for a decade and the family wanted to let it go. He drove from Adelaide to Victor Harbor about 75 kms on a sometimes pretty precarious journey even in a Good newer car. He was emphasizing How the car just Floated along in the Wind rising up and going down with a slow rhythm. And when you turned the steering wheel sometimes there was no feel or movement So you'd try the other way to correct yourself just in case, I said "Your Lucky you made it Home alive" FFS!

On 11/23/2023 at 11:48 PM, Thom said:

 

 

You've got it, about the only other thing is the bellhousing, it will bolt up to the block but the sump won't bolt to the bellhousing unless you swap to an au bellhousing, I recently found an in car video on an old sd card of my ute circa 2008 after it had the hot 4.0 but before it was tuned, I don't think i ever uploaded it back then because it was a zero to 180 pull, it was quite capable of getting ot of its own way and it lived through 180,000ks of p plater abuse

 

 

 

 

17 hours ago, Thom said:

20 hours ago, SPArKy_Dave said:

 
The 03/98 XH panelvan I'm cleaning up atm, has 566,000km on the original bottom end (and transmission too looks like).
Cyl head was done at 520,000km-ish.
It seems quite perky, and a COLD compression test showed an even 165psi across all cylinders.
 
It's the highest km XH I've ever seen.

The au short motor in my ute was from an au taxi at pick a part and had 885 000ks on it, when I tore it down for a re ring and bearing it was still within factory tolerances

You must be Quite a Character  Most Guys go to the Wreckers and try hard to get a motor with the lowest mileage & wear. You get the bits that should have been Melted and Resurrect them to Glory. Just goes to show!

Hello Fordys, All I can say is Wow about the Hi-Mileage. Its not the Main Steel Components that wear out is it?? Usually the smaller fiddly diddly things that break down.But what they say about Taxis don't turn off only for a service and to refuel.And most Taxis run on Gas or Used to(can't explain how they get hi-mileage from Gas when Mr. Civvy St burns his Heads out) What about the rest of the car? Was the handleing loose and sloppy? Thanks for the Posts Guys Mucho Enjoyable.

Hello Fordys , Yes Lets Face it? When I look back on my Younger and Not-Wiser Car Days I sometime shrivel with fear & embarrassment that I'm still Alive and Plus I did'nt Kill anybody else. _ _ _ and I was'nt a Hoon_ _ _ These Days I like going @ the speed limit coz I want to get home to a Nice Hot Dinner and Chill out and be in a Cozy Warm Bed_ _ not in Hospital or being Grilled @ the Cop Shop _ _ Do it Safe and Happy _ Enjoy Driving & Life.

Hi deankxf. I don't think there's anything really wrong with the motor in it(129,0000 . But you see on Marketplace a bloke had an AU with a Fresh Tickford Head, an MLS gasket, ARP Head Studs and a few other goodies attached for $500  _ It was Tempting _ _ But until I heard about the other Dramas. Nah I'll keep what I've got. But on my "Bucket List" is to do "Thoms SOHC Mods" with another motor. So far I've done about 9,000 in 9 years So I don't think I'll wear it out. Cheers.

Hello Fordys, Something is reminding me of a saying  _ _ " Don't Give Up _ __Its Never Too Late!_ _ _ Something Will Turn Up _ _ Somewhere & Sometime"

Hi deankxf, I'm  Celebrating that today after many Moons I've finally found a Scanner that not only Fits the XH Socket But is Specifically made for the Ford XF XH and the E Series. Made by T.I. Performance for about $270. Yes there is a God!

EA EB ED EF EL Falcon Diagnostic Code Reader – T.I. Performance 2.pdf

Thanks deankxf,  Nah thats enough to say "Don't Buy it". A good example of a rebuilt AU came up on FB marketplace for $500 and it was Tempting. Not buying on impulse anymore. Thx.  _ _ Anyway while I'm here I got myself a Scanner OBD2 Type. The Plug In fitting fits the RTV Proper But and Big Buts the fitting from the XH is sort of different like more squarer  than the Universal shape of the Scanner. What fitting is that? Is that for an OBD1?  Is there an Adaptor? Thanks Guys.

Hello Fordys, Can an AU motor be fitted to an XH?? Is it straightforward? I suspect there are some important differences. Any Adivice & Guidance always Appreciated. Have a Good Happy safe & Sane Day.Searley.

Hi SPArKy_Dave ,Yes I'v been reading about the Ford Key thing. One thing I know is this time I did'nt use the original key with the transponder. Just a spare key without a transponder. Until Next time. Have a Nice day everyone.

Hi deankxf, I know thats Why I keep my Cross-Flows in the Shed and not take them to the Tip! I'll eventually get it going and learn something. Probably like keep the battery charged and start it every 3rd day with clean fuel.

Hi deankxf, Well its like this. I can only get to the car a few hours every 2nd day so progress is intermittent and moving forwards then things go sideways. First the fuel pump works and a new fuel filter and drained the tank of old fuel and put new fuel in. And there is a real good spark when the spark plugs are out so the ignition is Ok. My mate thinks the fuel regulator on the back of the fuel rail is shut. And it looks like you can't Unscrew anything to check. There is a Red Hand Signal that comes on the top left of the Dash. Which I think is a Anti-Theft Security Light. My other mates Blue-Drive Wi-Fi Scanner said the following Code. Something like the "Motor Drive on the Air-Flow" . He pointed out these 2 small circular components mounted opposite each other with electrical wires and plugs attached just by the Air Intake with the Butterfly Flap. Like even when I squirted petrol vapour into the manifold it turns over but didn't Fire at all, not even a Bark. Anyway We towed it away back to my Cabin in the Caravan Park with his 351 F-100( which he just put on the market) . Its Safe and Out the Way coz its The SA Schoolies next week and they stay in the Caravan Park. I'm pretty tied up and Busy right now with someone whose in Hospital so I'll get to it later. My mate was saying you can reset the "Anti-Theft System" by taking out 2 x main fuses which need a small socket( the fuse box under the bonnet) while keeping the key in with ignition on or something. Its a bit of a mystery coz  I was driving it around the Caravan Park back & forth a few times.I'll try the Reset first.Then I can salvage parts from the other donor ute same year same motor that goes. My next car will have a Steam Engine and a Coal-Fired Boiler. Ha-Ha.

Hello Fellow Fordys, Now that I've seen what a Scanner can do and pin-point where Issues are I'd like to get one.Can anyone recommend the Good Cheaper ones that have Worked for them? One mate had a small thing that plugged into the socket and transmitted to his smartphone and uploaded heaps of relevant information that cost around $100.Nearly as good as my mechanic mates $5,000 one.I've seen those ones that can plug into your laptop which is more what I'd like to use.Any Feedback is always enjoyed and appreciated. Have a Good Safe Happy & Sane Weekend.

Ok Cisco, I found The Right Spark Plug Socket that goes down that hole and with a 1/2" drive. Plugs are Ok and all the sparks are there. I can smell fuel vapours But it turns over and still won't fire. There might be an initial Bark when !st turning over. But thats it.I suspect the injectors are Blocked from dirty fuel. or something.That fitting at the end of the fuel rail with a clip I tried to get that off but no-go.Do I have to take the inlet manifold off coz you can't get to anything?? Any Clues or Previous Experience Heroes Please Apply.Thanks. The RTV Ute is in a Caravan Park and the S.A . Schoolies is soon where they Camp. FFS!.

Thanks cisco, I'll have to get one.Ford must've their own Tool for it I'd say.

Hello OzFalconers, I had a chance to work on my RTV Ute, I've got Fuel to the Rail and I've got a Good Sparks. I suspect the Plugs might be Oiled up. But I could'nt get my Sidchrome 1/2" Drive Spark Plug Socket into the hole. What is the Going Tool to use A 3/8" Socket or one of those Cheap Lawnmower type Sockets? Surely Not? 

Ok SPArKy_Dave, My mate plugged in his "Super Dooper" KingChrome OBD Scanner and it showed "No Codes".We did that 3 x separate times and still No Codes came out. But upon fiddling with the ignition key It starting to turn over freely. Fuel Pump working and fuel coming thru.I'll check the plugs and coils tomorrow and might try swapping the coils with the BA that goes. Now I'm not at all familiar with the workings of the Barra motor. So they have a Coil on Plug arrangement or that Funny looking big long coil with separate outlets on it.? I'm also going to look @ the BA Manual on the computer tonight.I also reckon I might have to change the key ignition barrel too.

Hi SPArKy_Dave, So PATS is the BAs version of Smartlok? I've been takeing the battery in and out a few times and I've noticed thats when these Issues start to occur.. Thanks again, Will see How it goes.

Hello SParky_Dave. Thanks for the reply. The Fuel pump is working and fuel is getting to the Fuel Rail. I can't see the "Crank Angle Sensor" as I don't know what it looks like or where it is. However when trying to Start it today and troubleshoot it would'nt even turn over at all. And thats with a good battery and the other BA Ute going nearby with Jumper Leads attached. All I can gather is I hear a sort of Clicking sound coming from under the Dash on the right hand side, like above the fuse box. What could that be? An ICU or BCM? Do they sometimes Crap themselves out? My mate with the scanner should turn up tomorrow. Anyway the Caravan Park management might want me to get it out the way and move it over to a fence which is about 60" away downhill. I've heard you can't Tow an Auto but it should be Ok to Push it in neutral hey? Thanks again. This RTV has been the most reliable Ford when I was driveing it everyday But as they say. Just sitting there sometimes does'nt do a car any good.

Hello People from OzFalcon. My RTV Ute which has been idle for some months tho I might start it now & then has sort of Conked out. I was driving around a caravan park for at least a Km back & forth and then it it sort of Spluttered & coughed and died. I thought it was seized. Later on it turned over ok. I cleaned the fuel filter ok & put in fuel @ least a 3rd full. Fuel pump sounds like its working and turns over But No Ignition or any Signs of getting to Life. I was trying to find a gland nut to bleed off on the fuel rail but can't see any.When I turn on the key the engine block idiot light is on and the oil can light and the fuel bowser light. A mate has a scanner to plug in but on Saturday. I have a Spare BA Ute nearby that goes if I have to Swap out parts. Has anybody got any clues(of course you have) that can advise me on How to Start the Troubleshoot. Always much Appreciated. Searley.

Hello Fordy Mates, Thanks for the Tips, I'll have a Look tomorrow and Try it out. Cheers.

Thanx for that deankxf, I have'nt got Arms like Hercules but I thought I'd Better do something about this before I Bent the column. As you can see on e-bay you can still get them @ different $prices and some new or pre-used. Some advertized as Genuine Ford but 2nd hand Hmm. I'll try New.FNS012 INHIBITOR SWITCH for FORD FALCON XG XG XR6 XH I XH I XR6 XH II XH II XR6 9314258726638 _ eBay.htmlFORD EA EB ED EF EL XG XH AU STARTER INHIBITOR & REVERSE LAMP SWITCH EXC COND _ eBay.htmlFORD FALCON EA EB ED EF EL AU XH FAIRMONT NA NC NF NL INHIBITOR SWITCH GENUINE _ eBay.html

Hello Fordys, My XH Ute sometimes won't start straight up sometimes and I find that pulling in the column shift lever and moveing it up & down Will Engage the Starter and it will start. I've heard that this is"The Inhibitor Switch" located off the side of the Auto Trans. Does it mean it needs cleaning or is it advised to get a New One? Thanks Have a Great Day,