I have a very high pitched screeching noise coming from thr region of the turbo,I was informed that the bearings had probably gone and went too BBC to get a replacement this is making the same noise, have I just been unlucky or does someone have any ideas what else this could be? - (#1296) dav ward, 27 Oct 01
Are all the various hoses and clamps tight? The air escaping from a leak can sound rather like a dry bearing? - (#1297) David Miller, 27 Oct 01
Is it a screeching noise, which would imply a metal-on-metal problem or a high pitched whistle? If the latter it could be a cracked exhaust manifold. - (#1310) Ian Dunse, 29 Oct 01
Thanks to Davids pointers I checked the pipes etc, whilst doing this I noticed that there is a leak near or on the manifold, as Ian has suggested this would appear to be my problem, so can anyone help me with gaskets, the best quote I have isfor a full set £94! this seems a bit excessive to me.Thanks to all fo the help so far - (#1311) dave ward, 29 Oct 01
Just buy individual gaskets from the dealer. The head gasket is about £30 on it's own, don't pay for it if you don't need it... - (#1312) David Miller, 29 Oct 01
Normally you would want everything to hand before starting the job. But in this case you would be better taking David's advice and determining what you need before going and buying it. Some of the gaskets may be re-usable. Unfortunately this may mean your van being off the road for a few days because you can bet the dealer's won't have the gaskets in stock when you ask for them. UK supplied takes 2/3 days, Japan 10. Let's hope I'm wrong but you may find that when you remove the manifold it may be warped or even worse cracked. I think I paid about £200 for mine. I can check if you really want to know the price.
HTH
Ian - (#1319) Ian Dunse, 30 Oct 01
We recently looked at a Toyota Town Ace Royal Lounge Turbo Diesel Auto etc.
It seems perfect for us but as we had not heard of the models before are a little nervous of buying. We came home and tried to do some research on them, which obviously is how we found this site, which I must say is absolutely brilliant.
We are determined to get a Townie and although we love this particular one we have seen, we are a little concerned to find out it was manufactured in 1989, imported in October 2000, and has since had 2 owners, 1 in Thetford and 1 in Norwich. We are concerned over why 2 owners in 18 months, is there a problem with it?
We have seen that Dave Ward owned it at one stage, if anyone knows anything about this Townie could they please email us as we really love it, but dont want to buy it and find out that it has had 2 owners in 18 months due to a problem.
If Dave or somebody who knows this car could email us on tswebster30@hotmail.com we would be very greatful.
We have 3 boystrous sons, 10, 6 and 4, a crazy Cavalier King Charles and a Penine Pullman Trailer tent for holidays. If anyone else has any info or advice please contact us.
- (#3543) Tracy Webster, 27 Jun 02
Tracy
It's unlikely you will trace an ex-Townie owner on this site. If you've given up on a vehicle and gone on to something else, why would you continue to contribute to a specialist site like this?
There are a number of reasons why it could have had 2 owners in 18 months. Comparitive high cost and difficulty in obtaining parts, slow in comparison to other MPVs, poor mpg compared to other MPVs, high insurance plus other more personal factors.
However, in your position I would be rather sceptical and suspect something was wrong. Ask if you can take it out for a lengthy run and see if it overheats. Listen for excessive turbo noise, rumbling or other noises, preferably with a partner/friend sat in the back. Lift the engine cover on return and check for oil or coolant leaks. Ask for a comprehensive warranty from the dealer (I'm assuming its in a garage). Finally you could try a comprehensive check as supplied by such as the AA, or preferably an experienced local mechanic that you trust (if applicable). If the seller starts to make the wrong noises when you put these options to him, smell a rat and walk away.
These vehicles are as common as cabbages these days, don't be pressured into buying it. There's plenty more on offer.
Good luck
Ian
- (#3554) Ian Dunse, 28 Jun 02