I have just bought a 92-J Masterace Surf TD Auto 4WD with an undocumented 77k km. I'm not a mechanic, but nothing worried me when I looked over the car.
After 30 miles the exhaust started to belch white smoke. The first time I had stopped for fuel and it smoked on being restarted. The second time was only a few minutes later when I stopped at a roundabout.
The alternator belt was slipping and I wanted a oil and filter change (having read on this site that oil is the most important thing for long life) so I took the car to a trusted mechanic in Ripley, Derbys. He commented on the quantity and colour of the smoke, which is continually getting worse.
I didn't think it was smoking all the time but the deposits on the tailgate tell me I probably just can't see the smoke once the air is tumbling around the back of the car. The smoke today made me want to park it up and we have only covered 100 miles.
We also have an oil leak underneath.
A friend says the smoke could be some or all of the following ... fuel filter, fuel lines, timing, injectors, pressure balance hoses, head gasket or turbo.
I would be happy to take the car to a recommended diesel specialist for a full service and a lookover, but I'm not happy just picking someone from the yellow pages.
I'm in Ripley, Derbs., 10 miles from Nottingham. Can anyone help ?
Many thanks
Fraser
(and Rachael, who is being very understanding :-) - (#2425) Fraser Blyth, 6 Mar 02
Fraser,
As others will, no doubt, point out, the problem could be from a number of sources and, some of them can be expensive to put right. Are you sure that the smoke is not steam and is the temperature gauge showing an abnormally high figure ? Also, it could be that the injection pump settings and fuel system generally,do need looking at but,if you bought the vehicle from a dealer,I feel that you should take it back for a thorough examination and rectification of any faults. You have done no mileage at all and there is a responsibility on the seller to ensure that the vehicle is as described to you at the time of sale. Equally, if you bought privately, the seller is obliged, at this very early stage in your ownership to satisfy you of it's "merchantability" at the time of sale and if no help is forthcoming, the local Trading Standards office should be contacted. - (#2429) John Davis, 6 Mar 02
- (#2430) John Davis, 6 Mar 02
Is the oil from the leak dripping or spraying onto turbo or exhaust? If it's oil and not steam, it 'll probably be expensive. Get it back to the vendor!! - (#2433) david miller, 7 Mar 02
Fraser
As John and David have already said, you should really take this up with the vendor but I know that can be a problem as some car dealers are more unscrupulous than others. Your problem, if it is white smoke is probably to do with the injection system but could be low compression.
If you get stuck with having to sort this out yourself, I would recommend you take it to Bullivant's on Wiltshire Road, Chaddesden, Derby, 01332 671000. Just down the road from you. They import these vehicles and are very knowledgeable. The first question they will ask is "Why haven't you taken it back to the vendor?".
Good luck
Ian - (#2435) Ian Dunse, 7 Mar 02
John/David/Ian
Many thanks for your help.
I visited Bullivant's today to arm myself with information prior to talking to the vendor. Their appraisal is the piston rings and turbo. They offered a complete recon engine for £800 plus fitting. They also HPI'd the car for me. I'll be back there whatever happens. Thanks for the recommendation.
I'm amazed at the decline as the car was smokeless when we first looked at it, and it really is chucking it out now.
Any cards I can play when I talk to the vendor tomorrow ? We have a 12 month MOT which I'm now suspicious of, but how did he cover up such a significant problem ?
Whichever way it goes we'll end up in a Townace and this site has already proved invaluable.
Thanks again
Fraser - (#2452) Fraser Blyth, 7 Mar 02
Thanks for your comments Fraser and it's a great pity that your initial introduction to these fine vehicles has been a bit less than encouraging. I agree with Ian,I have used Bullivants and, as they specialize in these imports and have a very helpful attitude to customers, they are an excellent source for spares and advice. The vehicles, ie, Townace/Masterace etc ARE complex but, are very well put together and, with the right attention and maintenance, provide interesting and satisfying motoring. Also, compared to what you would get for your money with other MPV's, they are way ahead on specification.
I have had my Masterace for about a year and have no doubt at all that the collective and enthusiastic wisdom, readily forthcoming on this forum, has provided me with all the answers I have wanted regarding maintenance and spares location etc. Hopefully, you will continue to be an owner and do bear in mind that there is lots of help and assistance available, on this site, if you should need it. - (#2455) John Davis, 8 Mar 02
Fraser
I think you have all the evidence there in black and WHITE (ooh sorry). Keep a cool head don't lose your rag and ask them what they intend to do about it. Ideally you want your money back, otherwise you want the problem sorting. You've had it independantly assessed and costed. If they refuse threaten them with going to Trading Standards. If they don't give way, carry out the threat!
Good luck
Ian - (#2458) Ian Dunse, 8 Mar 02