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OK Away we go on our travels
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| Driving
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Economy |
I am rather disappointed to only be getting 30 to 32 mpg
I would
have expected the computer controlled, high pressure injection system to be far more economical
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Performance |
Well it goes well
In Germany, where there are no speed limits on the
Autobahn, the Tourneo would easily exceed 100 mph ( True as checked with the GPS )
The
speedometer reads about 5% fast.
100 MPH indicated was actually 95MPH true. This was at 3500
rpm, giving a accurate gearing of 27.17 MPH / 1000 rpm
Fitting the larger diameter tyres (see
below) brings the speedometer to be almost perfectly accurate. |
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Seating |
Those rear seats are heavy, 89Kg and not easy to move around.
I think it may
be possible to turn the front seat round to face rear, but that would also need the anchor plates
to be unbolted repositioned.
Taking out the rear row of seats is a struggle. I have found
it best to take out the middle row sideways, then move the back row forward and out sideways, then
put the middle row back in. |
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Ventilation |
It is really difficult to keep the windows clear in humid conditions.
I have
found that there is not enough air circulating to the quarterlight windows, they get steamed up
very easily and make the mirrors unobservable.
Solutions all revolve around using the
air conditioning. Switch it on. Use the rear compartment environment controls to balance the
heat from the front ventilation system. I have found that to have the rear on full cold, and the
front on half heat clear the windows really quickly. Keep the Pollen Filter clean. |
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Headlamps abroad |
It is not really possible to fit beam deflectors to these modern headlamps, the
beam formation is all done on the reflector, not the glass as previously. Ok as a temporary
measure, but long night drives on the continent will soon convince you otherwise. They will flash
and blind you all night.
Solution. Get a set of left hand drive headlamps. Cost on the
continent around 150 euros each, in the UK around £120 each. So go for second hand. I got
mine on ebay, search for "SCHEINWERFER TRANSIT", and I got a pair for around 60 euros and enjoyed
the company I met..
After travelling to Munich in December 2004, I can report that using LHD
headlamps was well worth the effort. |
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Tyres |
It is not easy to get information about tyres, at least what I am interested
in.
Grip Rates
Wear rates
Noise
After a little internet research I decided to
go for Continental Vanco tyres.
I also decided to go "up" a tyre size by fitting 75 profile
tyres in place of the original 65 profiles. The circumference went up from 206cm to 218cm.
This
changes the gearing and definitely reduces engine revolutions, engine noise and road noise when
motorway cruising.
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| Dangers
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Engine Stalling |
If the engine falls below about 600 rpm, it stalls, and will not bump
start.
So it can catch you out with a dead engine.
For example when rolling onto a
roundabout in 5th gear
Just be careful
The engine will only restart if the ignition is
turned off, then back on again. |
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Bump Starting |
Times will occur when you need to bumpstart the 125 TDCi engine. The
engine will only restart if the ignition is turned off, then back on again.
I have seen 2500
rpm on the rev counter, downhill in Devon at Porlock Hill on the A39, trying to bumpstart after
stalling the engine.
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Reversing |
I find the mirror deceptive, it is easy to think you are clear of a obstacle, but
soon hit it
Try reversing along a white line and see where you actually drive. |
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Tailgate |
What an amazing tailgate
It really makes a good sun shade, or umbrella. It's
ideal for picnics.
However Do ensure other vehicles driving by can see it, and don't
smash into it |
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| Problems
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Flat Tyres |
When you get a flat, don't think changing to the spare will be
easy
The big problem is getting the security bolt out. This bolt is there to prevent anyone
winding down the spare from outside the vehicle - hence pinching it. Ford cut a slot in the bolt,
to use like a screwdriver, but if it is too tight, then the tool slips
However Carry a
18mm spanner to remove the bolt |
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Wheel Nuts |
You would not think there was anything to say about wheel nuts.
Until you need to get them off.
Over time the chrome shell of the nut is forced to
expand - presumably because of ice or corrosion underneath the chrome.
This means that the 21mm
whell brace thay supply will not fit onto the nuts.
A standard 12 face 22m socket will make
things worse and just round off the chrome shell.
Sorry to say the only answer is to carry a
22mm HEX (6 face) socket or wheelbrace. |
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Using Steel Wheels |
Ford say you should not use the alloy nuts on steel wheels long term,
and not to run above 50mph with them on.
I carry a set of steel nuts ( available from any
scrapyard) |
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Water Pump failure |
Suddenly the engine started to overheat, while accelerating onto a
motorway. off the scale, engine shut itself off.
I survived. I discovered I could make progress
at tickover, any faster and it went off the scale.
I found that parked at the roadside with the
engine on tickover the temperature gradually comes down.
Power steering OK. No water loss,
tank is full. Heater blows cold. Water pump belt goes round and looks OK. Is it the water pump
impellor that has come off the shaft?
Investigation finds the Water Pump has stripped its
splines, and the Power Steering Pump has a worn drive.
Replace both, all in now fine except my
wallet!!
See the detailed pictures of the Water Pump and Power
Steering Pump |
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