Speed 6 preventative maintenance

[MarkF]

I am a relatively new Tuscan owner and so far am massively pleased with the car. The car was built in 2000 and I know that the early speed 6 engines suffer from valve and head related problems. The car has only done 6700 miles from new and the question is this - should I try to pre-empt problems and get some updates to the cylinder head before problems start, or should I just carry on driving with a smile and crossed fingers ?

Does anyone know what problems are likely to be and what measures can be taken to reduce the risks ?

Also the car seems to have quite a lot of backlash (or lost motion) between the rear wheels and the Gearbox. The drive shaft can be rotated back and forth radialy about 5-8mm Is this normal ?

[bogie]

Just drive it and enjoy it - stop worrying about it until (if) it happens

Only things you can do really is check the oil every 500 miles or so and make sure the engine is warmed up well before going over 3K revs

[J_S_G]

If it's gonna go, it's gonna go. Personally, I'd make sure I was a paid up RAC/AA member, that I had some £100 heap-o-rust on the drive to use for a couple of months should the worst happen, and if possible, that I'd bought a warranty that includes wear and tear cover. Then get out there and drive it.

Personally, I'd say the chances are very high that it'll need some engine work doing, but what would I know?

Only guarantee is that any preventative work done will cost you.

[dvpeace]

Hi Mark

Just drive the car, there is not a lot you can do about the inherant enigine weakness. It may or may not happen. If it does (based on the recent survey) it will go between 6 and 12k miles.

Mine went last week at 7k miles a bit earlier than I expected, but hey it was fun whilst it lasted.

Regards

David

[J_S_G]

dvpeace said:

Just drive the car, there is not a lot you can do about the inherant enigine weakness. It may or may not happen. If it does (based on the recent survey) it will go between 6 and 12k miles. Mine went last week at 7k miles a bit earlier than I expected, but hey it was fun whilst it lasted.

Bad luck, mate. Rest assured that it'll come back better than ever, running as smooth as a Honda (well, almost...)

And just think how much Optimax you'll have saved up for by then.

[beano500]

MarkF said:

Does anyone know what problems are likely to be...

Don't be a prize pillock like me and not close your boot properly - light on, so battery drains to flatter than a flat pancake flattened by a flattening iron in under a week!

Now that's the sort of issue you CAN control.

[bigb]

I own an 01 4.0l Tuscan with about 9000 miles on it. Went in for major service last week and they found that one of the finger followers had "picked up" where it contacts with shim. Probably due to poor case hardening. No major damage but could have been major if left much longer. Bill for additional work will be about £500 (hopefully)at TVR Power but could have resulted in full rebuild at £4-5k.

I would recommend proper inspection at major service by good dealer. Could save a fortune.

[MarkF]

bigb said:

I own an 01 4.0l Tuscan with about 9000 miles on it. Went in for major service last week and they found that one of the finger followers had "picked up" where it contacts with shim. Probably due to poor case hardening. No major damage but could have been major if left much longer. Bill for additional work will be about £500 (hopefully)at TVR Power but could have resulted in full rebuild at £4-5k. I would recommend proper inspection at major service by good dealer. Could save a fortune.

Thanks for this - sound advice, Mark.

[alans]

My Tuscan is an 01 RR, with 14K miles and no engine work. I have the tappets done every 6K miles not 12K and have the dealer check for any top end wear and tear whilst in for the service. She has now "loosened" up nicely and just seems to get faster.
The car had 4K when I bought it and so far (touch wood) the only replacement parts required todate have been an oil pessure sensor (£16) and a door swich (£6).

Alan
I've now tempted fate and it will go pop tomorrow