Ford Falcon Problems

IT'S not uncommon for water to be expelled from the exhaust at start-up, particularly when the engine is cold. It is condensation that accumulates in the exhaust system as the engine cools down after being run, and is then expelled when you start the engine again. It's nothing to worry about.

MOST ad agencies and film companies approach car clubs to source cars. Maybe you should talk to a Ford club. Or you could produce an information pack on your car and send it to ad agencies and film and TV production companies.

IT COULD be one of a number of things, but it is most likely the pressure control solenoid in the valve body, experts at AW Automatics say.

GENERALLY, LPG cars are just as safe as long as the LPG system is correctly installed and maintained. Dedicated gas Falcons are developed by Ford and the systems are well designed and safe.

FORD'S dedicated e-gas engine has been developed to run on LPG. Some modifications to the head and connecting rods help it withstand the punishment handed out by LPG. Ford generally recommends that you not convert your regular petrol engine to LPG, but several LPG converters will convert and they say they have no trouble with them. A lot of Falcons are running on aftermarket dual-fuel systems. But you need to be aware of the implications for your warranty. Ford will cover nothing that's affected by the installation of the LPG system, so part of your warranty will become void. The LPG system installer is responsible for covering its work.

IN A word, yes. For a start you should have your car serviced before departing. Also have the airconditioning serviced because it will be working hard. Falcons can have cooling-system problems, and certainly have the auto trans serviced and an oil cooler fitted. The Falcon auto really doesn't carry enough oil and the result is that it can overheat when asked to work hard, such as when towing.

GET an auto electrician to go through the electrical system. I'd be most suspicious of the electronic control module for the body. They often go on the fritz.

I would have someone look at the fuel injectors, and think about having them cleaned. It could be a blocked or partly blocked injector, it sounds much like a problem I had a few months ago and that was fixed by cleaning the injectors.

I TAKE it you're talking about a removable steering-wheel lock that you fit to the steering wheel while the car is parked. If so, I can think of no reason it would damage the airbag.

YOU would recoup the cost of installation in 18 months to two years, which makes it worthwhile, particularly if you plan to keep the ute for a few years.