Ford Falcon Problems

TAXABLE horsepower does not reflect developed horsepower. It's a calculated figure based on engine bore size, number of cylinders and a presumption of engine efficiency. This measure was instituted by the Royal Automobile Club in Britain and used to denote the power. As new engines became more efficient, it was no longer a useful measure, but kept in use by UK regulations which used the rating for tax purposes.

THE dedicated E-gas option on the Falcon costs $1400, which is what you need to recoup before you start saving money. My calculations, done after driving a dedicated LPG Falcon against a petrol one, suggest you will be in front after 20,000km, which I estimate to be a little more than a year's driving. That's a new Falcon, but it's going to be less with a used car because the market doesn't value the E-gas option, so you should be able to pick up a BA E-gas car for the same price as a petrol one. You're saving money from the start that way. Holden didn't have an LPG option in the VY, so any you find on theused-car market will be an aftermarket installation.

WITH $3000, your son shouldn't be choosy. Cast a wider net and search for the best car you can find for the money. It's better to have a car in good condition, though it might not be a cool choice. That might sound boring, but he'll get better service out of a car in tiptop shape than one that might have a better image but is run down.

PETER Koning, of Hopper Stoppers in Werribee, says this is a problem in EF/EL Falcons. Every disc rotor has a small amount of face run-out. All modern brake calipers have an internal seal design that causes the pads to pull back slightly clear of the disc. When the seals get old and hard, the caliper doesn't retract properly and the pads rub lightly, even when not using the brakes, and take the high spots off the rotor as they go past. This causes disc thickness variation, and that causes your brake pulse. Koning is seeing a lot of EF/EL Falcons and, though the calipers may not appear to be seized, he finds the car often comes back with warped rotors if he only machines the discs and doesn't recondition the calipers as well.

FORD customer service checked their records and are satisfied your brakes are operating within specification. They say brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not affect the function of the brakes and is normal for the high-performance premium system. Other readers might like to tell us of their experiences.

THE price is about on the mark for the AU II, so it sounds a good buy. Look for power-steering oil and radiator leaks, and make sure the auto shifts smoothly and there are no noises when you drive it.

IT'S not common. You should take it to an instrument repairer. Generally, it won't be a problem with annual checks, provided the speedo is working so you know how fast you're going.

THE benefits are all about the lower cost of LPG. The disadvantages are few with the BA E-gas Falcon. You lose some boot space to the spare wheel, which is relocated to accommodate the LPG tank, and you may find it hard to get LPG if you go off the beaten track.

SEVERAL dual-fuel kits are available for the XT, but Ford doesn't recommend the BA be converted because the regular engine doesn't have the extra provisions of the e-gas engine to protect it from valve recession. It also doesn't have the stronger connecting rods that Ford fitted after one of its e-gas engines bent a rod when it backfired on test. The LPG industry says many BAs have been converted and haven't had the problems Ford forecast. I wouldn't have any problem converting, but recommend you get a gas-injection system fitted rather than an older mixer-valve system.