Ford Falcon Problems

FORD six-cylinder engines are generally thought to be thirstier than rival sixes, and it's reasonable to expect consumption to increase significantly when towing something as large and weighty as a caravan. Depending on the conditions, size and weight of the caravan, consumption could double, but to go up four times seems extreme. Do a consumption test with and without the caravan so you have actual numbers to make an accurate assessment.

SOUNDS as if there's a sealing problem on the dash. I haven't heard of a widespread problem with the EA, so it's more likely to be a one-off related to your car. The EA is now getting old and it could be many things, from rust around the windshield or in the plenum to holes in the dash itself. If it has been worked on by a previous owner they could have left seals out or not refitted them correctly. The seals could be old and brittle and no longer sealing. Try putting it through a car wash and trying to locate the leak.

YOU don't say how many kilometres your car has done. If it's done plenty it might simply be heavy wear that's causing a loss of oil pressure. Because you say it only happens on hot days, or when towing your caravan, it probably won't show up at other times, such as when you have it checked. Start by making sure all is well with the engine, spark, fuel, etc, and thoroughly check the cooling system to make sure all is well there. Change the coolant and use the recommended coolant, check the fan belt, water pump, and thermostat. If everything checks out you might think about an oil cooler.

YOUR poptop would probably weigh about 1500kg when loaded, so that's the weight you need to consider when buying a vehicle. In my view it comes down to where you want to go when travelling, and what you want to do with the vehicle for the rest of the year. If you stick predominantly to the blacktop on your travels, then a regular Commodore or Falcon is probably the best way to go. Both will easily tow your poptop, are comfortable and will give you reasonable fuel consumption. An X-Trail will tow up to 2000kg if the trailer has brakes, so that will also handle your poptop. A recent experience with a 3.0-litre Subaru Outback, rated to tow 1800kg, showed that when it was towing a 1200kg camper trailer the fuel consumption rose about 30 per cent, and rose even more when towing a camper weighing close to its rated tow capacity. That said, the Outback would be a great compromise for round-town use and towing capacity.

THE LPG gas engine in the BA has stronger connecting rods than the standard Falcon six. They're the same rods as in the new FPV Typhoon and were put in the gas engine because in at least one instance in development a rod was bent after a back-fire. I haven't heard of a widespread problem in service.

TRY regular unleaded and an additive such as Valvemaster, which you can buy at your local servo. You may find your engine will detonate with the 91 RON. If so, switch to premium unleaded and use the additive.

IT'S generally safer for a child to be seated in the centre rear position. The next safest positions are the outer rear seat positions and, if that's where the booster seat fits correctly, then that's where you should seat the child. It's a good idea to have a trial fitting of any child restraints you're thinking of buying to make sure they can be correctly fitted in your car.

THE BA XR6s you are seeing in used-car lots may be ex-lease cars that have been turned over after the lease has expired. There's no other explanation. The car is sound and a good buy if you make sure you get one that hasn't been flogged by an uncaring owner.

THE XF Falcon ute has an alloy-headed engine, so it should run a coolant rather than water. But I'd be reluctant to recommend you change now. After 380,000km, it seems to be going OK. I wouldn't change anything.