Ford Problems

I'M FAMILIAR with all the brands you mention except Easy Jet, and each is a quality system well developed by a reputable company. Any of the systems would do the job for you, but possibly more important is to choose your installer wisely. Before you commit to an installer, ask them how long they have been in the business of installing LPG systems, the injection system in particular. And ask to talk to a client who has had the same system fitted.

THE LPG tank is generally mounted under the Territory where the spare wheel is. The spare is then mounted on the side in the back of the cabin. That's no problem for a five-seater, but it does present a problem for a seven-seater. You really need a swing-away spare wheel mounting to hang the spare on the rear. Phone the offroad specialists who might be able to supply you with an appropriate bracket. There shouldn't be any issue with the engine, but be aware Ford doesn't recommend converting its cars and your warranty will be affected.

CHECK the firewall, specifically the bracket that takes the clutch cable. It is known to break where it is welded to that panel because of flexing of the firewall. Even if it is cracked, the pedal can feel normal and have the correct free play, but because the bracket moves when you depress the pedal, the clutch doesn't throw out enough and will drag when you go to shift gears. If you find the bracket is cracked, a repair kit is available from Ford. It may also be that the clutch is dragging because it is worn.

IF YOU'RE unhappy, keep the pressure on Ford to take some action. They might be able to give you a clutch with more damping to soften clunking, or some other components that will do the trick. I am sure they will know some sort of fix.

YES. Lots of those Fairlanes and similar Falcons have been converted to LPG over the years. But it's vital to ensure you find an experienced converter.

SOME carmakers stipulate a belt change at 90,000km, but it isn't unusual for the recommended interval to be 150,000km. Ford's service schedule is 150,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first. I see no reason not to follow that.

WELCH plugs can corrode, but it's usually caused by a lack of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant. Perhaps the dealer hasn't been keeping the corrosion inhibitor up. I wouldn't accept that the plugs are consumables and not covered.

YOU really need to keep up the pressure on Ford. Don't take no for an answer.

THE offer from the Ford dealer seems generous, but I would pressure Ford to check the car. It sounds dangerous from your description and I would be pressing Ford to take back the car and fix the problem for you, or replace the car.

RUST is an unusual problem today with the body treatment used by every carmaker, so it's worth pressing your case on the basis it is a production problem. Maybe other Territory owners could let us know if they've had the problem.