Ford Problems

THE place to start is the ignition system and that's where your mechanics have started, but they perhaps haven't gone far enough. Backfiring is common and experienced mechanics replace the spark plugs, spark plug leads and even ignition coil packs if they are fitted. If the problem is with the coil pack, replacing the leads will improve the problem, but won't solve it. The coil will simply kill the new leads within days and the problem will come back. Replace all three components in the ignition system. If that doesn't fix it, look at the mixer because backfire can damage it.

I HAVE heard Ford is having problems with the cylinder heads on the V8 and has been replacing them on problem cars. It seems it's related to the head on the left bank. I would press your dealer to check with Ford because your car clearly has a problem.

IT'S the last of the KQ model, which a dealer would try to sell for about $15,000 at full retail. To sell it privately, I would suggest you ask for about $12,000 to start with, but be prepared to come down if it doesn't attract any interest.

I WOULD think a dealer would give you about $7000 as a trade-in. As a private sale you might get a little more, say $10,000. It sounds a nice car that would be more appealing as a private sale.

WE CONTACTED Ford on your behalf and it has responded with the following, which should fix your problem. Unfortunately Ford doesn't have the code for the key of your vehicle. However, its service technicians advise that if a locksmith removes the door lock (a relatively simple job), they can cut you a new key to the same specifications as the one you now have.

LPG vehicles emit less greenhouse gas and other pollutants than petrol-powered equivalents. Typically, LPG has about 20 per cent less ozone-forming potential and 10-15 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions.

LIKE all carmakers, Holden advises against converting their cars to LPG unless the engine has been modified by the factory. But there are plenty of LPG specialists who will convert your car to dual-fuel. Impco has an excellent dual-fuel system for the 5.7-litre V8 using Sequential Gas Injection.

IF YOU buy the Ford E-Gas option, it will be covered by Ford's factory warranty, so there's no question if you make a claim. If you choose to fit an aftermarket system, you enter a grey area. Ford will not cover anything that has been modified on the car to fit the gas system. That cover has to be provided by the installer. When it comes to a claim you have to rely on the installer to be honest. I'm not a huge fan of the Ford E-Gas system. It's now old technology and there are better ones in the aftermarket, some even from Ford dealers. The newer gas injection systems are much better than the system Ford still uses.

IT depends on the compression ratio of your engine. When it was sold new there was a choice of standard and super petrol. Standard had an octane rating a little below the 91 of the current unleaded, super was 98. Most cars of the time were running super and I believe that would be best for your car, with an additive for protection of the valves and valve seats.

THE LPG wagon shouldn't be $4000 dearer than the regular wagon. It was only $1400 dearer when new and today's values put them at $800-$1000 dearer now as a used car. Keep shopping and try to find a dealer with a more reasonable outlook. Anyone asking a $4000 premium for LPG is trying to make a killing from fear about fuel prices. It certainly wouldn't be worth paying $4000 more for an LPG wagon, it will take too long to recoup the cost. But at a premium of $1000, it would be worthwhile.