Diesel Pump Solenoid and Oil Leak Queries

[Dave]

Hi guys,

I've had a search and couldn't find anything to answer my questions so hopefully I'm not reposting other's questions.

I've been to look at a '90 Exceed (2.5 turbo) today and the guy told me that the solenoid on the diesel pump had packed in. As such he'd installed a bypass which meant you needed to push two wires together to turn the pump on to start the engine. You then needed to disconnect the wires again to turn the engine off - it continued to run even with the ignition off.

Now this doesn't strike me as a major issue, provided it's just the solenoid (I've restored cars in the past so not worried about getting my hands mucky), but I'm fearful it may involve coming into contact with the Injector Pump which I'd rather leave alone having heard many scary things about it on here. So was just wondering if a) it does sound like it's just the solenoid that's faulty, and b) is it going to be a pain to sort?

I'm wary as it has apparently been like this for some time and I can't understand why he hasn't sorted it yet. That said, he seems content to just push the wires together everytime he uses it!

Also, I had a good poke around at the engine and there is oil over the top of the rocker housing & down the engine case as well as over the top of the gearbox. Are there any common faults that would cause oil to end up here? It appears to be engine oil and it's not very fresh, but it's not been spilt when filling as it's black, not 'clear' fresh oil.

The van's a bit of a nail anyway, but it runs very well and they're so few and far between over here, that I figured it might be worth considering if it's not a major repair job and I can haggle him down a bit.

I was hoping to import one from Japan, but due to new emmissions regulations, I can't import one without heavy engine & exhaust mods which makes it financially impractical to do and there's no guarentee they'd even work

Thanks in advance for the help guys

[Erebus]

I'm wary as it has apparently been like this for some time and I can't understand why he hasn't sorted it yet. That said, he seems content to just push the wires together everytime he uses it!

Also, I had a good poke around at the engine and there is oil over the top of the rocker housing & down the engine case as well as over the top of the gearbox. Are there any common faults that would cause oil to end up here? It appears to be engine oil and it's not very fresh, but it's not been spilt when filling as it's black, not 'clear' fresh oil.

In your previous thread, my first reaction was, "run". Then I saw your location and realized you are in a completely different situation.

I can sort of understand not fixing the solenoid, but why didn't the guy put a simple toggle switch on those wires? That amazes me. It also makes me think the guy did no maintenance or fixing. Did he also do no oil changes, etc.?

Dents in the panels is only cosmetic, but why so many dings?

As for the oil, I can't think of people having big issues with oil leaks. Can't remember anyone mentioning what happens if you run the engine with the oil filler cap off. Some vehicles that results in a spray bath to the engine, others it makes no mess. And keep in mind a bit of spilled fresh oil will soak up the dirt and turn black pretty quick -- been there, done that.

Sorry I can't be more help, but wanted to give you some feedback.

Good luck with the thinking and decision making.

[Dave]

Cheers for the help Erebus.

Yeah, my initial thoughts were to just run, but unfortunately they're really hard to come by over here, so need to be willing to compromise to some degree or live without one for a long time. That said, I don't want a money pit.

The lack of toggle switch comfuses me too, but he recons he's kept up with servicing, etc, but done it himself, so unfortunately no recipts. Does run smooth though.

I think I'll just keep an eye on it and if it's still there in a week or so then I'll think about going in with a low offer.

All the dings were apparently from some kids kicking the crap out of it, but the rear door and sliding door look like they were attacked by an angry bulldozer!

Hmm, the more I think about it as I type, the more I'm thinking it'll be a mistake to buy it. Ah well, we'll see!

Cheers for the feedback though,
Dave

[Golf Cart]

Dave,

I have one question. ( actually 2)

Is one of these "wires " you talk about coming straight off the battery ? If these wires are hooked up so the solenoid functions, then its not the solenoid. Sounds further down the line. There should be a fuse on the solenoid circuit. Ive never actually looked for mine , but every other 4 cyl diesel I owned had one at some point between the solenoid and the ignition. and the other question is does one of the wires attach directly to the solenoid ? Sounds like he's just by-passed the circuit. Somebody on here should have the answer ( they just havent read the post yet)

And the oil leak issue - diesel engine oil (15w40) will only be clear until you add it to the crankcase - don't worry. and the oil on the valve cover and down the back of the engine sounds like the valve cover gasket needs replacing. They especially will leak at the rear of the valve cover if done half arsed. Another place oil could be coming from is the turbo area - they weep as they get older, or could be the oil line connection to the turbo is loose , or cracked. this problem sounds more like neglect.

I'd be be more inclined to pop off the front timing belt cover and have a look at the front seals/timing belt/tensioner belt. CCA Glen or CVI Butch can chime in here , but I do beleive you can remove the glow plugs and do a compression test if you have the proper adapter that screws into the head. Its only an indication, as you can increase compression by simply adjusting the valves.

Its early in the evening here and most of the plonkers are just gettin home from work . You will probably get a few more responses as the night ( or your day) progresses. I'm just a backyard wrencher and all my input is from personal experience.

Cheers

[Green1]

I've been to look at a '90 Exceed (2.5 turbo) today and the guy told me that the solenoid on the diesel pump had packed in. As such he'd installed a bypass which meant you needed to push two wires together to turn the pump on to start the engine. You then needed to disconnect the wires again to turn the engine off - it continued to run even with the ignition off.

from your description the fuel cut-off solenoid is working properly, however whatever feeds it power is not working properly... probably a relay somewhere, or possibly as simple as a fuse... I'm afraid I don't know that part of the vehicle well enough to advise on exactly what it is, but I would start tracing wires and see where they go...

[Erebus]

Hmm, the more I think about it as I type, the more I'm thinking it'll be a mistake to buy it. Ah well, we'll see!

Usually, one should listen to one's feelings. Of course, if you pass on this one, and the guy who buys it has no troubles, you will never know. If you buy it and have troubles, you will say, "damn, should have listened to myself." And if you buy and it turns out well, you will wonder what you were worried about.

So, the only way to know is to buy. But that is the highest risk. Sounds like you will get some good advice and tech info about the solenoid here.

[Dave]

Thanks for all the help guys

I'm always impressed by how eager people are to help on here. And a wealth of knowledge too! Cheers.

I think my enthusiasm was poss getting the better of me yesterday and I just wanted to get my hands on a Delica so was willing to accept a few too many faults. I've decided now that it's not worth the risk to buy one with a question mark or two hanging over it as it's easy for a car to turn into a money pit - learned from personal experience unfortunately. So prob best to wait for the best one I can find.

Thanks for all the info guys. It'll help with future car hunting too.

Cheers,
Dave