Help me become the next Delica owner!

[delichris]

Hi,
My name is Chris. I live in Cranbrook, BC. I am not a Delica owner yet, but hope to be soon..
I've been looking an L300. Here's what I know about it:

1989 L300 Starwagon.
80,000km, 4x4 diesel, 5 speed manual trans, 8 passenger, sliding side windows, moon roof, heater/cooler box..
doesn't appear to have any body rust except for a some minor rock chips on hood/light bar. Under body has a little bit of rust.
Engine started this morning with a little bit of black smoke/rough idle for about 45 seconds until idle smoothed out (-3 degrees. wasn't plugged in)
some oil seen around the engine/oil pan (big issue?) Apparently has had no engine cooling issues..

It's registered, but not licenced right now so i could only drive it around the parking lot in 1st/2nd gear.

I have a pretty good feeling about it but i don't want to let the happy thoughts of becoming a Delica owner distract me from other important factors I need to think about.
I would appreciate any advise you could give me about the vehicle.

Is there anything specifically that i should be looking at?
Timing Belt should be changed?
I know its getting old...Should I save my money and by a 400? plausibility of collector plates on these things?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Also, If there is any other Delica owners in Cranbrook/East Kootenays i'd love to hear from you.

-Chris

[delichris]

Here are some Pics
What do you think?

[FalcoColumbarius]

Welcome to Delica Canada, Chris

How much are they asking?

From the pictures you have posted she looks like a solid machine. The L300 is a resilient machine and easy to work on. I personally prefer the P25W (low roof) as one tends to get into more places, from underground car parks to under branches in the toolies.

Speaking of "under", how does she look underneath? Any rust on the chassis? Spend an hundred bucks and get her mechanically inspected by a certified diesel garage. Look at the front suspension, like the tie rods, CV boots, steering boots, brakes, callipers, ball joints, that sort of thing. Typically, a well kept L300 will easily command $10,000.00 ~ if you see one for around five grand then jump on it ~ you can always buy a new engine if it needs it.

Speaking of that check the history of the motor, in particular the timing belt as the Mitsu Astron being an interference type engine ~ you don't want to see the timing belt break. A good place to look at is the"To Do list on newly acquired Delica", which can be found in Delica Wiki, that is found at the bottom of Delica Canada Technical, on the board index.

Falco.

P.S.: 88,000 kliks is pretty good and these are solid machines but it is important to realise that rubber has a limited lifespan. Therefore check also bushings, seals, belts, &c.. FC.

[thedjjack]

I got 1989 5 speed

They have the best headlights you can get on a delcia

Biggest issue is maintenance? when was the 2 timing belts, tensioners, water pump, thermostat, valves set, rad hoses, v-belts, fuel filter, etc worked on? Should be done every 80,000km and if unsure it should be done today. Budget around $1000.00

Then basic maintenance such as brakes, u-joints, ect...

Oil leaks very typical on valve cover and turbo...Turbo rebuild is around $700.00 plus re & re

5 speed gearing limited 5th is not enough OD so top speed is around 100km/h. 5 speed is little weak but overall ok transmission (i would buy a 5-speed again over automatic others on here would not).

A pyro is important investment ($150-250) and easy to do with a egr delete.

How mechanical are you it is worth getting a shop to look it over..But, no idea about shops in Cranbrook area... Start up sounds good for a cold start -3. Check rust between the suframes for engine and suspension for rust.

Hope this helps...sliding windows are great!!!! easy to add screens for camping


Cheers and welcome...

[FalcoColumbarius]

I just noticed that your potential Delica is missing the rocker panels and front skids. These can be gotten if you wish, some people don't like them ~ I find them quite useful. Just a thought.

Falco.

[shealy]

Why can't the current owner put insurance on for the day? That way you could shift out of 2nd and maybe even see how she does on the highway? The L300's aren't exactly the fastest machines on the highways, and I think some prefer the 400's because they're a bit better at speed. But in my opinion, what's the rush?!

[delichris]

I licenced it for the day. I just took it for a test drive and for an overall inspection.
Mechanic said that it seesm the vehicle has been taken care of.
Breaks okay, Ball joints have been replaced, Suspension looks good, turbo spools well, etc.

the bad: there is an oil leak at the back of motor. Mechanic thinks it is just from the valve cover. I looked and that appears to be the case but also looks like there is a bit of oil coming from below the valve cover...maybe head??

the oil cooler line in also leaking on the turbo... He suggested I take off the line and check the O-ring. Anyone know if this is a common problem? I did a quick forum search but didn't come up with anything.

I'm going to take it to a diesel shop this afternoon for a quick once over as well.

The test drive went well. 4x4 seems to work well, shifts pretty good, no hiccups with engine.

I have read about a lot of problems with overheating. while driving the engine temperature hardly went passed the cool mark (mind you the temperature was around -6) even after driving on the highway for about 20 min. it rose to just above the cool mark after climbing a hill and then settled again. is this something to worry about? possible signs of cooling problem or is it normal?
If I buy the vehicle i would install a EGT gauge right away.

I'll post another update once its back from the diesel shop.


5th gear on highway. notice engine temp..


pic of underneath. Notice oil/rust..


-Chris

[jessef]

Going from your test drive and description, it looks decent.

Rear 1/2 moon seal on the valve cover is common to leak. Oil goes everywhere including down the side of the turbo and alternator area.

I just noticed that your potential Delica is missing the rocker panels and front skids. These can be gotten if you wish, some people don't like them ~ I find them quite useful. Just a thought.

Falco.

It's not missing. You would see the body plug holes. I haven't seen any L300's that came with plastic rocker covers before 1989.

Here is another example. Joe's Landshark : http://www.delica.ca/forum/land-shark-5537.html

[delichris]

Diesel mechanic had a quick look at it. Thinks everything is in pretty good shape.

He's pretty comfortable with these engines. It's good to know I have a local shop I can use.

Think I'm ready to make an offer...

I'm liking the look of Joe's. Maybe i'll lift it like that one day.

[delichris]

Thanks everyone for all your comments and suggestions.
I am now a grinning Delica owner .

[FalcoColumbarius]

Good for you, Chris! It was a pleasure talking with you. Perhaps we hook up one day.

Happy trails!

Falco.