Engine and rear suspension problems

[Al Bonzo]

Hi everyone im new on here and would appreciate some advice?
just puchased a 1988 Fiat ducato 2.5d 130 Cab Swift that has two ? faults first the engine starts and runs nice but no powerseems to be restricted around 2- 2500rpm struggles to get up the slightest of inclines even one i didnt know existed !!! Had new fuel lift pump and now an electric pump but still the same? Second the rear suspension is low and bounces up & down like a yo yo,thought it was shocks and maybe springs but dosnt have any {tortion bar} is there any adjustment? if not can i fit air suspension/ please help as its such a lovely Motorhome.
Thanks
Al Bondo

 

[Jev88]

Torsion bar suspension- needs greasing every year with wheels off the ground. Or bars will snap inside. Roughly £3000 for a refurb.

 

[TerryL]

As regards power, sounds like the engine is in "limp" mode. That was never the most powerful of motors but it should still rev freely. Do you have any warning lights, i.e. engine-shaped orange light, on the dash? For me first step would be get/buy/borrow an ODB reader and check what it comes up with. (The cynic in me suggests someone has "removed" the warning light.............!)

Unfortunately I'm with Jev88, looks like the torsion bar is U/S. Air suspension won't help correct that although IMO it is a good addition for handling etc.

Was this a private or dealer purchase, sorry to say that I think you may have bought a lemon - I'd be checking everything else or getting someone who knows about m/hs to check it out for you before laying out any more cash. Probably not what you wanted to hear.

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

I'm wondering if a 1988 vehicle has a obd port, I would try a service air fuel filters to start with.

 

[ivorantony]

Torsion bar suspension- needs greasing every year with wheels off the ground. Or bars will snap inside. Roughly £3000 for a refurb.

Some do not, you need to check the axel casing for a grease nipple,
Mine is a 2008 and doesn’t have any,

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[Lenny HB]

Rear suspension, it could be the shock absorbers but if the axle has not been greased every year could be broken torsion bars.
A company called Faiser Brown will rebuild the axle about £1500.

AL-KO Axle Repair and reconditioning

Fully remanufactured and reconditioned AL-KO rear axle as fitted to Hymer, Ducatto, Swift, etc

www.fraserbrowneng.co.uk

 

[Barclaybasher]

Engine
Sounds obvious but does the throttle open fully. Happened to me once, cable had pulled through......

 

[Al Bonzo]

I'm wondering if a 1988 vehicle has a obd port, I would try a service air fuel filters to start with.

Torsion bar suspension- needs greasing every year with wheels off the ground. Or bars will snap inside. Roughly £3000 for a refurb.

Torsion bar suspension- needs greasing every year with wheels off the ground. Or bars will snap inside. Roughly £3000 for a refurb.

Hi will check laater for grease points cant say ive seen any? its sitting an inch or two low at the back and just a bit bouncy!!!

 

[Al Bonzo]

Hi will check laater for grease points cant say ive seen any? its sitting an inch or two low at the back and just a bit bouncy!!!

All filters and pump renewed.
dosnt have shocks or springs and and no ecu...
Appreciate your help
thankyou.

 

[Lenny HB]

Torsion bar axles normally have a shocks.

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[Al Bonzo]

Torsion bar axles normally have a shocks.

Ok ill try and upload some pics

 

[Baggydave]

Ok ill try and upload some pics

Hi & welcome. I would suggest you change the fuel filter first. It should be behind the air filter on the bulkhead. Is the engine smoking a lot?

 

[gus-lopez]

Torsion bar suspension- needs greasing every year with wheels off the ground. Or bars will snap inside. Roughly £3000 for a refurb.

I thought the Scottish firm Fraser-Brown did it for around 750 pounds?

it was shocks and maybe springs but dosnt have any {tortion bar}

As said above if torsion bars they could be broken & the firm Fraser Brown in Scotland are the No.1 for repairs

I'm wondering if a 1988 vehicle has a obd port,

no

dosnt have shocks or springs

even with torsion bars (alko chassis) it should have shock absorbers on an inclined angle .