Rascal Van Enthusiasts

Birdy

Can anyone tell me, do the gearbox and diff. ratios differ between the different makes and models? My 1987 Bedford van is fitted with an engine and box from a 1986 Suzuki pickup, it still has its original rear diff, just wondered is it possible to screw up the gearing by fitting mismatched parts?

Coops

Hi Birdy

Just had a quick look through the haynes manual. It gives the gear ratios, which are the same for all vehicles, but doesn't give a diff ratio!

Manual covers 86-94 vehicles Smile

Birdy

thanks coops, was just wondering as my latest van seems painfully slow, compared to my first van, my first van was running smaller 145/70 tryes from a mini, could this tiny amount of difference in profile really make a difference to the gearing?

Coops

Smaller wheels/tyres would help in acceleration but would make it slower top end speed.

You could check your brakes to make sure nothings binding, also check state of engine tune, points, time etc.

Sometimes/most of the time you'll find no 2 vehicles are the same as to the way they perform
Smile

Gra

Birdy

Thanks for the suggestions, will have a look at these points soon, has anybody got any thoughts on setting/altering the c.o. And will this make a difference to the performance of an engine if set incorrectly.
I set my c.o. (and it passed an mot)Following the instructions for the gas tester and also useing settings from a Haynes manual, off the top of my head i think its 1.5% @ 900 rpm, would increasing the c.o. help or not?

Gra

I would leave the co alone if you think you have it set correctly or you will mess your fuel economy up.

A healthy Rascal engine will run smoothly and quietly at tickover and will pull away briskly when called upon to do so. It should also climb most hills with ease in 5th gear when the vehicle is unladen and return around 37 miles to the gallon. When the engine is up to terperature the gauge should stay at the quarter mark no matter how it is driven in hot or cold weather.

Birdy

no problems with over heating as i have fitted a new stat, flushed the rad, fitted a new top hose and fitted a new rad cap. I havent checked my fuel comsumption, as i dont think its excessive, however after a full service and resetting the valve clearences, my engine ticks over but not very smooth, dont know if you have heard of the phrase hunting, but thats what it does, it ticks over but just seems lumpy.

Gra

Engine should run nice and smooth and very quiet taking into consideration that you are sitting on top of it!

As a guide to fuel consumption you should get a little over 200 miles on a tank of fuel.

Birdy

Thanks for the info, think i'll give it a good going over this week, and try and find the problem.