The Dispatch | Expert | Scudo Hub

My local garage changed a front spring on my van and it was so strong that it actually bent their spring compressor so make sure that you get a REALLY good one!

Pete.

Well I have recently changed, swapped my 2006 Dispatch 2.0 hdi for a 2007 version.  Rusty sills were the reason for changing, I'm not up to laying on the floor so decided to take the plunge and 'upgrade' if that's the right term!  The folk I bought it from bought my old one for £250 and are going to patch it up to get a MOT on it, shouldn't be an issue as they own a test station haha.

I miss the old van, this one has good and bad points.  The battery under the cab floor is a pain as my foot keeps dislodging the panel in the floor covering it while driving or getting in or out of it.  It does go well though, and is better on fuel with the six speed gearbox. Far more room in the rear as well.  Steering is nicer, it hasn't got any cruise control or air con etc but I'm not bothered about that, the old van didn't have them either.  We will see what it's like long term, with lockdown and tier 4 it hasn't been far yet.

Pete.

My Pug Partner is like that, just a shame my Dispatch doesn't have the same.   

Pete.

My 2.0 HDI Dispatch used to cut out suddenly at any speed, it did it once in the middle lane of the M60, but would always start again straight away.  That was the electric stop on the pump causing it, an easy replacement, and it has been fine since.

Pete.

If it had dodgy valves that weren't seating then it would be missfiring badly.  Easiest way to test compressions is to rotate the crankshaft with a socket etc and note where it comes onto compression with each cylinder, (put two Tippex marks on the pulley and the timing cover) and if one is 'iffy' then you will soon notice as it will turn freely in that spot.

Pete.

http://pmmonline.co.uk/technical/clutch … t-expert/#  Seems the subframe doesn't need removing which is good news as the bolts are probably siezed!

Pete.

My 2006 HDI has an anti roll bar, perhaps it is just the non tubo versions that don't?

Pete.

I also have a 2006 (registered early 2007) ex Scottish Water 2.0 HDI Dispatch and didn't realise there were differences?  I do know there is plenty of surface corrosion under it though!

Mine failed this week on a broken front spring as well!  Thirty quid and a few hours work sorted it, all ready for a weekend away in Lancashire tomorrow now.

Every disability converted vehicle I have come across, car or van and any make, have nearly always had the fuel tank reduced but the same sender is used.  Two neighbours had converted Vauxhalls and both ran out of fuel while the guage read half full, seems to be normal and something you just have to get used to?

Another update, today I fitted an exchange alternator and still the ignition light doesn't illuminate!  An auto electrician would seem to be the next step.  On the plus side I found that all the bearings in the various tensioner pulleys etc were rattly so I replaced them and the engine is much quieter so at least something positive has been acheived.

Pete.

Right, an update!   Today I checked the voltage both when on idle and at around mid speed and it is only charging at 14.43 volts so I guess that, even though the light is not functioning correctly, it is charging OK?  My mate, who I bought the van off, delivered it to me in Derbyshire from Carlisle and then told me that the warning light came on faintly a few days before so he got a mechanic to check it over and he confirmed that it was working normally apart from the light problem.  I may leave it for a while and see what develops, it starts OK even after a few days standing so I'm not too concerned as it isn't overcharging the battery.

The windows I will  sort out, just having them working when the key is in the 'accessory position' like my Partner will be fine, the misses can open the window then without me having the engine running!

That just leaves this mysterious black stub/pipe, I can feel slight suction when I place my finger over the end so it obviously feeds into the inlet side of the head but what should connect to it I know not! The cars don't have it!  Maybe a Dispatch turbo owner can advise me, I have seen a pic on ebay of an angled connector fastened to it but where or what it feeds I haven't a clue?

Thank's for the advice anyway, I also have an oil leak from the valve cover gasket and that looks like a fun task to tackle as access isn't a strong point with these vans!

Pete.