The Dispatch | Expert | Scudo Hub

I've heard of brake compensators like the one on the inner wing of my early Carlton, but never heard of an LPV that actually varies rear braking pressure due to pressure on a lever according to load carried. I do some of my own maintenance, and as I didn't know this valve existed, it sounds like it needs lubricating.

I very rarely carry heavy loads, so I suppose that the valve hasn't had a lot of use. Bearing in mind that I have owned my van for over 12 years and never paid the LPV any attention - will it still be OK? Or am I worrying about nothing and if it passes the MOT every year it must be OK?

Thanks to Tiree and Casper. Will have a go and see how I get on.

Thanks for your answer, Casper. That makes sense, should be able to open the lid enough after removing hose.

Out of interest - I couldn't see any obvious way to take the MAF connector off side of filter box. Must be a special way to disconnect. When you refer to 'block connector', do you mean the connector on side of filter box - or is there a connector further down the wire, maybe in area under battery?

Thanks Ken, she's not too bad. And I'm definitely not from bonny Scotland, only Devon and Cornwall is further south than where I am.

The Scudo's very straight and only one small rust scab. Do tend to find these don't rust much, though those north of the border may disagree. All original paint except the top half of o/s sliding door. Bought her in mid 2007, just before first MOT was due. Amazingly, I've had her MOT'd  at the same place and she's never failed an MOT. The odd advisory, but always sorted before next MOT.

95K on the clock and original pretty much all main mechanics are original. Early on, had to replace a leaking combined hose and metal pipe from PAS reservoir to rack. Had a slightly worrying one last year. Parked van on drive and next morning she wouldn't move - one front wheel locked solid. The spring had broken and slid down the strut jamming itself against inner wall of tyre. Luckily it hadn't touched brake pipes or the brake pad wear sensor wire. Had to put a new spring on myself on the drive as it's narrow and difficult access. No way to tow it out.

Wasn't difficult to change the spring except for one thing I didn't know. I just couldn't get the strut to fit back in, even levering it. Didn't seem to be enough room to get it into turret at top and bottom mounting. Then a mate told me to take the weight off the other front wheel, which I had on the ground. Apparently jacking the other front wheel to take the weight off of it takes the twist out of the roll bar and allowed the strut to fit in. So, need the weight off of both front wheels if changing a strut.

Apart from that, just been service stuff, pads, shoes, exhausts, etc. I bought the van from Kent and the previous company owner gave me all the old main dealer receipts and I was amazed at the amount of money the dealers screw out of the first owners of vehicles. Was several thousand, and every time it went in for services, etc they went to town on it, replacing all sorts of stuff. I've hardly spent a fraction in eleven years of what they spent on an almost new van. Dealers must screw company owners in particular.

Have done regular camping trips, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Lake District. Few runs over channel to Brittany. Friend has recently moved to Czech Republic, so hope to take her over there maybe next year.

The van's original apart from bulkhead, Van Vault and limo black tinting on rear door glass. It's ply lined, so I think that's the ply on the floor you can see below the stove. It's only a camping cooker, not fitted to van.

That's pretty much it really. Think I'll keep her until she falls apart. I'm quite tall and I really like the high seating position. Don't like the newer vans with all the DPF and emissions stuff - these engines seem bullet proof with regular oil and filter changes. Wouldn't know what to change it for.

If you want to know anything else, please ask.

I also own a Carlton 2200 CDi  1986(D) - last of the old shape, not the more modern jelly mould shape.