Technical Fiat Ducato 14, 2.5L, 1995

[ciomag]

Hi!
I have 2 technical issues with my old Fiat Ducato 14, from 1995, 2.5L engine.
1. It has a lot of rust underneath. The last service I've been to have basically said they wouldn't know what to do. Do you believe it's salvageable - and if yes, how - or I should stop putting money into it?
2. Yesterday, the engine started for a few seconds, died off and then wouldn't start. As I turn the key, there is a noise as if the starter is running, but won't manage to start the car. I've changed the battery a few weeks back and the starter last year.
I'm attaching the audio recording zipped.

Thanks a lot guys!
Razvan

 

[bugsymike]

In this Country the rust would condemn it , but I don't know what the second hand vehicle situation is like where you are.
Re the engine I would check timing belt is OK and timing not "slipped" and then maybe check the compressions before spending any more money.
Listening to it, it sounds as though it's only trying to find enough compression on one or two cylinders.
Is there white smoke "unburnt fuel" coming out of the exhaust pipe when using starter?

 

[ciomag]

Thanks!
Would you have a picture of what to check as timing belt and not slipped. The belt seems to be in its place. And what to check on the compressions specifically?
It seems to almost start: there's a small volume of white smoke and then some black smoke as it's almost starting, then stops.

 

[bugsymike]

Thanks!
Would you have a picture of what to check as timing belt and not slipped. The belt seems to be in its place. And what to check on the compressions specifically?
It seems to almost start: there's a small volume of white smoke and then some black smoke as it's almost starting, then stops.

If you can give me the Series Number, 8140** from chassis plate under bonnet usually on slam panel, I may be able to give you the correct timing belt fitting and checking details.
Once you know the belt is timed correctly and not slack, it may be possible to with ignition switched OFF to turn the engine using a socket and ratchet by hand to feel if you have four good even compressions. On the recording it didn't sound like it to me, but hopefully I an wrong .
I assume you have clean fuel with no air in it.

 

[ciomag]

If you can give me the Series Number, 8140** from chassis plate under bonnet usually on slam panel, I may be able to give you the correct timing belt fitting and checking details.
Once you know the belt is timed correctly and not slack, it may be possible to with ignition switched OFF to turn the engine using a socket and ratchet by hand to feel if you have four good even compressions. On the recording it didn't sound like it to me, but hopefully I an wrong .
I assume you have clean fuel with no air in it.

You mean the chassis series number or the timing belt series? The chassis does not start with 8140, that's why I'm asking.
On the clean fuel: how would I know if this is not the case?

 

[bugsymike]

It's not the Vin. number, it is on the other details on that plate regarding the engine type and usually starts something like 8140.**
I have just checked my book on the Sofim engines, but they only list the later 2.8 versions, details are basically the same although yours will have a pin to locate/lock the injector pump timing unlike the later ECU controlled Common Rail engines.
Re the air in fuel, you may be able to hand prime the fuel into a container and check no air bubbles which can come from a poor seal at the fuel filter or even the lift pump etc. It may also be worth checking for water in the fuel filter if it has a water trap or drain on it.
Others on the Forum may have better timing information on the 2.5 engine.