Ford Courier/Mazda Bounty 4x4 known faults?

[kiwiginga]

I'm new to this forum and after owning a honda vtec for a while, i thought it was a time for a change. I've had a look at nice utes online and Couriers/Bounty's seem to take my interest the most.
I am aware of the gearbox problems these trucks face and the radiators clogging up. Is there anything else I should be aware of before purchasing?
I've found several with reconditioned gearboxes on trademe with reasonable price tags.
My budget is no more than $12k and i would much prefer a turbo diesel to be able to pass cars on the open road occasionally without trouble.

Cheers in advance.

[Cambo]

Welcome, Ive had a 2004 XLT turbo diesel 4X4 and was a great truck, brought it at 140k and sold around 260k from memory. During that time had no issues with it at all! I did all my own servicing 5k oil 10k oil & filter, greasing etc.
We used these in the mines, aswell as every other make and the only thing better was the V8 Landcruiser. The Courier went far more places than the new Hiluxs with far less work needing to be done to keep them running compared to the Hiluxs.

Bascially if it is well maintained IMHO they are a very good ute, and I would quite happily own one again.

[sibainmud]

Had a 2002 bounty. Cracked head. Apparently they do one every 160,000 k's. Mine had done 280 when i bought it, and 350 when sold on. New Chinese head with machining, valves and studs= $1100. Had heaps of grunt and could pass shopping carts on the open road going up hills and left my brothers '05 sheep shagger for dust on hills too
Here's what the bore looked like at 320,000.



That was number 3. Notice the water stains from the crack.

Cheers,

[hamboy]

Front wheel bearings 03 onwards, have done eight between two utes in the last year. (800kms a week)

[Crash bandicoot]

if it's been owned by a farmer look hard at the chassi just behind the cab and also the drivers floor area. rust that is.

[DaveM]

The work ones (04/05ish) have had gearbox problems, and multiple cracked heads.

[kiwiginga]

Thanks a bunch guys, just bought one. Had a gearbox rebuild and new clutch recently.
Does anyone have a workshop manual for these?

[motardbiker]

glow plugs, just replaced a few sets in mates utes, tip - dont buy the cheap ones, you'll only end up replacing them in about a year.

[sibainmud]

glow plugs, just replaced a few sets in mates utes, tip - dont buy the cheap ones, you'll only end up replacing them in about a year.

I was going to mention that too. Mine used to eat glow plugs. There are different height plugs too so replace all with the same type at the same time.
Best of luck with the new wagon.

Cheers,

[kiwiginga]

Reviving an old forum but heres a workshop manual:
https://mega.co.nz/#!OkwCCRRL!P95xfPekM ... FGaoB5smZw

Good old dotcom

[kiwiginga]

Right, here's my theory. I replaced my radiator with an aftermarket one with bigger tubes because the old one was literally getting stuffed (the side brackets were widening). Could this be a reason why these crack heads?

Stuffed Radiator = Overheating engine = Cracked Head?

Just a thought

[Crash bandicoot]

Right, here's my theory. I replaced my radiator with an aftermarket one with bigger tubes because the old one was literally getting stuffed (the side brackets were widening). Could this be a reason why these crack heads?

Stuffed Radiator = Overheating engine = Cracked Head?

Just a thought

Exhaust gas temp. If a Diesel engine(regardless of make or age) has high EGT's it will convert to a boat anchor faster then you can get your fishing gear ready.