Attention 80 series VX owners

[ChurchurDan]

I thought I would post this as a heads up for those members that have an 80 series VX cruiser that is fitted with a manifold heater, not all of them have one and it is an element in between the turbo outlet pipe and inlet manifold.

I have now repaired 2 of these at work where the solenoid that switches power to the heater element have fallen to pieces and caught fire. The solenoid is mounted under the drivers side battery tray so it is not visible and if it shorts out sets fire to the battery tray and battery. The first one I repaired needed a new battery and tray, new headlight, extensive wiring repairs and painting of the corner of the engine bay bonnet and guard. The second one wasn't so bad and just needed a solenoid and wiring repairs. While doing the repair to the first one the insurance assessor told me he was seeing a few burnt in that corner.

Yesterday at work I spoke to a good customer of mine who has a agricultural spraying business, he told me that his VX had caught fire while parked in the shed with one of the spray trucks, both vehicles and the shed were destroyed.

If you have a vx with a manifold heater I would strongly suggest removing the battery tray and inspecting the solenoid, If the 2 main terminals are loose or moveable remove the solenoid and replace it. If in any doubt disconnect it they will start fine without it anyway.
This seems to affect both 12 and 24 valve models.

[kiwipete]

Thanks to the heads up on this, it is something I will look for when I get my new truck

[S1V8]

how do you know that you have a manifold heater and what do you look for

[ChurchurDan]

Basically it will look like a spacer between the cross over pipe and inlet manifold with a heavy cable bolted to one end. And they don't all have one.
Unfortunately the only way to check the solenoid is to remove the drivers side battery tray.

[rodeorunach]

Do you know where the power feed is to this
Should be able to unhook the power to the unit
With out having to remove the battery and other stuff
Ta

[ChurchurDan]

It will be through one of the fuse links, possibly off the drivers side battery terminal. I have never actually traced it back.

[mudlva]

and while you are under the bonnet pop the steering box bolts off and check for cracking around the mounting holes on the chassis rails. I've seen and heard off quite a few vehicles that have had to have serious welding done to repair this problem

[sig]

was thinking about disconnecting mine anyway so I can intercool it .may have to do it sooner cheers guys for the heads up .this is one of the good things about forums