My Surf has just developed a problem…

[PDR]

My Surf has developed a problem over the last few days…

When started from cold it feels as thought it is not firing on all 6 cylinders (it’s the V6 petrol engine), it will tick over Ok and after maybe 4-5 miles of driving the problem seems to disappear and by the time I get to work (12 miles) the engine is running perfectly smooth.

Anyone have a suggestion as to what it might be?
Faulty spark plug, ignition lead, blocked fuel injector, air filter, fuel line filter or something else?

I plan to take it for a service and get the oil leak from the right hand rocker cover sorted at the same time (I could probably do the gasket myself as there does not seem to be much it the way on that side of the engine apart from the air filter pipe).

I’m not sure if it best to go and buy the service items myself ready for the garage to fit or just to let a garage do the whole job.

For the last few years I have been taking my vehicles to the local garage in the village (I’ve had very good service from them), but I’m wondering if it is worth giving Bob “Hilux” a shout as he is bound to have more experience with these engines (this Surf used to be one of his).

Can’t really do much at the moment as I fly out to Africa next week and won’t be back till February.

Paul

[logey79]

have you checked the basics like, air filter, spark plugs etc? when did you last service it?

[da SLUG man]

service and change plugs and leads should cure it... simple stuff first.


not sure what sort of ignition / distributor etc. they have, but have a look inside the cap if you can for damge (cracks, worn contacts, rotor etc.)

i dunno if it's even injection or carb / spi?

[truckarms]

Yeah I would agree a good service first then start worrying if it still not working, I would then check the AFM (seems to be the biggest problem area at the moment for the V6 club)

[Apache]

I'd go for a spray of WD40 on the HT components (leads, coil etc) first to see if that clears it up. Almost certainly the leads showing itself this time of year when it's damp.

[max6674]

Sounds like a hair line split in one of the leads, which when warm is them making a better contact.. My last Landy had that problem when I got it.