jackal Member 13 Member For: 19y 10m 16d Posted 23/10/08 05:22 AM Share Posted 23/10/08 05:22 AM Hey all, looking at buying an 03 BA XL ute with the Barra 220 3V V8/manual box. What can anyone tell me about the long term reliabiity of these engines? car will be occasional use only, and tow a horse float once a month or so (1900kg loaded). I have heard stories of spark plugs seizing in the heads, necessitating removal of the heads to fix this. Can anyone elaborate? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RHR BOOST Moderating Team 5,698 Member For: 21y 2m 27d Gender: Male Location: Southern Highlands NSW Posted 23/10/08 05:35 AM Share Posted 23/10/08 05:35 AM First ive heard. They have used them in the states for ages in their "trucks" like the f250 so I would imagine they would be pretty good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Venom XR6 Member 1,460 Member For: 21y 7m 6d Location: Geelong Victoria Posted 23/10/08 06:56 AM Share Posted 23/10/08 06:56 AM They are very reliable. The spark plug problem is usually caused by not following the correct procedure for their removal. The engine needs to be warmed first, and it may help to spray a bit of wd down the plug holes before you start, and they then need to be carefully removed. Ford have a technical service bulletin relating to this.Plugs should have the threads lubed before they are fitted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackal Member 13 Member For: 19y 10m 16d Posted 24/10/08 02:36 AM Author Share Posted 24/10/08 02:36 AM thanks for that. Now I understand that autos are rated to tow 2300kg and manuals only 1600kg. Is that a mechanical limitation or based on traction? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
senna_T Forged Member Lifetime Members 15,818 Member For: 17y 9m 25d Gender: Male Location: SW Sydney Posted 24/10/08 03:04 AM Share Posted 24/10/08 03:04 AM I believe it is a clutch related issue. When you consider how much torque the engine makes coupled with the extra load on the back, I don't believe the clutch would be capable of holding under acceleration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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