KE-JG

Thanks for the input. Good news is that the replacement engine turned out to be an extra good one. Goes up the big hills just like a 5K, so worth the effort. JG

Some one mentioned on here recently that having the wrong oil filter caused the engine to rattle on start-up until the oil pressure came up. Is this for real?? Is there a non-return valve in some of them?? Reason that I'm concerned is that I just spent a lot of effort and skinned knuckles changing out an engine because it rattled like that on start-up. It ran quiet and well the rest of the time, but I'm wanting to sell the vehicle, so it would be hard to convince a buyer with a rattle like that. If all this hassle and effort was just due to an oil filter I'll be P**** off..... The filter that was on there was a Purolator L20064. JG

I looked into adding backseats in a panel van in Qld. and it's very difficult to do legally. Problems with front seats needing to be immediatey releasable to allow exit in an emergency. Better check it out with a machinery inspector beforehand...... JG

Some time ago there was mention of Ford seats that fit KE70 rails. Anyone remember which model Ford?? I've hunted the search, but can't find that connection. JG

Anyone know the weights of a ke70 wagon '83, and a ke36 p/van '75??

Anyone know what the compression ratio is for a standard 5K? I measured it by filling the combustion chamber with oil, etc. to be about 8.5, but that seems a bit low..... I'm now running on LPG, so could handle 10.5. Anyone know how much to take off the head to get 10.5???

For a good daily driver at low cost I sure like my set up in a KE70. Just a 5K with a 20-60 cam, same old carb, same exhaust. Still has good pulling power at the low end for traffic, and good economy - 12km/litre. But when you need to get up and go, it really winds from 60 to 100km in third - great for hills and getting onto the freeway! Cost $120 for the cam (Tighe), no changes needed to the lifters or rocker gear, and a really good improvement on the stock 5K.

A floating earth somewhere can give those sort of illogical symptoms.

Finally some detailed observations based on real life experience - just what I've been waiting to hear. Sobering.............. Looks like it would take way to long to pay off in a 4cyl. I've just been pondering to put gas in my KE70 wagon with 5K+mild cam. Goes really great with this combo. Probably has enough power to spare for steady driving with gas, but then I live in the hills and need all of it every time I want to outrun one of those UAV's (Urban Assault Vehicles) up the Landsborough/Maleny hill! Like the man said, "treat yourself to all the power you can get." Guess I'd better stick with what I've got........

Good useful post. Well done!

Whining diff no real problem, just turn up the music and drive faster. Growling diff - find another one now.

I once did an oil change while my mate was gapping the plugs. When finished, the engine wouldn't turn over. Oil had run down a plug hole and filled a cylinder - hydraulic lock.

To release a torsion bar, go to the end that is anchored to the body. Bend aside the little tab that holds it in the notch. Slip a piece of 12x12 rhs or pipe of the right daimeter over the end of the torsion bar and lever it out of the notch.

Anyone have experience with spraying metallic paint and clear coat??? I have plenty of experience with ordinary colour acrylics and get good results, but a bit wary of these metallics - could be a disappointing mess I think if not done right. Any different technique in laying on base coats? Same viscosity? Any tips on how to handle overspray on roof and bonnet when you can't sand back? What viscosity for clear coat? How many coats? I searched Google but couldn't find anything really useful - anyone know of any good links?

How can you possibly get by without a bench grinder with wire wheel?????? I use mine so often that it should have a step-on switch for convenience. I keep a pair of visegrips right next to the grinder for holding the heads of small bolts, and other parts that need cleaning up - sure saves on skin.