Transit fuel consumption and power loss

I'm having some issues with my 2001 Ford Transit diesel. It's got about 116k km on the clock. Lately, I've noticed a significant increase in fuel consumption, and the engine power seems to have dropped. It also occasionally stalls when idling and kicks out a lot of smoke when I accelerate. I've checked for any obvious leaks and had a look at the usual suspects, but I'm struggling to pinpoint the exact cause. Any ideas?

4 comment(s)

Hey, that sounds familiar. I had a similar problem with my old Renault a while back. Same symptoms – poor fuel economy, loss of power, stalling. Turned out to be a dodgy connection in the fuel injection system. Did you check the cable and plug connections to the injectors themselves? Maybe try cleaning the contacts with some electrical contact cleaner?

Thanks for the tip! When you say 'dodgy connection', was it visibly corroded, or was it more subtle? And where exactly was the connection located on your Renault? Just trying to get a better idea of what I'm looking for on the Transit.

It wasn't visibly corroded, more like a loose connection that was causing intermittent problems. On the Renault, it was the main connector block going into the injection pump. Given the symptoms, I'd still recommend taking it to a workshop if you are not able to find anything. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! I took it to a local workshop, and you were spot on – it was a faulty plug connection in the injection system. They cleaned it up and secured it properly. Cost me 95€, but it's running much better now!

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