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Ford Econovan FE Van 63kW (1986-1988) (1986–1988)

The Ford Econovan, a timeless classic, has been cherished as both family transport and a light commercial vehicle. Known for its practicality and affordability, this vehicle wiki offers critical insights for Econovan owners, ensuring they get the most out of their prized possession. Discover how to maintain your Econovan and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Parts for the Ford Econovan FE Van 63kW (1986-1988)

Known issues

Owners often report experiencing the following:
• Manual Gearbox Weakness: Synchro failure, particularly in 2nd gear, is a known issue.
• Rust: Especially prevalent in coastal areas, requiring preventative measures.
• Overheating: Can occur when the vehicle is heavily loaded.

These issues tend to surface around 150,000 to 250,000 km.

WOF tips

When taking your Econovan for a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection, be aware that inspectors typically pay close attention to:
• Corrosion: Especially around wheel arches and sills.
• Rear Suspension: Including leaf springs and bushes.

About the Ford Econovan FE Van 63kW (1986-1988)

Under the Skin of Your Ford Econovan

The Econovan's straightforward design has made it a popular choice for many, but keeping it in optimal condition means addressing a few key areas. Regular maintenance can significantly extend its life and reliability. As you hit around 150,000 km, pay special attention to your cooling system to prevent overheating—key components such as the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses should all be checked. This naturally links to our Cooling category, where you'll find essential parts to ensure your Econovan's heart keeps ticking.

Don't forget about the manual gearbox as well. Many owners have reported synchro issues, particularly in 2nd gear, so it's wise to keep an eye on your shifting. If you hear unusual noises, it might be time to inspect the gearbox input shaft and consider a gearbox service.

Rust can be another issue for the Econovan, especially in coastal areas. Regular inspections and treatments can save you from extensive repairs down the line. For those tackling rust damage, head over to our Braking and Filtration categories for parts that can enhance both safety and efficiency.

Ready for a tune-up? Regularly scheduled maintenance should include %spark_plug_replacement% and don't overlook your brake system. The front brake service is essential—check out our affordable options to keep you and your passengers safe.

Questions owners ask

What are the common issues to look out for with a 1986-1988 Ford Econovan in New Zealand?
Owners of the 1986-1988 Ford Econovan often report issues with manual gearbox weakness, particularly synchro failure in 2nd gear. Rust is also a common problem, especially in coastal areas, and overheating can occur when the vehicle is heavily loaded. These issues typically surface between 150,000 km and 250,000 km.
My Ford Econovan is overheating, what should I check first?
If your 1986-1988 Ford Econovan is overheating, especially around 150,000 km, you should pay close attention to your cooling system. Key components to check include the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses. You can find essential parts in our Cooling category to help resolve this.
Where can I get a new water pump for my 1986-1988 Ford Econovan in NZ?
You can find a new water pump for your 1986-1988 Ford Econovan in New Zealand through CARFIX. We stock a wide range of parts, including those for the cooling system, which are crucial for preventing overheating in your Econovan.
What should I be aware of when taking my 1986-1988 Ford Econovan for a WOF inspection?
When taking your 1986-1988 Ford Econovan for a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection in New Zealand, inspectors typically pay close attention to corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and sills. They also scrutinise the rear suspension, including the leaf springs and bushes.
I'm having trouble with 2nd gear in my manual Ford Econovan. What could be the problem?
Many owners of the 1986-1988 Ford Econovan with a manual gearbox report synchro issues, particularly in 2nd gear. If you're experiencing unusual noises or difficulty shifting, it might be time to inspect the gearbox input shaft and consider a gearbox service.
How often should I service the brakes on my Ford Econovan?
Regularly scheduled maintenance for your 1986-1988 Ford Econovan should include attention to your brake system. A front brake service is essential to ensure safety. You can find affordable options for brake parts in our Braking category.