Submitted by Porthcawl Steve on Sat, 06/03/2010 - 08:14
Posted in
I wonder if anyone can help solve this little problem.
I became the owner of a Daihatsu HiJet 1300cc petrol in February and soon found that it overheated on even the shortest of journeys.
Topping it up every morning, and sometimes in the afternoon too, sorted that out, but yesterday something happened which still baffles me.
I topped the water level up as usual, but when I started the little beast a mechanical tapping came from the engine, but it stopped as the revs built up and did not reappear until the late afternoon. The expansion tank started boiling after about 30 miles, so I pulled over, let it cool, added more water and the needle stayed in the middle. Then, as I made my way home it stalled whenever I stopped, but I persevered, intent on getting home by 9PM. Halfway down the M4 doing a steady 65mph, there was a loud metallic whirring noise, followed by a temporary loss of power, but I plodded onwards until the loud noise reappeared, followed by the ‘battery’ light coming on, then the engine died and would not restart.
I called out Green Flag and their mechanic had a look but could not find what was wrong, so I ended up being towed home, arriving at midnight. My son is a mechanic but has never seen one of these before, let alone worked on one, so can anyone please guide me in the right direction ???
Hi Jet problems
The HiJet was towed to my mate Mike the Mechanic's garage, where he discovered that water had been leaking from the back of the engine, which, on reflection, was probably why I had to top it up twice daily. Strangely, when it broke down, I had already developed the habit of constantly checking the temperature gauge and can vouch that the needle had stayed in the centre of the dial, although the engine was slowly basting.
Having paid £990 for it less than a month ago, I cannot afford the £200 (plus fitting) required, so have reverted back to driving a trusty Vauxhall.
While it went, driving the HiJet was great fun and I quickly became used to giggling kids who all seemed to think Postman Pat had changed his mode of transport. I had looked forward to using it to take my family to the beach and would buy another one, after having it checked over first.
If any Daihatsu fans out there wish to snap up a great bargain why not do so at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280477081869