AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

ZL;;;., First-hand advice

16th May 1975, Page 37
16th May 1975
Page 37
Page 38
Page 37, 16th May 1975 — ZL;;;., First-hand advice
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

imvs on second-hand Hifo

purchase

WITH NEW-VEHICLE costs rising more quickly than second-hand prices, and With the problems of obtaining capital which operators face today, small firms are likely to turn more readily to the usedvehicle market than in the past.

Regardless of whether a used vehicle is purchased privately, at an auction or from a dealer or trader, the same -buyer's rules" apply: make thorough checks on the vehicle and its history before concluding a deal.

If the vendor is genuine he will be able to supply vehicle service and maintenance records for 'inspection. These muSt be Studied closely and the eventual sale price should take into account large items such as clutch renewal or brake relining Which may fall due immediately after purchase.

When tested?

Check when the vehicle was last plated, and if the test is ndt far off make sure the vehicle is given a thorough once-over. You may, for a price consideration, be able to persuade a dealer to put the vehicle into teSt condition for you.

The vehicle records are useful, but there is no substitute for your own checks — rigor ous but simple — which can be carried out when inspecting the vehicle.

I visited two companies, 0. T. Jackson Ltd, of Langley, Birmingham, and Ford & Slater, of Leicester, to find out how they vet the used vehicles that they offer for sale.

I learned that as one might expect external appearance of the vehicle usually provides a good indication of general condition. If the truck is clean, the body in good order and the cab tidy and not damaged, either inside or outside, then it's a fair bet that it has had careful drivers. If the vehicle has an unkempt appearance and has superficial body, chassis or cab damage, then make sure it has a close mechanical scrutiny.

Once in the cab start the engine; note the oil pressure before and after the engine is warm. The difference provides a good indication to the condition of the engine bearings. When the engine is warm rev up with the truck Stationary: if blue smoke 'is emitted from the exhaust the cylinder bores/ pistons are, or soon will be, in need of attention.

Remove the oil filler cap and check for any excessive backpressure from the crankcase that Will vent through it. This will also denote worn cylinder bores, or perhaps worse. At the same time look at the engine crankcase breather for similar Signs denoting engine wear.

When the engine is just warm carefully remove the radiator cap and check the surface Of the coolant for air bubbles or oil contamination. This is a simple check, which though not conclusive will indicate if the cylinder head gasket is failing or even that the 'head is cracked.

If you have a trained "mechanical ear" listen for any undue engine knocks or grumbles that could lead to large bills and extensive downtime. If you have no mechanical leanings then take someone with you who has; it cot well worth more than a in the local afterwards.

Expensive

When running the v around the block checl engine exhaust for smoke, a symptom of fau listen for any unnecessary noises from the pump and keep a check on how long it takes for the body to reach the fully tipped position. If the body is slow to rise there could be a fault in the gear.

When the body is stowed in the down-position run your eye along the chassis/body line : this is a good method of checking for misalignment and anything serious can be followed up more closely.

When looking at tractive units take a close look around the fifth-wheel coupling for fatigue cracks; and make sure that there is no undue slack in the jaws.

Regardless of how good the vehicle seems to be from a stationary inspection it is best to drive it for yourself. If the owner refuses to let you drive but would rather demonstrate, be wary—because he may be covering up defects that you would have exposed.

A potential buyer must subject trailers to the same checks as chassis and, if fitted, the body. Probably the check that is most frequently missed or glossed over is that of the kingpin. Take a close look at the pin and in its immediate vicinity for fatigue cracks and check •the pin for severe wear that would make it a sloppy fit in the coupling jaws, or prevent the trailer from coupling.

Apart from vehicles, used workshop equipment and tools can also be purchased in good condition. J. Molesworth Edwards, Greystones, The Hall, Martineau Lane, Fairlight, nr Hastings, Sussex, carries large stocks of second-hand equipment, which is sold for between 50 and 60 per cent of list price. The equipment available runs virtually from the smallest Allan key to the largest vehicle lift.

Hand tools such as spanners are easily checked for condition, but larger pieces and precision built equipment Will need close checking.

Vehicle hoists and other large items should, ideally, be assembled and demonstrated to the purchaser's satisfaction. Precision-built equipment is difficult to check without special equipment; basically if it looks clean, well maintained, and there are no signs of damage then its probably in good condition. If there is any doubt, a genuine vendor will not object to the equipment being tested or checked by the manufacturer.

Tags


comments powered by Disqus