Hunting idle - should I avoid this Hijet?

Hi all -

I'm now on my quest for a Hijet and been to see a 1.3 LPG van which has been stood for a while.

All seems as you would expect but the one thing I'm wary of is that it has the much-talked about up/down/up/down hunting idle. I've read various threads so I'm looking at the probability of the coolant level being either low or an air-block in the idle control valve but, in people's experience, should I avoid parting with my hard-earned cash for this van which may be giving the first sign of real issues, or is this regarded as an easy-fix, happens to all of 'em kind of situation.

Thanks for all the help,

Disco Troll.

Did you check the coolant level and what is the asking price?

As far as I remember the water just needs topping up if that happens.

Didn't get to see the coolant level (not 100% sure of what to look for and what is good/bad to be completely honest). Temp gauge sat at half-way whilst the van stood there idling.

Van is a 2003 and looking at paying about £500 tops.....

If it isn't down to the water level being low then it is most likely to be the Temperature Sensor on the back of the cylinder head. It has 3 wires on a plug going into it.
From  cold it will warm normally on a high tick over then slowly settle down   and then all of a sudden it will rev-up and slow down then go on like that revving up, and dropping down.  

Replacing the Sensor is pretty straight forward with access through the removed gearbox cover. If this turns out to be the problem then I have used ones in stock.

Hi Woodie -

You have just described it exactly - started fine, high idle whilst it warmed then up/down all of a sudden...

Yes, it is the sensor on the back of the head. Email me your mobile number to : thehijetmaniow@gmail.com

Woodie wrote:Yes, it is the sensor on the back of the head. Email me your mobile number to : thehijetmaniow@gmail.com

You have mail

Would have preferred a female.

Blimey! Hijet advice *and* smart one-liners!

Nobody is going to be as good as Logi. He is the King of the One Liners.

Yep - reckon he's sitting on the side-lines, waiting for the best moment to get in a killer line that will blow us all out the water...

So true.

Aw shucks,

(actually got bugger all worthless to add )

Logi wrote:Aw shucks,

(actually got bugger all worthless to add )

OK - We'll keep spinning this one along until we hit a suitable point for you to floor us with a belter!  Bit like the straight guy in a double-act....

Nah, I'm going to fuck with yer head and be boring

The van, got a link to it or pics? TBH £500 is banger money, if it doesn't overheat it seems like a good price, imho.

Can't post links yet as I'm new(ish) to the forum but it is the one that either you or Woodie (I think) pointed me in the direction of when I posted as a newbie earlier in the week about getting a Hijet. It's on Gumtree and is in Waterlooville (Hampshire).

Price is low as it's on a Cat C but this is just the rear valance and back door dented (by a motorcycle of all things) but it comes with the replacement door so fixing isn't a big issue. Apart from that for a 2003 it's in good nick and ready for some TLC....

Could you can get it for £350?

PFM wrote:Could you can get it for £350?

Don't think so - can I ask why £350?

discotroll wrote:

PFM wrote:Could you can get it for £350?

Don't think so - can I ask why £350?

Cos it's £150 less than £500?

BOOM! BOOM!

Just looked at it again, yeah £350, needs more than a tailgate, bet the new one don't fit too well at the bottom and the lpg tank lives in there too. Be wary.

Oh yes - the rear bodywork all needs pulling out and sorting - as you say this will need to get fully sorted to match the replacement door.

I've had a crawl underneath and the LPG tank looks untouched - definitely no movement to it or the restraining straps or impact marks on it. The actual hit was between the LPG tank and the battery tray so they both look good and square still....

As long as the slam panel is straight. That's important obviously to shut the new tailgate.
But also it's a meaty bit of box section to straighten and not exactly the easiest DIY
Job..

Did you check the water level the second time you looked at it?
I know you said that the temperature gauge stayed halfway. How long did you leave it running for and was it still blowing hot air out of the dash Vents?

(That's vents to the screen, not vents to the face which are always cold, DT)

Thanks for that reminder PFM. I tend to take that for granted, but forget that it can cause Newbies /New Owners to panic.

Big thanks to all for your input - I've passed on this particular Hijet after getting everyone's informed opinion so thankyou for saving my money (and "no" you don't all get to share it out amongst yourselves now )

Like to give a special 'heads-up' to Woodie who took the time to talk the project through with me on the phone - and that's to a 'newbie' on the site not an established member of the Hijet gang so many thanks!    

Disco Troll (Duck!)

Cheers DT(D). It's always nice to be able to help appreciative members, whether they are Newbies or Oldies.

Just remember that Newbies can look at problems or whatever from a fresh approach, thinking outside of the box. And older members benefit from their new or different knowledge.

So if you are aren't sure of something - then ask. Doesn't matter if it sounds stupidly simple or extremely difficult - you will still get the pee taken out of you whoever you are. You are in my book going to fit right in. Disc Duck !!

I've always believed it's better to look a dick asking than looking a bigger dick for not.