Hi Trols,
My 1990 TB42 is showing signs of old age now.

Technical:
  • Dual Fuel
  • Electronic ignition (Pirhana)
  • Carburettor (Nikki)
  • New ignition leads (Eagle)
  • New Coil (Magnecor)
  • Always clean airfilter (K & N filter )
  • Variable LPG flow mixer ( BLOS )
  • Variable LPG / Petrol timing (Auto retard on Petrol)



The symptoms:
  • Starts almost always very good , as if a light switch is flicked over.
  • 'By ear' it runs reasonable smooth well as well on LPG gas and Petrol. A slight irregular beat when I really put my ears to it (Very old ears)
  • Climbing our steepish mountains in the Warrumbungle Ranges is becoming a real drag. Near the top of a very long steep climb ... out of puff to near standstill.
  • Does not use any oil of significance between changes (7500 - 10000 km)
  • When changing oil the colour is still reasonable clean (Not even close as black as with my old Land Rovers in the past)
  • Uses an amount of coolant , 1/2 liter or more every 2500 km I guess.
  • Clean looking exhaust fumes.



Diagnosed:
  • Owned since 2016 and do not drive a lot but we live remote so I drive only longer distances - I notice the engine running at its best after about 20 minutes.
  • 400000 km done ( I think ... previous owner mentioned some speedo issues in the past so it will most likely be more)
  • Compression cold and dry: Cyl 1 130 PSI // Cyl 2 130 PSI // Cyl 3 130 PSI // Cyl 4 ... 40-50 PSI .... // Cyl 5 120 PSI // Cyl 6 145 PSI
  • Compression cold and with squirt of engine oil:: Cyl 1 150 PSI // Cyl 2 150+ PSI // Cyl 3 150+ PSI // Cyl 4 ... 40-50 PSI .... // Cyl 5 130 PSI // Cyl 6 155 PSI
  • Repeated compression test next day not having run in between, almost the same results as when done immediately after oiled test.
  • Spark plugs: Cyl 1 blackish // Cyl 2 dark brown // Cyl 3 very rusty as if heavy corroded // Cyl 4 lighter brownish // Cyl 5 brown // Cyl 6 blackish
  • Strong Sparks
  • No disturbing noises



What to do?
As said before : Serious lack of torque climbing steep mountains or towing anything - near zero oil usage.

My question is : What do you suggest to get at least a bit more torque and stop that coolant loss ?

Thanks !