New Member, 1st post

[bobenns]

Hi all,

I just got a Delica Super Exceed direct from Japan. Bought it from an exporter who said it was "driveable" It was not. It has some serious issues and I need advice.

1. Charging system does not work, alternator light is not on. Have to charge the batteries manually for some time to get enough juice to start. After running for a while batteries are stone dead again. Had a heck of a time driving it up from the coast, had to abandon it in Hope overnight and go back the next day, 24 hr permit expired but used plates from a car I had just sold (10 day thing). Didn't get stopped. Had to charge the batteries twice on the way from Hope to Kelowna as it just died on the road.

2. Brake pedal travels far and requires much pressure to bring to a stop.

3. Fuel leaking from injection pump at start up. Leaks until engine gets warm then stops leaking. Drops about a liter of fuel in the meantime.

I suspect 1 and 2 are related, alternator and vacuum pump. Checked the belts, fine. Alternator is very original looking, old and dirty. I expect to replace the alternator/vacuum pump unit, but am puzzled why the alternator light isn't coming on. I will pull the alternator and have it bench tested, unless there is an easy in vehicle test I can do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

As far as the fuel leak goes I have been looking for the source, hard to see in there. From underneath I can see it dripping from the bottom of the pump. Seems like it may be coming from the area where the 4 fuel lines are connected at the back, but can't see exactly where. I put a wrench on everything I could and all is tight. I suspect a bad O ring that seals after getting warm? Anyone had this problem?

It starts OK. A little rough at first, some white smoke from the exhaust, then it smooths out and runs fine. Get some black smoke from the exhaust on steep hills when it has to work hardest - probably normal for a diesel. Anyone not get black smoke on steep hills?

Apart from these problems the vehicle is rather amazing. Love the seating, roof windows and options, running gear looks very well built and in top shape, Zero rust, no rock chips even in wheel wells. This vehicle has likely never been off pavement. Haven't tried the 4 wheel drive yet, too busy just getting it home.

Glad to see this forum here. I'll be a regular for sure.

Bob Enns, in Kelowna

[delicat]

Hi Bob and welcome to this site!

First thing you batteries are probably dead and unable to accept a charge (or only temporary) as this happens to some vehicles from Japan that have been sitting for too long.

Once you have new batteries then you can check your alternator to see if it works properly. Might need a rebuilt but that's not too expensive, around $100.

Your leak is what worries me more, 1 litre of fuel (diesel) is huge! I've seen fuel pump leak but they were only dripping. Fuel pump do have a tendency to leak but that's a bigger job, around $550. If you search on this site there was a recent post on someone who went through the process, you could PM them directly to find out what were their symptoms.

Glad to see you're keeping the spirit high, they all have a few things to do before they can be fully enjoyed. Mine ran pretty good but I still ended up doing all the preventive maintenance before starting to use it. By that I mean changing all the belts, fluids, thermostat, water pump, shocks and alignment, cleaning injectors... Now I have a bus that drives better than some new cars! And l love it!

So best of luck, I'm sure someone else on this site will respond with even better advise!
Cheers!

[bobenns]

Thanks for the reply Delicat, and thanks for the welcome.

The last 6 years I've been driving a 64 Econoline van. The Deli is quite a step up for me. I loved the old Ford, had one back in the 70s, but it was old and required frequent repairs.

I have worked around diesels quite a bit in the past. I used to service heavy equipment in an Alberta coal mine. Diesels are more expensive to repair but generally are more reliable and last a lot longer than gas engines. Tolerances are much higher though so there are certain things you just don't try to repair at home, injector pump probably being one thing to not just tear apart on the kitchen table like a carburetor.

The batteries seem to be holding a charge now that I got them fully charged. Had them on a trickle charger for 3 days. I can put up with having to put them on the charger from time to time while I deal with the other issues and getting it ready for the BC safety check.

Are there any online or downloadable manuals on this site? I would love to see an exploded diagram of the injector pump.

As far as the leak goes, I didn't have to prime it when I first got it at the port. The people who unloaded it couldn't get it started so it had not run sinse some time back in Japan. Once we got it to crank over it fired right up. The engine starts reasonably well and reasonably fast so I think the fuel isn't leaking from the injector side of the pump. It must be on the supply side. Also it doesn't leak when shut off. I really haven't had the time to go over the whole business in detail yet and familiarize myself with every little thing. I picked up a little mirror with an extension handle today at Princess Auto and a neat little LED light with a flexible neck and clamp to hold it in place. Those should help me to see a little farther than I can by standing on my head with my feet out the sunroof!

I did some searches for fuel leak on the site and have found some other issues but not mine exactly. That gives me hope that it is not a common failure but perhaps something as simple as a leaky fitting, bad seal somewhere. A may not leak a whole liter but it leaks quite a lot at first, fuel runs down the driveshaft and drips from several places at once. There was quite a puddle under it the first time I noticed it leaking. It's not just a little drip.

I'll try to find out exactly where it is coming from and report back.

Thanks again,

Bob Enns

Hi Bob and welcome to this site!

First thing you batteries are probably dead and unable to accept a charge (or only temporary) as this happens to some vehicles from Japan that have been sitting for too long.

Once you have new batteries then you can check your alternator to see if it works properly. Might need a rebuilt but that's not too expensive, around $100.

Your leak is what worries me more, 1 litre of fuel (diesel) is huge! I've seen fuel pump leak but they were only dripping. Fuel pump do have a tendency to leak but that's a bigger job, around $550. If you search on this site there was a recent post on someone who went through the process, you could PM them directly to find out what were their symptoms.

Glad to see you're keeping the spirit high, they all have a few things to do before they can be fully enjoyed. Mine ran pretty good but I still ended up doing all the preventive maintenance before starting to use it. By that I mean changing all the belts, fluids, thermostat, water pump, shocks and alignment, cleaning injectors... Now I have a bus that drives better than some new cars! And l love it!

So best of luck, I'm sure someone else on this site will respond with even better advise!
Cheers!

[Delicanagan]

pssst...Bob, here ya go...

http://wikrad.com/delica/index.cgi

[FalcoColumbarius]

For what it's worth....

My batteries worked fine at first glance, they had the voltage ~ but if I ran the stereo for 40 minutes to an hour... I couldn't crank the engine. Showed the batteries to someone and he said: "Wow! I haven't seen these for years.... and they are in such good shape, too!" Thinking that they may have even been as old as the van I replaced them both with Globelites.

Regarding leaks: When I first had her checked out there was oil all over the timing belt. Not good. We figured that she had sat for sometime in Yokohama and the seals had all dried out. So I replaced the belt (Interference engine:Timing belt breaks = replace engine); new seals; I put new tyres of the right calibre on her (235/75R15) and a bunch of other things.

Welcome to the club! You will find a lot of help here from "delicately" passionate people who really care... smiles. We meet from time to time and go on runs, perhaps you might come to an event and talk with people like Delicat &c.

Falco.

[TardisDeli]

Hi Bob, I have a copy of the Russek Manual (an advanced do-it-yourself repair manual from England), and a scanner so I can email you pages. Also email photos. Need your private email ID as the delica site can't handle big files. Let me know if you don't find what you need on the wikirad site (where we store the large info files).

Glad to know you're a diesel mechanic, when I first saw your post I didnt reply as I just couldnt face typing the hours of explanations.

We had a leaking fuel pump that gradually got worse, started with just a bit around the seal, then 5-6 drops on the ground in the morning. We never got more, because by now the starting & idling were getting really rough. So we took it to Butch & Edwin at CVI Automotive in Richmond, specialize in delicas, experts locally, give them a phone call to chat, good guys. They rebuilt our pump, then sonic cleaned the injectors. Now it starts first time, idles rough for less than 5 seconds on cold days, and doesnt blow black smoke up hills.

Most rarely blow much black smoke while driving, I have organized local Delica meets where we follow various delis, and on forestry roads. Less black than my vw jetta. Just on morning start up. Much debate over fuel conditioner, we were till CVI said not to. Obviously we're all on winterized diesel still. Even when fuel guage says empty still 5 to 10 litres of fuel, maybe you're still running ancient japanese summer diesel. the 2 fuel tanks are connected at the top (yes top) of the tanks.

If you're stumped, I can PM (Private Message ... look at the top of the page to see if you have any private messages, I'll send you a test one after this) PM you the names of 2 local owners who are also professional mechanics.

Batteries: we run 1 - 27series, instead of 2 smaller batteries. Small built in charger inside the battery compartment, and marinco marine ac plug installed just below and aft of the driver door, so we plug in at night, also powers a small space heater (Canadn Tire mini oil heater for home use) that sits near the engine by the rear seat, keeps frost off the windows, but also keeps the interior temperature up as near the battery and engine.

You know the battery must be DOT TC approved ? As do the tires, front running lights.

Happy to answer questions, or direct you to other owners who have dealt with specific issues.

Looking forward to meeting you and the new deli --- have you named it yet ?? We should arrange a long weekend meet somewhere in between.
Cheers, Christine of the TardisDeli.

[Green1]

You know the battery must be DOT TC approved ? As do the tires, front running lights.

ummm... first I've heard of the battery needing to be DOT approved... where did you hear that one?

There is certainly no requirement in the Alberta inspection manual for that, and the BC guys haven't been talking about that requirement either (and I'm sure we'd have heard by now!)

I'm also not so sure that batteries in general get DOT approval...

[bobenns]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the input here. Looks like there is a lot of information available when I need it. Hopefully I can give something back to the group. I won't be able to do anything with the Deli now for a few more days, too busy with real work. On the brighter side I emailed the exporter in Japan lamenting the issues with the van and he has replied that he will send me whatever parts I need to get it right. That is encouraging.

BTW, I'm not a diesel mechanic, I was was a heavy equipment serviceman at an open pit coal mine, did maintenance, but not mechanical repairs on big diesels. Our haul trucks had CAT V12 149 engines, each of the 12 cylinders had the displacement than these little Deli engines.

Looking forward to meeting other Deli owners soon.

Bob in Kelowna

[EricN]

If you are leaking that much fuel it should be easy to spot I would think. The fact that you dont have any issues starting it makes me think that the leak is not on the supply side at all. I would follow the return line from where it leaves the rail (around #3 I think) to the banjo bolt on the injection pump.
By no starting issues, I mean you turn the key, wait 5 seconds, click over to start and it lights, none of this holding the throttle wide open or cranking for 3 seconds before it fires or it starts/dies/start it again and it is fine.

[robinimpey]

A quick FYI for anyone else wanting to import themselves. I imported my Delica myself and my son just imported a Pajero. Both vehicles are excellent and better than we had expected. We worked with Chanuri from Yokohama Trading Company and were very impressed by the great customer service. Here's an email address in case you're interested. chanuri@ytrd.com

[bobenns]

I resolved the alternator problem at least. Seems there is a 100 amp fuse at the battery, it was blown. Decided to look at that just as I was about to pull the alternator. After replacing the fuse the van runs with headlights on and battery disconnected. To me that says the alternator is engaged.

Talked to someone at CVI automotive in Richmond on the phone today asking about my fuel leak at the distributor pump. Seems I can take the top off the pump fairly easily and just replace the gasket there, as that is where my leak is. Hopefully that will do to get it past the safety. I will get the pump overhauled or replaced later.

The exporter says he will send me some parts, I asked for a rebuilt pump!

Seems the people who unloaded my vehicles from the container in Surrey are a little less than desirable. They were unable to get the Delica started and may have blown that fuse connecting the booster cables wrong. We brought in 4 vehicles, my son drove one back to Ontario and I'm working on getting the other 3 plated. Among the things we noticed at the yard in Surrey was the gear shift knob missing from one car,and after market body panels missing from a second car. My son pointed out donut spin marks in the gravel in the yard and speculated someone was trying out our cars which are high performance cars. Inside the wheel wells was spattered with dirt on all 3 cars, these had been washed to pass the AG inspection before leaving Japan. They charged us $400 per vehicle to destuff.

Anybody know a good Customs Broker? I'll be looking for one if we decide to get another container sent over.

Bob in Kelowna

[BCDelica]

Wow just read this post and what great replies!

Try Courtney Agencies, there are very helpful.

[JMK]

Bob,

I'd be real interested to know which warehouse in Surrey you used? We've used Kings for a number of vehicles and they were good, but recently had a change in management and new policies and staff. I picked up a Corrado that came through their lot last week and was a couple of days late. As a result, I had to pay an extra $75.00 for storage, and it had a couple of new dents that it did not leave Japan with. I later talked to someone that had seen the container being unstuffed and said that because the Safari in the container had the wheels removed they were having a hell of a time getting things worked out and made a real mess of it. The Safari was also for a friend on Ontario, they told us it was dead and needed new batteries and charged an enormous penalty for putting the wheels back on and boosting it. Then they didn't let it run long enough to charge the batteries and simply stated that they were toast. Once they were boosted again it turned out they were fine and just needed a charge. I'm told that space is so rare that beggars can't be choosers when it comes to finding someone that will deal with these containers, but If anyone knows of any alternatives to Kings I'd be very grateful.

[Tmac]

I can tell you not to bother with A&A Customs Brokers. I've dealt with them a few times and won't again. Short (almost to rudesness) on the phone, any glitches and it's the customer's fault. They did get my vehicles here and destuffed, etc, but charged one of my customers $400 for over-limit parking after telling him by phone that he had x amount of days parking for free. Then blamed the container transport company they'd chosen. Mainly though, with each and every agent I worked with I felt like I was just a pain in the **s and not a customer by any means. I was consistently polite and courteous but was that was not reciprocated.
Happy broker hunting!

[JMK]

Thanks. For brokers we use Courtney and they are first rate. It's actually not the brokers that deal with the container when it comes in and unpacks it. For example, the customers (either Japan or Canada side) can request that the broker deal with a specific bonded warehouse if he has a preference.

From what I'm hearing there is not a lot of choice, especially if you want to pick up near the waterfront. Apparently real estate is so scarce that another option is to have containers unstuffed in Chilliwack or other similar locales.