CABUSA

The only time this ever happened to me was with a VW camper (Type 2 2.0 liter boxer engine) 1979 model. The fuel tank is above the engine in this model, and the float chamber in the carb allowed fuel to run into the inlet manifold. The whole tank then drained past the pistons into the engine sump. Tried to start it by towing - huge clouds smoke, switched of and continued tow to village garage. Clever mech noticed strong smell gas, drained sump, new oil, car like new. Needed a new needle valve, that`s all. Never had it with a V engine; see no reason why it should not with any flat engine though, as you say,, rare. AS

CABSUSA Reply: It is quite correct that Ford uses a chain to link the front and rear drives - it`s on the end of the main gearbox as part of the transfer mechanism which also contains the LSD (limited slip differential) between front and rear axles. This arrangement is common to all European 4WD Fords, including Granada, Sierra, Cosworth Sierra, and Escort Cosworth (the rally car). Note there was never an auto option with this system. This is an internally toothed chain, meaning it is self-correcting for wear. The Ford system was introduced in the 1980`s and is based on the Fergusson system originally developed in the 1960`s for the Jensen FF - a sports coupe with a 6 liter Chrysler V8. Ford downsized it to suit lighter cars. This Ford system of 4WD is completely transparent to the user and included LSD`s in the center and rear differentials from the start. My recollection is that Subaru only got round to this sophistication in the early 1990`s, years after Ford. I don`t know what Ford do in the USA, but here in Europe I can only say I have found their 4WD system almost completely reliable. I had two Ford Sierra wagons, the first has 230,000 miles up and the only repair was a new drive shaft, (transfer gearbox to front axle), at about 200,000. I still keep this one as a source for spares, although Ford still provide these; but if I had a gearbox problem for example, on the later car (only 170,000) it would be nice not to spend megabucks! I also have a Legacy 2.0 liter wagon 1999 bought in 2000 as a Ford replacement; nice car and very reliable except the ignition system. only 69,000 up so far. Hope to goodness the SOHC engine is more reliable than the 2.5 liter! This is a SOA built car - not sure if I would have bought it if I`d known! But it is not as much fun to drive as the Ford - the ventilation/air-con is primeval, the seats are hard and flat, there is nowhere to put any small objects, and the ergonomics fall a long way behind the Ford Sierra (which is now a 13 year old car). I find the steering woolly the brakes very poor , and the engine flat unlesss you rev it hard. Lots of tyre rumble, poor adjustment for seats and steering etc. etc. In fact, as my wife liked the Subaru, it seemed best she kept it, and I continued with the Ford. We use the Subaru for short journeys, towing horses (very useful to have the low ratio gears)- but for anything over 100 miles the Ford is greatly to be preferred for comfort and fast driving. Don`t get me wrong, I am not against Subarus or a fanatic Ford fan - just like the truth to be told! All the best AS