1989 Bedford Rascal from UK and Ireland - Comments

Hi, can anybody help I recently purchased a rascal van, when I got it the head gasket needed changing as it was loosing water and preasurising. I changed the head gasket myself. the van runs fine however it seems to run hot. I have taken out the thermostat & flushed the system through it still runs hot & blows out hot air through the heater. I've checked the timing as it all had to be reset when I replaced the headgasket. my tempature gauge works, but only rises slightly its not telling me that its too hot. it might just be me, but why does it still blow through hot air when I've taken out the thermostat. it doesn't overheat it just seems to run hot.

Hi.

I got a rascal a few weeks back and after a long run home all was well. Took it out the next day no problems, left on drive 2 days and then...nothing, eventually found the fuel pump was not working, replaced and away we go, but seems reluctant to start and need full choke for ages. Idling is

a little unsettling, but it runs great, I love these little fellas... was thinking of increasing the idling speed - does anyone know if this will have any significant detrimental effects?

Hi got the rascall, but need help runs well for about 20 miles and seems to run out of petrol and hard to start again can you help cheers.

Hi, for anyone having problems starting up a rascal I found that you must ensure the fuel pump is working - turn the key on, but not all the way to the starter position, lights come on etc. and you should hear a clicking noise, when that slows down and settles at around 80 clicks per minute give two pumps on the gas - gently. Pull out your choke, put your clutch in and start it up.

Reason for this is that the engine needs charging with fuel which when the van is left parked runs back into the tank, the longer it is left standing the more likely this will be a problem. The fuel pump does a good job, but as these fellas get older they need a little help so a gentle pump on the gas just helps get the fuel to the engine ready to start.

It is also in the users manual to charge the engine by a gentle pump on the gas.

Putting the clutch in reduces the mechanical resistance and helps to get the engine started. Make sure you are not in gear when you release it.

Trying to start her up without sufficient fuel will pump air into the engine instead of fuel and make it more difficult to start next time. Pumping too hard on the pedals will flood the engine. If you flood try v slowly pressing the accelerator down while turning the ignition key, this can take a few seconds, but often clears out the system and gets you started.

If your choke does not stay in place when pulled out try using a wine cork, cut yourself a slit for the choke wire and when you pull it out put the cork in place to keep it there.

I'm gonna put a site based on my own old beast online at hippysticks.co.uk soon. A few of the rascal sites around now seem no longer to be updated by their builders, I know there are still plenty of us out there with these little fellas though.

Hi I just bought myself a Rascal, but not Bedford, it is a GME (basically the non UK version.

Are the Bedford parts same as for the GME and are they hard to find?

It is working just fine at the moment, but I would like it to last so I want to keep it in good shape.

Could anyone give me good addresses for spare parts?

Thanks in advance...

I, m pretty sure the rascal has an in-line fuel filter? can't be sure though as (many years ago) firm I worked for had both rascals and hi-jets, Anyway worth checking as recall one that after parking for say 15 minutes took ages to restart, shorter was OK, longer OK! why thus who knows, but after bypassing filter no more trouble.

I have a badly smoking exhaust on my Rascal which lasts about 5 to 10 minutes after startup, then stops. I will be changing the head gasket, pistons, and piston rings shortly as I suspect either an oil or coolant leak.

My question is - are there any other potential leaking seals or gaskets worth changing at the same time? (please list all!) If so, what are the MOST likely to be leaking, and can any of them be tested?

Here are the symptoms:

1. The engine overheats sometimes after extended driving, without the temperature gauge reaching red.

2. Water from radiator reservoir is being consumed at about a quarter bottle every 100 miles.

3. Oil becomes low about every 250 to 300 miles.

4. There is no oil in the radiator or water in the oil bottle.

5. The smoke is white-ish grey and smells horrid.

Any help welcome, thanks!

I too have just become the owner of a 1989 Rascal. Only 69000 miles on the clock + it's had a new engine due to a water pump going. It has a folding bench seat in the rear which is well handy. Rust is minimal on the body, but one front wheel arch is rusted through. When I drove it home (hours drive) the temp kneedle was at 3/4. I drove it to work this morning & the kneedle only just made it off the cold mark, & not much heat coming from the heater, it was frosty though, but started 1st time ;-)

Does anyone know if there's a summer/winter setting on the carb? I know some vehicles have this.

The van was given to me for free so I'm not complaining about anything.

Hello all rascal owners, I have had my rascal for two years now, and have just done a full service and adjusted the timing, but I only seem to get an average of 25-30 MPG. I also every now and then get a flat spot while driving (accelerator to floor, but going nowhere). checked my spark plugs and they seem to be very sooty, indicating too much petrol, but when warm, the engine idles very quietly. Could this be petrol pump putting too much petrol in carb, or is there another cause?

Please help with this as I don't want to part with my Rascal for costing too much on fuel

Thanks John.

To the person above me with the flat spot problem, Check your inlet menifold, I had a similar problem with my motorbike, And the stopper for my inlet manifold had dissappeared, Replaced it and it was fine, But the Idle was REALLY high after adjusting it to the broken setting.

Hi all, I am a Rascal owner for a month now. Can someone give me advice? It runs for about 3 miles, then cuts out. I've been told it could be the condenser, it has a new timing belt, full service, new coil and still cuts out. Can anyone help?

It may sound daft, but is the fuel cap original? If not and the cap is not vented it may cause fuel starvation when air is not pulled in to replace the used fuel quickly enough.

Just an idea...

Hi, I have a Bedford Bambi camper van which needs a new engine and I can't find one of a 990cc with low miles as a donor. I'm wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to demount the camper van bit and re mount it onto a newer Suzuki Carry chassis? Obviously our garage will be doing it and he seems to think it would work. I just wanted comments if anyone has already done this. Any thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks.

Hi fellow Rascal owner here.. I've noticed there are no sites or forums for us.. Anyway I'm in need of the PDC for some alloy wheels or good looking steel. Does anyone know if any other wheels are compatible? I've heard that mini wheels might fit?? Any help or guidance would be most appreciated.

Regards Lee.

OK.

There is a forum for the Rascals & Super Carrys, but it is presently having technical problems.

I get it from my 'desktop' so not sure of the address. Do a search for Rascal Forumarena

Titch