1987 Ford Falcon XF Utility review from Australia and New Zealand

Carb required overhaul due to deteriorated gaskets and persistent blocking of idle circuits.

Fuel pump leaked from seals-replaced.

Incorrect/erratic readings from "S" pack guages-found to be caused by dirty earth connectors and poor connection inside cluster.

Starter occasionally "graunched" when engaging. Caused by worn flexiplate (replaced during motor overhaul). Starter was also checked an pinion replaced at same time.

Oil consumption was quite high from day one. Motor was overhauled at 146k, inspection of bores revealed distortion causing poor ring sealing. Reboring with a torque plate on top of block with new pistons/rings etc cured this problem. Motor had also been slowly leaking water from the rear of the head due to corrosion of the rearmost water jackets and needed welding/planing.

Steering box began to leak-replaced with exchange unit.

Windscreen wipers used to judder badly due to worn spindles and bushes in wiper frame. Re-bushing and new spindles fixed this.

I am overall very happy with my XF ute. It is a good open road cruiser, it handles O.K unless you try to push it too hard in the twisty bits. Steering is a bit vague compared to the Cortina I had previously, but having good shocks/balljoints etc and the steering box adjusted correctly helps considerably.

It is a bit thirsty around town which is to be expected for a 4.1 litre engine, but is acceptable on the open road. Just watch that right foot!