Camshaft plan a Catch 22
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THROUGH YOUR trade paper I would like to know from your readers if they have any Volvo 290F88 that have reached or passed 200,000 miles without having to have a new or rebuilt engine.
In 1976 I purchased my first new F88 from Ailsa Trucks, Heathrow, then in 1977 I added a second F88 to my small fleet. Unknown to me at the time Volvo's had a Camshaft Campaign in operation, due to the fact that they were having troubles with the engines in the F88. The campaign was in a form of warranty for 200.000 miles or three years.
The first Volvo reached 125,000 miles in just over three years when it broke down with engine failures. Under the socalled Campaign, Ailsa Trucks said the lorry had exceeded the three-year limit therefore I had to pay for a new engine to be fitted.
It was at this time I first found out about the Camshaft Campaign. so with this in mind I asked for the second lorry to checked and repaired while still under the mileage and age limit.
Ailsa Trucks' reply was that nothing could be done until the lorry showed some symptons of breakdown. So sure enough after 110,000 miles — engine failure. This time the lorry was three years two months old, so I had to pay for a new engine.
Asa small haulage contractor spending something like £40,000 on two new lorries, I feel that a far better service should be expected from Ailsa with regards to their so-called. warranty. I fail to see why all 290 Volvos were not called in for examination and repair where necessary.
J. S. BOWLING Crockenhill, Kent