EFI Windsor Common Problems?

rebirthed · 01-02-2006, 05:50 PM

Hi guys,

I'm thinking about crossing from the darkside and purchasing an EF or EL 5 litre. Over the years i've owned 3 EFI V8 powered Commodores and found them to be extremely reliable powerplants with the only main problem being the poor ride quality of the Commodore. This is why I want to experience the same sort of noise/power etc in the superior riding and handling Falcon.

I basically want to know the most common complaints associated with the Windsor as documented on the E-Series website for the six cylinder Falcon motors. Just doing some research before finalising a purchase.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Psycho Chicken · 01-02-2006, 05:58 PM

The 165kw 5.0 is pretty much a base model hand me down engine from the states. Good solid engine, but in stock form it doesn't have that much poke.

Tough as nail though. Only had mine for 6 odd months but she's never missed a beat.

Main problems; cost of parts really. Water pumps are bound to be leaking by now or have been replaced, aftermarket pump prices aren't too bad but it's pretty labour intensive. Sensors are either doubled up on the 4.0 or very expensive.

rebirthed · 01-02-2006, 07:34 PM

The guy up the road has a ED Fairmont 5.0, which seems to crank over a lot before it will start... it's not on gas either. He got it checked out and said that it was injector leakdown, a very common problem on aging Windsors. Can anyone else vouch for this?

Psycho Chicken · 01-02-2006, 08:03 PM

Mine takes an extra crank or so if it's been sitting a while, I put it down to leakdown. It'd been sitting 4 days this morning but still fired alright. Not sure if it's an overly common issue.

mcflux · 01-02-2006, 08:10 PM

They're not as stroke-friendly as the 304s, and don't like more than 350kw for reliable power (reliable = non-block-splitting).

Other than those limitations, they're an awesome engine. Both limitations are due to the standard block mind you.

There are more things to look out for but they're what came off the top of my head, and don't matter for most windsor drivers, such as myself.

Cheers,

-Dave-

galaxy xr8 · 01-02-2006, 08:46 PM

Depand's on the vehicle and if the previous owner has looked after it, a car is only as good as it's owner, if it's been looked after than it will go for yr's, if it's been thrashed to brink of death than expect problem's, this is the same with Commy's, find a good one and you will be right but the windsor's are a very realiable and strong motor.

bdennis · 01-02-2006, 09:47 PM

One thing to look for the the quality of the water in the header tank.. The head bolt tend to rust out if just pain old water has been used and not inhibitor..
The rusty old header tank is a dead give away....

KEV EB XR8 · 02-02-2006, 08:01 AM

I have owned an EB XR8 for around 2 years. i only drive it occasionally on weekends, the old girl fires every time but with a few cranks extra as well.

I maintain it extra well as it only gets a run every now and again to prevent as many things that might happen, but even after very spirited runs,racing the guts out of her at wakefield park a couple weeks ago, sweet thing she is.

Never had a problem other than things that are a little worn. Incidently she has only 154,000km on the clock.

Cheers Kev

ilsautomotive · 02-02-2006, 01:48 PM

Sorry for the off topic but rebirthed, didn't you used to have a VL? I could swear I remember the name from the CCC in about '02...