Called RACV out this morning as still couldn't start Myrtle. Nice man got her going for me and informed me the battery terminal was stuffed and needed replacing. He asked if I got my work done at his workshop. No but I did buy her from there. "Ah, I thought I had seen her before"
So I told him all the problems I've been having, just in the manner of conversation (not placing any blame) wondering if he will go back and report to salesman.
Before that Ken Thomas very kindly called in and we had a bit of an investigation. Wouldn't start of course but did help me with a new fuse for the horn. Thank you so much Ken and for showing me how to check and replace in the future. Ken can vouch for the fact there is absolutely no leaking oil anywhere.
After RACV I called around to my mechanic, his wife said wouldn't cost much to fix the battery terminal but fully booked up with work for at least two weeks anyway.
So my next plan is next payday (Wednesday) I will go somewhere and get the battery terminal fixed and get a compression test, just have to work out who to go to.
Oh by the way The RACV guy used a spray can of Nulon Start the B..........d down its pipe to help start her.
Also a neighbour who is a retired car nut came over and had a look under and over and proclaimed No leaking oil and his assumption is the motor is on the way out, I think he said Rings most likely.
gordon_adl said
03:50 PM Jun 2, 2011
Poor thing, you just cannot catch a break :( Wish I lived near you, battery terminal is usually easy fix.
gillyb said
04:44 PM Jun 2, 2011
Marg I think if I was you I wouldn't be spending anymore money on Myrtle I honestly think the best thing you can do is get rid of it while it still goes or you will never get rid of it
dazren said
04:53 PM Jun 2, 2011
OH !! HW. You have got all of us scratching our heads, on how we can assist you i to am to far away to be of any direct assistance, so all i can do is reinterate what has already been said
1/ '' DO NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR THAT LYING, INCOMPETENT WEAK EXCUSE FOR A MECHANIC THAT HAS DONE YOUR YOUR PREVIOUS WORK. it is apparent that he knows that he has gotten about all the money he is going to get from you, As to say they are to busy to change a battery terminal for 2 weeks [ bulls--t !! ] it would take me 10 minutes, any gararge would do it in 5 minutes, he does not want your business any more, and that is good, because your road forward from here, is the road that leads away from his premises. SO STAY AWAY OK ???
There is no doubt that Myrtle is not well, But she is not dead, when she was running well . were you happy with her ??? I know you were as you said how sweet she was running in your earlier threads. Now you have already spent a lot of money on her . and even ''IF'' AND I MEAN ''IF'' she needs a new motor ''IF''
Then it is not the end of the world, even '' IF '' you had to put a reconditioned motor in her, it would still be your most cost effective solution, and you would end up with a very reliable motor for years to come, and you still have your dream. to travel and enjoy this wonderful land, DO NOT GIVE UP THE DREAM.
You need to ask everyone you know in Echuca. to find a good HONEST reliable garage or mechanic around Echuca. and there must be a few. but not your old one ok !! get an honest appraisal, and move forward from there ??
I wish you the very best of luck, and you just keep posting and ask all us nomad friends for advise on anything you want to know, and please do not agree to anything unless you run it past us first 'ok' Good Luck dazren
Happywanderer said
04:54 PM Jun 2, 2011
I think you might be right gordon. Don't think they want my business..
Until I get a compression test I won't know one way or the other gillyb. That shouldn't cost too much and that will help with my decision. Until then I'm hanging in limbo.
goinsoon said
05:02 PM Jun 2, 2011
dazren wrote:
OH !! HW. You have got all of us scratching our heads, on how we can assist you i to am to far away to be of any direct assistance, so all i can do is reinterate what has already been said
1/ '' DO NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR THAT LYING, INCOMPETENT WEAK EXCUSE FOR A MECHANIC THAT HAS DONE YOUR YOUR PREVIOUS WORK. it is apparent that he knows that he has gotten about all the money he is going to get from you, As to say they are to busy to change a battery terminal for 2 weeks [ bulls--t !! ] it would take me 10 minutes, any gararge would do it in 5 minutes, he does not want your business any more, and that is good, because your road forward from here, is the road that leads away from his premises. SO STAY AWAY OK ???
There is no doubt that Myrtle is not well, But she is not dead, when she was running well . were you happy with her ??? I know you were as you said how sweet she was running in your earlier threads. Now you have already spent a lot of money on her . and even ''IF'' AND I MEAN ''IF'' she needs a new motor ''IF''
Then it is not the end of the world, even '' IF '' you had to put a reconditioned motor in her, it would still be your most cost effective solution, and you would end up with a very reliable motor for years to come, and you still have your dream. to travel and enjoy this wonderful land, DO NOT GIVE UP THE DREAM.
You need to ask everyone you know in Echuca. to find a good HONEST reliable garage or mechanic around Echuca. and there must be a few. but not your old one ok !! get an honest appraisal, and move forward from there ??
I wish you the very best of luck, and you just keep posting and ask all us nomad friends for advise on anything you want to know, and please do not agree to anything unless you run it past us first 'ok' Good Luck dazren
Daz, what she really has to do is let as many people in Echuca/Moama know what a cheating, thieving,lying assho le he is
-- Edited by goinsoon on Thursday 2nd of June 2011 05:03:43 PM
Happywanderer said
05:17 PM Jun 2, 2011
I couldn't do that dazren or goinsoon. I would rather walk away and find a new mechanic without all the fuss and family row over it.
I don't know why they don't want to help me, make it easier for me or do it now and let me pay later etc etc and I'm not one to ask. Its not worth losing my daughter over it. I know they would take the side of their friends as they don't seem to think anything wrong. Haven't even seen S in L since I got back. So no offer of help coming from that corner either. Its rarely been mentioned in conversation since I've been home.
goinsoon said
05:30 PM Jun 2, 2011
You are a lovely person Marj, you see a little good in everyone, what goes round comes round your good will bring good in return.
Vic said
06:00 PM Jun 2, 2011
Is there a battery place in your area that might replace the terminal? Mind you they may try to talk you into buying a new battery instead but it might be worth a try. Some tyre places do batteries as well, not sure if they would repair them though. Would your local RAC be able to tell you where to get it replaced if you rang them? I feel so sorry for you Marg, but don't give up yet until you've had the vehicle assessed by someone competent who has the right sort of gear to give you a report of what the problem is.
Like Daz says, you might have a good vehicle there so worth not making any decisions until the problems have been investigated properly and you know what you vehicle condition is.
You have all of us thinking of you so don't feel you are all alone in this, we are all behind you if only in spirit.
Sheba said
06:03 PM Jun 2, 2011
dazren wrote:
Then it is not the end of the world, even '' IF '' you had to put a reconditioned motor in her, it would still be your most cost effective solution, and you would end up with a very reliable motor for years to come, and you still have your dream. to travel and enjoy this wonderful land, DO NOT GIVE UP THE DREAM.
Good Luck dazren
Gotta agree with this Marj. Hang in there mate,
Cheers,
Sheba.
gubby said
06:40 PM Jun 2, 2011
Marj is there any auto elecs nearby, if so they should be able to do the battery term very quick and cheap but, don't just go and get them to do it, ask first How Much...
Happywanderer said
06:52 PM Jun 2, 2011
Been looking through the phone book. Will do a ring around next week.
sandsmere said
06:54 PM Jun 2, 2011
Mmmmmmmmmm ! . . . Is anybody else getting the feeling that there is something more to this strange , prolonged series of events ?????????
Happywanderer said
07:01 PM Jun 2, 2011
Is there sandsmere?? If so can you fill me in. Cause I sure as hell can't see it.
goinsoon said
07:01 PM Jun 2, 2011
sandsmere wrote:
Mmmmmmmmmm ! . . . Is anybody else getting the feeling that there is something more to this strange , prolonged series of events ?????????
Only that a kind and good hearted woman has been taken advantage of by a rogue mechanic
DeBe said
07:06 PM Jun 2, 2011
One problem with these types of vans is where the airfilter pick up is sometimes located, if they are used on dirt roads a lot. Had to do a Nissan Urvan that started using oil at 50,000Kms. The oil control rings were worn but the compression rings were ok. Compression test was good but the spark plugs were oily. In the Nissan it was a relatively easy job to replace the rings with the engine still in the van. Just removed the front seats to get the head off, sump had nothing in the way to drop it.
rockylizard said
07:07 PM Jun 2, 2011
goinsoon wrote:
sandsmere wrote:
Mmmmmmmmmm ! . . . Is anybody else getting the feeling that there is something more to this strange , prolonged series of events ?????????
Only that a kind and good hearted woman has been taken advantage of by a rogue mechanic
Gday...
And quite probably a dumb (or ignorant) car salesman .... and maybe a previous owner who ain't tellin' it as it is !
Cheers - hang in there HW
John
Happywanderer said
07:12 PM Jun 2, 2011
Someones lying and it ain't me!!
Mary said
07:14 PM Jun 2, 2011
So sorry to hear your problems Marj.
Those units are a great set up a friend of mine had similar problems .was stranded in Forbes however local RAc garage ordered a recon short motor and fitted it for her.She had a very reliable vehicle from then on.It's a shame you don't have a mechanic you can rely on.
mary
Happywanderer said
07:25 PM Jun 2, 2011
The thing is Mary. I've used the same mechanic since I moved here over 7 years ago. Had no reason to doubt him. I don't think he thinks he's done anything wrong. I think he just doesn't want to deal with what ever might show up next. I'm only guessing at that as can't read his mind unfortunately. I think he would prefer if I just go away and find someone else to do the work. Otherwise why wouldn't he, as a favour, take half an hour off to fix the battery terminal and maybe offer to do a compression test to set my mind at reast one way or the other. I just want to know why its using so much oil so I can work out what to do.
sandsmere said
07:26 PM Jun 2, 2011
Hey , I'm not having a go at anyone here . But , if it was my vehicle I would have done something about it way before now .
It's using a lot of oil , doesn't have any leaks , doesn't blow any smoke at all , obviously doesn't have any bad engine noises . That alone doesn't add up .
HW , it seems your SinL had a lot to do with you getting this vehicle in the first place , and it's his mate that is the mechanic . What's SinL have to say about it all ?
If the mechanic is at fault , he should be the one fixing it , whether he's a family friend or not .
goinsoon said
07:31 PM Jun 2, 2011
sandsmere wrote:
Hey , I'm not having a go at anyone here . But , if it was my vehicle I would have done something about it way before now .
It's using a lot of oil , doesn't have any leaks , doesn't blow any smoke at all , obviously doesn't have any bad engine noises . That alone doesn't add up .
HW , it seems your SinL had a lot to do with you getting this vehicle in the first place , and it's his mate that is the mechanic . What's SinL have to say about it all ?
If the mechanic is at fault , he should be the one fixing it , whether he's a family friend or not .
Marj is a gentle trusting person who takes people on face value and does not want to get into conflict with anyone, it is just not in her nature, as for the S in L well it is hard with family, a conflict started may not end.
As for her not doing something with it before this, I think you can only do what you can afford.
CHIN UP MARJ.
-- Edited by goinsoon on Thursday 2nd of June 2011 07:32:20 PM
rockylizard said
07:35 PM Jun 2, 2011
sandsmere wrote:
Hey , I'm not having a go at anyone here . But , if it was my vehicle I would have done something about it way before now .
Gday...
Steady on ole son ...... not sure if you have realised this 'saga' has been going for many weeks - isolating/stranding HW up north in QLD.
She is home now to "do something" about it.
Cheers
John
-- Edited by rockylizard on Thursday 2nd of June 2011 07:37:40 PM
Helena said
08:22 PM Jun 2, 2011
As most have said HW hang in there and don't give up it is hard at the moment but it will all be sorted in the end they are usually such a reliable vehicle we had two of them and if I was a solo would certainly go back to getting another one. Just get a really good mechanic to have a look at it. Helena.
sandsmere said
08:54 PM Jun 2, 2011
Yeah , fair enough Rockylizard .
I know it's been going on for weeks . That's what I mean about doing something about it way before now . I'm not having a piece of HW , but there is obviously something wrong with the vehicle that doesn't add up .
Wouldn't most people have done something positive about it straight away ?
I don't see a lot of point complaining on a forum and not doing anything positive about it . I actually was on the way to Kumbia when she was in strife , as I was only an hour or so away , when I saw she was then in Biggendon with her son , so we just kept going on with our own arrangements .
Happywanderer said
09:09 PM Jun 2, 2011
So now I'm complaining on a forum am I? I thought this forum was for sharing. Sorry. I'm off folks. Had a gutsful. Don't have the money to get it fixed sandsmere. Spent 3,000 getting her on the road only to run out of oil. I'm a widow on a pension with no other funds at all. And now I have my pregnant daughter screaming at me for stressing her out when she has enough problems to worry about, after she rang me and asked how it was going and I told her. The family crap that I didn't want to happen is now happening after I told her what the mechanic said. See you all guys I will deal with this on my own. Bye all
goinsoon said
09:21 PM Jun 2, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
So now I'm complaining on a forum am I? I thought this forum was for sharing. Sorry. I'm off folks. Had a gutsful. Don't have the money to get it fixed sandsmere. Spent 3,000 getting her on the road only to run out of oil. I'm a widow on a pension with no other funds at all. And now I have my pregnant daughter screaming at me for stressing her out when she has enough problems to worry about, after she rang me and asked how it was going and I told her. The family crap that I didn't want to happen is now happening after I told her what the mechanic said. See you all guys I will deal with this on my own. Bye all
Sorry Marj, but I am a little offended by this post. all I have ever done is fully support you, please go back and read my replies to prervious posts
Happywanderer said
09:27 PM Jun 2, 2011
goinsoon, that wasn't aimed at you. You will note sandsmeres post directly before it where he states I come on here complaining and haven't done anything positive about it. Everyone else has been wonderful, you included but I am not in a position to cope with accusations like that at the moment. I am having difficulty now dealing with a very agitated daughter who thinks that I listen to too much crap on here and not genuine assistance then heap it all on her when she has real problems to deal with that she is having difficulty with and I'm not giving her the support I should be instead of worrying about something of mine that is not that important. I can't win. Sandsmere. I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY!!!! IS THAT LOUD ENOUGH FOR YOU.
goinsoon said
09:32 PM Jun 2, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
goinsoon, that wasn't aimed at you. You will note sandsmeres post directly before it where he states I come on here complaining and haven't done anything positive about it. Everyone else has been wonderful, you included but I am not in a position to cope with accusations like that at the moment. I am having difficulty now dealing with a very agitated daughter who thinks that I listen to too much crap on here and not genuine assistance then heap it all on her when she has real problems to deal with that she is having difficulty with and I'm not giving her the support I should be instead of worrying about something of mine that is not that important. I can't win. Sandsmere. I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY!!!! IS THAT LOUD ENOUGH FOR YOU.
That is what I told him, I am not allowed to be rude here or I would tell him what I really think, when you are far from home and in trouble it is bloody hard, just keep your chin up.
Hope I didn't hurt you with my comment as I have a very high regard for you and admire what you have achieved.
Firefly said
09:34 PM Jun 2, 2011
Come on guys, calm down.
Marj, I don't know what to say to you, its been a crap battle you have tried to fight and you are doing it alone, albeit the support you are getting here.
Money is the leveller and if you are ok without the car for a while till you get a bit of money to deal with it, try to not let it consume your thoughts too much mate, it just makes for more frustrations.
We can all say what we think about the cars problems but a real mechanic is the only one that can diagnose it for you mate.
So take a step back and make a cuppa and relax for a bit and try not to worry.
I know your daughters pregnancy worries you as well so its all on you all at once AND you are crook.
Time for some Marj time me girl. A warmth bath and a hot cuppa.
Called RACV out this morning as still couldn't start Myrtle. Nice man got her going for me and informed me the battery terminal was stuffed and needed replacing. He asked if I got my work done at his workshop. No but I did buy her from there. "Ah, I thought I had seen her before"
So I told him all the problems I've been having, just in the manner of conversation (not placing any blame) wondering if he will go back and report to salesman.
Before that Ken Thomas very kindly called in and we had a bit of an investigation. Wouldn't start of course but did help me with a new fuse for the horn. Thank you so much Ken and for showing me how to check and replace in the future. Ken can vouch for the fact there is absolutely no leaking oil anywhere.
After RACV I called around to my mechanic, his wife said wouldn't cost much to fix the battery terminal but fully booked up with work for at least two weeks anyway.
So my next plan is next payday (Wednesday) I will go somewhere and get the battery terminal fixed and get a compression test, just have to work out who to go to.
Oh by the way The RACV guy used a spray can of Nulon Start the B..........d down its pipe to help start her.
Also a neighbour who is a retired car nut came over and had a look under and over and proclaimed No leaking oil and his assumption is the motor is on the way out, I think he said Rings most likely.
OH !! HW. You have got all of us scratching our heads, on how we can assist you i to am to far away to be of any direct assistance, so all i can do is reinterate what has already been said
1/ '' DO NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR THAT LYING, INCOMPETENT WEAK EXCUSE FOR A MECHANIC THAT HAS DONE YOUR YOUR PREVIOUS WORK. it is apparent that he knows that he has gotten about all the money he is going to get from you, As to say they are to busy to change a battery terminal for 2 weeks [ bulls--t !! ] it would take me 10 minutes, any gararge would do it in 5 minutes, he does not want your business any more, and that is good, because your road forward from here, is the road that leads away from his premises. SO STAY AWAY OK ???
There is no doubt that Myrtle is not well, But she is not dead, when she was running well . were you happy with her ??? I know you were as you said how sweet she was running in your earlier threads. Now you have already spent a lot of money on her . and even ''IF'' AND I MEAN ''IF'' she needs a new motor ''IF''
Then it is not the end of the world, even '' IF '' you had to put a reconditioned motor in her, it would still be your most cost effective solution, and you would end up with a very reliable motor for years to come, and you still have your dream. to travel and enjoy this wonderful land, DO NOT GIVE UP THE DREAM.
You need to ask everyone you know in Echuca. to find a good HONEST reliable garage or mechanic around Echuca. and there must be a few. but not your old one ok !! get an honest appraisal, and move forward from there ??
I wish you the very best of luck, and you just keep posting and ask all us nomad friends for advise on anything you want to know, and please do not agree to anything unless you run it past us first 'ok' Good Luck dazren
Until I get a compression test I won't know one way or the other gillyb. That shouldn't cost too much and that will help with my decision. Until then I'm hanging in limbo.
Daz, what she really has to do is let as many people in Echuca/Moama know what a cheating, thieving,lying assho le he is
-- Edited by goinsoon on Thursday 2nd of June 2011 05:03:43 PM
I don't know why they don't want to help me, make it easier for me or do it now and let me pay later etc etc and I'm not one to ask. Its not worth losing my daughter over it.
I know they would take the side of their friends as they don't seem to think anything wrong. Haven't even seen S in L since I got back. So no offer of help coming from that corner either.
Its rarely been mentioned in conversation since I've been home.
You are a lovely person Marj, you see a little good in everyone, what goes round comes round your good will bring good in return.
Like Daz says, you might have a good vehicle there so worth not making any decisions until the problems have been investigated properly and you know what you vehicle condition is.
You have all of us thinking of you so don't feel you are all alone in this, we are all behind you if only in spirit.
Marj is there any auto elecs nearby, if so they should be able to do the battery term very quick and cheap but, don't just go and get them to do it, ask first How Much...
Mmmmmmmmmm ! . . . Is anybody else getting the feeling that there is something more to this strange , prolonged series of events ?????????
Only that a kind and good hearted woman has been taken advantage of by a rogue mechanic
One problem with these types of vans is where the airfilter pick up is sometimes located, if they are used on dirt roads a lot. Had to do a Nissan Urvan that started using oil at 50,000Kms. The oil control rings were worn but the compression rings were ok. Compression test was good but the spark plugs were oily. In the Nissan it was a relatively easy job to replace the rings with the engine still in the van. Just removed the front seats to get the head off, sump had nothing in the way to drop it.
Gday...
And quite probably a dumb (or ignorant) car salesman .... and maybe a previous owner who ain't tellin' it as it is !
Cheers - hang in there HW
John
So sorry to hear your problems Marj.
Those units are a great set up a friend of mine had similar problems .was stranded in Forbes however local RAc garage ordered a recon short motor and fitted it for her.She had a very reliable vehicle from then on.It's a shame you don't have a mechanic you can rely on.
mary
I'm only guessing at that as can't read his mind unfortunately. I think he would prefer if I just go away and find someone else to do the work. Otherwise why wouldn't he, as a favour, take half an hour off to fix the battery terminal and maybe offer to do a compression test to set my mind at reast one way or the other.
I just want to know why its using so much oil so I can work out what to do.
Hey , I'm not having a go at anyone here . But , if it was my vehicle I would have done something about it way before now .
It's using a lot of oil , doesn't have any leaks , doesn't blow any smoke at all , obviously doesn't have any bad engine noises . That alone doesn't add up .
HW , it seems your SinL had a lot to do with you getting this vehicle in the first place , and it's his mate that is the mechanic . What's SinL have to say about it all ?
If the mechanic is at fault , he should be the one fixing it , whether he's a family friend or not .
Marj is a gentle trusting person who takes people on face value and does not want to get into conflict with anyone, it is just not in her nature, as for the S in L well it is hard with family, a conflict started may not end.
As for her not doing something with it before this, I think you can only do what you can afford.
CHIN UP MARJ.
-- Edited by goinsoon on Thursday 2nd of June 2011 07:32:20 PM
-- Edited by rockylizard on Thursday 2nd of June 2011 07:37:40 PM
Yeah , fair enough Rockylizard .
I know it's been going on for weeks . That's what I mean about doing something about it way before now . I'm not having a piece of HW , but there is obviously something wrong with the vehicle that doesn't add up .
Wouldn't most people have done something positive about it straight away ?
I don't see a lot of point complaining on a forum and not doing anything positive about it . I actually was on the way to Kumbia when she was in strife , as I was only an hour or so away , when I saw she was then in Biggendon with her son , so we just kept going on with our own arrangements .
I thought this forum was for sharing. Sorry. I'm off folks. Had a gutsful.
Don't have the money to get it fixed sandsmere. Spent 3,000 getting her on the road only to run out of oil. I'm a widow on a pension with no other funds at all.
And now I have my pregnant daughter screaming at me for stressing her out when she has enough problems to worry about, after she rang me and asked how it was going and I told her.
The family crap that I didn't want to happen is now happening after I told her what the mechanic said.
See you all guys I will deal with this on my own. Bye all
Sorry Marj, but I am a little offended by this post. all I have ever done is fully support you, please go back and read my replies to prervious posts
Everyone else has been wonderful, you included but I am not in a position to cope with accusations like that at the moment. I am having difficulty now dealing with a very agitated daughter who thinks that I listen to too much crap on here and not genuine assistance then heap it all on her when she has real problems to deal with that she is having difficulty with and I'm not giving her the support I should be instead of worrying about something of mine that is not that important.
I can't win.
Sandsmere. I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY!!!! IS THAT LOUD ENOUGH FOR YOU.
That is what I told him, I am not allowed to be rude here or I would tell him what I really think, when you are far from home and in trouble it is bloody hard, just keep your chin up.
Hope I didn't hurt you with my comment as I have a very high regard for you and admire what you have achieved.
Come on guys, calm down.
Marj, I don't know what to say to you, its been a crap battle you have tried to fight and you are doing it alone, albeit the support you are getting here.
Money is the leveller and if you are ok without the car for a while till you get a bit of money to deal with it, try to not let it consume your thoughts too much mate, it just makes for more frustrations.
We can all say what we think about the cars problems but a real mechanic is the only one that can diagnose it for you mate.
So take a step back and make a cuppa and relax for a bit and try not to worry.
I know your daughters pregnancy worries you as well so its all on you all at once AND you are crook.
Time for some Marj time me girl. A warmth bath and a hot cuppa.