I'm in Kumbia, 30ks from Kingaroy

patrolst · Senior Member

I'm in Kumbia, 30ks from Kingaroy

jandas fun · Guru

Hi Marj. not what i wanted to read when i logged on today.
Extra big hugs from Anne and me. I'm sure everything will sort itself out soon. As usual the members here have given good advice and support,
all i can add is to suggest you contact the racq and have them check it out. Will not cost you anything, its what you pay for with your membership.
If there is a problem,the top cover will also assist with towing.accomodation etc etc. will give you some peace of mind.If its a problem with the work completed
recently, they may assist with any warranty dramas.

Johnw

Happywanderer · The Master

Morning all, Well you are all right of course, gave me such valuable info last night , I was able to get a good nights sleep and didn't worry about it. After I logged off I sat down and worked out actual mileage since the service. The actual total is 1624 which allows for the bit of running around and the 1500 mentioned earlier above is right, which I went through all my maps to total it all up.
Then I got a phone call from Sheba who was a great help also and described the motor to me. I felt so good about it all. I really wasn't worried about this morning. Two kindly gentlemen also helped me, one showing me all the things I need to check every morning.
Now may have to stop this suddenly as the neighbour has unplugged my power and taken his cord. So quickly the oil was dry, walked up to garage and bought only 3 litres they had. I had rung SinL and he rang our mechanic to get the right oil etc.
Its starting to rain so will finish this later when I have closedthe van up

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Knew you would feel better in morning Marj - re the battery problem - did you get the RAC or NRMA or whoever to do a check on the battery for you - they can tell you the status of it - won't cost anything if you are a member. I have top cover, wouldn't travel without it - if you have RACV it will cover any of the organisations in Australia. Well worth the money, evn if you only use it once - we had a problem with our car once ont he way back from trip, with van on back - ended up car on tow truck, van behind - only had basic cover - cost us $300 for towing - top cover would have covered all this.
Lets hope the oil problem is something minor, and the battery one is also just a replacement battery. We had what we thought was a battery problem once in NT - had an auto elec check it out - he said replace battery, did so, and carried on - had same problem again, turned out to be a bad earth in some wiring which made the baqttery charge erratically - so wasted our money on the battery - live and learn, eh?

Anyway, presumably you are staying put til get it looked at tomorrow? I would have driven up, except playing squash at 5.30 tonight.

See you soon - how long do you reckon you will stay with son?

-- Edited by jules47 on Tuesday 26th of April 2011 01:33:25 PM

Happywanderer · The Master

Ok, back on, the rain didn't last long and found my own power lead and plugged into power so back on track.
Now, to get to my oil I kneel on the bed/seat behind the front seats. I unhook the middle one and fold it forward to the front window. Take off the cover and there it all is. The radiator and oil is in that compartment. The dipstick is on the right hand side facing towards the front. The two lovely men showed me how to check it all EVERYMORNING sso now I am a pro at it. They left me to do the oil myslef which I managed no problem. Walked up to the garage and rang SinL who rang our mechanic who said to use the 20/50. They had 3 litres left so took it all and it needed it all. SinL said to get some more when I get to Kingaroy, may need another litre and need some to have as spare. Not a bad price 7.23 a litre.
I came back and did it all myself so I knew what I was doing and they were there to give a yell to if I needed them but didn't.
So I now know what my motor looks like and what I have been sitting on all this time. No wonder it gets hot when I come back into the back and sit on the seat, can feel the heat coming in from the motor underneath.
Anyone would think I am a real Drama Queen. Honestly I'm not. I'm very quiet and reserved and don't talk a lot to many people. So here's the next instalment. Went into the cupboard under the sink this morningn to get coffee out to find a mouse scurrying around trying to hide from me.
I was actually quite excited, meant I had company. No really, time to clean the cupboards out and survey the damage. One rice packet eaten and rice strewn throughout, swept that all up. half a dozen soup packets, just the ones you add water to for a drink. eaten out. Don't know where hes gone but have cleaned the cupboards out, put anything that came in a packet into a sealed plastic container with tight lid. Much tider now too.
Think I picked him up in Moonie as they had a sign in the shop saying apologies buth they have a mouse plague. So he had a good trip and hopefully has left the building.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

I hate mice!!!!!!!!! - Would have to sell the van if I had mice - truly!!

Happywanderer · The Master

Jules I'm up here for 3 months approx. Will get the battery sorted and spend some time with the kids then sort out what to do next Have a friend coming in from NZ to stay with her daughter 21 st May for 2 weeks. Redcliffe Scarborough. So if all goes well may go down there to see her, carry on to your area then back up through Esk and see everyone that trip, back to sons in Biggenden, then try for a little trip up north also.
Just keeping fingers crossed no other dramas will attack.

Happywanderer · The Master

Oh Jules, they don't eat much.
As long as he doesn't run over me while I'm sleeping. He's probably long gone by now anyway.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Reckon you'll be right now - thinking of maybe taking two weeks in June head to maybe Mackay for a few days - have some friends near there - May is so busy for me - markets - local show etc., and son coming to stay for a week at end of month. I need to stop doing "things" and get on the road - oh, well, next year is going to be my year!

Travel Bug · Guru

G'day Marj,

Glad to see that things are looking much brighter today. A good sleep works wonders.

Sorry that I have not been able to drive up and help you but seems like I wasn't needed anyway. smile how lucky are we to have such a great forum and so many willing and knowledgeable helpers!!
Gives me confidence for when I get on the road soon.

I have friends from Interstate staying for a couple of days. They called in on their way back from up North. Unexpected...but lovely.

I will keep on looking in to see how things are going for you. Take care. smile

lilly31 · Guru

Good to see thing are looking on the good side marj .....get van a good check up and go from there .... hard part is over hopefully and the mouse was there to take you mind of other things for a while and i say it has ..funny how thing happen

robell · Senior Member

Hello H W, looks like i missed out on all the excitment, happy to know that it is all under control now. Cheers Rob.

jack biggles · Senior Member

Hi Marj,

Glad you got a good nites sleep & glad you now are on top of the oil situations.

I think you need to determine how much oil your little machine is using & whether its burning it through the engine (older engines will do that) or if its LEAKING out somewhere OR a combination of both.

You seem to have indicated that it took 3 litres of oil this morning. If we were to assume that it was completely full when the mechanic finished with it about 1500km's ago & it took 3 full litres to get it back up to full again, then it is using a bit, apparently. Might need to get your son to look into that as there might be ways to slightly reduce what oil you are going through. Of course, being in the 'KNOW' should also give you time to plan for a reconditioned motor if one is needed in the future. Alternatively you can burry your head in the sand, but thats almost guaranteed to end in tears.

I'm certainly not trying to rain on your parade, quite the opposite actually & I was delighted to finally learn this afternoon that you were okay..........my pc went kaaabang this morning, so Ive had my own machine problems at this end LOL - Blasted machines

DeBe · Guru

To be using that amount of oil in that time if it was burning it there would be plenty of smoke. Would be looking for oil leaks, such as oil filter not fitted properly or leaking oil pressure switch, yes its a new one but not to be overlooked. Ive seen them leak & empty a sump & the light still not come on. Leaky tappet cover gasket. Front or rear crank seals also can lower oil in that distance. Just a few points to consider. Daryl

lilly31 · Guru

Also good idea to check all fluid level yourself after a service ..I had times where put the car in for service only to check levels before trip away in same week to find oil was on low mark ... someone forgot to check and fill at garage ....so make you wonder how many time this actually happens

Happywanderer · The Master

Just when I was starting to feel better too, well it wasn't blowing any smoke and the neighbour in one of the caravans put a sack down and slid under and no leaks. So it must be using a lot of oil. She is an oldie. Just talking to son on phone telling him about all the fun. He doesn't know I am not that far from his place yet.
He said as long as I check it every day and keep it topped up should go for at least another 100,000 ks. Who knows.
Just like anything old needs looking after. If only someone had told me to check it every day. He was surprised the mechanic hadn't told me too. I'm used to newer cars.
Oh well, another new day tomorrow, see what happens. Will move on into Kingaroy. may suss out a good free park there and stay another night before heading into Biggenden

Firefly · Guru

Its amazing what a good nights sleep in a place you feel safe and secure does for you mate, and with a bit of power. smile

Hope it all works out for you mate.

Maybe an engine compression test might tell you a bit about if its rings etc.

Its all a learning experience isn't it. wink

Cruising Granny · Guru

If she's burning a lot of oil she'd be smokin'. If she's smoking that much you'd see it in the rear vision mirror. Believe me.
So more likely a leak as DeBe reckons. Trust me, he knows where to look. Better a leak than burning it. Leaks can be fixed, but burning means major motor overhaul or new motor. And you don't want that.
I'm glad you've had some intimate moments with that motor. If your going to do this travelling thing, you're going to spend a lot of time sitting on it.
Another monumental moment of independence. You go girl!!!!

Once this problem has been resolved it's recommended to have a service every 10,000kms, as well as checking everything every day. Everything is: water/coolant, oil, brake fluid, clutch fluid and washer bottle for the windscreen.

-- Edited by Cruising Granny on Tuesday 26th of April 2011 07:35:47 PM

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I have read with interest this long-winded epic ..... and I can only say how fantastic the forum members have been helping HappyWanderer out.

The posts have been so helpful and informative there has been no need to butt in ... just read and be overwhelmed with the postive vibes and assistance.

I am sure the travels will all settle down now as you gain more experience HW .... and how much easier it will be with this mob at your 'cyber-side'

Hang in there - happy travelling

John

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Hey Granny - "intimate" moment?????????????? what a laugh. Forgive me I have had two glasses of red to celebrate my squash win - woohoo 33 to 16 - and the kid I beat was about 16 - even better - I had more stamina than him - he was stuffed after second game.
Back to HW saga - lets hope it is leaking, nor burning - but shouldn't oil leak be picked up on roadworthy - and if so, what is the roadworthy worth - one of the problems of using "mates" unfortunately. You know "she'll be right mate" syndrome. But Marj seems a lot more positive at the moment, which is good - and now knows how to check things every day - a good habit to have I reckon, especially when you get a new vehicle, when youdon't know the hsitory.

I am lucky in that my father was of the opinion that if you drive a car, you should know how it works - and taught me about oil, water, how a gear box and clutch work, etc etc., even changing tyres - which was ok when I drove a mini - but 4wd tyres are pretty heavy - but I can do it - my husband made sure of that - he used to make me help him with all of that stuff - I know when to change oil, and filter, and petrol filter, and my new tyres need to be rotated at a certain mileage marked in my diary -

Marj - you are on the right track now - things can only get better -

Beth54 · Guru

Hi Marj. I've just gotten home from up the coast, and found all your problems. I haven't read everything, but boy! What a trial you're having!

I passed through the Kingaroy area today too! We decided to return by the inland route, as we expected bumper to bumper traffic on the Bruce Highway north of Brisbane. We went through Biggenden,,and yes, I thought of you and your son,,and down through Nanango etc. My elder son lives near Ipswich and I'd left my car there, so it was a good choice. Little Miss almost 2 was fed up with the car by the time we got to their house.

Back to you, I'm sure your son will sort it all out for you when you get there.

Beth54 · Guru

jules47 wrote:
Hey Granny - "intimate" moment?????????????? what a laugh. Forgive me I have had two glasses of red to celebrate my squash win - woohoo 33 to 16 - and the kid I beat was about 16 - even better - I had more stamina than him - he was stuffed after second game.
Back to HW saga - lets hope it is leaking, nor burning - but shouldn't oil leak be picked up on roadworthy - and if so, what is the roadworthy worth - one of the problems of using "mates" unfortunately. You know "she'll be right mate" syndrome. But Marj seems a lot more positive at the moment, which is good - and now knows how to check things every day - a good habit to have I reckon, especially when you get a new vehicle, when youdon't know the hsitory.

I am lucky in that my father was of the opinion that if you drive a car, you should know how it works - and taught me about oil, water, how a gear box and clutch work, etc etc., even changing tyres - which was ok when I drove a mini - but 4wd tyres are pretty heavy - but I can do it - my husband made sure of that - he used to make me help him with all of that stuff - I know when to change oil, and filter, and petrol filter, and my new tyres need to be rotated at a certain mileage marked in my diary -

Marj - you are on the right track now - things can only get better -

Yes, the oil leak should have been found on the roadworthy. Before I got my Lucy car, I always had old cars, and in years gone by, had more than my fair share of car problems. I'm still trying to catch up with Marj's story, but did I read somewhere that the Odometer isn't working right? Wouldn't that mean that the 'low mileage' the said was on it, wasn't low at all?

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Yep - good pick up Beth - as I said - may be one of the problems of using "mates".
My son in law wanted me to change from the mechanic I trusted (because he didn't like him personally) to one of his "mates" - met the guy - did nto like him, talked down to me - first mistake, and enough for me to say "no thanks".

Happywanderer · The Master

Hi Beth, Yes I said way back if the odometer not working just what is the true reading, it could in reality be at least another 100,000.
Definitely not blowing any smoke, I would see it for sure, nothing. But it did do a couple of good backfires the other day, frightened the living daylights out of me.
No oil leak, there would have been oil on my park at home which is concrete so it would have showed up.

Now I'm wondering if I will ever make it home in Myrtle, makes you wonder. What else will go wrong.
We've had some heavy rain here tonight, Had to put the top down when it started as quite a heavy wind with it. Just calmed down a while ago so might go get some sleep. Have been watching a DVD. The Cook and The Chef Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant.

Helena · Guru

Good to hear that you are feeling so much better about things now HW and was good that you got to know your neighbours on the road it is such a network out there you are never really stranded enjoy the rest of the journey and what a surprise your son will have when you pull into his driveway. Take care on the road. Helena.

Happywanderer · The Master

Meant to say in last thread, the mechanic isn't a mate of mine but is a mate of my SinL. But if you don't use him the only other choice is the big car yards with their large workshops who charge like a wounded bull. Small town, there aren't a lot of other options. He does have a good reputation.

Happywanderer · The Master

Theres a lovely little gift shop in the main street here in Kumbia. Has a great assortment of really unusual stuff. She only opens at the weekend which is a shame. I walked past this arvo and it was closed, the lady next door said I've just seen her arrive home, I will go and ring her. By the time I got back from the garage where I had gone to get money out of the machine she was open.
I bought my grandaughter a gorgeous wee gift for her birthday next week Had seen it in the window earlier. A little game of Tic Tac Toe, similiar to Noughts and crosses, beautifully made and the pieces are miniature teddys and gollywogs. So cute. Also bought both kids a gift for when I arrive. She I bought a key ring with a teddy in some metal with moveable arms and legs. He I bought one of those toys, an animal on a stand, you press the bottom and the animal goes into all weird shapes, moves around. They used to be around years ago. I got him a zebra.
So she did well to open just for me. Said she had gone to brisbane to pick up daughter as she starts back at school tomorrow.

Beth54 · Guru

jules47 wrote:
Yep - good pick up Beth - as I said - may be one of the problems of using "mates".
My son in law wanted me to change from the mechanic I trusted (because he didn't like him personally) to one of his "mates" - met the guy - did nto like him, talked down to me - first mistake, and enough for me to say "no thanks".

I had a similar experience Jules. Several years ago, my brother organised with a 'mate' to paint my Laser. He didn't use the 'proper' colour, and didn't finish the job properly. I was furious and asked my brother to go around and get some of my money back, but he said he was a druggy and was the type to come and bomb my car! Thanks alot bro!!

Lesson learnt! Go meet them yourself and follow your intuition.

lilly31 · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
Hi Beth, Yes I said way back if the odometer not working just what is the true reading, it could in reality be at least another 100,000.
Definitely not blowing any smoke, I would see it for sure, nothing. But it did do a couple of good backfires the other day, frightened the living daylights out of me.
No oil leak, there would have been oil on my park at home which is concrete so it would have showed up.

Now I'm wondering if I will ever make it home in Myrtle, makes you wonder. What else will go wrong.
We've had some heavy rain here tonight, Had to put the top down when it started as quite a heavy wind with it. Just calmed down a while ago so might go get some sleep. Have been watching a DVD. The Cook and The Chef Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant.

Maybe nothing else will happen ..Maybe the oil wasnt fill up to begin with it has happen before .... See how oil level go now ..check each day and if it is useing alot you do have problem but if it dosent maybe that all it was ... I alway check my fluid levels even after a service just to be sure as it has happen to me few years ago

Gerty Dancer · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
I have read with interest this long-winded epic ..... and I can only say how fantastic the forum members have been helping HappyWanderer out.
The posts have been so helpful and informative there has been no need to butt in ... just read and be overwhelmed with the postive vibes and assistance.
I am sure the travels will all settle down now as you gain more experience HW .... and how much easier it will be with this mob at your 'cyber-side'
Hang in there - happy travelling
John

Ditto! Have been off-line and was hanging out for the next instalment to find out how you were getting on HW, glad things are under control....well mostly.

At least mouse traps are cheap! Theres mice everywhere at the moment, would rather find a mouse than a red-back! bleh

Just love this forum.