All done and while out there in the van I thought I better make myself useful so took out the back seat not needed in front of the wardrobe. That space will be perfect for the portaloo so don't have to keep moving it around, also took a shelf out of the wardrobe as had a hanging rail that couldn't be used, the shelf was in the way. So now have a hanging wardrobe, plus a shelf below it for fold ups and the bottom space for shoes etc. Now I better go out there and wash the floors. After lunch.
FF the results from the compression test Kens' son did, I will take those figures with me tomorrow and get advise but from what someone earlier said those figures don't seem to be a concern.
Ken I think Sheba meant your wife and your sons wife, both very lucky ladies.
Regards your speedo milage gauge, if it is the old mechancial type (spline runs from the back of the speedo dial to the....can't remember now but that is what turns it) I recall a couple I had, one only needed the spline cover being unscrewed from the back of the speedo and a few drops of oil being put down it as it was sticking, another I had (going back awhile) the spline was worn and I replace it (just a matter of unscrewing the spline on the back of the speedo, withdrawing the old spline, replacing it making sure it is "engaged" inside (not turning) and screwing the spline cover back on behind the speed. You (or someone) should be able to get a replacement spline from a wreckers) fairly cheaply. If it is only lubrication (I would try that first) then you wouldn't even have to do that.
Just a thought, to all you mechanics out there I am not one, but I did do a bit of tinkering with my old cars a very long time ago. So please feel free to correct me or add you two bobs worth.
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
Will look into that Vic. I have to go to the wreckers to get a lever/handle whatever its called for the middle seat to hold it up when I'm checking the oil, doesn't have one but easy to replace if I find one. Will check out the workings of the speedo, interesting getting to know all the terms and how tos of everything. Maybe will be an A grade by the time I'm finished. Note I didn't put mechanic there, maybe A grade Know-it-al. The beauty of getting in there myself and seeing personally will make it easier for travelling. I will at least know what I'm talking about.
I'm working on it Esmerelda and planning my next trip up north. Thanks.
I have put a full list of all parts replaced in the other thread in Techies Corner about oil consumption. May save a few queries and Ken did ask a few when I didn't have my invoice with me so may help also. Did note the PCV Valve grommet was replaced, not sure if that is relevant or not.
Will look into that Vic. I have to go to the wreckers to get a lever/handle whatever its called for the middle seat to hold it up when I'm checking the oil, doesn't have one but easy to replace if I find one. Will check out the workings of the speedo, interesting getting to know all the terms and how tos of everything. Maybe will be an A grade by the time I'm finished. Note I didn't put mechanic there, maybe A grade Know-it-al. The beauty of getting in there myself and seeing personally will make it easier for travelling. I will at least know what I'm talking about.
I think they were called a Speedo cable Marg, but get someone to see if
yours only needs lubricating first before you fork out any money.
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 5th of June 2011 03:51:12 PM
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
If the valve grommet was replaced I am sure the valve would have been checked or cleaned, but with that mechanic who know's
I have a neighbour who knows the mechanic and says he is a sleezy person and do not trust him. Also the mechanic marj is going to has a good name and should be very helpful
Thanks Ken for that info. Amazing what you find out when you ask re mechanics. Also, wish I had another daughter who wasn't married, pregnant and bitchy at the moment. What a lovely chap.
Have been talking to my NZ sister. She suggested why don't I just use an oil additive, may have to put it in about yearly but will certainly slow down the oil use. How about that. They use it all the time over there. She said her son uses it in his vehicle and she had to use it in her last vehicle. So maybe that point made a few times on here will be one of the main things to ask tomorrow.
Local knowledge is always a very handy thing. When in doubt, ask a local. This applies to everything in travel wherever you are. Ken you are an example for us all to follow. You've assisted a friend in need. What goes around really does come around. You are a friend indeed.
Marj, when you watch what happens around your vehicle it gives you a better understanding of what was previously a mystery. Knowing some of the terminology of the parts and procedures gives you an advantage when you go to the mechanic. You can then describe in detail, what the problems are, and the symptoms they cause, without sounding like a "know-all". When you drive into the garage and say, "Please service and do any repairs required", you give the unscrupulous mechanic open slather to rip you off. You now have the upper hand on mechanics in a few short but costly lessons. All the best.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Ken - what a lovely man you are - and your son - good deeds always bring in good karma - you have put our minds a little bit at rest for Marj - and she seems to be so much happier now - it will all work out in the end I know.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Good to see a few postive things are happing for you now marj ... as you get to know myrtle thing will not be so daunting .. but was bit scary out on road for first time and all this happen to you .... but hope it all go well for you now ..slowly but surely you will be back on the road again soon ..Liveing the dream ...
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The clearest path in life is always the one behind you....
I have been to see this new mechanic, he was very interested and I am booked in for Wednesday 15th to have a check up. He said for 88.00 and about an hour and half he can check out a few things without pulling the motor to bits and hopefully come up with some answers. He said if its not leaking oil it must be burning it and some tests should tell where. he suggested the PCV Valve and the Valve Stem seals which he can look into, and said he could also put it on a machine that should give some answers. I gave him all the details of the compression test. he said that looked good. Gave him all the other details which look good. So now its a matter of waiting. He was booked up this week and Monday is a holiday. Tuesday is my birthday so really don't want to hear any bad news on my birthday so we settled on the Wednesday. I'm happy with that.
Thank you Vic, thats next Tuesday 14th. Its actually my sons birthday today 6th. The one in Biggenden, he's 39 , the one who had the nasty truck accident 4 years ago. I'm just pleased he's still around to have birthdays.
Sorry Marg, old farts disease, not reading dates properly, Happy Birthday for then too, I suppose we should make that a separate thread for next week hey GN's ?
Good news on the van being in hand I am sure he will get to the bottom of it all and he sounds like a nice bloke. I have found by painful experience over the years to try not to do business with family or friends (eg; last mechanic) as if it goes pear shaped it can ruin a relationship.
Not always easy to do though.
Wish your son a Happy Birthday for us all in the GN family !!
-- Edited by Vic on Monday 6th of June 2011 02:12:14 PM
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
Thanks Ken, will let you know. At this stage daughter has appointment in Melb on that day at Monash Medical Clinic. I don't think I will be needed though.