Car Repair Advices Part 3
Yesterday (July 3, 2018), while on youtube, I ran across a live stream of a VanLifer (Dave2D Vlogs) trying to repair his 1983 Ford Econoline Van:
https://youtu.be/hgZ8Llxb3Ek
Apparently the Van would not start. The engine would turn but, it would not start and run under it's own power at a cold idle RPM. Since it was a live stream people viewing the video were allowed to make comments. Many viewers were trying to give advice or simply make funny comments. Even I "chimed" in and tried to give advice, it was entertaining watching the interaction between Davd2D and the people on youtube.
(Maybe Sabrina and Johnny from Wandxr Bus, got their revenge for all those roast videos. They may have been in their VW bus just laughing themselves sick watching Davd2D trying to repair his van!!!)
Several viewers appeared to be knowledgeable mechanics or mechanically inclined but, it didn't work out and the van failed to start even by the end of the live stream.
The Haynes publishing group has sold manuals for nearly every modern vehicle including the 1983 Ford Econoline Van. In fact some of these manuals are available for free online:
https://manuals.co/workshop/ford/econoline/ford-econoline-1969-1991-workshop-manual-haynes/5525412/1
The Minimal Millennials also experienced Van Trouble:
https://youtu.be/5nxN37_EqZ4
With a $7000 repair cost:
https://youtu.be/h4xkk6qiQ08
Which brings up a good point, if one is a Van Lifer, or wishes to live the Van Life on a full time or part time basis, then knowing how to repair or at least having working knowledge of the basic mechanical systems of one's van is important.
Both of the aforementioned VanLifers were relatively lucky. Both of their vans broke down in relatively populated areas, relatively close to dealerships and mechanics.
The depth of mechanical knowledge and practical mechanical experience really depends on where one intends to take one's van. If one intends to drive and park the van in relatively populated areas, then knowing how to repair the van isn't as critical.
Though,.... If one intends to take one's van to isolated areas, areas that are difficult to get to, other countries with limited resources, areas with few paved roads, dirt roads, or even off road, areas with limited communications no cell service or internet access then knowing how to repair one's vehicle is critical.
Also, it may be helpful to become acquainted with CB and Shortwave Radio. This will help Van Lifers communicate in areas with no cell or internet service. Knowing one's GPS coordinates will aid in locating the vehicle, in case of an emergency.
Finally, the best way to avoid break downs and costly repairs is to maintain the vehicle, check all fluids, check tire tread, if the vehicle is computerized, check the computer codes, if the vehicle is NOT computerized then follow the recommendations in the Haynes Manual for routine Maintenance (the following could also be used in computerized vehicles where applicable)
https://manuals.co/workshop/ford/econoline/ford-econoline-1969-1991-workshop-manual-haynes/5525412/28
(also if one's vehicle uses a Carburetor to meter the air/fuel mixture then changes in altitude will dramatically affect the vehicle's performance. Basically one needs to adjust the carburetor in order for the vehicle to function appropriately in a high altitude environment.)
You will definitely have to know how to fix your van if you go here:
https://youtu.be/Q954LxEzyY8
https://youtu.be/hgZ8Llxb3Ek
Apparently the Van would not start. The engine would turn but, it would not start and run under it's own power at a cold idle RPM. Since it was a live stream people viewing the video were allowed to make comments. Many viewers were trying to give advice or simply make funny comments. Even I "chimed" in and tried to give advice, it was entertaining watching the interaction between Davd2D and the people on youtube.
(Maybe Sabrina and Johnny from Wandxr Bus, got their revenge for all those roast videos. They may have been in their VW bus just laughing themselves sick watching Davd2D trying to repair his van!!!)
Several viewers appeared to be knowledgeable mechanics or mechanically inclined but, it didn't work out and the van failed to start even by the end of the live stream.
The Haynes publishing group has sold manuals for nearly every modern vehicle including the 1983 Ford Econoline Van. In fact some of these manuals are available for free online:
https://manuals.co/workshop/ford/econoline/ford-econoline-1969-1991-workshop-manual-haynes/5525412/1
The Minimal Millennials also experienced Van Trouble:
https://youtu.be/5nxN37_EqZ4
With a $7000 repair cost:
https://youtu.be/h4xkk6qiQ08
Which brings up a good point, if one is a Van Lifer, or wishes to live the Van Life on a full time or part time basis, then knowing how to repair or at least having working knowledge of the basic mechanical systems of one's van is important.
Both of the aforementioned VanLifers were relatively lucky. Both of their vans broke down in relatively populated areas, relatively close to dealerships and mechanics.
The depth of mechanical knowledge and practical mechanical experience really depends on where one intends to take one's van. If one intends to drive and park the van in relatively populated areas, then knowing how to repair the van isn't as critical.
Though,.... If one intends to take one's van to isolated areas, areas that are difficult to get to, other countries with limited resources, areas with few paved roads, dirt roads, or even off road, areas with limited communications no cell service or internet access then knowing how to repair one's vehicle is critical.
Also, it may be helpful to become acquainted with CB and Shortwave Radio. This will help Van Lifers communicate in areas with no cell or internet service. Knowing one's GPS coordinates will aid in locating the vehicle, in case of an emergency.
Finally, the best way to avoid break downs and costly repairs is to maintain the vehicle, check all fluids, check tire tread, if the vehicle is computerized, check the computer codes, if the vehicle is NOT computerized then follow the recommendations in the Haynes Manual for routine Maintenance (the following could also be used in computerized vehicles where applicable)
https://manuals.co/workshop/ford/econoline/ford-econoline-1969-1991-workshop-manual-haynes/5525412/28
(also if one's vehicle uses a Carburetor to meter the air/fuel mixture then changes in altitude will dramatically affect the vehicle's performance. Basically one needs to adjust the carburetor in order for the vehicle to function appropriately in a high altitude environment.)
You will definitely have to know how to fix your van if you go here:
https://youtu.be/Q954LxEzyY8
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