Without any mechanical know how or much thought I bought a 2006 Transit 90 T350 Long Wheel Base High Top. The plan is to use it a sort of stealthy long term camper. This is literally the first vehicle I've ever owned and I'm determined to get it mechanically sound, liveable, and get myself to a point where I'll be happy driving around Europe without wondering whether I'll make it back.
I've got a load of basic tools, sprays, a drill, the Haynes manual and the will to try anything. I'm good at taking stuff apart and figuring out what to do with Google and a bit of guidance, and I'm willing to do any work I can and buy parts and bits i'll need. For me I see this as a longer term investment in terms of knowledge and the van. That said - I'm gonna need some help!
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE HELP METhe Van: Been used as a bodged camper by a couple of previous owners. Sort of good shape, runs pretty well and doesn't have any real issues changing gear, no black smoke, starts first time every time so far, brakes and changing are ok. Has a decent sliding window on the side and a not decent smaller sliding window higher up. Bike rack! Half assed insulation literally just duct taped to the walls, some of the original plastic wrapping still present, over the insulation is some thin plywood or MDF bolted in. Also a crap vent and a random bolt on the back door both held in with random wood bits. Has a gas hob attached to a Calor Gas bottle, some crap LED's that half don't work, and some OK storage that will probably come out anyway.
Full album here
https://imgur.com/a/tF4Mr Things that are not good: -Mechanically1 - Oil is leaking when the van is stationary. I don't know where from because the engine is super dirty and I don't know what I'm looking for
2 - Speedo not reading, mileage not going up, and rev counter not working. Instrument cluster taken out and cleaned with contact spray but think it needs resoldering.
3 - Fuse boxes are dirty as hell and missing some relays R5 - Generator cut off R8 - Bulb check (vehicles without abs) R9 - Injector Module (mines a TDCi - I think) R11 - Lift Pump - some TDDi models?? R12 - Engine Cooling fan
4 - Engine looks super dirty and I can't get the small plastic cover off the front as the bolts are rusted as hell
5 - Maybe too shaky/rattly?
6 - Battery wiring is crap, gonna take it out, disconnect the lights and stuff in the back.
7 - Sliding door didn't open from outside, have fixed but keeps breaking again. I think just the design of the handle being plastic means if the corner jams a little, the plastic break on the outside allowing the latch to pull out of the housing. Anyone got any ideas or known fixes?
8 - Back door didn't shut at the bottom. Took out the clasp mechanism and WD40'd the sh*t out of it. Works now.
9 - One crap key fob, three keys. Some work, some don't. Order a replacement key fob inside and two set of flip out key and fob together type keys. Wanna figure out which keys work for what and just have two keys that do it all.
In the back1 - All paneling and insulation is terrible - Half of it is out, will finish when I can a permit to go a tip (for real...)
2 - Probably some rust
3 - Smells a bit "natural"
Outside1 - Passenger door is green. Apparently the second last owner decided to paint it all green, got that far and decided to give up. Why.
2 - Crappy blotchy paint and some rust
3 - Some dents
4 - Diesel flap broken
Overall not too bothered, will focus on the inside and mechanical, then work on outside rust, paint and bumps.
What nextStrip the crap out of the back, clean it up, brush down the rust with twist knot brush, use Kurust. All prepped for doing insulation and sound proofing
Get a soldering iron or friend to resolder the connector solder joints
Take it for a wash. Pressure wash the engine, clean out fuse boxes.
Fit reverse monitor, this thing is too big not to have one.
Use this Pumpkin ELM37 Bluetooth scanner and Forscan to read any issues
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01 ... D8YE&psc=1HELP How do I figure out where the oil is coming from - bearing in mind I barely know what an engine is. Guess I'll have to properly clean it first.
What should I do to clean? I have some spray degreaser foam but I'd like to cover the electrics and foam and power wash the engine so I can see what I'm trying to look for. Can a hand car wash do this?
How can I clean the fuseboxes? Can I remove the whole box?
Is it possible to completely remove the wiring loom and redo it easily?
Any advice on the dashboard? Speedo not reading, mileage not going up, and rev counter not working, only the diesel gauge works. I'm looking through things, tried the fuses and a contact clean, solder next.