Diary of an Ordinary Van

[winterheating]

new engines normally use a bit more engine oil than normal, so i wouldnt worry about the missing oil.
the only way to get a true reading though is on a cold engine on level ground.

[Vee4]

I'm tempted to get the pressure washer and clean the inside of the engine compartment but I'm concerned about the delicate components such as radiator and intercooler cores, and the electrics. Any opinions?

yes DON'T

You're right. I'll go with Altransit's suggestion, if necessary. It's not the oil and grease I'm worried about so much as the salt. I remember well the first few winters with the Mk5 when I hardly ever needed the ice scraper. The Mk7 has had more salt in its first winter than the Mk5 did in in its first five. They say salt is bad for your blood pressure - it's certainly bad for mine!

[Vee4]

new engines normally use a bit more engine oil than normal, so i wouldnt worry about the missing oil. the only way to get a true reading though is on a cold engine on level ground.

Thanks for the reassurance, and ake mentioned that too (viewtopic.php?p=542979#p542979). I checked the oil level today, and now it's all settled down, the one litre added had taken it from the centre of the bottom band (as pictured)



to the centre of the top band, which I guess is about right.

[Altransit]

It's not the oil and grease I'm worried about so much as the salt.

If the engine doesn't need cleaning, then you could just spray the bare metal parts with a liberal coating of WD40 or similar light wax based or Teflon based lubricant.
That's what I do after I've cleaned the engine, and it gives it a nice shiny look, and protects the bare metal and stops water getting to the electrics as well.
This is what I use:-

[Vee4]

Oil leak update

The dealer contact diagnosed it from my description, and I crawled underneath to check. The oil is leaking from the right-hand drive shaft where it emerges from the differential housing (this picture was taken as part of my initial inspection of the Ordinary Van, just after I took delivery):



I'll be taking it in for the service department to look at, as soon as I can.

[ake]

Point out all the rusty bits whilst it there

[Vee4]

Point out all the rusty bits whilst it's there

Yes, I will compile a list of such things, just so they know ... In fact, I might just give them the URL of the Diary - the whole world's watching . Well, the Transit world at least.

[Vee4]

Oil leak update (2)

Here it is, in oily detail:



It's going in for inspection on Monday (19 April 2010). Spot the brown stains in the background ... and the foreground!

[Vee4]

The Ordinary Van made it to the Ace Cafe for The Meet on 18 May 2010:

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=65096&start=0

It's in there somewhere.

[Vee4]

Oil leak update (3)

The Ordinary Van was inspected by the dealer. They confirmed the leaking drive shaft seal and apparently there is an oil feed pipe to the turbo that needs replacing. Does anyone know if there is an 'advisory' out for the latter item? I couldn't see anything with my inspection mirror.

Is it this one?



While I was waiting, I asked the Parts Department for a couple of the amber-tinted capless lamps as used in the turn signal side repeaters. When I compiled the original spares kit (viewtopic.php?p=459492#p459492) I forgot that I wouldn't be able to use the bulbs from the Mk5 kit because they are clear. The Mk7 has a clear lens so it requires a tinted lamp. Anyway, they didn't have them and they weren't on the on-screen parts list. They are on order for my next visit when the seals are changed:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbor_Seal

[ake]

You can buy the indicator bulbs from any factors

[trigger]

You'll have a job fitting THAT seal around the drive shaft

[MinorMatt]

Depends how quickly you can throw it at the driveshaft?

[Vee4]

The Ordinary Van looks to new horizons

The OV and owner have been busy on a couple of projects, and too busy to write up the Diary. One project involved a trip to the seaside:



Interesting to note that the S******r 'Luton' with tail lift rented by the customer to carry the bulk of the equipment looked big and shiny but its payload was only about the same as the OV's (http://europe.ryder.com/internet/w/web. ... 0final.pdf). Small, heavy items had to be decanted into the OV until the S******r had a safe load.

There was no time for buckets and spades* on the beach:



although it was necessary to ensure that we did not dig a big hole for ourselves. It was more a case of:



Yes, that is a vintage Antex X25 - one of the best lightweight, non-temperature controlled irons. This UK-made product is still available as the XS25:


http://www.antex.co.uk/product.asp?strP ... 0&P_ID=823

There is also a 12V MLXS version with croc clips if you are working literally 'in the field' (or on the beach):


http://www.antex.co.uk/product.asp?strP ... 0&P_ID=825

I didn't find any seals, by the way ...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbor_Seal

this is a good thread but needs more pics go on treat us m8y

I've got the hang of it now. I hope readers enjoy the now 'image rich' Diary.

*Thanks to steve_jay for his excellent photograph.

[trigger]

Looking at that cliff (been reading about houses disappearing in Happisburgh) hope your handbrake was on nice and secure