Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,080 Likes: 1 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,080 Likes: 1 | Hey there,
So, I've been meaning to get to working on my Annie (B250 van) but finishing up the house before we hit the road full time has gotten in the way.
I'm curious if there is anyone out there in forum land who lives in or near the Fayetteville, Tyrone, PTC - GA area who is good at working on these puppies and wants to help me out?
Much appreciated. | | | Re: Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,001 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,001 | There are members from Georgia on this forum, I'm sure they'll respond. What type of mechanical help is needed ?
I DID NOT Escape, I'm on a Weekend Pass Lifelong Disease, WhiteLine Fever 97 DODGE shorty, The ROCK & ROLL Train New 4 Seasons Criuser, 74 B100, The Night Train Member of the Toopa Sinner Tribe
| | | Re: Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,080 Likes: 1 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,080 Likes: 1 | Hey,
Thanks. I hope to hear from them.
The kind of help that I need. Well.... it could range anywhere from time intensive and difficult to simple and quick.
Things that I would like to do (if they are needed... hence I need a second set of eyes that knows what they are looking at):
1) Replace manifolds (bolts are rusted on) 2) Repair rings / seals (? not sure) on one side (oil fouled plug) 3) Replace all belts 4) Change all fluids 5) Fix Over Gassing issue (adjust / clean carb)
The top two are a big one for me working by myself and new to it. Not that I cannot do them myself but I would not mind a second set of eyes that are familiar checking in on me.
The rest I can do myself but am trying to get our house on the market so that we can get it sold and start full-timing in our van. So, time is an issue because they would take me longer to learn and do than someone who already knows what they are doing.
Thanks for inquiring. | | | Re: Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,080 Likes: 1 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,080 Likes: 1 | By the way....
There is a likelihood there are many more issues but these are the ones I have discovered so far. I'm sure once I dig into her real good there will be more. | | | Re: Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,001 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,001 | I guess it Really depends on how far, you plan to travel, with Annie ? You certainly don't want to break down on the highway, half way across the country.
I DID NOT Escape, I'm on a Weekend Pass Lifelong Disease, WhiteLine Fever 97 DODGE shorty, The ROCK & ROLL Train New 4 Seasons Criuser, 74 B100, The Night Train Member of the Toopa Sinner Tribe
| | | Re: Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,080 Likes: 1 old hand | OP old hand Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,080 Likes: 1 | That is so true. As soon as the house sells we will be full-timing in her and she will be 'everything' to us.... transportation, home, etc. So, we want her running well enough to have the freedom to travel across country or just to the market. We will move as the wind tells us so it would be nice if Annie was running well enough for that.
| | | Re: Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 4,460 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: May 2006 Posts: 4,460 | where abouts in GA are you? i travel through there fairly often.
2003 Grand Caravan Member Vanatics Van Club-Spfld, IL Member Florida Van Council Member Central Florida Vans,-Orlando, FL | | | Re: Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 4,460 pooh-bah | pooh-bah Joined: May 2006 Posts: 4,460 | nevermind, i should have read the entire thread. My suggestion to you would be for the money in a ring job and all that stuff you may be better off with a new crate motor in it.
2003 Grand Caravan Member Vanatics Van Club-Spfld, IL Member Florida Van Council Member Central Florida Vans,-Orlando, FL | | | Re: Mechanically Inclined in GA, anyone? | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 2,847 Likes: 42 veteran | veteran Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 2,847 Likes: 42 | Nicole, If the exhaust manifolds are not leaking where they meet the head, do not touch them. They are cast Iron, they are 23 years old. The will always appear rusty they have been rusty looking for the last 20 years. Nature of the beast.
An oil fouled spark plug doesn't necessarily mean you need new rings. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could jump in on this issue. It could be the valve stem seals which is not an incredibly difficult job. If the rings on a particular cylinder are broken, to replace them, well you might just as well get a new crate motor. It might not even be a oil fouled spark plug, but a misfiring cylinder caused by a bad spark plug wire or crusty distributor cap, which will also cause your Rich running fuel smell.
Changing the belts is pretty simple.
My Point is, is that you might be making more of it than needs to be done.
Preventative maintenance is a good thing, but if I remember correctly your concerns about the rusty manifolds, remove them off the To do list.
If you are really worried about the engine's health, have the compression tested, perhaps a Used oil analysis to check for any excessive wear metals.
I very much understand the desire to have everything in top notch condition before beginning a long trip, but sometimes you just got to do what you can, and take any mechanical incidents along the way, as part of the journey.
Doing all the fluids, and belts is a good thing, but if you find there is a cracked ring, and/or a cylinder or 2 with weak compression, well belts and fluids will quickly fall to the bottom of the priority list.
But you might be able to slow a valve stem seal leak with some high mileage oil, cure the rich running with new spark plug wires, change the belts and fluids, and be able to circulate the country a half dozen times with no issues.
At least you know you need help. I hope you can find someone honest to get Annie ready for your upcoming adventure.
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