Message Forums

Hi Bob

Diesels will last longer because they have a long stroke, so the pistons and bearings are travelling only half the distance of a petrol.  I would strongly advise that if you do purchase it, you change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles irresepective of servicing.  Diesel engines thrash sump oil and carbon deposits (which turn it black) build up quite quickly causing excessive abrasive wear to the engine. 

Most dealers will tel you it doesn't need changing, butthen they want to sell you another one when yours packs up.

Every engine needs a good run now and then so don't be afraid to "clear it out" once in a while and put your foot down.  You should get 250,000 out of it, but you MUST change oil regularly.  This is the biggest mistake anyone can make on a diesel, by skimping on this.  (Even if the book says every 10,000, ignore it and change it every 5,000 and I guarantee it will go the distance for you)

Do check your timing belt, and if you buy it - would advise you change it anyway.  If this did snap, - bye bye engine usually, as the pistons will hit the valves and bend them.

Good luck with it.

Richard

floor it in neutral if it starts to throw out black smoke and coughing walk away if not it should be good for another 100000.cant remember on master would have to look but ime almost sure they have remoovable pots if so if so set of pots and rings and youv practicaly got a new engine apart from grinding in valves on head.the good point is there are plenty in scrapyards.

ps one point to look out for on master if side windows fitted bottom of window prone for rusting from inside out.

More good tips thanks and If the deal comes off I will certainly carry them out (not sure about the 'loads of 'em in scrapyards' bit though - lol).

Another thing you can help me with is Silver Screens. I have been searching this site and the web and can't actually find a picture of them. I presume they are foil screens which stop condensation on single glazed windows but how are they fitted. Also - is it possible to buy the outer plastic double glazing panels and fit those.

And lastly - any hints on keeping little dogs secure on campsites apart from tethering them to a long leash. I have noticed many people create a sort of garden using windbreaks, which may work for a tent but in a van there's nothing to stop a small dog escaping underneath and out the other side.

Bob, my last tranny had done 165000 when i offloaded it, and this one has 145000. Both engines have/are sound, its been the bodies that start to 'go'! A new cambelt will only cost you £60...and i would go to a 'diesel only ' garage as opposed to a dealership - they will find all sorts up with it!

These Renault vans...are they actualy Renault engines, or are they Peugeot?

Sorry to take so long to reply ... the awning is a Fiamma 45 .. and it's fix to the roof panel ..... we had a little problem at Sandy Balls , when it pee'd down big time .. the awning was out .. but water came from above the door like a waterfall, so O/H squirted a length of bathroom sealent above the door, which directed the waterfall over the passenger door ... also due to strong winds we attched guy ropes to the tops of the legs lol

<SCRIPT> document.body.className = 'themeBody';

Bob.

We have a diesel campervan that we bought two years ago with 110000 ks on the clock and we where a little concerned about it but since then we have done 60000 ks without any major hassles. Our first trip was to adelaide in south australia,,, then over the Nullabour to Perth. We had to replace the alternator but thats all.

The van is so good that we made arrangments just this morning to ship it to England on January 5th next year. 

It is essential to change the oil filter every 5,000km and the fuel filter every 20,000kms. I would say - go for it and you can be pretty sure that the motor will bring you home. Regards Martin & Fran