2023.04.02 Van Update - Revision history

RooK at 20:51, 8 May 2023

2023-05-08T20:51:27Z

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 * distributor - noticed earlier being held together with a zip-tie.  An aftermarket POS ordered but unknown delivery, and might ask Trafton's to install.
 * harmonic balancer - a rubberized timing pulley wheel.  It's cracking, and we're looking for a possible "racing" upgrade to also get installed.
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RooK at 15:53, 18 April 2023

2023-04-18T15:53:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 18 April 2023
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	Here's to having a reliable crappy van once we get Aknot back.		Here's to having a reliable crappy van once we get Aknot back.

			<pre>VAN UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE:</pre>

			AKNOT is back! VrooM VrooM! So much goodness rowing the slow van through its gears and making 1/2 V-10 noises. And Zora gets super-excited to jump into the van for adventures, plus the kids love riding with her and having functionally infinite legroom.

			On the downside, we are reminded of two impossible-to-find parts that are in not-excellent condition:
			* distributor - noticed earlier being held together with a zip-tie. An aftermarket POS ordered but unknown delivery, and might ask Trafton's to install.
			* harmonic balancer - a rubberized timing pulley wheel. It's cracking, and we're looking for a possible "racing" upgrade to also get installed.

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RooK at 18:51, 8 April 2023

2023-04-08T18:51:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:51, 8 April 2023
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	Fortunately, we have an appointment at a mechanic for a comprehensive inspection and to perform any work necessary to make it reliable. And, if they don't blow my van budget, maybe they can help us with nuisance elements, like the unreliable power windows, lame headlights, and the stubborn rearview mirror mount.		Fortunately, we have an appointment at a mechanic for a comprehensive inspection and to perform any work necessary to make it reliable. And, if they don't blow my van budget, maybe they can help us with nuisance elements, like the unreliable power windows, lame headlights, and the stubborn rearview mirror mount.

	VAN UPDATE UPDATE:		<pre>VAN UPDATE UPDATE:</pre>

	Well, it turns out the loss of power was actually a clogged catalytic converter. Which is funny, because the van was up on stands on the road in front of the house without getting that semi-precious catalytic converter stolen. Unfortunately, it's also a part they needs to be ordered, so we're going to be a week without the van at least.		Well, it turns out the loss of power was actually a clogged catalytic converter. Which is funny, because the van was up on stands on the road in front of the house without getting that semi-precious catalytic converter stolen. Unfortunately, it's also a part they needs to be ordered, so we're going to be a week without the van at least.

RooK at 18:50, 8 April 2023

2023-04-08T18:50:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:50, 8 April 2023
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	Fortunately, we have an appointment at a mechanic for a comprehensive inspection and to perform any work necessary to make it reliable. And, if they don't blow my van budget, maybe they can help us with nuisance elements, like the unreliable power windows, lame headlights, and the stubborn rearview mirror mount.		Fortunately, we have an appointment at a mechanic for a comprehensive inspection and to perform any work necessary to make it reliable. And, if they don't blow my van budget, maybe they can help us with nuisance elements, like the unreliable power windows, lame headlights, and the stubborn rearview mirror mount.

			VAN UPDATE UPDATE:

			Well, it turns out the loss of power was actually a clogged catalytic converter. Which is funny, because the van was up on stands on the road in front of the house without getting that semi-precious catalytic converter stolen. Unfortunately, it's also a part they needs to be ordered, so we're going to be a week without the van at least.

			Additionally, several hose clamps were missing on fuel lines, which were causing some gasoline to drip in a dangerous manner. One of those was dripping onto the distributor - which apparently is held together with hot glue and zip ties. And, for bonus fun, those distributors are essentially (to quote the fellows at Trafton's) "unobtanium".

			We've been reassured that our sketchy distributor is working, but we ordered a cheap aftermarket knockoff anyway - even though we've been warned that they are often problematic. We'll see how that goes.

			In the meantime, we're also getting a timing belt and water pump replacement, a transmission service, and a general filter and fluid replacement.

			Here's to having a reliable crappy van once we get Aknot back.

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RooK: Created page with "category:2023 Rant http://www.kvankii.com/gallery/IMG_4469%20copy.png If you can see the image above: Glorious, isn't it? Well, no,..."

2023-04-04T17:47:08Z

Created page with "category:2023 Rant <font face="consolas, courier new"> http://www.kvankii.com/gallery/IMG_4469%20copy.png If you can see the image above: Glorious, isn't it? Well, no,..."

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[[category:2023 Rant]]

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http://www.kvankii.com/gallery/IMG_4469%20copy.png

If you can see the image above: Glorious, isn't it?

Well, no, but it certainly seems that way in regards to its core mission: adventure give-few-fucks van. The manual transmission driving experience and nicely german steering feel blow every other cheap van we tested completely out of the water. The chonky tires look badass, even as they give it a bouncier but better-isolated ride. The epic bike rack speaks directly to the core bike-shuttle function of the machine. Getting the passenger side mirror replaced also makes piloting it less difficult while looking less sketchy than the glued-together mostly non-functional previous mirror.

Zora dog in particular has taken to loving riding in the van, as it generally means some adventure where she gets to be with the kids. And the kids, who have distinctly giraffe-like aspects, relish the vast passenger volume they get to ride in.

Plus, it has to be said: the 5-cylinder motor makes delightful sounds that tickle my nostalgia of my 80's Audi coupé and it's inline-5.

BUT - and this is a big but - there are some serious concerns remaining and emerging. There has long been a metallic jingling sound coming from the RHF quadrant during engine load - first guess is a loose heat shield. Now, however, there is a distinct reduction in power available. First guess is fouled fuel filter, questionable air filter, and unknown spark plug condition. And a distinct smell - sometime clutch-like, other times burn oil seeming.

Fortunately, we have an appointment at a mechanic for a comprehensive inspection and to perform any work necessary to make it reliable. And, if they don't blow my van budget, maybe they can help us with nuisance elements, like the unreliable power windows, lame headlights, and the stubborn rearview mirror mount.

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