Van service - can I do it myself?

[binka]

I've had my van 6 months now and done nothing to it apart from put diesel in it and drive. Im getting to the point where I think I probably ought to check some stuff. Problem is that anything beyond checking oil and water levels is beyond me.

I'd like to be able to do stuff like oil and filter change. If I get something like a Haynes manual will it tell me in there how to do it? Will I need a lot of tools? What other stuff apart from oil and filter change do I need to do?

[1664]

How to do it will be in the manual. Tools, spanners, socket set and some screwdrivers would be a minimum I'd have thought.

The problem with doing your own oil change is what you do with the old oil and oil filter.

[kevtherev]

I paint my wooden fence with old oil and burn the filter on a fire.

My local recycling place has a big vat for old oil and filters

[CovKid]

Yep most definately you can service it yourself and where you're not sure - just ask

[fullsunian]

With abit of guidance Im sure you would be fine and don't forget there are folk fairly local that would help

[weldore]

[Hacksawbob]

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Pe ... oil_change oil change for a petrol , but it will be similar for deisel. Undo sump plug, drain, screw sump plug back in, (not overtight). remove filter, part fill new one screw on with out spilling too much refill engine with correct ammount of oil. dispose of oil in an enviromentally sensative way. local gov tip usually has a big tub you can empty it into. a little oil can go a long way in fresh water!

[Cafnod]

Lots of positive replies, might I say on tools there are plenty of quality tools secondhand, you will need metrics although some imperial sizes are equivalants. Boot sales good, if local you can get bargains on ebay and I have been surprised at the quality of some of the stuff at places like Lidl's.
Best o luck and as Ralph says, if you dont know or are not sure ask, at least one person will try to help I am sure.
BTW if you dont have a tip locally plenty of independant garages will take the oil and filter, a lot of workshop heaters run on waste oil.

[Nicola&Tony]

Will I need a lot of tools? What other stuff apart from oil and filter change do I need to do?

Definitely start doing it yourself, it gives you a better idea of what's happening with your van, and often more reliable results as well.

The more parts of the servicing that you're gonna tackle, the more tools that you'll need. Ask Santa for some bits to get you started. Think there's a tool list in wiki. Just make a start somewhere and your tool collection builds up gradually until you can't get moved for them!

Haynes manual can be useful, but there's loads of helpful people and info on here. I had no mechanical knowledge when we got our van but now I can service it meself. I was lucky though, turned out there was another member not very far from us who has given me tons of practical help and I've had loads of help and info from lots of good people on here! iirc, there are people not far from you who may also be able to help, test the waters by putting a request on the forum somewhere.

Go for it!

Tony

[CovKid]

Tips for staying clean (from many years experience)

1) Latex gloves. They're not exactly pleasant to wear but saves much hand washing later. (most £ shops have them)
2) Avoid doing up or undoing nuts with your fingers - these tend to cut into skin and grind in the grime.
3) If you do get filthy, ordinary washing up liquid and sugar will shift most stuff.
4) If you get grease on clothing, it WILL come out. Just spot it with washing up liquid before you put it in the washing machine (good tip that one).

[sezicoolcat]

Hi Binka,

Yes, you can do it yourself.
I get all the parts I need collected togther, with every intnetin of doing it myself but then I ask VWcamperfan (Mark) if he could help fit them

Or do it on a camper meet.

If you're like me, WANT to learn, but are too nervous about things, there are good kind folk in this club who can come and help you / show you what's what.

Sarah

[binka]

Exccellent, thanks for all the replies. Goingto get myself a Haynes manual and take the plunge.

[CovKid]

Early things to learn are the best way to position a spanner or socket wrench so that if it slips or suddenly comes undone, it doesn't smash your knuckles against something hard or sharp! Sounds obvious but its easily done when you're learning.

A vinyl cushion that you can wipe over easily makes it far more comfortable for your head when working underneath and try to remember to wear protective glasses or goggles as theres a lot of muck under there that can drop in your eyes.