HELP NEEDED long trip......what to check before???

[hefti]

HI all, since getting the van in august we've now broken down twice, once on our way back from our first proper outing this was a sheared fan belt probably due to oil leakage which was probably due to overfilling the engine. ( its a replacement probably a 1Y) now you think that the person we bought it of might have mentioned that its overfull when on the min line, especially given the fact that he was a mechanic.... anyway. w after that learning curve and lots of research we serviced the van with new oil, filters and obv she's had a new fanbelt. we marked the dipstick at 4/ 4.5l. according to advice and info i can find this barely covers the bottom of the dipstick and thats what we found.
nice 1.5 hour drive to the beach then back and a trip out to chester to pick up a fridge (that didnt fit) suggested daisy was driving nicely no oil leak, didnt seem to use any so as far as i can tell not burning any. the usual issues with a high sided vehice and vague steering ( on the list to get better bushes) heater stuck on nuclear bit annoying but better than being freezing.
then....breakdown 2 on friday was cv joints coming away from the gearbox, 2 sheared bolts left in situ, now removed, new bolts ordered with washers from brickwerks fitted, driven round the block, loose. tightened. (need to drive further and check tomorrow on whether theyre still tight) Any advice on how tight they should be or what to do if any have come loose again?
bolts replaced on the other side too just in case
so we're planning on going away for half term and its a long drive especially at about 50
obv i know we will need to check oil levels, tyre pressures, fluids (water, washer, brake) check all fuses, and bulbs. have a spare fan belt and pack some tools.
Question is what else should i be checking before a drive in my t25. seems after advice its quite commonplace to check the cv bolts as part of the regular maintenance but being new to this t25 lark i had no idea to do this.
all advice gratefully received, i'd like to make it there and back without any drama

[ninja.turtle007]

You sound like you have it sussed. The more you drive it and the more you lie under it the more you will start to understand when something needs replacing before it breaks.

Ref the cv joints the way you mentioned is the way to do it. I now check mine a hundred or miles after replacing them. I had one come off a mile after driving through a flooded f.ord

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Ir8MJI2s4


That reminds me, I must check the ones I fitted two weeks ago!

[hefti]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Ir8MJI2s4

brilliant. i'm pretty sure if i tried that in daisy i'd have a soggy carpet!!!

[Oldiebut goodie]

Make sure that they are clean then torque them to the correct setting. 45Nm or 33ft/lb

[kevtherev]

Make sure that they are clean then torque them to the correct setting. 45Nm or 33ft/lb

thats 45 Nm or 33 ftlbs

is that clear..?

with a torque wrench that is known to be correct

[hefti]

husband says torque wrench might not be the right type to tighten bolts, might have to take it to a garage to do tomorrow
he did also say he took it a mile today and theyre still tight
camping adventures agogo
hopefully not trailer home adventures again

[Ian Hulley]

husband says torque wrench might not be the right type to tighten bolts,

Really ? ..... in what way would a torque wrench not be right ? Obviously you need to have the correct splined or hexagon bit IN the torque wrench

Methinks you'd better get on good terms with the garage or be rich 'cos someone's going to have to get their pinkies dirty if running your van isn't going to be a miserable experience.

[hefti]

ian,
i have no idea, didnt elaborate on the conversation, it could be size or torque range. left this job up to him as been at work, conversations about torque wrenches when i got in at 12.30 last night consisted of as little words as possible especially as he goes on with himself sometimes.
not that i'm any better lol

[hefti]

and i think husbands already figured out if its raining im not crawling under the van, my involvement runs to trawlling forums, websites, general information gathering, parts ordering and collection
starting to know lots about interiors though....i get distracted!

[xpress]

how about a beam type torque wrench if you want to be sure of calibration?

[isaune]

Someone on here once said always have Gaffer Tape and Cable Ties in the cupboard - they come in handy for a million quick fixes.

[Ian Hulley]

Someone on here once said always have Gaffer Tape and Cable Ties in the cupboard - they come in handy for a million quick fixes.

But not CV joints

[hefti]

Back from out trip... A day early thanks to disobedient child who made a confined space a nightmare come bedtime. Daisy was amazing never missed a beat. Not sure how people with smaller engines and 4 speed gearboxes manage since hills were still a challenge at times! gas decided not to work this morn needs investigating. She needs a wash and drying out... Damn condensation most disappointed not to see a since t25 the whole week. Two bugs a variant and a bay but no wedges! Seems most people have sensibly garaged there's for the winter.... Daisy will continue to be driven with the emphasis on sorting the work needed before summer.
Great first proper trip in the camper

[keith]

Back from out trip... A day early thanks to disobedient child who made a confined space a nightmare come bedtime. r

Should have taken the gaffer tape and cable ties...

[hefti]

Back from out trip... A day early thanks to disobedient child who made a confined space a nightmare come bedtime. r

Should have taken the gaffer tape and cable ties...

Don't think it didn't cross my mind