A Van With No Name...

[Panky]

That's a brilliant match, you cant tell the difference

 

[renaultvation]

That's impressive work.

 

[colinthefox]

Nice one. I'm just matching up the new and old on some chair repairs, and it's difficult.

 

[Seven]

So I finally completed the fluids changes that I had started before going away on holiday! The coolant flushing took a surprisingly long time what with draining, flushing out, adding water and running up to temp, flushing again, adding flushing agent, driving around a bit to make sure it was all through the system, flushing again and driving around some more with plain water to again make sure that the flushing agent was all cleaned through etc etc! Then I filled it up with the nice correct blue stuff and new jubilee clips to replace the rusted out ones.

I also carried out a complete oil and oil filter change.

I then found the secret compartment plate under the passenger seat and unscrewed that to reveal the air filter:



And changed the air filter as well:

 

[Seven]

I also discovered this faded graphic on the inside face of the cab, just behind the drivers seat, which I thought was interesting. Not sure what exactly it was from. Can anyone make it out at all?

 

[Seven]

I also want to change the gearbox oil at some point. Can I just double check that these are the drain and fill points? What is the best method for refilling the oil as it is quite akward to get into? It is just the same 20/50 engine oil is that right?

 

[Panky]

Yes they are the drain and fill/level plugs and 20/50 is the stuff to use.
To fill the gearbox I use an old garden sprayer, the type you pump up to pressurise. Makes the job a lot easier.

 

[Seven]

Yes they are the drain and fill/level plugs and 20/50 is the stuff to use.
To fill the gearbox I use an old garden sprayer, the type you pump up to pressurise. Makes the job a lot easier.

Thanks Panky. That sounds like a good idea.

 

[Seven]

Can I ask for some help identifying these parts that go onto the top of the carb and their function? I noticed that there is a small split in the pipe under the clamp part that is in the middle of the photo. Would this have any effect at all? Would it be best to change it?

 

[Panky]

The round bit is the flame trap, to prevent ignition in the crank case should there be a back fire from the carb. Not seen many vans with them fitted as they usually get chucked away but as it's there a new piece of hose would be in order.

 

[Panky]

Thanks Panky. That sounds like a good idea.

This is what I use, picked it up at a car boot sale for a couple of pounds

 

[Seven]

The round bit is the flame trap, to prevent ignition in the crank case should there be a back fire from the carb. Not seen many vans with them fitted as they usually get chucked away but as it's there a new piece of hose would be in order.

Ahh thanks Panky! And for the photo of the pump.

 

[wackyracer]

Looks great, Danish oil works wonders
Interesting door release, not seen one like that before.

It's a pip pin my father fitted it to lock us in at night he was a helicopter engineer and they are used on aircraft

 

[Panky]

Hi Wacky and welcome to the madhouse
Nice bit of history to go with the van, were you the previous owner?

 

[Seven]

It's a pip pin my father fitted it to lock us in at night he was a helicopter engineer and they are used on aircraft

Thats great to know thank you Wackyracer.

I know we have communicated briefly, but as Panky says I would love to know more history about the van and especially would love to see any photos you may have!

 

[wackyracer]

Sort of my father owned it from about 1981 till I think 92 I remember many weekends away and holidays in it and driving it myself when I was older I'm glad it's still around and still in such good condition

 

[Panky]

Cool
Any idea what that graphic is further up the page?

 

[wackyracer]

Cool
Any idea what that graphic is further up the page?

I did look the other day I don't remember it being there when we had it and I used to sleep on the cab bed lol I'll ask my father if he knows next time I see hi also I'll try and get his old photos of it

 

[Seven]

I did look the other day I don't remember it being there when we had it and I used to sleep on the cab bed lol I'll ask my father if he knows next time I see hi also I'll try and get his old photos of it

Thanks, it would be great to see some old photos of the van!

 

[Seven]

Small update. New hose piece fitted between the carb and flame trap.

Also all new fuel hoses fitted as discovered a small split in one. Luckily spotted when starting for the first time after the winter slumber as I had the engine cover open. (Phew)!