Cam belt change:

I thought it was about time to change the cam belt, so put aside a day and got to it.

To start with you need the new belt and two rollers along with a tensioner.

The hard part is getting to the belt, its behind a black plastic cover behind the fan!

So an hour later with the intercooler and radiator removed we get to

Remove the intake pipe, the top soundproofing cover, and the alternator belt

Now this is the scary bit, set up at 36mm socket and bar like the above and crank the engine over to break the bolt on the pulley

Now i know your supposed to peg the fuel pump and the flywheel and such like but i just marked the position on the block of the wheels and counted the number of teeth from one wheel to the next.

I have replaced the two rollers and the tensioner as you can see above. Hand crank the engine clockwise slowly to make sure you have the engine set up right. Then re assemble in reverse order.

Thats how I did mine not too difficult only a days work.

Runs perfectly now so on to the brake pipes next.

Solar panel update

Solar panel issue has been fixed:

The silver foil connectors in row 4 of the nearside panel had delaminated causing open circuit in that row this led to no voltage getting to the controller and hence no charge.

I removed the backing and took apart the panel, re soldered it and covered the access point in sikaflex to re seal.

So far working as good as ever

I have now added labels to the control panel pictures to follow.

I have purchased two new rear wheel bearings and handbrake shoes to overhaul the rear end as I noted a squealing noise from the rear wheels, I changed the discs and pads about 10k ago so a wheel bearing is the likely culprit.

Again I will post pictures when I get to do it - probably saturday.

I am investigating fitting roof lights and vents will update on this shortly.

A new look for the van

Ok so I know I haven't updated this in a while as the van has been parked up in France.

It's now on the way back and due for some routine maintenance.

Items that need addressing:

240v night heater needs to be sorted

Solar panel fault needs to be diagnosed

New shower fitted as the last one froze

Control panel updating with labels etc.


I know pictures are the key and I will update with them once I start work on the 13th