my van is dying and i don’t know what to do
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- these are the times that van life sucks! what are you supposed to do when your house is breaking?
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alyssa.vanilla@thestation.io
You use your left arm to signal the turn. That’s still a valid way to signal, just stretch arm out the window. People should know that’s a signal.
I was first taught this in bicycle training, then reinforced in drivers education. Left hand up signals right, left hand out signals left, left hand down signals stop.
Yep this is the original way, and still legal!
You don't need to know this on road tests in NY anymore.
Yep, was going to post this
$4k seems high to me. Can you get another quote elsewhere? Anything rubber like gaskets and hoses will rot, but once you replace them, you have another decade or more. I would do what I could myself personally, it would save so much money.
I've been working on cars since I was a teenager, The best advice I can give you is to use TH-cam videos to learn about your vehicle. Mechanics used to have to learn from other mechanics but you can find just about any repair online. These shops will take advantage because they have alot of overhead costs. Keep checking your fluids daily!
Great advice Fam everything is definitely on TH-cam and it lets you see exactly what is happening and how difficult a job is knowledge is power
Girlll I feel you. I just paid $1,800 to repair my Jeep😩 Driving older cars will require more maintenance. Buying a new car will require a down payment & car payment. Just have to weigh your pros/cons. Personally, I’m hanging on to my Jeep. My dad bought the Jeep for me and he is no longer with us, so it’s sentimental to me. Safe travels Alyssa❤
Sometimes the sentiment is worth it. Hope you have many more adventures in your jeep :)
Newer cars break down just as much as older cars, are more expensive to work on, impossible to work on them yourself, plus all the $ you mentioned…they are not worth it. People only buy them to have a shiny new thing, it’s not practical.
🙏🏾🙏🏾
@@AlyssaVanillait’s more than likely a blown fuse in the fuse box or a bad relay for the turn signal, both are easy to replace.
Jeep Life 🎉
4000 is too much! You could get a lower mileage used engine installer for that! Ask for the worst oil leak to be fixed or get another opinion too and just keep oil like you said. Good luck darling!!! I’m in Florida and a mechanic so if you need advice lmk
Repairs are a reality in our vans. We don't pay for rent and utilities but, we have to maintain our vehicle. Have to remember the importance of a large emergency fund 👍
You're doing good 😉. Rock on.
You’re so right!!
Why don’t you take a mechanics course and be able to take care of your vehicle and make money helping others.
The light bulb thing is unfortunate. My local Toyota dealer charges $149 for diagnostic. But all that for a bulb is stupid. One mechanic removed my rear A/C for me, that was $200 but certainly more work and they dispose of the old unit. It’s a hit or miss kind of thing.
Get a second and third opinion and estimate for the oil leaks. $4k seems excessive. Maybe that shop is very expensive in general.
Good luck and enjoy the paaaaartyyyy
Always enjoying the party no matter what 😎
I think you are right to keep oil with you all the time. Unsolicited advice…….have another mechanic check Stevie over before investing $4,000 on the word of that one mechanic. He may be honest but he may also just be trying to take advantage of you simply because you are a Woman. 2nd opinions are always good!🙏🙏🙏 for you and Stevie. Let us know what happens?
I will keep everyone updated!
I hope you read my comment: I recently purchased an older van, same year as yours , same mileage. I spent over 5k on fixing engine issues only for it to die on me a month later. One of my friends mentioned I should have purchased a new motor for the amount I paid just fixing” it up. Something to keep in mind..you can get a new motor with warranty for around 4-5k
Stevie will be fine ❤ the new Vans they are making now, they break down as well. get well soon Stevie 🤗🤗🤗
Alyssa, an old van is a gift. But being in an old van you need to learn a couple basics. I could have changed your starter in an hour for the $100 it costed for the starter on Amazon. That said, you probably need to change out old fuses in your fuse box and make sure if you have electrical issues you disconnect negative battery cable when you inspect if they are blown. Changing rear main seal and valve cover gaskets should not be $4000. I had mine professionally changed for $1000.
Also make sure you use 75,000 mile plus vehicle oil because it “offers more leak protection” apparently
I actually did change all my fuses too just to make sure it wasn’t that! But you’re right I have lots to learn. If nothing else this van is a great teacher.
@@AlyssaVanilla amen it really is and you should keep her! New engines and transmissions are a lot more money and a lot more complicated!
I agree it should be no more than $1000
@@simplybeingme yeah in this case it’s really the hours of labor cause the gaskets are cheap
keep it and study everything you can find about your engine get to know it don't be afraid to work on it yourself.
Mechanic taking you for a ride. Add lucas oil additive. Many of those leaks will seal up after a bit
Keep in mind for that 4000 price tag you could buy an engine from a parts store w/ warranty and have installed for that price. don't forget(parts stores) you can get priceless info sometimes.
I agree with getting a second opinion. Knowing that your van is your home, he may be taking advantage because of the apparent urgency. I also agree that if you are going to dole out $4,000, have the engine replaced and ward off a few headaches with other engine problems for awhile. I hope it all works out okay. Your attitude is golden!
Get a quote on a complete rebuild on the engine & transmission. Imo 4k seems high just to replace gaskets and if your going to be out that much it would be well worth a couple thousand more do a complete rebuild, just make sure you do your research make sure that the work is done by someone with years of experience, and a positive track record. Love your videos take care. 🙂 Jason E
If you can afford to finance a dependable used van, I recommend a Toyota Seinna and nothing else in the van category. Don't even consider another type of minivan.
I totally understand the attachment....I love my 99 Astro Van ❤️
I agree with the suggestion to get another opinion. Also over time leaks generally don't get better, they get worse. And oil is the blood of your engine. Don't let Stevie keep bleeding. If you have the money, I'd cough it up now and get it fixed right away. Good luck and safe journeys.
Hey Alyssa, always go online n check out what the parts cost and repair time. This way when u go into a shop they can’t stiff you or jack up the price. It’s gd u new to tell them to fix what needed most attention and didn’t let them put fear and pressure to hand over all that money. U GOT THIS. Thanks for sharing. 💜👍🏽
Auto bills are always crazy expensive for seemingly no reason. Paying labor is the bane of my existence lol. I always try to do everything myself before taking it in. That said. Super proud of everything you do yourself! With the stress of Stevie. Glad she was able to make ot to the concert and beyond
Once I learn to do my own labor I’ll be unstoppable lol
Keep up on tires, oil changes, and gradually you will learn how to do bulb changes, etc., putting money into an older vehicle is well worth it. Treat her like you would a horse back in the day.
I have a cheap old van, too
I've spent close to 6k in restoring it
I blew up the transmission, put new Serpentine belts, brakes, spark plugs, and shocks.
It never ends.
It's the cost of living in the van.. either pay 50k for a new van or be prepared for maintenance. I have a 2000 honda Odyssey.
Good luck! You got this!
Look into lube guard platinum and get a transmission cooler if you have not done so already…
I am sending you all of my thoughts and prayers and wishing that everything goes smoothly for you and your van 🚐 love your Aussie family friend John ❤❤❤
OMG, you and me both when my turn signal wasn’t working on the bus I would only drive in the right lane. And our car is dying too and we’re off grid nomad.. I feel this keep pushing and stay aligned and a solution will come.. we came to create and enjoy along the way. 🎉
I saw Big Thief play in a super small venue in 2015! It's amazing how famous they are now and how wide their audience is.
As a fellow Astro owner I can tell you you have the right mindset. There will always be something to fix but they are worth it.
When adding oil, add the weight that is given on top of the oil cap. Use the right oil weight!
you are a saint for being so transparent, pros and cons with old units
You should find the mechanics manual (not to be confused with the owner manual that comes with the car from the dealer). With the mechanics manual, you can pretty much do all minor repairs and trouble shooting yourself. At the same time keep track of how much your putting into your vehicle because in the long run it might be cheaper and more reliable to go with your first instinct which was ordering a new van, but this tome ordering from the dealer to make sure you get it. 🥺
I have a 1987 Chevy camper van. Under the engine looks like a firehose of oil was sprayed but in reality it only leaks a little. All old cars leak. Just check the oil often, look for puddles, and if it becomes quarts per 500 miles then fix it. But a quart per 1000 miles is not that big, it also maybe burning oil at that age. Good luck and safe travels.
Hope u get a second opinion about all those leaking gaskets.
I agree with other comments. They may be trying to take advantage of you.
If the oil leaks were the worst problem, a nice mechanic would not have charged you $77 to reinstall a light bulb. Sounds like a corporate place.
Checking the oil constantly is a good plan! You can go a long way just doing that. I used to drive a leaker 300 miles everyday. Just check in the morning before you drive. U got this 👍
Everything yes to this comment!!
I like your realistic and interesting view on life.
I feel for You Girl!!.. I'm Saving for a Mini Van!!.. Good Luck & Remember Our Van will Take Care of Us If We Take Care of It!!.. Eddie Vedder for Life!!.. ✌️
Cute T-shirt skirt combo. Accessorize, but make it dipstick 🖤
You are one of my favorite utube video producers, no doubt, meeting you in person would be an amazing honor & fixing Steve would be a tremendous treasure to be remembered, thanks for sharing, Mr Cooper
Sounds like an expensive lesson, but you got it repaired. Two thumbs up 👍.
Oof, sorry to hear about the prognosis! I personally feel that with vehicles you either pay up front, or pay to maintain. But old vans like Safaris are sick. It’s super worth it to learn how to do some of this yourself, that way you don’t end up paying the mechanic for the small jobs and have more to spend when you really need someone else with expertise to do the thing. Best of luck with her!
Your turn signal probably has a grounding issue all you have to do is disassemble the light assembly with a 10 mm socket wrench it is for 10 mm bolt
IMMA NEED TO BORROW A CASSETTE!!!!!
Also her live vocals sounding like the album vox is CRAZY!!
I told you any time! & yeah she sounds exactly the same live 🥲
Hi Alyssa, I always use latex gloves to pump gas. It works to keep gas smell off your hands. Thought you can use this tip. 🧤. Enjoy the northwest 🗻
Straight arm out the window means turning or merging left, and arm bent at a right angle means turning/merging right.
2:57 OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That sounds exactly like something that I'd have done. And regarding you being so funny about giving turn signals - I am the same darn way! If I can't give a signal, I honestly don't think I'd drive, or either stay in the right lane, just like you mentioned. I always, 1,000% of the time, give a turn signal. Always. So, I understand your frustration and stress, at not being able to signal. I am so glad you got it fixed and even though that was an arm and a leg expensive, it is done! 4:02 it is OK to complain! Absolutely ok! We celebrate good times and accomplishments, therefore, we need to complain when it's warranted. Bless your heart.
I love the song Mary from Big Thief. Awesome video, good luck with Stevie. You will figure out what is best for you.
Honestly, (mechanics) often take advantage of people especially younger beautiful ladies like yourself, I personally know this , it's why I went back to school to learn the trade & I hate seeing people get took , if your ever in Bentonville Arkansas , I'd fix it for cost , of just parts no labor charges..
This is one of the problems or challenges of van life that often gets underplayed or ignored - all the moving around can get very expensive. Fuel, repairs, maintenance.... People who stay in one place can save a whole lot of money.
Please get a second opinion. My Chevy Astro gaskets cost me 600.00
Same situation for me with the bulb. I put it in wrong and didnt use this this conductivity goop
My friend
Drive your home until the weels fall off. In the meantime, auto parts stores carry products like Blue Devil and Lucas brand gasket and main bearing seal oil additives. Just be sure to follow the instructions and buy you time on those major repairs. Those products are made to restore gaskets and seals from within your engine. They are NOT a permanent fix but they may help you in the meantime.
Be Blessed my friend
Oh no Stevie, wishing you the very best!! ❤❤
Hi,Alyssa. I believe that Stevie is a great van. Worth keeping. I have a 15 yo Toyota Sienna Camper van. It had cost me to keep her running perfect but she always has run like a top and never left me stranded. I first completed all repairs. Engine out all gaskets timing chain everything. So far ive got about $12k mechanically into her in almost 4 years. Ill never recoup but Wilhelmina is mine and I have no debt. Just dropped another $1500 but with every repair I get a newer more reliable camper home. Im a happy camper. You could use Vanlife allies my girl. Just a couple good people who can stear you correctly when you have questions about fixing your home too. 😊✌🏼I send all good vibes your way.
Hang in there. You’re gonna get thru this friend ✌️ Long live Stevie
I just love how your sense of humor comes in tricksters. Safe travels to you. God Bless you.
I wish you was in Texas. I would fix most of your van issues at no cost. You will always need service on that van as long as you own drive/it. Checking your oil only takes 1 minute and free. Not checking your oil? Engine failure Not Free.
Also try and do a live stream or start a patron. I'm sure there are people out there that will help. Glad van is ok. I had a recent repair of a 1,000 bucks wasn't fun
I really enjoy your vlogs especially the ones by the ocean.... you have good vibes! I hope the the van issues level out after this fix. 2006 vans with a 150,000 Miles sell for $5,400. around here. You are still ahead.
Thank you thank you thank youuuu
aw what a lovely ending
Be safe darling’! I also agree with getting another opinion if you haven’t already. Be safe and keep moving forward. ☺️
Please don't feel bad. My 2 bedroom apartment is 1,850. a month. I suggest a 2nd opinion on the repairs. Every lady needs a mechanic in the family/friends if you can. That's how I got my van really really cheap, and then repaired it for parts only cost.
I wish you were closer to Vegas. I could have fixed your bulb problem for free and depending on which gaskets are leaking oil it shouldn't cost $4000.00. The main gaskets that leak are the oil pan gasket and valve cover gaskets. Even if you need them replaced it shouldn't be $4000.00. I know because I rebuilt engines before my law enforcement career. I worked on cars with my Father for many years. You are correct. Keep frequently checking your oil. Women are often taken advantage of by mechanics and auto repair shops. Take care. Love ya.
Hello 🙂good seeing you again hoping Stevie get better and you my dear just be safe 💗
Look at you looking all professional checking that oil and pretty too. I'm proud of you
I think that intuitively you know what to do.
I hope you already know you have two dip sticks, transmission/red fluid, and engine oil clear yellow golden when changed, then darker/black with use.
Forgot to tell you, make sure your engine has cooled down or hasn't been recently running before you check your dipstick. When the engine is running or just shutdown your oil reading will be higher. Love ya🥰
I’m in the same boat. It’s constant stress for sure.
Alyssa, you should look into the Chevy express. It’s only a little bigger than the savana and has multiple different chassis options if you want to turn it into an off-road vehicle like you said in another video. They’re relatively cheap and you can find them anywhere.
Hey Alyssa if you do decide to "upgrade" your van I recommend a 2013 Ford Transit Connect. It's pretty affordable and has a comfortable amount of space and easy to drive & park from my experience. Just a thought.
Hello Alyssa this is a recommendation before you put all the money into a lift and rims and other things because your van is a older model van and I had that same van growing up my parents had a white and gold one but you need to have your motor and transmission rebuilt or replaced with a new motor and transmission not a use one but either a new or rebuilt . Then you know mechanically everything is good and if you’re going there far replacing the headlights unit as whole is good Idea then after that you’ll live rims and what are the bills you want to do can take place but make sure that your van is mechanically sound where you know whether you’re going from east coast to West Coast or Seattle to Texas that your van is mechanically sound to go to any weather or terrain
I work at a shop. I wouldn’t have charged you for the bulb situation. It is rare to see all of the gaskets bad at the same time but maybe because it is old. If you only do one then the next blows out after the repair of the first because of the increase in pressure from getting the first one fixed. I’m in Florida if you ever need help.
I’m the same way with my Honda crv it’s over 20 years old and I’m a part time dweller. I do have to say unless your mechanic is a realative they will take you to the cleaners. It is best to watch you tube videos and do as much regular maintenance you can. Fortunate for me my husband does it but I really try to stay out there and learn as much as I can. I do not want another car.
I wish you good luck and take care.
Also in the mean time you can try those oil leak stop fluids, they do help sometimes, just a suggestion. Fixing the Chevy seems like a smart idea. I try to get other estimates when I have expensive repairs but cheap isn't always the best solution.
The clapper in the hotel room tho 😂 😆
awesome video keep the general maintenace oil change radiator tuneup brakes rotate tires and on odler vehicles bulbs seat in on way and i feel you with older cars i have a 1971 vw bug leaks the engine is tired time for me to rebuild it plus i have no car horn lol cost 400.00 to fix so i just yell out the window take care at forgot one since that van is automatic make sure you service that transmission
Your left turn signal has a fuse that probably went out. It could be going out due to an electrical short elsewhere. My vehicle had the same problem and I was changing blown fuses every couple of days, and finally I figured out that the back light on shell cab of truck was shorting out my fuse.
Word of advice(I'm going to tell you what most people won't), don't waste your money, it's just a van, not a person or animal. Keep saving so that you can buy a new van with a warranty. Your present situation will be a lost cause, with you funneling money over and over and over into something that will never give you satisfactory long term service. Cut your losses and get a nice new van. Better to be safe and secure than possibly broken down somewhere in an extremely dangerous situation. Things are not good today and you are potentially putting yourself into an accident (and possibly being maimed for life) or somewhere stranded with no help, or at the mercy of dangerous people. This is NOT the day and time to be putting yourself purposely at risk. People have always been of a dubious nature, but today, even more so.
When checking your oil you can buy a box of "Nitrile gloves" at Harbor Freight to help keep your hands clean.
Anytime I have vehicle issues I check the YTube to see who might've posted a similar problem/fix.. they're very helpful...but at times either I don't have the right tool or the amount of 💪 (the last person that changed my oil must've used a power tool when they put my drain plug back in and the filter was also on super tight) needed...I do know how to do it myself except for that(also know how to install spark plugs& wires, battery, battery posts & wires, light bulbs haven't learned to replace wires for that yet...or fuses for any of it yet) learning to do the "little things" can make a difference...I had to talk with 1 of my bros to change the oil(it just costed me time & gas $ because he wanted to go sing at a powwow).
What I had noticed while under the hood when I tried to change my oil was that I'm going to need a ball joint replacement and that some metal that was bolted on broke😬 still haven't figured out what that is...but she still works. I currently like watching Scotty Ki(l)lmer vids he's a character 😂.
Hope it works out for you lady & learning to do the little things helps a lot
I drove my Astro conversion to 230K, then sold it. You did good. Love your videos !
Stay encouraged! Speed bumps or hiccups are just temporary obstacles that test your perseverance. Sending you all the positive vibes and support from NC. 🫶🏽
I am sorry to hear that, you need a second and third opinion on your oil leaks. It sounds like they want to take advantage of you. They want to basically charge you roughly $400 an hour, which is about 4 times the normal labor rate. You can most likely get your whole engine overhauled or replaced for $4,000. Definitely try going to a couple or three different shops, including an engine rebuilding shop and see if it is better to reseal the whole engine, overhaul the engine, or just repair only the worst engine leak. That shop you went to is crazy to try to overcharge you almost 10 times more than it should cost to repair an oil leak. Just try to frequently keep an eye on your oil level and you will be fine until you find a more reputable shop to repair your oil leak.
Girl car maintenance is a necessary tho inconvenient at times. The newer model means more $$$$ when a sensor goes and you know it the day after the warranty expires ❤ Love Stevie❤
Patsy Cline, Highwaymen, Heart...you go girl! You have great taste! Let's talk!🙂 Gosh, 4 thousand for the gaskets?! Perhaps it being a van, and the engine harder and takes longer to get to versus a regular automobile, maybe the labor is a lot more? Anyway, I do think you did the right thing. I hope you'll be able at some point to get a new ride, maybe new. It's tough to sort out the math---pay a car note on a new one, OR sink money into Old Reliable.
older vehicles can be a bottomless pit. I would have it overhauled and make sure that the engine and transmission is running optimally❣🙏
A go fund me for a newer van or rv or whatever you choose. I think it would be a good idea. It may take awhile but gotta start somewhere
oh man im really sorry that your van is going through these issues. mechanics are such a rip off. i wish i lived closer to you, my partner is so handy with fixing vehicles. a mechanic wanted to charge me $4000 to fix my car last year when i got into an accident and my partner and i were able to fix it up for less than $200 together
Sorry to hear about everything going on with your van. Hope you get it all taken care of. I hope that the mechanics aren't trying to take advantage of the situation by charging so much. Well hope all works out. Let us know how everything turns out. Safe travels!!!!!
Thanks!
I understand that hand signals are not officially recognised in most countries now, but we used them for years in UK and I can remember the time when we still did. Any thinking driver behind you would realise what was going on if there was no electrical indication and you stuck your arm out of the window in good time, in a straight line to indicate a left turn. For emphasis you can withdraw the arm, and stick it out again a couple of times. It's not a real substitute but might make you feel better about a sudden manoeuvre with no indication at all.
Big hugs Alyssa and a prayer 🙏 for Stevie 💕
Hi Alissa 👋🏽, When your turn signal is out you have to do hand signals you can goggle hand signals for driving. If you still want a Transit Connect new they can still be ordered but I don't know when you would be getting one. I have waited for over a year I called Ford and asked them about my order they said it was in the queue, whatever that means. If you decide that you want to get another van and you want a Transit Connect look for a used one see if you can find one that is two or three years old. Older vehicles need to be maintained more than newer ones.
Stay safe... I am sure some subscribers in here have a lot of mechanical knowledge but I do know oil and gaskets you don't wanna mess with putting off.... the conversion build is secondary to her engine running the right way....just don't push that engine too much.
it was a blessing in disguise that you put the light in wrong...your car needed to go see a mechanic for other reasons. also, I LOVE BIG THIEF
Head gaskets are such a pain in the aah 🙄 keep your head up love I have been goin thru stuff back to back but it's only going to make us stronger 💪🏾. I ❤ your content btw 😊
I hope you get the Van fixed all up
I just had mine fixed last week! My rear driver side. It’s probably just a short. But also check your battery connections and power while you’re at it. It was a 1 hour repair that cost me $85 near Portland. My car died while on the road 6 days later and I called aaa. It was just my battery connection for that one. My wiggly battery wore away a screw that connects the battery. I had no cell service, but used a hoop earring to make a connection somehow and drove until I had reception and right when it died again. 10 minutes later. He towed me to an autozone and it was a $7 repair.
I’m hopeful for you! But also feel your worry as I drive a 1978 rv.
Looking good, Yes Older cars, trucks , Vans are a pain in the ass. Good Luck with every thing
Find a mechanic you really trust or someone else highly recommends. If it needs a quart every other time you fill up? You can live with that. I drive a 2007 Dodge Caravan. No oil leaks yet, but last month needed a new unibelt, alternator, and radiator. Eight hundred bucks!
Surely there is a mechanic that is living the van life out there that can help our girls out
Try to change the fuse for the turn signal. Change out as many fuses as you can in older vehicles
Don’t do it… they are ripping you off… take the council of watching those TH-cam videos on older van is gonna leak stuff it’s not that big of a deal. Just keep your eye on the fluids. Check your oil frequently and your transmission fluid. Also, don’t let them rip you off please and that van is cool. it’ll be way less to maintain an older van like that then it will be if you get something newer and it has computer systems advanced electronics. Etc. etc. you’re absolutely right it’s the perfect size for you and as far as the maintenance is concerned, it’ll be a lot cheaper to maintain it. Don’t give up on it. God gave you the wisdom and the favor to have a cool van like that. Don’t get discouraged you’re doing the right thing hang in there.. Don’t overfill the oil though. I hear you talking about it now, but obviously you need to check it especially if you’re in areas where it’s very hot. Your gaskets and seals are just getting a little seeepy because of age don’t panic.
Good to know thank you!
Take care be safe