Van Troubles and We're Leaving New Zealand!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Van Troubles #vanlife and We're Leaving New Zealand...for Japan! As we're preparing to leave New Zealand for Japan, we have a lot that goes wrong. Our ferry in New Zealand got cancelled and then we have van troubles!
If you have any good mechanics you can vouch for in Christchurch, leave them down below. Hopefully our van is alive when we come back!
Follow our IG for more up to date travels: @taklyntheworld
Don't just go on what they say about alternator being shot. Test it to clarify their expertise advice. When you in Japan n hoping it is cheap, get a multimeter reader. Hook it up to the battery with the engine off to see the voltage. Not sure about that type of van voltage but for a standard car battery, it should show 10. If the number is low then your battery is no good. Now get that cat started just one time. Then record the number of the voltage again. If your alternator is good, the voltage should be in the 14 as the alternator is charging the battery while the engine is running. If voltage is still at 10 then alternate is shot. Testing is the proper way to know because guessing games can get you to replace unnecessary stuff n the problem is still there. Modern mechanics have moderns technology tools to diagnose but old school mechanic uses their ears to hear the problem.
Also the smell coming from your exhaust pipe can tell you something as well. Plus colors of the smoke coming from your pipe as well. Too Lean too rich, oil leaking. Safe journey n you got us to help you out along the way.
Squeaking belt is probably your alternator belt. It is slipping and not spinning fast enough to give you a good charge to the battery most likely. That sulfur smell was because your battery was powering the car instead of the alternator and overheating which probably burned the cell out because all the battery acid was evaporating. You may not need a new alternator, you may just need to tighten the belt or get a new one. It is pretty easy to do, just use a crowbar or a strong piece of wood or something and pull the alternator back as far as you can and tighten the screw down while you keep leveraged pressure on it using the crowbar. Anyhow, safe trip guys, that fresh cut looked nice
What’s up Jocelyn and Taku. Car troubles are the pits! I know you two can handle it.
My kids and I have “Taku Tuesday” every week. Lol. (Sorry Jocelyn your name just doesn’t rhyme as well.)
We are looking forward to Japan! We love seeing the scenic shots and how life is in general for the average person. We like cultural differences, logistical travel planing, and the food, of course. Enjoy life!
Back in the day I had a diesel Rabbit hard to start in the winter. Like no glow plugs and it was cold hard to start. The Rabbit had a five speed stick. So I'd park on a slope, roll it down, put it in 2nd gear and pop the clutch. Fired up every time. Lots of smoke! Coal Rolling with a Rabbit! You could always get a manual going by popping the clutch if the battery was dead. Good luck with the van eventually and can't wait to see the next video.
The serpentine belt needs to be replaced along with the alternator. The belt being loose is what can cause the alternator to not charge correctly. It sucks to see the mechanic was "shadetree" to you both. Yall are great people and very patient! Safe travels and looking forward to many many more videos from both channels!
Yep, the squeaky sound at start up is a loose/bad belt. Replace alternator and belt, should be an easy DIY, some struggle maybe but relatively simple.
Fan belt squeak is probably because alternator is shot, and has a lot of resistance to turning (slipping on the belt). Don't worry much about not starting it for 6 weeks, it will be fine. You might consider disconnecting the battery while its sitting. Good luck!!
From a guy who works in a body shop, I am very impressed with Takus competence in vehicle maintenence. Respect.
This is a worry you don't need,bummer!
Have a good flight. See you on the other side👍.
JO JO IN VT 💞
Taku, you and Jocelyn have a safe journey to Japan.
taku if you're having problems with belts like the fan belt, it could just be slipping on the alternator which would cause it to not charge correctly. get those belts changed and tightened first and see if that fixes it before you dump a bunch of money into a new alternator! Also look into buying one online while you are abroad that can maybe be sent to your friend in Auckland. That was you justr have to pay for labour of putting it in! you can always return it if the belts fix the vharging issue! love from Toronto
Simple trick to check if your alternator is bad. With engine running disconnect the negative battery cable. If Engine dies, you have a bad alternator. If it stays running you have a bad battery that is not holding a charge.
Does this work on automatic engines also?
Ooo thank you!
@@bbk2325 yes it does auto or five speed it doesn’t matter
Don't do this on newer vehicles. Anything before 2008 is probably safe.
This will work if the alternator is completely shot but the mechanic mentioned that the alternator is putting out current but not at full capacity so it may be putting out enough current to run the ignition system.
Yup, when you cooked the first battery it cooked the alternator. I had a diesel once and the alternator died at the Columbia river, but didn't turn it off. Drove all the way to Gig Harbor watching the voltage drop till we stopped at our destination and it died right in the parking spot. From Fresno.
ThT squeaking is most likely the belt on the alternator which may be causing the low voltage. If it is slipping it won’t charge the battery as intended. You probably don’t have a volt meter but if you get one out the leads in the battery and set it to less than 20 volts red to red and black to black on the battery terminal and try starting the car. If the voltage is above 13 towards 14 while your cranking it means alternator is charging properly. If not the alternator is bad. Good luck!! Can’t wait for the Japanese adventure!!
Next NZ video - replacing the alternator YOURSELVES!! For a cheap second hand one of course... Just need a socket set a couple of wrenches and presto👌
Its the alternator that squeaks probably also or another pulley. Just put a trickle charger on it while you are gone or charge the batt when you're back dont need to buy another one.
sad to hear about your van troubles. In NZ you have to be specific what you want fixed with a mechanic. As others have commented, tighten the belts and check your fuses before replacing an alternator. good luck in JP and cant wait to see the uploads
Safe travels Guys! Sorry you had to deal with all these problems right before leaving. Hope you have a great trip!
Another awesome vid, safe travels Taklyn.
Westburn Workshop are great mechanics. Been going there for warrent of fitness and car issues and never had any problems with them 👍
Sorry about the Van condition. Jocelyn I think you made a good decision not to continue diving in MERCY WATER! Meal.look delicious. Thank you for sharing an awesome video.Be safe you two.
Good mechanics are as common as 2 tailed crayfish Bro. 😂 my brother is a mechanic and I don't trust him. Safe travels guy's and fingers crossed the red herring starts when you get back ✌🏾🤙🍀 sorry if i offended anyone 🤝🏾
Good luck guys!!
Sounds like there is a current draw in the charging system. If you smelled rotton eggs the old battery was being overcharged and it was boiling the water/acid inside. Usually when an alternator is failing many will misdiagnose and replace the battery. Plus, you have a belt squeal which could be the belt that drives the alternator and that may have some input into why the alternator is not charging 100% and indicating a bad alternator. If that replacement battery was new but dent and scratch sale, I wouldn't worry but if it was previously used, I'd return it for a new replacement. Once the fan belt or serpentine belt issue is corrected and determined if it is the one driving the alternator, you will likely find it could be the loose belt only as a loose belt can make an alternator seem like it is failing. Also, there is a belt "tensioner" pully that keeps the belt tight, that could be going bad as well and those are usually replaced when the belt is. Most competent mechanics can diagnose a charging system rather quickly including testing the battery with a load meter once its charged up again. Alternators typically work or don't work because of voltage regulators inside of them. If that goes out, most mechanics will recommend replacing the alternator. A new rebuild or remanufactured alternator should be good enough...just be sure you get one that has the higher amperage rating if there are more than one offered because of your "camper" set up. since you are likely in Japan by now, your friend should put a 3 amp automatic battery maintainer/tender on or disconnect the black negative battery cable while you are gone.
Aloha Taku & joshlyn whst it adventure so far ur travels catch cook & shares looks awesome exciting to eat as well the challenge the fun the fresh ingredients so nice and now off to japan 🇯🇵 so awesome
Can’t wait to see the Japan vids. Ya’ll be safe.
Me too, I agree 👍
Love the day-to-day stuff vlogs and showing us not just the glamor and glitz but also the ugly side of vanlife.
The smell was the alternator. It was probably this: old battery and old alternator. The battery was on its last legs and leaving the lights on toasted it. THEN the alternator working its butt off trying to charge a failed battery caused it to fail, this was the smell you smelled. The squeak might even be the failed alternator. You needed the battery AND the alternator. The jump start things mostly suck, you got lucky there!
Las tortillas son tan hermosas y lindas y ricas que siempre es un gran problema cuando estás lejos de casa y quieres un rico taquito. Que hermoso ver este canal donde ella toma el control de las cosas.
Safe traveling for you both
Thanks!
Hack to stop the fan belt squeaking use a bar of soap to rub on the fan belt. You can do it while it’s running but very careful or just rub it on as much of the fan belt, you do not need to a thick coat just a light rub. Happy holidays and stay safe looking forward to your next video!
Taku looks so stressed out. Hope everything works out!
safe travels xxx
I have had so much battery problems over the years from using hazard lights while doing road construction. Now I only use optima batteries and they work great.
If you replaced the battery and the next day it is dead, than you may have something in the van that is draining the battery even when the ignition system is off. When you go to Japan, disconnect the negative side of the battery. It should hold the charge for a month as long as the weather is not freezing. Also, the reason why your engine makes the squeaking noise is because one of your belts are loose. Check your drive belts for your water pump and alternator. It is very easy to tighten the belt.
That sounds like a drive belt tensioner making the noise, the tensioner not putting enough pressure on the drive belt will cause the belt not to grip and turn the alternator spooling it up enough to charge your battery.
Not enough juice. Fan belt burning will smell bad. Check the alternator? Change the belt.
Install a car battery terminal switch around$10-20 in US but am sure can find one easy install. Does sound like if keeps draining may be alternator not recharging.
You two should throw a wrap on that van. Would give it a fresh look and advertise your brands.
Right now, in AU/NZ, it's their winter season & Pacific waves/currents are unforgiving!-lol...Safe travels to U both!
It's wonderful to see Jocelyn in this video, she's Soo beautiful chef Taku!
I'm sorry about the rubbish that's happened. I've been following on Outdoor Chef Life waiting for you to get back to the north. Hopefully your time in Japan will be better.
Hey I love you guys videos I been watching you guys for so long and I want to thank you for letting me learn about new things in the world from food to travel always enjoyed every video keep up that amazing work be safe
Hey guys, I’m sure we can help out if van will be in ch-ch. same with storage & free diving for cray (lobster) & sun local spear fishing when you get back. I’m sure you got a lot of others for options but will throw it out there for ya bra👍🏼
hey man if you're battery is charged before you leave it over night and it doesnt start in the morning that means bad battery if that car runs then after you turn it off it dies or has a weak charge then its alternator :)
Have a safe trip you 2
There's something draining the battery when it sits. Try pulling fuses until you find the drain.
Excited for some Japan vlogs finally.
Had that happen on my truck. That smell was definitely the battery. If you have a short in one of the cells from running it down, it will smell a lot like sulfur. Even if the alternator is good, that can happen. V belts on older vehicles tend to squeal a bit.
That squeaky belt could be the belt that drrives the alternator. Not enough drive (power) to the battery. My guess it's the belt and not th e alternator.
when you come back their is now a Costco in Auckland for all your American supplies😎
Alternator is shot. Your old battery was still good, if you were in the US you can take it to any AutoZone and they charge it overnight for free. Alternator is no longer working properly which explained the weird wire smell and the squealing. The “battery mechanic” most likely took your old battery, recharged it, and selling it back on the market as used for the same price.
Need a new starter. The belt can slip at first from condensation so if it's rainy or foggy at night I wouldn't worry about that if the slipping goes away after warming up. Sounds like your engine is knocking though so I'd get a couple cans of sea foam. 10 bucks a piece at Walmart.
Or you can disconnect battery terminals if its not in use so it doesn't drain ..i think its also grounded..hope this might help😊
It sounds like it was the alternator . Your old battery may have been good. A bad alternator will not charge the battery and even if the car had started it was running completely on the battery which is why it went dead. Its very easy to check, a voltmeter is used......... When the car is jumped started, while the engine is running and the meter in the volts setting, put the black lead on the negative and red on positive. If the alternator is good it should read aprox 13.5 to 14.5. Less than that says the alternator is not charging the battery
Taku is so patient and always has a great attitude. It is so rare to hear him complain about little things... like tortillas.
Should unplug the battery if your leaving it for a long time. Keeps the battery from draining.
Its hard to find a good mechanic any where, I guess! Have a safe trip!
Unhook your battery while gone so you don’t have to buy another battery. Just get the alternator and trickle charge the battery.
I'm sure there's already gone, but t hopefully they he can a friend who could do this for them.
The storage guy said he would. He had to move some vehicles around so we couldn’t do it before we left. Hopefully he remembered lol
Cant wait for the japan series. I’ll be visiting for the first time in October! Give some tips, recommendations on using trains, food, hotels… anything lol
Yep my vote is alternator. So frustrating! Good luck you guys and safe travels. Hopefully you’re in Japan by now 😊
Thank you and yes we’ve been in Japan for a bit now!
@@TaklyntheWorld I think if the battery was dead after one night of sitting something must be drawing power out of the battery. so it could be some type of wiring issue.
@@joerunge3915 Taku left the headlights on all night. A good battery will recover from that most of the time but his did not after 3 hours of driving/charging. But then he has a loose V belt or serpentine belt which may require replacement as well as the belt tensioner and idler pully in the case of a serpentine belt. Most belts are sold as a kit to replace those 3 items because all 3 do wear out over time/use.
This is one issue that cars today need to have better gauges to tell the driver if the charging system is putting out and what the voltage is in the battery.
@@Garth2011 ah I didn't hear the headlight part.
Never buy a second hand battery. Alternator bad in most cases you wont be able to drive to far without it dieing on the road. The sulfur smell i would say thats the catalytic convertor. Does it go uphill easy or kinda struggle if so thats what it is. Belt dont need tightened you need a new belt it has cracks making it make noise. Hope it gets fixed by someone who knows what they are doing i love your channel i look forward to every video.
Taku lol you should park on a decline slope And do the first gear pop clutch jump start. Battery is leaking causing the smell. As for the alternator it should be pushing 14.5v when the car is on older car like that should be closer to 13.9 14 v. When you leave for Japan which you probably already had you should of unplugged the battery for any further parasitic draining
good luck. i had a bad alternator and my car was dying as i drove it.
There are additives for the fuel so it doesn't degrade while sitting
And I bet there's a short somewhere causing the battery to drain.
Just came back from Japan and loved it!
Don't get us started on supermarket foods here in NZ...prices are skyrocketing, our own exported food is cheaper overseas, and the selection of decent imported foods (tortillas, case in point) are very slim. Freya's make nice wraps, and the Lebanese wraps are to die for, but I've yet to find really good Mexican-style wraps.
If the alternator belt is loose then it won’t charge the battery properly, and it will squeak.
Batteries may not recover after completely discharging. Also don’t drive while attempting to charge the battery since the salts that holds the charge break into pieces. Pretty sure your issue was a discharged old battery.
Do you guys not cook the tortillas? Didnt look cooked when you plated it up. Unless they are hot off the press you have to heat them up some how in the microwave on the stove burner or in oil in a pan.
Hi Jocelyn. Hi Taku. Imma kelp chili crisp. 😊 with a beer 😅🍻🍺
Mabe the altinator belt needs to be tightend, that is why its making a sqeeking noise. And not charging the battery as it should
Before you leave for that long trip you should disconnet the battery.
🌴 well you two , tuff luck on the van but here’s a thought since it’s a Mitsubishi and your in Japan maybe you can bring an alternator back with you ? Parts in japan might be cheaper to, it will be great to get back to family, and home cooking, and then there’s the 🍣 sushi 👍🏼 stay safe have fun , later 👊🏼✌🏼
is the alternater light staying on ..on the dash ? slipping belt also drives the alternater get the belt tightened
Hope that experience with the mechanic doesn’t damper your awesome trip
You will not need a new battery just charge it and replace the alternator
i dont think you have a bad alternator, because if you have a bad alternator and a dead battery, when you jump your van and disconnect the jump starter the van would have die right away because the alternator is not charging the battery. form the sound of thing on how the battery die after a few hour or however long it was parked/sitting, you might have a parasitic draw in your electrial system. get a amp meter and do a draw test.
I don't know much about cars, but couldn't you disconnect the battery when leaving the van? It wouldn't drain when unplugged, and you wouldn't need to turn the car over from time to time (unless that serves another purpose other than batteries)?
If there is enough power to the ignition lights, you can still jump start your car by pushing it. If you know the trick.
Edit: commented before knowing alternator issue.
Was this trip a bust or not? Hard to tell. Lots of challenges but also lots of fun.
Sorry for going through all. Sometimes you might need to adapt to their way of style.. 😊😊
You're coming back!!!!!!????❤
I think take it to a more experienced mechanic. I dont know any in the south island only in auckland. Safe travels to japan.
maybe if the fan belt is loose it is not turning the alternator which probably is attached to the fan belt. just saying.
Woohoooo!!! Japan next!!!
get tester see if voltage is over 13.8v if it is alternators fine
I'd say you avoid that mechanic and battery place next time guys. Sounds like your fan belt is slipping and making the squeak, perhaps the alternator is dying and making the belt just slide instead of charging. Get a decent brand new quality battery and an alternator and belt and have a decent mechanic do the work. Best of luck guys
Don’t forget to disconnect the battery when you two leave for japan
The belt issue could be adjustment or bad pulley.
I was so angry when Taku started the van the last time and I heard it still squealing! What did that mechanic even do? Ugh 🤦
@@bbk2325 right
We’ll look at that, mechanics down there are shysters too.
I had an old SUV once. You can tell that there are rust on them parts. One Day the car wouldn't start. It just wouldn't crank. Battery or alternator issue right? Nope. A homeless Guy was once a mechanic and by visual, he saw that my belt was running around other cool parts like the AC compressor n the alternator and other parts. The AC compressor was rusted so it wouldn't turn. No belt turning, no start. We got a shorter belt n bypass the AC compressor. Car started n lasted me another 10 years. I payed the homeless guy well n even offered him a check but he declined that. Till this day, I still roaming the streets by San Jose state to look for that guy. I would love to take him off the streets and have him working with me. This was in 1997, a long time ago n he probably moved on or die out. Good people still exist these days. It gave us hopes for humanity.
Dang I get someone here in Texas that chargers only 40 bucks for a battery and they install it
1:57, sounds like there's a cat at your airbnb ;)
Try making fresh home made tortillas its super easy to make just need flour and some ingredients lots of recipes on TH-cam. Yeah it's sucks to get scam by shady mechanic anywhere and get stranded on your trip after paying big bucks for those repairs.
You guys are so cute I love you guys so much
japan next?!?!?! letss gooo
Come on home!
Keep the hair natural, Jocelyn, your beauty needs nothing phony!
Can I come fishing with you when you get back to the bay??
Unhook the battery if you're going to be gone for a month