long trip = good idea??
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long trip = good idea??
i have an '85 E350 van that i am hoping to finish a WVO conversion on and take a long trip in (probably 2000 miles from NY to New Orleans with some meandering) very very soon. it has 239K on it. it definitely has some kinks i am still working out (you'll notice i have some other posts up while i frantically try to get ready for my trip!), but assuming i get those worked out, i was wondering if you all think this is just a silly idea to try and take the van on this trip in the first place... considering its mileage.
if the answer is 'yes' then maybe i'll start considering other options. if the answer is 'no' then maybe i'll compile a list of things i should check/maintain prior to departure.
the only back-story i can give you on the van is that i got it this summer. its not my primary vehicle and so i have been very slowly learning my around it and ironing its kinks out...but haven't run it too regularly. i have probably put 700 or so miles on it since having it. aside from the fact that the previous owner lied to me about its mileage (he said it only had 139K on it) he maintained it really well.
whats yer thoughts!?!
if the answer is 'yes' then maybe i'll start considering other options. if the answer is 'no' then maybe i'll compile a list of things i should check/maintain prior to departure.
the only back-story i can give you on the van is that i got it this summer. its not my primary vehicle and so i have been very slowly learning my around it and ironing its kinks out...but haven't run it too regularly. i have probably put 700 or so miles on it since having it. aside from the fact that the previous owner lied to me about its mileage (he said it only had 139K on it) he maintained it really well.
whats yer thoughts!?!
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 4
From: MI
go for it! my buddies and i took my truck the second day i had it (450kms) on a 1400 km journey to tow a nissan my buddy just bought. took it no problems.
however i did have lots of problems after that. if you can afford it, id change the water pump and put a new OEM thermostat right now (dont want that sucker to spill her sweat all over the road). My oil cooler blew up randomly one day as well-oil control ring was old and cracked, putting out an exxon valdez size spill all over the road. almost killed the engine.
however i did have lots of problems after that. if you can afford it, id change the water pump and put a new OEM thermostat right now (dont want that sucker to spill her sweat all over the road). My oil cooler blew up randomly one day as well-oil control ring was old and cracked, putting out an exxon valdez size spill all over the road. almost killed the engine.
Clueless spectator!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,587
Likes: 6
From: Denver, CO
239K on an IDI is the break in period! the question is are the bolt-ons reliable IE water pump (as previously suggested) radiator, fuel pump. I have 255 on my 93, and I would take her anywhere, but i have built her to do so. I don't think it is a crazy idea, Make sure all of your fluids are fresh. Why worry about the WVO conversion before a long trip unless you are hauling a supply with you? you are not going to be able to find it on the road. Fuel prices are down right now. Remove the WVO problems from your journey and attack it when you return. Are you hauling any weight? My biggest problems have come form engine temp, but that was when hauling. If I were you I'd get a AAA membership and hit the road!
Good luck,
Mac.
Good luck,
Mac.
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Senior User
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well overheating is the main thing i'm battling right now, but in that battle i intend to have a new radiator and the recommended thermostat. i'll price out a pump and see what that will cost me.
thanks for the confidence! any other suggestions on what i should check prior to departure are welcomed!!
p.s. my AAA membership has already been taxed (out of tows till march) from my (mis)adventures with this van and my '77 mercedes but someone else in the van will have AAA for sure!
thanks for the confidence! any other suggestions on what i should check prior to departure are welcomed!!
p.s. my AAA membership has already been taxed (out of tows till march) from my (mis)adventures with this van and my '77 mercedes but someone else in the van will have AAA for sure!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,360
Likes: 820
From: Mi'kma'ki
i wouldn't take a 27 yr old vehicle with a quarter million miles on it 2,000 miles from home.especially one you've hardly driven yet.personally id look into renting something instead.just a suggestion.
Clueless spectator!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,587
Likes: 6
From: Denver, CO
Overheating can be tricky. How much weight are you hauling? Before you buy a new radiator, flow test it if possible, unless of course it is leaking. At the very least run her until it is getting hot, and feel the top and bottom radiator hoses. If they feel the same temp, your problem is probably not with your radiator. I know that when I was having cooling problems hauling my fifth wheel, even with my radiator not performing as it should, the ineffective fan clutch was the real culprit. After i replaced that, I had no problems unless I was pulling LONG grades with my boost at 10. It is cheaper than a radiator and often overlooked. If you do decide to get a new radiator, I have put Champion aluminum rads in both my trucks and am pleased with the results. About 240 bucks or less shipped, and be sure to scrap your old radiator for copper value. I got 75 bucks for my last one! The only other thing I can recommend is to do a "Diesel Kleen" fuel system flush. It is easy and will probably pay for itself in fuel mileage.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
As much as I like to say go for it, i'm gonna strongly agree with F250XLT here.
If you've only driven it 700 miles in a summer, you do not know it enough to take a long trip with it.
Vehicle mileage doesn't matter for trips, as long as you KNOW the vehicle well!
I also have a '85 E350 cargo van, and I did 8k miles on it in 6 months over summer using it as my DD, and in November I did an 18 hour round trip in 2 days with it, around 1500 miles, and it did great, but I knew the van very well by then, I had put alot of money into it, making it reliable!
And if your having overheating problems. If the cooling system looks in questionable condition, re do the whole thing.
But first, what makes you think it overheats? Are you relying on the useless dash gauge?? Or hopefully you have a REAL gauge?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I have a Sunpro in my van. I like it, works great.
And a I have a autozone Eequis (I think that's how your write it) in the motorhome, that also works well, but I prefer the Sunpro, much easier to read at a quick glance.
And a I have a autozone Eequis (I think that's how your write it) in the motorhome, that also works well, but I prefer the Sunpro, much easier to read at a quick glance.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,943
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When you say "very very soon" what do you mean?
I would be tempted to go for it, but I would spend what time I had on maintinance. Change all the fluids, flush the coolant system and replace all possible parts, check for leaks and fix them.
Put as many miles as possible on it as you can before leaving.....and make sure its not all nice driving. If something is about to break, you want it to break now. Then on your trip, treat it nice.
As far as the WVO, I wouldn't do it until after the trip. It is just another variable.
However, if the thought of breaking down on the side of the road bothers you then don't risk it.
I would be tempted to go for it, but I would spend what time I had on maintinance. Change all the fluids, flush the coolant system and replace all possible parts, check for leaks and fix them.
Put as many miles as possible on it as you can before leaving.....and make sure its not all nice driving. If something is about to break, you want it to break now. Then on your trip, treat it nice.
As far as the WVO, I wouldn't do it until after the trip. It is just another variable.
However, if the thought of breaking down on the side of the road bothers you then don't risk it.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
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I personally find adventure in the unknown (aka exploring the places you accidently break down in). My co-adventurer may find that less exciting. I am currently trying to find out how much it would cost me to just do a pre-emptive cooling system revamp....seems like it will happen down the road anyways, so might as well happen now. Thanks everyone for all your advice. I'll let you know what happens...
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