Delica Specific Maintenance / Training Course?

[Jolly Roger]

My partner Kathy and I are brand new to the Delica world. Neither of us really know much about vehicle mechanics . . . okay . . . we know NOTHING about vehicle mechanics. Traditionally, if we had a problem with our vehicle we'd take it into the shop and go for a nice latte while it was being fixed. However, our future plans involve some long-term travelling in our Delica and we'll often be far from any type of repair / maintenance facility.

So, with that in mind, we figured we'd look around and see if there were any basic courses on offer that would provide us with a general overview of vehicle mechanics. We are not looking to get to the point where we can tear down and rebuild an engine or transmission ourselves . . . we are simply looking for a bit of knowledge to help us in the following areas:

- Provide us with a general overview of vehicle mechanics and how they work (engine, transmission, brakes, electrics, etc.)
- Learn how to look after our vehicle properly and keep it in great running order
- Know what maintenance is required and when it needs to be done (either by ourselves or a dealer / shop)
- Learn what problems Delica's are prone to and how we can prepare for those
- Learn how to diagnose and solve any simple issues that we may encounter when we're out camping in the sticks (replacing belts, etc.)
- Learn how to perform basic inspections and preventative maintenance to mitigate future problems
- Lean what spare parts we should be carrying when we're travelling remotely and how to install them

A couple of years ago I rode my motorcycle up to Prudhoe Bay and prior to setting off, I did a basic motorcycle maintenance course at BCIT. The course was great and gave me a solid overview of how my motorcycle worked, the problems I could potentially encounter and how to deal with them. Anyway, I figured BCIT may offer a similar course for motorists so I decided to check-online. BCIT does offer a course and here is a link to the details:

http://www.bcit.ca/study/courses/auto0005

Anyway, that got me to thinking . . . perhaps we could organize a similar course that is specific to Delicas? There are a number of qualified shops here in the GVRD (CVI, Rising Sun, etc.) who could potentially run a basic course, or offer regular seminars dealing with specific topics, issues, etc. Personally, I would much rather support the vendors in the local Delica community and pay for a Delica specific course than attend a generalized course at BCIT.

I realize that a lot of people on this forum are already very well versed and knowledgeable regarding vehicle mechanics and do not need this kind of course. However, I'm equally as confident that there are a lot of people in the same boat as Kathy and I, who would welcome the opportunity to learn more about our vehicles.

So, I guess I'm throwing it out there to see if there is any interest in this type of training from either members or vendors?

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? Ideas? Good? Bad?

[CREGAN]

This happened last year:
http://www.delica.ca/forum/cvi-apprecia ... 13416.html

Craig

[Jolly Roger]

Looks like a great day out and hopefully CVI will host a similar event this year. If so, we'll be attending for sure!

However, I guess I was thinking more along the lines of slightly more formal training as opposed to a social gathering which included some seminars. If there is no real interest in this kind of thing from other members of the Delica community, then Kathy and I will look at other options like the BCIT course. However, it sure would be nice to have something that was specific to our vehicles.

[CREGAN]

Looks like a great day out and hopefully CVI will host a similar event this year. If so, we'll be attending for sure!

However, I guess I was thinking more along the lines of slightly more formal training as opposed to a social gathering which included some seminars. If there is no real interest in this kind of thing from other members of the Delica community, then Kathy and I will look at other options like the BCIT course. However, it sure would be nice to have something that was specific to our vehicles.

Agreed.

[nxski]

The forum is a great resource for troubleshooting. CVI's appreciation day is also very useful but not too in-depth. If you want a good education, you could take some courses at BCIT in diesel mechanics. Maybe Jayeson could chime in on this!?

[Rattlenbang]

I'm not sure that there's anything specific to the Delica that isn't part and parcel of owning any vehicle. If you want to start down the owner servicing route, there are continuing education courses put on by school districts, there are basic how-to books out there, and lastly there's the process of learning by doing, with a manual in one hand and wrench in the other. I suspect most of us learned how to do this stuff by simply doing it. I've been working on cars since I was a teen and rebuilt a lot of engines and services all my vehicles, with no formal training. It can be very rewarding fixing your own vehicles, not least because you can pull your nuts out of the fire when you break down far from help.

[yojimbo]

I not least because you can pull your nuts out of the fire when you break down far from help.

In fact, keeping your nuts in a small bag can help to stop you dropping them in the fire in the first place*


*top mechanic tip

[TardisDeli]

HI, this is Christine of the TardisDeli.

I am happy to meet up with you both, and spend a solid hour or 2 teaching you heaps of Delica facts. 5 years of L300 ownership and herds of visiting delii in our backyard, as well as what we learn at the CVI Annual Learning days.

I have taught many new delica folk, particularly women, with my stated goal being that when the guy becomes really really annoying, the woman can happily leave him stranded at the end of an old logging road because She is confident in her mechanical skills and Delica Knowledge, and thus does not need him and his annoyingness.

This week is busy with canoeing, but next week good. We live in Burnaby, just over patullo bridge. Late afternoon to late evening good, weekdays best.

Topics include: Routine maintenance you should be doing (hey, if you're really nice I will even let you undo the oil filter as it is time to change my oil, and if you bring food I will even teach you how to replace easily the fuel pump and air filter). how to troubleshoot on the side of the highway (just work logically thru the steps to determine what went wrong). what NOT to try to fix on yr own (ie dont replace the belts without proper measuring tools, but how to test them so they don't break on you). How to Drive by Braille (hear and feel when yr deli is happy). What modifications are good (few) vs what are just blingy (many). electrical and 12 volt details. veg oil as fuel, how to. pyro guage. convert interior to camper with microwave and portapotty. how to 4WD (gravel pit nearby) including comparing airdown your tires. Diesel vs gas, which is best for your needs. No, we won't rebuild the diesel, but you will learn what symptoms tell you, so you can tell the mechanic what to fix (biggest hint, find an mechanic who likes working on old classic cars as they have no OBD or computer, so he will KNOW what to do without the computer).

At the end you might say heeeyyy we want an L300 not an L400, but you will be edumacated. Wear super warm clothes, as outdoors under the pine trees (just like camping).

Cheers Christine.

[Jolly Roger]

I'm not sure that there's anything specific to the Delica that isn't part and parcel of owning any vehicle. If you want to start down the owner servicing route, there are continuing education courses put on by school districts, there are basic how-to books out there, and lastly there's the process of learning by doing, with a manual in one hand and wrench in the other. I suspect most of us learned how to do this stuff by simply doing it. I've been working on cars since I was a teen and rebuilt a lot of engines and services all my vehicles, with no formal training. It can be very rewarding fixing your own vehicles, not least because you can pull your nuts out of the fire when you break down far from help.

Yep, I'm happy and willing to start learning all of the basic stuff and doing as much as I can. A lot of things I'd prefer to leave to a knowledgeable mechanic but I would like to be able to do the basic stuff myself. Unfortunately, unlike a lot of people (yourself included) I never worked on cars, engines, etc. as either a kid or an adult. I'm happy to get a manual and start learning, but though it would be beneficial to get some training from someone who knows these vehicles and / or vehicle mechanics in general.

[Jolly Roger]

HI, this is Christine of the TardisDeli.

I am happy to meet up with you both, and spend a solid hour or 2 teaching you heaps of Delica facts. 5 years of L300 ownership and herds of visiting delii in our backyard, as well as what we learn at the CVI Annual Learning days.

I have taught many new delica folk, particularly women, with my stated goal being that when the guy becomes really really annoying, the woman can happily leave him stranded at the end of an old logging road because She is confident in her mechanical skills and Delica Knowledge, and thus does not need him and his annoyingness.

This week is busy with canoeing, but next week good. We live in Burnaby, just over patullo bridge. Late afternoon to late evening good, weekdays best.

Topics include: Routine maintenance you should be doing (hey, if you're really nice I will even let you undo the oil filter as it is time to change my oil, and if you bring food I will even teach you how to replace easily the fuel pump and air filter). how to troubleshoot on the side of the highway (just work logically thru the steps to determine what went wrong). what NOT to try to fix on yr own (ie dont replace the belts without proper measuring tools, but how to test them so they don't break on you). How to Drive by Braille (hear and feel when yr deli is happy). What modifications are good (few) vs what are just blingy (many). electrical and 12 volt details. veg oil as fuel, how to. pyro guage. convert interior to camper with microwave and portapotty. how to 4WD (gravel pit nearby) including comparing airdown your tires. Diesel vs gas, which is best for your needs. No, we won't rebuild the diesel, but you will learn what symptoms tell you, so you can tell the mechanic what to fix (biggest hint, find an mechanic who likes working on old classic cars as they have no OBD or computer, so he will KNOW what to do without the computer).

At the end you might say heeeyyy we want an L300 not an L400, but you will be edumacated. Wear super warm clothes, as outdoors under the pine trees (just like camping).

Cheers Christine.

Hi Christine

Wow! What a very kind and generous offer! Kathy and I would love to take you up on that and pick your brains for some information and insight into the Delica world. I'm sure Kathy would love to learn how to abandon me on the side of the road! We were originally planning our trip in a large Unimog and Kathy was not overly enthusiastic about studying for her air-brake endorsement. However, she's more than happy to learn what she can about the Delica. She's even volunteered to undo the oil filter (well I'm actually volunteering her services but I'm sure she'll be fine that that!

We can bring some food and if you like to imbibe a little with your meal we can bring a bottle of plonk as well. I'll PM you my contact details and you can let us know what day works best for you. Our schedule is pretty flexible so whatever and wherever works best for you would be great.

We've recently purchased a L400 as we wanted the extra space for our trip. Kathy's only 4' 11" but out little Jack Russell likes to stretch out and take up a lot of room!

Thanks again . . . we really appreciate you reaching out to help a couple of newbies!

Cheers
Simon & Kathy

[TardisDeli]

HI Simon and Kathy, maybe monday or tuesday? I'm home during the day so we can cover a lot, then Jay gets home from work at 5:30 with his viewpoints.

A unimog, wow, so you might be interested in the Overland Expo . com website, we are going to it in May in Flagstaff (also went last year), lots of big trucks, little trucks, and also our friend Pablo in his L300 that he has been driving around the world for 10 years.

Our friends from dinoevo.de are just ending a 2 year drive from vancouver to bottom of south america in L300. Bumblebee Cam & Summer drove L400 from Alaska to Argentina (I have their contact info, think they are still in BC) www.drivetheamericas.com/wiki/cam-and-summer. Must chat about expedition vehicles, Jay keeps building the ultimate expedition trailer, whereas I say keep it all contained in an L300 for stealth camping.

So you got an L400, congrats on getting a delica. Jay built a sleeping platform for Tim's L400 (basically same as my L300 one), but Tim has sold it and moved to Australia. Wayne Lazy brown fox uses a folding cot in his L400, but built in a propane fridge and furnace, he lives nearby.

Meantime, download the manuals etc to a cheap laptop for easy reference, as I only have L300 manuals. Start writing your questions, cuz I warn you now we get sssoooo busy talking then we forget to answer specific questions.

I will reply to your PM.
Christine.

[Jolly Roger]

HI Simon and Kathy, maybe monday or tuesday? I'm home during the day so we can cover a lot, then Jay gets home from work at 5:30 with his viewpoints.

A unimog, wow, so you might be interested in the Overland Expo . com website, we are going to it in May in Flagstaff (also went last year), lots of big trucks, little trucks, and also our friend Pablo in his L300 that he has been driving around the world for 10 years.

Our friends from dinoevo.de are just ending a 2 year drive from vancouver to bottom of south america in L300. Bumblebee Cam & Summer drove L400 from Alaska to Argentina (I have their contact info, think they are still in BC) http://www.drivetheamericas.com/wiki/cam-and-summer. Must chat about expedition vehicles, Jay keeps building the ultimate expedition trailer, whereas I say keep it all contained in an L300 for stealth camping.

So you got an L400, congrats on getting a delica. Jay built a sleeping platform for Tim's L400 (basically same as my L300 one), but Tim has sold it and moved to Australia. Wayne Lazy brown fox uses a folding cot in his L400, but built in a propane fridge and furnace, he lives nearby.

Meantime, download the manuals etc to a cheap laptop for easy reference, as I only have L300 manuals. Start writing your questions, cuz I warn you now we get sssoooo busy talking then we forget to answer specific questions.

I will reply to your PM.
Christine.

Hi Christine

Either Monday or Tuesday would work for us, just let us know which is better for you. Good to see you are heading down to Overland Expo. I was there in 2011 and we were planning to go last year but something came up. This year we were going to drive down in the Unimog to OE but now that we have it up for sale I'm not sure if we will still go or not?? Kathy and I would both like to go again this year but we'll see what happens with the Mog in the next week or two. I may end up driving it down there with a "For Sale" sign on it. It's probably the largest gathering of overlanding / expo folk in North America so an ideal place to try and sell the Unimog.

Thanks for the links to the various websites. I have looked at some of them and its interesting to see that most of the folks are from BC. I'd certainly like to chat to your buddy Pablo who's been driving around for 10 years in an L300. Our plan it to eventually be on the road for 3-5 years so I'm sure he'd be able to offer us a lot of advice, information, etc.

As you suggested I'll start to download the manuals and begin to delve into them. We'll also start writing our list of questions.

Thanks again, really looking forward to meeting both you and Jay.

Cheers
Simon