Things I have learned since owning my Delica.

[Chino]

So I would like to point out that this is probably only useful for new delica owners, as I imagine that all the vets out there do this on a regular basis, for the beginner though its sometimes very frustrating to figure out all of this if you are not used to a diesel. Hopefully this helps someone.

I've been a proud Delica owner for 4 months now and have run into 2 minor issues with "Chester the molester". One being my windshield wiper fuze in a snow storm (search my posts, pretty funny), which once I found out where the fuze box was, it was a breeze to fix. The other problem was when Chester stalled on me and left me stranded for a day. This sounds harsh but in fact it was probably the easiest mechanical fix in the history of man. Essentially, what I have learned about diesels is that they need 2 components to run. Air, and Fuel. If you lose one of those, you are hooped. What was the issue? Well after priming the fuel filter after it had stalled I noticed diesel leaking out of the bottom, this of course seemed strange. After confirmation on this website that it is in fact not good, I crawled under the van and found the plastic wing nut dealio and tightened it nearly a half turn (Total time under Chester, 12 seconds). Now with air not getting into the fuel line stopping the fuel from entering the system, I was all good to go. Primed it and started her up with no issues. Lesson learned, when in doubt check your air passage and fuel delivery.

Next thing on the list. I generally always get on this site almost everyday as my morning routine to see whats up (Which I recommend), as I was doing this I kept coming across this one member who couldn't stress enough to check your air filter (Sorry I forget your name!). So when my I was ready for my first oil change I went out and made a list of all the shit I needed to do that. In doing so I thought, "Hey lets find out where that mofo air filter is and check it". Sure enough the god damn filter was dirtier than a swiffer wet jet cloth after it mopped up a public washroom floor. So on my first trip to Napa for Delica parts I bought a new air, fuel and oil filter with some tight little rotella tripple soothing action 15W40 oil and all the crap I would need to catch the oil and put new shit in. The best thing about doing your own oil change is that you get to see what is going on underneath your van. I always thought that I had some sort of oil leak, one that was minor and never dripped on the ground. But it turns out that while changing the oil filter I noticed I poured some oil onto the alternator, which then spread like a plague and managed to get everywhere while I was installing the new filter. It clearly wasn't a leak but rather an idiot who did the oil changes and didn't clean up after he made a mess. After changing all the filters and giving it fresh oil the van has run considerably better. Upon startup I noticed that it runs smoother and vibrates less, in fact I think I am set to break my distance record before a fill up, breaking the 600km mark with mixed city/highway driving!

I have also been aware of preventative maintenance, I will no doubt bring the van up to coombs to see Glen and get him to have a look over the beast and fix anything that may be an issue. Even if there has been nothing wrong with it. I don't mind spending $500 in prevention as opposed to spending $3000 six months later when your van shits the bed.

Oh and I find that working on the van is therapeutic... Really.

Cheers.

[Firesong]

Im laughing.
I haven't seen the S word so many times in a post here on Delica.ca
ever... Not even between the haters when Green was around :)

Still I do agree with everything you said.

Firesong

[Elbrad]

Things I've learned:

1) Bugs are more attracted to a freshly washed bus, than a dirty one.
2) Just when you think you're done messing around with your bus, suddenly a new idea comes to mind!
3) Many, MANY folks don't understand that a JDM vehicle is superior in form and functionality to a vehicle 10 years newer.
4) My fingers are not as small as the people who assembled my van, and I don't have tools that go around corners.
5) I have a wider repertoire of curse words than I'd originally thought.
6) My wife amuses me to no end when she tries to get in the bus with a skirt on.
7) My daughter thinks the van is the coolest ride ever, which in turn, makes me kinda cool.

[sigurross]

@Chino I just bought a l300 myself and I have bookmarked your post as I know I'm going to need it when it comes time to do my first oil change! Thanks again for sharing your experience thus far.

[Chino]

I am glad that my post has helped you! This is a great site if you need any information on your Deli and has a great community backing it.

Well I'm off to wax my bitch up to a showroom shine so I can stroll along the streets on greater Victoria showing of that true faded black paint while waving gang signs at oncoming vehicles. And remember, always wave to other Deli owners, even if they are driving those soccer mom L400's (Joke...)

Chino.