Couldn't have happened at a better time or in a better place but the Hi Ace is overheating again and it happened just before arriving in Gin Gin.
I had intended to call in and see John enroute to Calliope but as it happens I will be at his place until at least Monday. I have called out the RACQ and the prognosis is that there is gas escaping into the radiator fluid so the head will have to come off. John knows a mechanic who sounds ideal to fix the van but at what cost and how soon.
As it happened I gatecrashed his 60th birthday party and was made very welcome, meeting his family and enjoying the best bbq meal I have had in ages.
John
vk6tnc said
06:48 AM Sep 23, 2012
Congrats John,
Just read your around Australia blog over the last couple of nights, so now I don't have to go :-
At home for the moment looking after my 87 YO Mum.
Would like to sell everything and go, but not practical at the moment.
Think I will save for a cheap hiace van and do what you did, but small trips to start.
Thanks for the blog I have enjoyed reading all of it
Chris
Sheba said
06:58 AM Sep 23, 2012
If you're not in a big rush to get south John, why not call in and see Marj. on your way through. She's at Biggenden, which is not too far from where you are now.
Hope you get the Van fixed OK, and not too expensive.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Happywanderer said
09:23 AM Sep 23, 2012
I imagine you must have gone through here, Biggenden, to get to Gin Gin John.
I looked at the map and can't see another way you could have got from Gayndah to Gin Gin without going through here.
Have just used my local RACQ for some repairs to Myrtle, $340 later but did fix a problem of chugging. Coils, points and a few other bits.
-- Edited by Happywanderer on Sunday 23rd of September 2012 01:10:42 PM
Happywanderer said
04:47 PM Sep 23, 2012
Just talked to son and read your blog John, He said you would have gone up through Mt Perry, some back roads. Am I right?
kandagal said
07:02 PM Sep 23, 2012
Hope the repairs are done quickly without too much damage to your wallet
jetj said
08:30 PM Sep 23, 2012
Sorry to hear about your mechanical problems John. Hope it is fixed quickly and cheaply and you're on the road again soon.
jimbo said
11:53 PM Sep 23, 2012
So wil I after Shirls goes back home.....I don't think I'll hang around Qld Much it's getting to bloody Hot
yeoeleven said
12:27 AM Sep 24, 2012
Happywanderer wrote:
Just talked to son and read your blog John, He said you would have gone up through Mt Perry, some back roads. Am I right?
Hi Marj,
the name Mt Perry put me off although it looked the best way, I had the problem the other day climbing that hill between Many Peaks and Monto plus the overheating so I did go via Biggenden.
I knew that your base was Biggenden but had no idea how to contact you. Not sure how or when I will be going south but PM me your number and we may meet up.
John
Happywanderer said
12:33 AM Sep 24, 2012
Will do John, heading south in November for the stay at Greens Lake and to catch up with family.
dusty+dog said
03:17 AM Sep 24, 2012
Hi Jack Mac, I am new to this site and new to travelling (solo) in my Toyota Safari campervan which is a 1982 model. I was wondering what year model is your Toyota...hope you get it fixed at a reasonable price and get back on the road again real soon.
I'm looking forward to meeting up with lots of new friends on my first bigish trip to Tasmania in November from Coffs Harbour.
Good luck with it all, hope to catch up with you one day on the road... dusty d.
yeoeleven said
04:01 AM Sep 24, 2012
Hi Dusty,
my Toyota Hi Ace is a 1979 model and it took me round Australia over the last year with few hitches, it never let me down and was always able to get to the next town.
This trip I seem to be having problems but again never been stranded.
We will catch up somewhere.
John
yeoeleven said
01:29 AM Sep 25, 2012
Monday morning and I was able to fill up the van and drive it a couple of kms to the local mechanic. The finding after the head was removed was that the no.4 cylinder was full of water and the head gasket showed where the problem had occurred.
So the mechanic was closing on Friday and Monday for the long weekend and there was no time to send the head in for checking but it had been redone only 2 months and 6oookms ago so I have gambled on it being in good order. It is a cast iron head and less likely to be cracked or warped in that time. The mechanic had various checks that he can do and unless there is a real problem it will be worked on and ready for pickup on Thursday pm.
John
bill12 said
02:46 AM Sep 25, 2012
great news , John. I had a breakdown in the motor on the charter boat, in the first week of the school holidays. Must have killed a chinaman in my last life . Will pull the boat out and wait for a mechanic.Fuel injected motor means specialized mechanical knowledge needed, and the only one in Townsville's just ahd a baby, and is hard to find.Might just close up and go on the road. We will see. Bill
Happywanderer said
04:42 AM Sep 25, 2012
Always something, isn't there John?. Hope it doesn't cost too much and you can be on your way soon.
yeoeleven said
03:06 PM Sep 26, 2012
Wednesday morning and hopefully things will be movng forward today, I walked round to the mechanic yesterday and found that the head was good enough to be replaced and that a gasket set had been ordered to be delvered last night.
Hopefully that happens and they will start the reassembly this morning with particular attention to the timing as a possible cause of overheating. Was promised for Thursday but who knows I might be collecting the van today. Depending on timing I will be returning via Biggenden and will phone Happy Wanderer to see if a visit can be arranged.
I have to say that my stay in Gin Gin has been really good and of all the places in Australia to have a van breakdown there are only a handful of spots where I can stay without the van. Jack Mac has been terrific and has made me feel welcome over the past few days and I have been eating better than I would have in the van. Roast pork and vegies are unheard of in my lifestyle but I dined like royalty last night, actually using a knife and fork......................I probably have a set in the van but have not been seen for some time.
John likes company and I suggest that any of us who are passing Gin Gin should PM him and arrange a meet up.
John
Happywanderer said
06:17 PM Sep 26, 2012
Expect to hear from you soon John. PS Don't expect Roast Pork and vegetables sorry, the oven is on the blink. I'm off to Jack Macs lol Just roll up John, Either myself or my son will be here or not too far away.
yeoeleven said
05:02 PM Sep 27, 2012
Have been told that I can pick up the van midday today Thursday, I have had a good time here in Gin Gin with Jack Mac but will be pleased to drive the van again,
First stop will be to visit Happy Wanderer, we have been posting for a over year and have not met up yet. Then to the Gold Coast for the weekend and over to Millmerran via Gatton where Kayley is staying.
All good,
John
jules47 said
07:27 PM Sep 27, 2012
Good on you guys - true Grey Nomad spirit - helping out a fellow member, and enjoying each others company!!!
-- Edited by jules47 on Thursday 27th of September 2012 07:28:40 PM
jules47 said
01:12 AM Sep 28, 2012
Great news John - see you next week.
Happywanderer said
01:41 AM Sep 28, 2012
Enjoying a lovely evening with John tonight in Biggenden. Have inspected each others vans very carefully. They are just about identical. Enjoying a cuppa now.
Jack Mac said
02:03 AM Sep 28, 2012
Pleased to hear you arrived safe and sound John. Good luck with your future travels. Hope the van gives many miles of trouble free travelling. Reputation of Gin Gin may be at stake, lol.
Cheers,
John
Sheba said
07:36 AM Sep 28, 2012
Glad you two have finally met up Marj and John. I know you will have had a great night. You're probably still talking as I'm typing this.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Happywanderer said
04:12 PM Sep 28, 2012
No, Not that late Sheba. John did teach me a lot about my van that I did not know, mainly about using 12 volt for charging. Very knowledgeable man. John has now left here, about half hour ago, heading for the Gold Coast. Thoroughly enjoyed meeting you John, catch up at Greens Lake.
yeoeleven said
08:14 PM Sep 28, 2012
Yes Marj it was an enjoyable day, as always with Grey Nomads there was plenty to talk about and the time flew.
Am now just north of Brisbane and am happy to report that the van travelled well.
Looking forward to catching up with many GNs at Greens intend to be there by the beginning of November.
John
Happywanderer said
08:47 PM Sep 28, 2012
Thats good news John. Did you enjoy the drive through cattle country, were there any on the road making you stop for them? Lovely beasts.
yeoeleven said
02:23 PM Sep 30, 2012
Happywanderer wrote:
Thats good news John. Did you enjoy the drive through cattle country, were there any on the road making you stop for them? Lovely beasts.
The way you suggested Marj was excellent through the rolling grasslands with many cattle on the side of the road but none causing me to stop, slowing down to avoid sudden bolting across the road but no stopping.
Have had a couple of nights staying in the van at friends places, even setting the alarm to get up and watch India V Australia at midnight Friday. The TV had 26 DTV, 5 ATV and 4 Radio channels..........................one of the advantages of being close to a major city. Usually have no reception at free camps and haven't put the antenna up recently, Emerald and Katherine were the only times the TV has been used in the past 6 months.
John
jules47 said
04:34 PM Sep 30, 2012
Enjoy the telly John - we are at Millmerran - see you soon.
Couldn't have happened at a better time or in a better place but the Hi Ace is overheating again and it happened just before arriving in Gin Gin.
I had intended to call in and see John enroute to Calliope but as it happens I will be at his place until at least Monday. I have called out the RACQ and the prognosis is that there is gas escaping into the radiator fluid so the head will have to come off. John knows a mechanic who sounds ideal to fix the van but at what cost and how soon.
As it happened I gatecrashed his 60th birthday party and was made very welcome, meeting his family and enjoying the best bbq meal I have had in ages.
John
Just read your around Australia blog over the last couple of nights, so now I don't have to go :-
At home for the moment looking after my 87 YO Mum.
Would like to sell everything and go, but not practical at the moment.
Think I will save for a cheap hiace van and do what you did, but small trips to start.
Thanks for the blog I have enjoyed reading all of it
Chris
If you're not in a big rush to get south John, why not call in and see Marj. on your way through. She's at Biggenden, which is not too far from where you are now.
Hope you get the Van fixed OK, and not too expensive.
Cheers,
Sheba.
I imagine you must have gone through here, Biggenden, to get to Gin Gin John.
I looked at the map and can't see another way you could have got from Gayndah to Gin Gin without going through here.
Have just used my local RACQ for some repairs to Myrtle, $340 later but did fix a problem of chugging. Coils, points and a few other bits.
-- Edited by Happywanderer on Sunday 23rd of September 2012 01:10:42 PM
Am I right?
Sorry to hear about your mechanical problems John. Hope it is fixed quickly and cheaply and you're on the road again soon.
So wil I after Shirls goes back home.....I don't think I'll hang around Qld Much it's getting to bloody Hot
Hi Marj,
the name Mt Perry put me off although it looked the best way, I had the problem the other day climbing that hill between Many Peaks and Monto plus the overheating so I did go via Biggenden.
I knew that your base was Biggenden but had no idea how to contact you. Not sure how or when I will be going south but PM me your number and we may meet up.
John
Hi Jack Mac, I am new to this site and new to travelling (solo) in my Toyota Safari campervan which is a 1982 model. I was wondering what year model is your Toyota...hope you get it fixed at a reasonable price and get back on the road again real soon.
I'm looking forward to meeting up with lots of new friends on my first bigish trip to Tasmania in November from Coffs Harbour.
Good luck with it all, hope to catch up with you one day on the road... dusty d.
Hi Dusty,
my Toyota Hi Ace is a 1979 model and it took me round Australia over the last year with few hitches, it never let me down and was always able to get to the next town.
This trip I seem to be having problems but again never been stranded.
We will catch up somewhere.
John
Monday morning and I was able to fill up the van and drive it a couple of kms to the local mechanic. The finding after the head was removed was that the no.4 cylinder was full of water and the head gasket showed where the problem had occurred.
So the mechanic was closing on Friday and Monday for the long weekend and there was no time to send the head in for checking but it had been redone only 2 months and 6oookms ago so I have gambled on it being in good order. It is a cast iron head and less likely to be cracked or warped in that time. The mechanic had various checks that he can do and unless there is a real problem it will be worked on and ready for pickup on Thursday pm.
John
Wednesday morning and hopefully things will be movng forward today, I walked round to the mechanic yesterday and found that the head was good enough to be replaced and that a gasket set had been ordered to be delvered last night.
Hopefully that happens and they will start the reassembly this morning with particular attention to the timing as a possible cause of overheating. Was promised for Thursday but who knows I might be collecting the van today. Depending on timing I will be returning via Biggenden and will phone Happy Wanderer to see if a visit can be arranged.
I have to say that my stay in Gin Gin has been really good and of all the places in Australia to have a van breakdown there are only a handful of spots where I can stay without the van. Jack Mac has been terrific and has made me feel welcome over the past few days and I have been eating better than I would have in the van. Roast pork and vegies are unheard of in my lifestyle but I dined like royalty last night, actually using a knife and fork......................I probably have a set in the van but have not been seen for some time.
John likes company and I suggest that any of us who are passing Gin Gin should PM him and arrange a meet up.
John
PS Don't expect Roast Pork and vegetables sorry, the oven is on the blink. I'm off to Jack Macs lol
Just roll up John, Either myself or my son will be here or not too far away.
Have been told that I can pick up the van midday today Thursday, I have had a good time here in Gin Gin with Jack Mac but will be pleased to drive the van again,
First stop will be to visit Happy Wanderer, we have been posting for a over year and have not met up yet. Then to the Gold Coast for the weekend and over to Millmerran via Gatton where Kayley is staying.
All good,
John
Good on you guys - true Grey Nomad spirit - helping out a fellow member, and enjoying each others company!!!
-- Edited by jules47 on Thursday 27th of September 2012 07:28:40 PM
Enjoying a cuppa now.
Pleased to hear you arrived safe and sound John. Good luck with your future travels. Hope the van gives many miles of trouble free travelling. Reputation of Gin Gin may be at stake, lol.
Cheers,
John
Glad you two have finally met up Marj and John. I know you will have had a great night. You're probably still talking as I'm typing this.
Cheers,
Sheba.
John has now left here, about half hour ago, heading for the Gold Coast.
Thoroughly enjoyed meeting you John, catch up at Greens Lake.
Yes Marj it was an enjoyable day, as always with Grey Nomads there was plenty to talk about and the time flew.
Am now just north of Brisbane and am happy to report that the van travelled well.
Looking forward to catching up with many GNs at Greens intend to be there by the beginning of November.
John
The way you suggested Marj was excellent through the rolling grasslands with many cattle on the side of the road but none causing me to stop, slowing down to avoid sudden bolting across the road but no stopping.
Have had a couple of nights staying in the van at friends places, even setting the alarm to get up and watch India V Australia at midnight Friday. The TV had 26 DTV, 5 ATV and 4 Radio channels..........................one of the advantages of being close to a major city. Usually have no reception at free camps and haven't put the antenna up recently, Emerald and Katherine were the only times the TV has been used in the past 6 months.
John