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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great news John - see you next week.
