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Lotus54 · 04-05-2021, 10:30 PM

I heard some noise from the right rear brake today.
I was planning to replace rotors before long (Looked pretty rusty) but i had not done it yet.
So i popped off the wheel (pretty easy with hydraulic levelers) and found pads were toast.
The local NAPA actually had pads on the shelf (I live in a small town)- and the i found they had the rotors too! So i replaced it all.
I feel better abouT it.

I used the cheapo HARBOR Freight (i dont buy much from them) wheel dolly. It sure made taking wheels on and off a lot easier. I think i paid $49

https://www.harborfreight.com/1250-l...lly-61917.html

Glad to have brakes up to snuff for trip coming up

InterBlog · 04-06-2021, 04:37 AM

Out of curiosity, what is your mileage now?

Our pads are OK, but our rotors are not looking the best. We discovered this upon the recent blow-out and suspension upgrades. We just turned over 100,000 miles last week.

Lotus54 · 04-06-2021, 08:27 AM

Around 85k.
The rotors were quite rough/rusty (even though very little rust anywhere on the van). I suspect the roughness wore out the pads quicker. I had checked pads awhile back and they were ok- but I planned to replaced the whole works.
But no big trips the last year (mostly just day trips every week) and I foolishly let it slide.

$125 for the pair of rotors
$78 for the ‘premium’ pads (came with all the ancillaries)

Pretty easy job- push piston in- remove guide pins (Torx 45) and pop out caliper. Then remove caliper mount (two 18mm head bolts), one Torx screw that holds on rotor. Tap rotor off - clean everything up and put on new one (after cleaning of course). I did adjust the parking brake a little - one side I had to back it off to get the rotor off.
Bolt the mount back on (I used locktite) install pads and slide on caliper top. Install pins, low pad warning wire and retaining spring.
Test and done.

InterBlog · 04-06-2021, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus54

....

Pretty easy job....

Yes, it is. I know this because we just replaced them on my 10-year-old Sienna van. No way was I going to pay a shop for that job, after buying new shocks, struts, springs, rear tires, and TPMS for the Interstate which, as usual, is eating my whole wallet.

Lotus54 · 06-05-2021, 10:11 AM

I realized I never posted an update on the toilet ‘upgrade’.
It is working really well and the hand sprayer is great. Much, much easier to get it clean and maybe wash down any paper too. I was not too sure about getting it at first, but really glad I did.

I still have not made a hanger (jeesshh)- although it sits beside the toilet well with no issues.

Lotus54 · 06-12-2021, 06:22 PM

I did the valve seats and lapped valves (3 angle) and assembled. And O-ring I forgot to order came in today, so I can now mount the head on the cylinder, then install cam- time it and set valve lash.
(Benelli sei)

Lotus54 · 07-11-2021, 10:35 PM

I changed my cabin filter and then checked the recirculation flap. The lever had come off the slot. I have no idea how long it` has been like that.
A few minutes and it was fixed.
Would have been nice to wokr during that very odd (For here) really hot weather.

Engine on the sei about done.

Lotus54 · 07-16-2021, 08:07 PM

I have a couple of things to do on the AI (the wireless ‘airlift’ airbag controller quite working, so I’m replacing parts- sort of handy and was installed when I got it)

But I’ve been concentrating on getting the big Benelli done.

Lotus54 · 07-29-2021, 07:16 PM

The Airlift wireless control airbag system remote failed.
They don’t make parts and I couldn’t get it to work properly.
So I’m fitting the newer version, although it only does both in pairs. It was pretty rare I ever changed just one.

But I’ve been busy with grandkids and the Benelli restoration.
Is it comming along!
I popped on a spare tank and side covers (painting originals) just so I could see it. I thought about putting on all size pipes, but figured they would just get in the way until I have a few more things done.

Lotus54 · 10-24-2021, 10:23 AM

Finally got out for a little trip. Weather was crummy along coast, so went to central/eastern Oregon and Washington.
Here is a neat spot right on the river- not too far from Kimberly, OR.

There are two here- both BLM campsite (would have been $2.50 with senior pass) nobody at either. But I’ll bet they are very full (only 4-5 sites) in nice weather.

Lotus54 · 11-09-2021, 08:53 PM

Another pic from trip, Oregon

Lotus54 · 11-29-2021, 09:41 AM

I have not gotten to installing the Espar heater in place of propane one yet. I was trying to get other projects done first (as the Sei below) and it likely will take me a bit of time. I have not crawled under to see about tapping off factory espar fuel pickup yet. And I’ll need to remove the jacknife couch (looks pretty easy) to make removing propane furnace and installing Espar easier.

Just a picture of the sei at Hurricane Ridge a couple weeks ago.
I still need to paint original tank and side covers, it has spare ones on there now.

wachuko · 11-30-2021, 07:53 AM

Lotus54 · 03-01-2022, 09:00 AM

I *finally* started working on installing an Espar air heater in my 2006 AI.
I have been working hard on actually finishing one project before starting another. That is hard for me, but I’ve been pretty effective with it.

Anyway, my original plan was to replace the propane furnace. But I’ve changed my mind. Since the propane one is great for heating short periods especially, quick to start and runs really clean- I’m going to keep it.
I am working on installing the Espar under the passenger seat, which means I will need to relocate my house battery. I have a plan A for that- I’ll see if that works. One other good thing about that location, I think will be quieter when sleeping (propane one is right under your head) and likely will heat more evenly, since it is not buried under the jacknife couches when they are folded into bed.

I have a tentative plan for routing of cables etc, I’m thinking mounting the ‘Quickstart Pro’ that has built in thermostat right by the existing one. I have the stock water Espar, so I should be able to just tap into that line for fuel.

The wiring looms were a bit confusing at first- but once I unbundled them I only had once connection I am not postitive about. There is a terminating resistor on the ‘heater’ loom- I think that gets moved to the Easystart loom that has the same type connector empty on it. Then another part of the loom is not even used.

I’ll try to post pics/progress.

InterBlog · 03-01-2022, 09:45 AM

Excellent - I was wondering whatever became of that project.

Any chance it was inspired by Ourkaravan's 5-year video that dropped about 2 weeks ago? I discovered it about 2 days ago, and I'm currently on minute 18 (fitting it in as time allows). He is way beyond delighted with his Espar.

Lotus54 · 03-02-2022, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InterBlog

Excellent - I was wondering whatever became of that project.

Any chance it was inspired by Ourkaravan's 5-year video that dropped about 2 weeks ago? I discovered it about 2 days ago, and I'm currently on minute 18 (fitting it in as time allows). He is way beyond delighted with his Espar.

No, I’ve never seen/heard of any of ourkaravan.
I just finally got my other projects done (well, ones that were more critical to me) and ready to work on this.
Of course, I figure I’ll get it done just in time to not need a heater much anymore. Ha!

Lotus54 · 03-16-2022, 07:51 PM

Well I’ve finally been making some time on the Espar heater.
First I laid it all out and deciphered the wiring dirarams/manuals. Once I ladi out the wires, it made sense (I am assuming the terminating plug is just moved when installing ‘easy start’ controller).
After that I needed to move the house battery. It is under the passenger seat on mine- and I fit a larger AGM (on it’s side) so took me a bit to figure. I moved it to just behind the seat pedestal. I had a garbage can and leveler blocks there- but no big deal to move those. With some work, I can still (barely) use the swivel I installed on passenger seat.
I cut some holes and installed grommets for the power cables, I need to do one more still but rest are done.
I also have a pretty darn good idea exactly where I’m mounting heater. I’ll have to source/fabricate the outlet to aim right down the middle, but that shouldn’t be hard.
I don’t look forward to crawling around underneath and routing fuel/exhaust lines, but I’ve done worse. I think I have enough cable to mount the controller/thermostat right above the AI one. It cannot be lenthened/shortened since it is Canbus (so the instructions say) but I think I have a route figured. I’ve gotten other wires in a similar area done.

I’ve changed and keeping the propane furnace too. It is so quick to heat up for shorter times, plus I don’t really know how loud this will be. That gives me more options.

Pictures make it look like rust- but it is just stained. I’ll be doing a thorough cleaning and hole plugging before all done.
The two silver ‘strap clamps’ are used to anchor the battery with a strap. That is how it was held down under the seat and I think it will be just fine here (with appropriate padding of course)

Lotus54 · 03-18-2022, 12:49 PM

I spent more time on the Espar project.
Battery is re-located, mounted and all but the Espar wires done.
I just finished fishing the controller/thermostat wiring under the mid-bath (I’ve done it before, not particularly fun)- now to go up the ‘tunnel’ in the closet and pop a hold above the stock thermostat and mount.

After that I’m planning on mounting a disconnect for the Espar- mounted on the seat pedestal. Just in case it all goes wrong and want to kill power in a hurry. The fuses will be readily accessible- but I want something fast. Should be easy.

I may get to drilling holes/mounting Espar today- all depends on how things go.
I have not drilled the big hole in seat pedestal for the heat outlet yet. I think I’ll get Espar mounting finalized first.

InterBlog · 03-19-2022, 04:37 AM

I am looking forward to more pics!

Lotus54 · 03-20-2022, 07:37 PM

I got quite a bit done on the Espar heater today.

I drilled holes and mounted the heater.
Made a bracket, got a ‘T’ and mounted the pump, routed the hose and pump wire (in some wire split wire loom).
Connected up fuel line to heater, routed and connected fresh air and exhaust tubing (and muffler).
Drilled hole for heat outlet, installed duct and outlet.
(Ok, I somehow goofed up and ran the controller wire the wrong way! Ends were opposite of where they were supposed to be. Too focused on trying to route it I think. So I just taped shute cord on, pulled it out and pulled it back n the right way. Fortunately just took me a few minutes. What a dope.)

Main loom is in. I just have to crimp the pins (fortunately I have the proper crimper) for fuel pump and controller, connect main power, mount the controller.

Then fire it up and see if I goofed anything up or not.
Coming along well. At least I got all the miserable ‘crawling around on the ground under the van’ stuff done. (Except checking for leaks of course)

Pictures are of the original fuel pump for Espar engine/cabin heater alongside the new Espar airtronic.
It is angled right, although it is sort of hard to tell with the pictures. Lines routed up over driveshaft and exhaust heat guard. Tie-wrapped well, I most certainly do not want them coming loose.