Another FNG - 2001 GMC Savana

[mikracer]

I don't know much about the sprinters other than the fact that I've seen a lot of for sale ads with most of them over 250k miles. I think I read somewhere that there are certain years that are more desireable (engine) but I can't remember which.

If you're considering that Ford bus, check out this one too: http://slo.craigslist.org/cto/4682665996.html
Its not diesel, but it is 4x4 with the V10 which may come in handy since you're in CO. Might be bigger than what you want, but I figured I would link it anyways.

Sorry to hear about your current van. Hope it all works out in the end.

[sandeld]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Yes, I know enough about them. I work for a company that has a million in our fleet. Reliable? NO!!!! The older ones like this are better than the newer V6's, but I've heard their lifespan is about 300k.

I have a close friend that claims 500k on the engine, about 250k on the transmission.

http://3upadventures.com/is-a-sprinter- ... nter-vans/

Now I'm all sortsa confused.

And thanks to both of you for the condolences. This is by far the most helpful forum I've ever been on, and that's a lot.

[rockbender]

How many miles are on the engine (van), and how 'shot' is shot? Does it burn a lot of oil or run poorly? We've had several of the 5.7's go past 300k on work trucks (ie, not driven nicely all the time). Do you know if a 5.3 would bolt up or if there would be way too many changes? That may be an option worth looking into.

Sorry you have to be in this predicament - keep us posted!

[boywonder]

.....Please define "shot"..........

What's the issue? won't pass smog, burns oil, etc?

[sandeld]

Shot, as in, they didn't figure out if the engine misfire on cylinders 2 and 3 is due to a sticky rod or a false signal from the ECU. There's also a noticeable knock in the engine....that I didn't think was a knock when I bought it. He also thought that the head gasket was gonna go soon. He said the tests came back negative, but that in his experience it was on its way out.

Sooooo, basically, yes, everything is curable. But it's curable at a price similar to buying a brand new engine and installing it ourselves.

The complication comes in because I'm leaving on Wed. for work and will likely be gone for a month. And as much I trust my buddy to help out, he's busy as shit himself. So I'm not certain it will be done when I get back.

Why does that matter? Because I'm quitting my job as soon as I get back and I need something to live in.

And lastly, I've only got about $3700 total into the van. I'm hoping I can recoup $2200.

So with the time crunch, the price of getting this one going, or just buying something else.....the easiest route seems buying something else. Basically, the whole situation sucks. Sucks a lot.

[1der]

Sticky rod or sticky valve? Valve could be making a "knocking sound" but it is definitely different than a rod knock. I have never heard of a sticky rod, and I do not know how a rod would cause a miss.

If it is good compression wise, then a valve job would take care of the head gasket isssue as well.

Of course, I do not have the engine in front of me to hear or see what is going on, so I maybe way off.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by sandeld

Shot, as in, they didn't figure out if the engine misfire on cylinders 2 and 3 is due to a sticky rod or a false signal from the ECU.

????? You may want to get a second opinion, or spend $20 for an OBDII scanner somewhere. Is the check engine light on?

There is no sticky rod anywhere that would cause a misfire......if the engine has coil-over-plug those are typically a culprit and a cheap fix. False signal from the ECU???? really????

Head gasket about to blow? How does one determine that? either your head gasket is blown or not....

[1der]

Also, still need the answer to the how many miles on this engine question. Any maintenance records or knowledge of prior owner(s) and how the vehicle was treated / cared for?

[sandeld]

174,000 miles
No previous knowledge of maintenance records, but the last owner was an 80-something grandma that totally trashed the interior somehow. I can't imagine the engine is better...hence all the problems.
Leaks oil a little
Runs hot and coolant tested less than 50/50
And while I have admitted to being a noob with vehicles, I'm an electrical engineer for the aerospace industry. A bad signal from an ECU or one of the sensors is plausible.

[mikracer]

If you can recoup the majority of your money, I would sell it and get something else. Especially since you are on a time crunch and will need something reliable and ready in a short amount of time. If you do get that sprinter, you should expect to spend some money on insulating it since its basically a tin can. It would be easier to live in that than the bus you listed with all the windows and probably a lot more comfortable once insulated.