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Old 02-13-2019, 06:07 PM   #1
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Our First Adventure Van!

Hey all!

So my partner and I have been hoping to build out a rig for us and 2 dogs to travel the states in for a few months. After a bunch of back and forth on what to get and when to get it, we decided to pull the trigger on a 2002 E350 EB, w/ a 7.3 and Quigley 4x4. I've been lurking this forum for a while so I figured I'd start a build thread and track our progress. Aside from the "real" SMBs on here, you all build beautiful vehicles, so I hope mine is half as nice!

Sadly I haven't had the chance to take any glory shots of the rig, but here's a video showing the disassembly of the current camper setup.

Also attached:
-a low res screenshot from the AD because it's all I have
-some rad 4x4 Japanese vans I spent some time with the other weekend
-a glamour shot of my current rig that is now for sale to fund the van (and probably the reason I am stubborn about wanting a 4x4 diesel)
(^^^Hopefully these photos aren't too compressed, I have to figure out how big is too big)


First up, sorting out why the 7.3 hates starting in the cold. I'm assuming glow plugs, or maybe some injector issues....
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Old 02-13-2019, 06:27 PM   #2
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Nice. Yinz have the right attitude. It'll be interesting to watch the updates.
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Old 02-14-2019, 04:22 PM   #3
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Thanks!

Also, I have been trying to do some searching about adding windows on the side cargo doors, seems like the best option involves some junkyard hunting and swapping the whole door?
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Old 02-14-2019, 04:35 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by longwool View Post
First up, sorting out why the 7.3 hates starting in the cold. I'm assuming glow plugs, or maybe some injector issues....
I had a similar problem after buying my van. I started using fuel additive every fourth fill up or so and replaced both batteries. I haven't had any issues since, and if it is colder out I will usually cycle the glow plugs twice before firing it up.
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Old 02-15-2019, 02:41 PM   #5
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Thanks for the advice BenJJ, gonna test the glowplugs and battery this weekend...I don't know that mine has two batteries, is that typical?
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Old 02-15-2019, 02:54 PM   #6
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Thanks for the advice BenJJ, gonna test the glowplugs and battery this weekend...I don't know that mine has two batteries, is that typical?
Yeah there is a second battery underneath the slider on the passenger side.
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Old 02-15-2019, 05:14 PM   #7
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Thanks for sharing and look forward to your build!! If both of those check out ok a new starter often helps a ton too. Check out and research the Denso starter (make sure its a real Japanese one and not a knockoff, they cost about $300 new), its a huge upgrade from the stock Mitsubishi one and fires up my van very easily in the cold.
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Old 02-19-2019, 08:52 PM   #8
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Thanks for the tips, I will definitely look into a starter upgrade.

Not much to update, the weather in Portland has been quite crummy.

I was able to get the van started fine using the block heater, so I'm thinking it is glow plugs. Also checked both batteries and the voltage seemed fine. The passenger side glow plugs looked good from preliminary tests, still have to check the drivers side, just ran out of patience in the rainy dark driveway. I'm wondering if it may be the glow plug module?

As far as interior goes I was able to get the wall panels off and remove all the fiberglass insulation, now I just need to make it to the store to get some foam board. In the mean time heres a decent shot of the van as well.
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Old 02-20-2019, 05:33 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by longwool View Post
Thanks!

Also, I have been trying to do some searching about adding windows on the side cargo doors, seems like the best option involves some junkyard hunting and swapping the whole door?
From all aspects of doors with windows that's absolutely the best approach. Typically you can find a set of very nice side doors with glass including hinges for less than $200. Search your local Craig's List for truck parts etc. If you do find a set carefully check them both inside and outside for significant rust.

Removing them is easy---six bolts each door and a bit of "heavy" lifting---put the removed doors up for sale on Craig's List. Installing the new-to-you doors is also relatively easy but they will require alignment to the body and to each other since the hinges allow for this. This too is relatively easy but does require a bit of trial and error work. Unfortunately the door just don't simply bolt into place and work perfectly after the bolts are tightened.

HTH
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Old 02-20-2019, 09:58 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by longwool View Post
Thanks for the tips, I will definitely look into a starter upgrade.

Not much to update, the weather in Portland has been quite crummy.

I was able to get the van started fine using the block heater, so I'm thinking it is glow plugs. Also checked both batteries and the voltage seemed fine. The passenger side glow plugs looked good from preliminary tests, still have to check the drivers side, just ran out of patience in the rainy dark driveway. I'm wondering if it may be the glow plug module?

As far as interior goes I was able to get the wall panels off and remove all the fiberglass insulation, now I just need to make it to the store to get some foam board. In the mean time heres a decent shot of the van as well.
Possibly, its defiantly easier to replace the relay instead of the glow plugs, those are a big job and not easy to get too. I replaced my relay with this monster one.

http://www.dieselorings.com/16-009-white-rodgers-stancor-586-902-monster-glow-plug-relay.html
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