Globebuster1

Please don't use WD40 it will just add to the problem - these valves are usually made from GR plastic, PVC or occasionally Delrin. WD40 will actually swell these plastics to the point where nothing will shift them! If you are going to try and lube them, use something like ACF50 - that's your best chance to free them up.

Me too! Impossible to remove from the old screen

As Derek says - the MOT history check will normally reveal plenty about the vehicle concerned - and will also enlighten you as to the engine size. It's always my go to start point for any potential purchase. Super low mileage [if genuine] is a negative in my book. Checking tyre age, and cambelt changes from the mechanical aspect, and water ingress [particularly if coach built] on the habitation side of things should be a priority.

I would fit a SHURflo alternative - they are proven, reliable and easy to obtain spares for. Their marine products are equally well respected.

That's a good point about house insurance - I've seen a big hike in that too, although I managed to renegotiate a better deal on one property. It looks like there's been an increase in all types of insurance in general - albeit inconsistent!

Sorry Mods, but I have to say this - John, why did you feel that last sentence was necessary? We're way off the original post now.

Indeed!

The insurance subject comes up regularly on other forums - it seems many are either being clobbered by increases, or having to pay high premiums for obtaining cover on new purchases. My Hymer insurance increased by around 20% at last renewal [1/8/23] with Comfort. Comfort do seem to have a 'like it or lump it' attitude when you phone to discuss the matter too! I stayed with them because all other quotes obtained were similar - or in some cases more, which seemed to reflect the increases touted in the media at the time. Comparison sites are great at showing better deals initially, but when you compare like for like cover, it soon ramps up. LV seem to be offering some good deals according to other forums, and I'm certainly going to be preemptive this year when looking for cover on the camper. Insurance is clearly a weird and wonderful thing! - I have a multicar policy that covers both my classic and daily drivers - it gives fantastic cover [agreed value, business mileage, business use etc] this policy has remained the same for the last 4 or 5 years [around £600] - until last year when I sold one of the older cars. I now pay £39 more to actually have less vehicles insured! - this was explained to me as 'dropping into a different band by reducing down to 5 vehicles and the way the policy is loaded'

Hello Allan, As Derek says, a bit more info would be useful. Is there a specific area of concern? Or is this just a preventative measure?

I don't know that I would like to be without Air Con and Cruise Control - and you may find the van would be less desirable as a used vehicle without the Lux pack Surely the Tyre repair kit is an essential item! Perhaps you need to clarify what comes in the standard spec, and work from there?

EGR valves are notorious for getting gummed up - and it's not exclusive to Fiat. You could try the cleaning method, or the £10 blanking plate fix [works sometimes] but replacement is the best option in the long run. You do not say whether this has caused your Ducato to go into limp mode as a consequence of the EML coming on, or any fault code logged. Check the small hoses coming from the EGR solenoid, and if it's buzzing - it's also worth checking the throttle body is functioning properly too. My old Mondeo used to go through an EGR valve around every 40k so as it died at 237k I got through quite a few! Cleaning or blanking never worked - unfortunately. As Derek says - we need some more information.

I'll start by saying - I have no tracker on my Exsis! - however I do have some knowledge from business dealings in the Marine sector. What I can tell you is that the technology used in tracking devices has advanced quite dramatically in a short space of time. So you may find that renewing will give you an added benefit beyond better coverage in the future.

Weighing the van and getting axle weights in full touring trim is the start point. I've noticed TyreSafe have changed their stance on CP rear axle pressures now to 80psi Michelin will quote 80 rear too, so use the Conti configurator instead. I run at 60/65 around 3500kg and a much better ride - I give them an occasional 'hug' after a long fast run and the tyres are never more than warm.

I didn't realise there was a different time-scale on the aux belt. I use two different local independent garages for all my quite varied range of vehicles, both always replace what they refer to as the 'stretchy' belts, and both would always check the tensioners/pulleys as a matter of course - in fact they insist on it! Still, it's good news that neither Jeremy or Bruce have suffered any long-term damage👍

Thanks for the feedback all. Just sent pics to Autoglass, after having a chat yesterday. I've not heard back from Auto Windscreens, since yesterday morning though...

Good to know Brian - thanks. That must be a record - 3 screens in 4 years! I very much doubt there are any patterned copies about either, and I think Travelworld may even stock OE screens. So, at present both candidates are looking into it, and I've been transparent with both parties concerned. At the moment Autoglass seem the more proactive, although both appear to have specialist teams in place for this kind of work.

It's normal practice to replace the Aux belt when changing the cambelt, and I'd be surprised that it wasn't changed as part of the previous cambelt replacement anyway. Not sure if it applies to the 2.8, but with the 2.3 it has to be removed to access the cambelt AFAIK I know with Alfa Romeo's it's not unusual for the Aux belt and/or tensioner to fail thus taking the cambelt and cover with it - plenty of examples of that known to owners. Most mechanics will tell you the 'stretchy' aux belt is a once only fit anyway, and a thorough check of the aux pulleys being part of the process. Relieved for you both that there was no subsequent damage the the cambelt!

I have a stonechip and crack in my Exsis-I screen. Comfort Insurance will be dealing with it, so no problem there. However, when calling the insurance helpline I was put through to Auto Windscreens, since then [having then spoken to Comfort directly] I have also been contacted by Autoglass. Comfort explained it's pot luck as to who picks up on the helpline [Aviva] Auto W, wouldn't confirm that they would use an OE Bertone screen, whether Autoglass will do I can't say at this point - so I'm wondering if any of you have had any experience dealing with either company. I doubt there are any generic windscreens available, but a OE Bertone replacement is what I am expecting, and my preferred choice. Thanks in advance.

I've PM'ed you Colin

Super U are pretty good, and available from the bigger cities and stores. Friends have also used Hertz before when visiting us in Brittany. Colin, if you are going with BF do you still have my F and F code from last year?

Good Luck with the new van - I'm sure you will have some great times in it..... You'll learn to love those wheels in time 😉 But, I would give them a really good waxing from the outset, something like Collinite or Fusso, it will help to keep them clean and mitigate any future issues with the diamond cut finish.

Are they chrome - or just diamond cut ? I doubt they would be chrome, so if they are diamond cut [so clear lacquer over polished alloy] they are prone to corrosion. Having said that, I opted for diamond cut, but it really depends on the wheel manufacturer and how good the coating process is. As Brian says - get the dealer to swap them if possible, personally I don't really get having nice alloys and then just painting them black, all down to personal choice I guess.

I think gas supply would be my first point of call. Whilst I don't have your system - I have the later Combi 6E, if I'm getting low on gas it will throw up all sorts of codes both relating to gas and electrical failure! There is no consistency with these codes either - it has almost become a useful warning that I need to switch bottles. I would add that the hob or fridge is never affected, and would probably continue to run for some time - I guess the 6E being more hungry creates the issue. If you'd not mentioned replacing the hoses, that might have been the cause, both the regulator and hoses are known to gunge up especially as Spanish gas is known to be 'dirty'

Appreciate all the responses so far. I think with his [very] unrealistic budget his expectations are equally limited to it's use. Pub stops and local[ish] overnighters would be his aim, then perhaps having seen if it has an appeal long-term, to invest in something to give him more scope. I have suggested he looks for a cheap and cheerful PVC for now, get some real time experience - and take it from there. He did make the suggestion that he loaned mine for the odd weekend - but I told him that's not likely to happen!

Thanks Keith, I have already put him right on that! The first dozen vans he sent me links to were a scams, Ebay and the like are riddled with them, and I do report dodgy ones if I have time - trouble is they pop up again the next day! I now 'vet' any he is interested in - It seems I've now become his personal shopping assistant. He might get lucky and find a nice old gem -who knows?