Mecanical work and…

Posted by: | on October 27, 2016

 
Arrived in North Carolina, I quickly began preparations for the export of VLV: modifications and adaptations required for the future registration in Switzerland, maintenance and preventive work, especially to improve the engine cooling which is still difficult as the big 6-liter diesel is confined in the engine compartment…
 
 
1. Cleaning the moving parts of the variable geometry turbo.
 
img_3119b
 
 
2. Re-install of the turbo. Contortionist session ensured to achieve some bolts! 😀
 
img_3123b
 
 
3. Taking the front apart.
 
iphone_b
 
 
4. After removing radiators, intercoolers, fans etc, a part of the work is done to reach the front cover of the engine.
 
img_3141b
 
 
5. Here it is, the cover is removed after a day and a half of work! For the record, I will have to repeat it as a big oil leak appears at the restart. Guess why? Ford had delivered the wrong Semmering gasket! What a f..!
 
img_3155b
 
 
6. That damn little joint earn me the removal of all theadmission for replacement. A full more day of work…
 
img_3176b
 
 
7. plasma cutting in the winch holding plate to improve cooling.
 
img_3135b
 
 
8. Removing the front brake for installation of new calipers. In the end, I will go back with the same, the new calipers being too large for VLV’s wheels…
 
img_3171b
 
 
9. VLV in U-Joint Offroad workshop.
 
img_3178b
 
 
10. U-Joint Offroad fair in Asheville “Van Life Rally”.
 
_dsc2151b
 
 
VivaLaVida had a real success – I could have sold her several times!
 
_dsc2154b
 
 
After the fair, it’s camping time with U-Joint team.
 
_dsc2157b
 
 
11. Nice campsite!
 
_dsc2160b
 
 
12. Davidson River…
 
img_3213b
 
 
13. On my way to Baltimore where I will drop off VLC for its first transoceanic crossing, I drove in Washington DC.
 
img_3222b
 
 
14. Last night on US ground with the wooden wall that will isolate the interior of VLV and thawing the fridge before stopping it for a few weeks…
 
img_3227b
 
 
15. Last picture at the entrance of Baltimore harbor. Have a good journey VLV! See you in Antwerp in a few weeks. 😉
 
img_3228b
 
 
At the time you will read this update, VivaLaVida will be undertaken its Atlantic crossing…
 
To be followed soon for the “pick up” in Antwerp and the road to Switzerland. 😉
 
 

Posted in Georgie, Maryland @en, North Carolina @en | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »


«
»


« Previous Image

4 Commentsto Mecanical work and…

  1. Mike Ryan says:
    31 October 2016 at 12:20

    Thanks for all of your previous and most recent articles and pictures of your North American travels.

    I have been following you since you left North Carolina a couple of years ago and started your adventure. Now off to Switzerland!

    Enjoy your new adventures and travel safe!

    Mike

    • Claude-Alain says:
      31 October 2016 at 13:52

      Thanks Mike,

      Just saw that you encountered some issue with your van. Hope it’s not too bad and that you maybe already fixed it. Keep me updated.

      The next adventure will definitely be registering VivaLaVida here in Switzerland. It’s not gonna be easy…

  2. steven johnson says:
    27 October 2016 at 15:56

    exciting ! Bonvoy ! Best to you for a beautiful life ! Thank you for such an amazing chronicle of tale !

    • Claude-Alain says:
      31 October 2016 at 13:54

      You’re welcome Canyon. Will keep this blog alive with the pick-up in Belgium, then the registration and, of course, with future travel in VivaLaIvda. 😀