Ha,  as soon as I wrote that title, I figured it might get all the sprint racers up in arms, but on this occasion  it's not directed at you, but the one manufactured by Mercedes, and mine in particular.

It's been a bit moody over the last few months, drinking a lot and not wanting to start if it's cold.
Then the exhaust fell off 

Fortunately, when up at the Croft, I could run the dogs from the house when the van wouldn't start. I came home last week, after it died again and the AA had to revive it and got it booked in eventually for some diagnostics and whatever remedial work was needed.
Got it back yesterday, everything is fine, apart from low pressure in some valve that blows the diesel into the common rail (hey, I'm not a mechanic, I just expect it to work when i turn the key). That's been replaced and it starts fine. Everything else checks out well says Mr Garageman, except for the water contamination in Nos 1 & 2 cylinders     
Uhuh says I, that'll be where all the coolant has been going then since the last time I asked you to check it.  Yep, says he.
Solution, asks I?
Not me, says he....................  too big a job, on my own, not enough room     
   says I.

Och well, I'll get away training up till Christmas, run the dogs at the Culbin event and then book the van in somewhere "proper" early in Jan.

Van is all loaded, atv on trailer, dogs in boxes, all set for a dash to Ae this afternoon for an evening run, before heading north on Sunday.  Ummm..........  fiddlesticks and such.......  the pesky  thing won't start.

Can't get it seen until Monday - it could be off the road until at least Christmas week and the dogs now haven't been out in 9 days and it's looking like it will be twice that at least before they do get out.


To say I'm a little miffed is putting it mildly.

There, I feel a bit better after that rant.

if it makes you feel any better I've just had a 2nd timing belt snap in 2 years
 

oh dear. 

Get anything that has VW on, won't matter what, mine just passed it quarter million miles and still as relaiable as ever! (kiss of death!!)
But seriously every time I take it into the garage for a service the Garageman can't believe its still on the road.
And the new ones"go like stink" .......... so I've been told!
Won't be buying anthing else when my numbers come up.

Any damage to the engine?

it is/was a vw,180k on the clock and going strong(when put back together ).
Find out what the damage is tommorrow, too much power for the belts ( I wish).
Dogs getting itchy paws to get out.

Remember that they build the VW Crafter on a Mon, Wed, and Fri and the Sprinter on Tues, Thurs and Sat in the same factory now.

Mine is still dead in the garage. Slightly complicated by the fact that I hurt my back just before it was due to go in originally, so I missed that "appointment".

It's now been in there a week - and seems to be the cause of much teeth-sucking and head scratching.

I've phoned a couple of times for updates - all they've been able to tell me so far is what's NOT wrong with it. It's getting to the point where I feel the best solution would be a firebomb.
(Dear MI.5, That was a joke, just in case you guys are monitoring everyone's emails and bboards looking for trigger words. If a certain garage premises happens to go up in flames in the next week or so, that is sheer coincidence, honest).

Plus points - my back is now feeling much better
               -  the trails have seemingly been so icy, training is restricted if not impossible

Minus points - dogs haven't been out since the first week in Dec 
                 -  no clue as to when I'll get the freakin' van back

Peter,

Had a problem with our Sprinter & not starting.  A number of mechanics etc had a look at it and just seemed to scratch their heads then one day out of frustration I punched the steering column amd then it started!  I investigated further myself and where the fuses are underneath the steering wheel right at the bottom is a couple of relays and although they looked like they were inserted OK one wasn't making a good connection.  Ended up taping in the relays and touch wood no problems since, why all the mechanics couldn't find this I am not sure?

Might be worth having a look at these small relays, nothing to loose?

Cheers

Adrian

Cheers Adrian

I'll be glad of any excuse to give that Sprinter a thump 

I sincerely hope it is something as simple as that, but I still need to get to the bottom of the coolant issue as well.

Really sorry to hear you're still in the same predicament. You must be so frustrated! I could maybe lend you our big green van (jumbo transit) if you can crate it for your dogs. Yes, I've still not finished the dog boxes. I've had a lot of other things on my plate!
Cam

Cam

Wow,  thanks for that offer - much appreciated.
But I'd hate to take it away from you because the moment I did, I know you'd be inspired to actually get it ready for your own dogs  .

Joyce has told me I'm not allowed to put 6 dogs in the Jeep to go training 

Patience is a virtue.

Hmm, In a moment of desperation I took my 5 & the associated gear in a Ford Fiesta... no real harm done!

must be this time of year! my merc vito camper the injector pistons have blew (800-1600) its been sitting at the garage for weeks now  so i have been using my alfa (tis brill) all that muck from Ae wiped of the leather seats nae probs Xmas musta wrecked my head as ive now lost the keys to it  my bottom half of house has gotten a spring clean, but to no avail so iam giving it another few days before i have to reorder a set of keys at neary 200£! I live on my own have two vechiles and have to jump on a bus, CRAZY.

Bri, people thought i was mental at Ae with 4 dogs, but 5 in a Fiesta, things we do eh? bet Darka was jumping around like a wild ejjit? lol

Nope, to mix it up a little she was in season... so was crated!