a chatty vlog about car problems | the realities of minivan life

[@theroving1]

I don't want to call out other mechanics but the catalytic converters only job is to convert Co, the o2 sensors (usually after the cat) control the air to fuel ratio, if they are bad it can cause a lean fuel mixture which in turn can cause high combustion chamber temperatures and foul spark plugs. If they did a compression test and found one cylinder to be low then it's likely it has a burnt/carboned valve, which is very unlikely to fix itself! The only chance if it is carbon build up is to run some Berryman B12 or seafoam through the fuel system (just pour it into the fuel tank). The other shaking you described when braking is most likely a warped brake disk, if you feel it through the steering wheel it's a front one, if you feel it more through your bum on the seat then it's likely a rear one.. If you want any advice just ask, I've been a mechanic for close to 40 years.

[@julia_dutra]

Thank you!! Need all the advice I can get haha

[@VanLifeKen]

@kevparker2873 the engines in these vans did have an issue with excessive buildup, possibly even sludging. Ive learned (about mine, same model) recently that lots of these issues are caused by dirty oil control valves in each cylinder head. Julia, if and when u get your oil changed, be sure to use synthetic to slow and potentially help the oil buildup caused inside our motors.

[@julia_dutra]

@@VanLifeKen Thanks! Good to know, gonna keep that in mind.

[@williamley7380]

Florida native here, yeah black bears are active in the Ocala National Forest this time of year among other 4 leggers... be safe and cautious if hiking or walking about to and from the bathroom, carry bear spray, air horn and or a personal alarm over 150 decibels at all times. Do not hang around if you see a bear cub or panther cub...mama's are not far away!!! Stay alert!!! Adventure on....

[@DavidPaxton-tj1wt]

I was born and raised in Ft, Lauderdale. I cant wait to get on the road and get out of here. Ft. Lauderdale has started looking to much like a mini NYC and is not the town grew up in.

[@julia_dutra]

Hoping you can get out on the road soon!!

[@raymonde4272]

Touch wood, the van starts to feel better and doesn't need too many more trips to the mechanics. The campsite you finished at is very beautiful with the old trees and lake. Hopefully you were not the main meal for all the bugs in the car that night.

[@julia_dutra]

Luckily the bugs left me alone once I turned off the flashlight :)

[@MichelleB_96]

Oh goodness, car problems suck! Esp when it’s your home! Engaging with your channel to hopefully help contribute to your car bills 😁

[@julia_dutra]

Hahaha I appreciate that 😂💗

[@MichelleB_96]

@@julia_dutra 🤣👍

[@DavidPaxton-tj1wt]

If the piston was stuck the engine would come to a screeching stop. Now maybe a valve in the second cylinder could be stuck open ,that might be what they were talking about. Oran injector could hangup.

[@marcelonator]

You have one of the most reliable vans ever made! I have the same vehicle and it will take care of you just do oil changes often and you will be fine! Boa sorte

[@DavidPaxton-tj1wt]

Did you know there is a herd of Buffalo living in Fla. I think the name of the state park they live in is Payns Perrie. I discovered that while living in a tear drop trailer for a month or so traveling around before I retired. If you have already left Fla maybe next time you are back in the state you can spend the night in that park like I did and see them yourself. lol

[@JonathonS-x1g]

Awesome video I'm hoping to travel a lot one day. Stay safe and hope you have a blessed life.

[@robertschaeffer7928]

Luv ur videos. Hopefully ur car gets better sooner than later...

[@davidbarb]

Real easy to get debris in between a tire and rim and then all it needs is popped lose and cleaned like they did and resealed and good to go. Been there myself.

[@acowing113]

I was just in Jax Beach so beautiful!! Would of been cool to link up!

[@MiltonRodriguez-d3i]

I think you need a mosquito net to sleep under... and I had the same problem with my cylinder no. 2, but my urologist said it had nothing to do with my car (since I don't own one) and I also shake a little bit when I'm moving at slow speeds... so I guess cars and old men have the same issues... I miss you!!!

[@julia_dutra]

😂😂 Miss you too! ❤️

[@brentleelatimer96]

What do you do for a living? Honest question. Love your content!

[@julia_dutra]

Thank you :) I make some money from this channel (which I'm trying to grow haha so I can continue doing that) + some online "side hustle" kind of work for extra income. But the main focus are these videos.

[@deshawniskeng-mixedmediatv]

❤❤❤

[@thomasyung9162]

I wouldn't hold hope that it gets better. get yourself a second diagnosis

[@julia_dutra]

Looks like I'm gonna need to do that... getting difficult to trust that I'll get the right diagnosis though 😅

[@ImSmacked28]

WOOO day just got 1000x better 🎉 hope all is well

[@acowing113]

They should do a compression test. But Toyotas are normally good motors. Catz would only make you lose power not shaking. Im so sorry there are no longer good mechanics. There is no such thing as a stuck piston. I have a shop myself I have never heard that in my entire life.

[@julia_dutra]

I might've misunderstood what they were saying! I think I'm going to have another shop take another look at the compression and see what the shaking is about... someone is saying it might be a warped brake rotor. We'll see.

[@acowing113]

@@julia_dutra yea I would. Shaking at Idle or while not braking would be most likely a misfire code. Is the check engine light on? Did it just start randomly doing it? Lemme know what year model and engine size I can do some research I have alot of resources I can at least point you in the right direction. Also I have a friend that is a mechanic at a shop in Ponte Verde beach area I can refer you too.

[@julia_dutra]

@@acowing113 It mainly shakes a bit when I'm idling, more so when I'm coming to a stop & reversing. Check engine light is on (but it has been on because of the cats; still on though). Started randomly doing it after I came off of the highway on one of my longer drives. 2002 Toyota Sienna & V6 3 liter! I'm not actually in Florida anymore 🥲 But I appreciate that

[@acowing113]

@@julia_dutra Ill do some research. Its probably something easy lol. But at least you know you have new cats now 😸 lol. Look at your paperwork and see what codes came up?

[@acowing113]

@@julia_dutra so I just watched your video better after I had some coffee. Yea I think your engine may be no bueno Im sorry. Get to where you got to get to safely and things will work out!! It could run forever still its a toyota! Safe travels

[@MB-qr8vr]

Does it ever start hard ?!