Disaster Strikes The Engine Rebuild With Oil Leaks

Join us on an incredible journey of determination and perseverance as we tackle the daunting task of rebuilding the engine of our beloved VW Crafter campervan. After the unfortunate failure of the head gasket, we embarked on a mission to resurrect our trusty campervan. Witness the meticulous disassembly of the engine, uncovering the root cause of the problem. With unwavering dedication, we meticulously rebuilt the engine, only to encounter an unexpected hurdle- oil leaks.
Undeterred, we courageously dismantled the engine once again, replacing gaskets and meticulously addressing each issue. The process tested our patience and resilience, but our determination remained unshaken. Finally, after four weeks of perseverance and three complete rebuilds, the moment of truth arrived.
Prepare to be captivated as we showcase the thrilling climax of our journey. Will the van start and run properly? Experience the tension and anticipation as we turn the key, hoping for success after overcoming numerous obstacles.
Join us as we celebrate the sweet taste of victory, savouring the culmination of our efforts and witnessing the joy of a successful engine revival. Our VW Crafter campervan, once plagued by setbacks, roars back to life, ready to embark on new adventures.
Don’t miss this inspirational video filled with determination, resilience, and the triumph of overcoming challenges. Subscribe to our channel and be part of our journey as we explore the open road with our resurrected campervan.#vanlife #vwcrafterheadgasket #vwcrafterenginerebuild
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[@calvbutler5894]

Fair play to you for getting stuck in and saving yourself a few bob.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Been bloody hard tho mate

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

My VW Caddy just hit 300,000kms. Being a diesel I make sure to change the oil regularly. It's cheap to do unless you get a shop to do it. Advice for newbies, replace parts when needed so you don't ruin surrounding parts.

[@UrbanVanlife]

We have allwsys done 2 full services a year summer and winter . And have done that on all our vans . But some things do break I guess

[@denisscott3073]

Hi Neil and Emma 👋 just us 2saying hi 👋 big thanks for sharing this video update 👋❤ this channel 👋 we are looking forward to seeing more of your video update 👋 just got our 26 year old camper though it's mot 😀 we are very happy 👋 off soon to Scotland 😀🤞den and sue 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚌🚌🚌

[@UrbanVanlife]

Oh Scotland is amazing hope you have a lovely time guys thanks for watching

[@eddieuk9402]

Well done sir, as a mechanic for 30 years I would estimate you've saved at least £1000 in labour costs, that's independent garage price, main dealers probably 2 to 3 grand.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer I thought as much mate . I’m all for have in a go to be honest and I know how I do things most mechanical people will be screaming at the screen but I was bought up to have a go and I genuinely do enjoy it . I’d have loved to have been a mechanic or engineer it just interes me

[@ianstrang6030]

well done you just showed me that people can do any job if they put there mind to it and save money good job again well done

[@trishmcmahon3295]

I would normally be so bored at a Mechanic video but as usual you are so funny it was a giggle watching. Thanks for a laugh to and your wife

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks Trish and I totalt know what you mean lol

[@KBBMX]

That laugh.... Sounds like Mutley off Catch the pigeon 🤣🤣🤣👌 love the banter folks

[@UrbanVanlife]

😂😂😂😂

[@shanebrookes1878]

Buy cheap buy twice!! Lol I’ve learnt that with fixing cars n vans

[@UrbanVanlife]

Ain’t that the truth

[@LeisureBit]

Well done for sorting it - you could see it would try the patience of a saint with the hassles you’ve had, such a shame about those seals not being right. Hats off to you for fixing it. Fingers crossed you don’t have any further issues. 🤞 All the best, David 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks David it has been a journey that’s for sure . But hopefully all over now

[@grahamunderwood9353]

nice job. ,can see the boss wearing rubber gloves motivated you 😂😂😂

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hahahahah mad what a bit of latex will do

[@dougmackie4833]

Well done Neil for giving some of the jobs a try yourself with a little help from Emma

[@UrbanVanlife]

Mate we are both clueless so it do it together then I can blame emma

[@johnharris6691]

Your work has our seal of approval for sure neil! !

[@UrbanVanlife]

I’ll take that lol

[@user-hp2hd8ul1d]

Mate hat off to you you done it I know you had Sean buy you had all the headache so again a true gent with a smile shines through int Emma a star drive she is class man what a team

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers mate we do work well together I’ll say that . Just so glad it’s all FINALY over …… or is it 🙉

[@user-hp2hd8ul1d]

@@UrbanVanlife mate whatever it takes it’s still the best camper van on the block and you will do it I’m 100 percent about that . Do it well as you say

[@campervancodgers124]

Love Emma's joke ,,, about the engine being switched off 😂😂😂 xx

[@UrbanVanlife]

Just don’t . Please done egg her on

[@chrissycanvasart]

Lol that letter from Sam was brill.😆can't wait till its all fixed but must admit been entertaining watching. All the best to you both xx😁💙💜

[@UrbanVanlife]

Sams a legend isn’t he nice guy and funny as wel . Thanks for watching Chrissy

[@chrissycanvasart]

@@UrbanVanlife 💜💙

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

Got there in the end mate 😁👍 I thought you sounded a bit bunged up in the middle of your vlog might have just been me hearing things 🤣🤣🤣

[@UrbanVanlife]

I think in the last video I was un bunged mate but got that out of my system and found the way buddy . 😂😂😂😂

[@andrewmillerphotography]

It's all well and good saying do it yourself, however you do need to have the knowledge / confidence and / or expert help. You also need to have the time to do it yourself (and if you are fully employed / self employed that's hard to find), the tools to do it yourself and space for the van to be sitting around on your drive (if you have one). In short it's a trade off between all of those and the case of knowing a garage will do it and provide a guarantee.

[@Feede.Mountain]

Well done good blog as usual... and laugh.. take care

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thank for watching feede

[@PATLIGHT1000]

Great Vlog. You pair should be on telly you do make me laugh. Well done on the van rebuild though.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks pat glad you enjoyed it . And oh my tv lol can you imagine

[@neillh]

As always thank you for sharing another great video 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thank you for watching my friend it’s very much appreciated

[@bettyourcampervan]

Glad you got sorted and looking forward to your travels 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks for watching guys . Can’t wait to get away

[@rabsrealm]

Green Orb spider :)

[@UrbanVanlife]

Few names for it come back . The cucumber spider and the best one the hiviz spider

[@ProjectCamper]

Eve will love you so much ❤

[@UrbanVanlife]

We got there buddy

[@allenmclaughlin5283]

love your vids mate make me laugh every time glad you got the wagon sorted good luck with the clutch

[@gonefilming2020]

Hey you two. Good to see, that the Crafter is up and running again without being incontinent (as in "lacking normal voluntary control of excretory functions" 🤣) But I still don't get it. Why would a reputable "engineering company" skim on the parts (gaskets, seals) they deliver for a customer to complete the job? This has a high chance of failure and will come back to hurt their reputation. Piss poor judgement IMHO. Those clips for the trim panel below the grille are a pain to get to when you want to undo (and most likely bust) them - unless you have the factory fog lights. Take them out and you have easy access to get to the clips. Found out the hard way. Looking forward to the clutch & flywheel video - that's on my list as well... 😊 Stay safe! 🚐☁🍀

[@UrbanVanlife]

All I can say about that clutch ans fly wheel is man them clutches are a nightmare to bleed

[@mattwhitehall9536]

Fantastic, good on ya for giving it a go. Just found the channel, the pair of you are great. Glad to see it’s not just Land Rovers that you needs original seals for, it’s well worth the extra money, in the time you spend digging back into something that you have already built back up. Look forward to the next post.

[@vandox21]

Great vid Neil, love watching the ‘boss’ and yourself , nice one 👍🏻

[@UrbanVanlife]

The boss man she comes out with some Rubbish ya no

[@vandox21]

@@UrbanVanlife don’t they all 😉😂😂

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vidsthanks lee

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks for watching lee

[@jonathanwrighton9913]

Good to see you’ve got it all done Neil well done mate

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers mate . But the journey don’t stop there lol

[@cherylgreer1401]

I just LOVE watching you two!!! Plus I learn a lot!!! Im building out my van myself! THANK YOU for putting out your videos!!!

[@UrbanVanlife]

Arrrr thank you Cheryl that’s a lovely thing to say . Thank you for watching and good luck with the van . We hope you have many adventures

[@robertcanning1888]

Brilliant news neil. Well done you 3.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hahahaha it was all nellie mate

[@seeker1432]

Your a star for your advice . I got Crafter also and interesting to see the gummings out. Glad you back up and running.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers buddy . It was intresting for me to be honest to see what’s what and where it goes

[@charliegibbo]

looks great 🤟

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jonathankeerie9129]

Great job, fingers crossed you'll have no more issues.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Ohhh fingers crossed mate that would be nice

[@jasonannesley5889]

Fantastic job. You saved yourself a fortune plus you know you done it the right way and changed serviceable items. Only niggle use distilled water instead of tap water for water top up even when flushing. Think of what crap is found in your kettle and around taps can end up in your block, thermostat & hoses.

[@UrbanVanlife]

It’s mad cos I have 2 friends that work in garages one for bmw and one for Citroen and they both told me when there doing services that they use the water out of the hose .

[@jasonannesley5889]

@@UrbanVanlife Because they are not their vehicles.

[@markmangan845]

Nice vid Neil 😎😊👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks buddy

[@jjs_adventureswithcharlie]

Well done on the re build Neil, Its been a tough ride but you nailed it in the end and saved a pretty penny doing it yourself, Cant wait to see the Euro trip as i bet it will be such a laugh , i bet you have some great places lined up.👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

I’m dedicated driver mate . As Emma said she’s the boss so get to choose I’m just happy being away

[@MrSlapntickle75]

You two crack me up . Keep up with the great videos .

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks buddy and cheers for watching the madness

[@MrSlapntickle75]

@@UrbanVanlife you’re very welcome

[@jazzz60]

Amazing. That looked like an insanely cr*p job to have to do. Glad you got it sorted!

[@philiphuyton28]

well done grt work

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jakeblake_vwt4dub]

Well fella do it ya self👍 if ya got the skills n determination👍👍👍🤞👌

[@UrbanVanlife]

More about determination buddy . Not sure about the skills

[@johnpotter9046]

Good job, well done Neil and Emma for keeping you on your toes. Hopefully all sorted now matey. Re the oil you are more than welcome matey 👍 no need for oil EVs going great and got a great price on the Golf.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks buddy it came in handy after all this to be able to do a propper oil change

[@christophermcrae3756]

Well done Neil I would of had a complete melt down 🤕

[@UrbanVanlife]

I think if it wasn’t for my friend helping me I’d have been lost but it’s been good runt to be honest mate

[@wanderingbychoice]

Your a braver man than me Neil, I used to strip engine’s regularly when I was younger but no confidence in my abilities now lol. Cracking video as always 👍👊🚌🙏

[@UrbanVanlife]

I bet you still got it mate

[@wanderingbychoice]

@@UrbanVanlife 👍 🙏

[@fuxxzzr8629]

hi, I see that you fill the engine with water straight from the garden hose🤩 You should buy pre-mixed coolant or use distilled water/battery water mixed 50.50 with concentrated antifreeze... if you run regular water from the tap, you will experience and get rust inside the engine block and deposits

[@UrbanVanlife]

It’s only a see if it goes water mate

[@fuxxzzr8629]

@@UrbanVanlife 🤠

[@johnhbuiltnotbought4924]

Hi both. Nice one keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks buddy

[@expat0149]

Glad you have got the old girl back together , and i mean the van ;) As for the kit reviews you do , if that means more vids then crack on :)

[@UrbanVanlife]

It’s just a means to an end mate . We have ppl we watch do them and I personally just don’t watch . But I don’t get botherd about it like some do . Thanks for the kind words

[@AXISUK]

Like a new van now 👍🏻 you could see the deflation in you at the start of the vid but still cracked on with it 😊

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer man I was kind of done after the precious video . But she wasn’t going to fix her self so just cracked on and got there in the end . But it did burn my head out tho

[@AXISUK]

@@UrbanVanlife precious 🤣 all be worth it when your on the non tourist European trip 👍🏻

[@Heather-J]

Well done all of you!! Happy travels to wherever Emma has found I’ve a feeling it’s gonna be ALOT better than Benidorm 😂

[@UrbanVanlife]

Oh god you would never catch us there .

[@fionamooney8648]

You are a star wouldn’t know where to start .

[@UrbanVanlife]

To be honest we didn’t but stuck in there and had some help

[@SuperDixxxie]

Sorry this happened to you both but it did make for some really great videos putting it right🤭. Well done mate, that was impressive 👏👍 ... Dixie.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks Dixie . Yer it’s made for some good content to be honest but boy am I aching now lol

[@alanhat5252]

Well thank you, that's one van I won't be buying! Horrendously complicated!

[@UrbanVanlife]

It’s an engine buddy there all the same no matter the van

[@catherinewinterburn1043]

Well done, also will definitely use the garage, love a garage recommendation so hard to find.

[@UrbanVanlife]

There so so good and it’s a propper family garage as well

[@mickjohno8337]

@@UrbanVanlife whats the garage called and where abouts couldn't see a link cheers

[@UrbanVanlife]

Scallons auto services in Thornton liverpool mate

[@markderbyshire5394]

well done mate big headache for you ...but great to watch it all ..

[@UrbanVanlife]

To be honest Iv enjoyed most of it to be honest . It’s nice to know how things work and what goes where

[@DJJENKO]

Boss mate

[@hgvnovice2011]

Thought I seen you on East Lancs today hazards reversing by the traffic lights

[@UrbanVanlife]

Not us mate 100%

[@michaelvandromme]

Lol chuck letter in the service history 😅

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hahahahhaa

[@adamshaw1032]

Well done mate 👍🏻 glad to see the van back on the road. Was there a reason for the head going or is it just one of them things?

[@davidmuir2546]

Good effort.....Did you go with genuine vw cambelt & waterpump?

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer but got them off a friend in the trade who’s got an account so got them a lot cheeper

[@stevenclynes5461]

still need to fix your fence

[@UrbanVanlife]

Still not our fence lol

[@chrisdavison2022]

Absolute trooper taking on a job like that! But I think I'll stick my (hopefully) simpler T5.... But I have to ask.... What the hell are those blue things hooked over your lugs?!?!

[@UrbanVanlife]

There bone conductive headphones mate . Bloody amazing . While I was filming that I was listening to radio 2

[@chrisdavison2022]

@@UrbanVanlife thought they were some fancy mic system...!! 😆

[@stumchugh]

should be used to it by now come on shape up :) good lad for doing it though

[@UrbanVanlife]

Not something I ever want to get use to lol like ever

[@Michael-m4y]

Hi not sure if I missed it or you did not record it , But while you had the injectors out why did you not replace the copper injector seal washer or did you ? cos now you have disturbed the injector without replacing the seal it might cause you problems and you will have to strip them down again

[@UrbanVanlife]

Didn’t know it had them mate to be honest . There didn’t seem to be any seals there that I remember bud

[@Michael-m4y]

@@UrbanVanlife when you pull the injector out they go over the tip at the lowest point the injector sits inside the engine, when they need changing you will hear a kind of chuffing noise where they are letting go, some of the time when you pull the injector out the seal stays behind and you have to fish it out

[@UrbanVanlife]

Arrrrr ok I honestly don’t think they where on there ya no . I no we replaced the seals on the rocker cover but there was nothing else at all on there or that had come off

[@Michael-m4y]

@@UrbanVanlife too late now unless you want to pull it apart again but yes they are there look it up lol

[@Michael-m4y]

@@UrbanVanlife What are the symptoms of a leaking injector seal? These symptoms may include a rough idle or misfire, reduced power or acceleration, poor fuel economy, increased emissions, a fuel smell or smoke coming from the exhaust, and a fuel leak under the hood or on the ground. There are several reasons why fuel injector seal failure may occur.

[@kevingalloway9338]

More lights yehhhhhh joes Emma know….

[@UrbanVanlife]

Shhhhhhhhh she won’t see that bit lol

[@stephenfloat1260]

Did you lubricate the lip on the inside of the seal otherwise you may get premature seal failure

[@UrbanVanlife]

We did my friend . FINALY done properly

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Four weeks on - how's the engine getting on, have you noticed any issues (related or otherwise)?

[@UrbanVanlife]

No mate she’s running great . And we have done about 500 miles as well

[@michaelharrison8295]

How are you getting on with the new speakers that you are wearing Neil as I am thinking of getting a set ?

[@UrbanVanlife]

Oh mate there amazing . I thought they where a faf to be honest but after having them I’m like yer there brilliant

[@Evsoutdoors1]

hi neil sorry to bother you I was just wondering I'm coming to Liverpool tomorrow and was wondering if you knew if you could fit a swb ford custom in Liverpool one parking keep up the great vids 😀 keeps me from being bored at work 😀

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hi we don’t know who Lee is, but Neil said yeah you should be able to fit one in there no problem as long as it’s not a high top, happy Saturday, hugs from Neil and Emma

[@Evsoutdoors1]

@UrbanVanlife sorry for some reason I had lee in my head 😅 do apologise thanks for the reply yea it's not a high top so hopefully be ok have a great weekend keep on with the great vids 😀

[@sbateson67]

The spider is a green orb spider.

[@UrbanVanlife]

He’s a funky little fella I know that

[@expat0149]

i always thought leaky front and back ends came later on in life ;)

[@UrbanVanlife]

May be this is the reason it’s happened

[@MrTerryb1956]

Great job youve done there mate what was the total man hours

[@UrbanVanlife]

Oh man I wouldn’t have a clue .it’s been full on for weeks

[@robertcanning1888]

My heart goes out to you neil. That job would bring on a divorce . It hurts to watch

[@UrbanVanlife]

It was good fun at times mste

[@robertcanning1888]

@@UrbanVanlife you and emma get out and destress when youre off. Cheap night she only drinks citrus lemon lol

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Crackin job. Can you please let us know about dog passport and vets cost etc. thanks.

[@UrbanVanlife]

We are not to sure but once we look in to it we will do a video

[@stephenfloat1260]

What no sealing stuff on the gaskets!

[@UrbanVanlife]

No mate there a dry seal cos there is no pressure on them

[@factszn]

Just a quick one… Emma, your watch! You’ll damage it if you don’t take it off ya know 🤨🙄😂😂😂

[@UrbanVanlife]

😂😂😂😂😂 bravo sir bravo

[@ksmith3997]

Ah mate, I’ve got anxiety just watching you do it.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer I Had that all the way trough it lol

[@ksmith3997]

@@UrbanVanlife 😅

[@noeljones8687]

Just quick one what is the mileage pls I’ve just bought a Crafter

[@UrbanVanlife]

Ours is just shy of 160 mate . But we have been unlucky here

[@noeljones8687]

@@UrbanVanlife thank you mines got 82000 I’ve got a sprinter at the moment and had the same done at 200000 and fair play doing it yourself 👍👍

[@bennystokes8481]

it was fete that your van broke when it did,because right now you would have been in europe and it could have happened there...well done..but your mechanics are not cheap..my local back street garage is very fair on prices to be honest..i can get a clutch and flywheel done (labour only) for between 250 and 300..but cumbria is a cheap place when you dont live near the lakes..really cheap..

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer same as liverpool mate there not that bad . Can you imagine down south omg that would be a no no

[@anthonyellis1409]

Only fans then Neil.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hahahah ohhhh no no no

[@robertcanning1888]

Stop justifying what you do to folk. Fck the haters. Ide do more reviews and then punt the stuff on ebay. Oh away water that money tree . Youve had a major set back . Take care you two

[@UrbanVanlife]

It’s not me justify in buddy . It’s more like some people don’t know how it is

[@PK_Blinder]

When you get it around the back, you certainly want it to be tight.... 😮 Is that a bit of cheese on your lips Emma...? 🤔😲😏

[@UrbanVanlife]

Don’t think it was cheese 🤔

[@Pugwash.]

Now and then I take a video from a creator and edit it into a short video full of innuendo and filth. I just don't need to do that with yours, it's already done!

[@UrbanVanlife]

Oh 100% my friend to be honest it’s just how we are it’s a natural thing so just being us lol

[@furface9779]

first

[@UrbanVanlife]

Boom