Van Life - Engine Problems and Downtime

[@RobertVinet]

He cooks. He cleans. He photographs. He videos. He flies drones. He sews curtains. He builds vans. He's a DIY mechanic. Oh, and he hikes to some pretty amazing spots too. Foresty Forest is a modern day renaissance man.

[@dwarren1010]

he gets involved with single women living vans :)

[@dwarren1010]

All he needs next is 1.21 GW flux capacitor... (Back to the future reference).

[@chrishenry571]

You misspelled renaissance van. :-)

[@marioramirez5478]

He is a man Thas what man supposed to do everything

[@twinfin8867]

@@marioramirez5478 ...that is what a lot of woman say.

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

Shout-out to the smaller shops and quality mechanics that love a challenge glad they got you back up and running. And kudos for doing so many of these jobs like the brakes on your own, so satisfying to do some of the maintenance on your own to keep ahead of the game.

[@ohcrapwhatsnext]

Took my same van in for an alignment as i replaced the entire front end with new parts, it was fine, but thought i cant go wrong taking it into the dealer for an alighment. What a mistake. I ended up getting all my money back and i had to take it to a Front End elignment shop, hello... 75 bucks later its perfect again, but he had to fix the dealer workers mess up.... No dealers for repairs....

[@robthesamplist]

Its the quality mechanics in this world that make the difference.

[@isaacgame7304]

I thought that was so cool, if you know your way around a multi-meter you could most likely pin-point problems yourself. I know the basics of it, and if it's shorting to ground it's typically bad lol.

[@Biggyniner]

True diagnosis is a lost art.

[@mesaman86]

Just a note from an ex-mechanic: do repairs that could result in immobilizing your vehicle within walking distance to an auto parts store. I've done brake repairs that devolved into quite a mess.

[@troybabs]

Was thinking the same thing. 👍

[@RyRyWags]

That was within walking distance for Forestry Forest!🙂

[@wvadam]

Sound advice, even more true for the off-road van life.

[@NorthernKitty]

@@RyRyWags I was going to write that same reply!! LOL!!

[@kevinstruke1031]

@@NorthernKitty Me too!!!🤣✌

[@thndrgrrrl]

Im so happy you got the problem solved, so you can get back to washing your beans in the creek!

[@redstar1408]

Been watching this channel for a while now, and am always surprised by what Foresty gets up to. "well, I just got my van fixed... I guess I'll drive to a super remote mountain road and.... CHANGE my brakes" lol. Crazy stuff and very inspiring... keep going Foresty!

[@pimacanyon6208]

'"guess I'll drive to a super remote mountain road and.... CHANGE my brakes" lol.' That did make me laugh out loud. Thanks!

[@dd___dc]

And no cell service 🤔🤔😂😂

[@HeadPack]

Shout out to the small shop mechanics who don't give up before they can fix a problem. They truly are every day heroes.

[@187WCB]

Good to see you back on the road. If the acceleration really is smoother, at least it wasn't for nothing.

[@taxslave5766]

Potential for a new channel, Forests Auto Repair, the hard way! Hats off to you, bro.

[@retrogaming8647]

Sadly, you're at the mercy of the competency of the mechanic who gets assigned to your van. I worked as a service advisor for a short time at a Chevy dealership, and the majority of techs were incredibly lazy/unwilling to put ANY effort into getting to the bottom of a problem. Glad you found a guy who cared enough to fix it.

[@dahorn100011]

It's actually refreshing to see a van life channel where its owner actually has a clue about their van.

[@toledospeedotube]

I need to thank you for your videos Foresty! I'm in a singles group online and I was trying to get the attention of a young lady who lives on Vancouver Island. I shared one of your videos from the island with her last November and that broke the ice! We're now engaged ❤️

[@forestyforest]

Haha awesome, congrats 👏

[@RealJohnnyDingo]

Anyone who likes Forestry Forest is definite marriage material 😊

[@gadois8674]

perhaps Foresty could provide me a list of lady followers in the UK! (45-55yrs range) 😂😍

[@Choconillaaa]

I can't believe how much stress this caused ME. I can't imagine what it was like for you! Super glad you got it all squared away.

[@secondact7151]

He always stresses me out.

[@stephenwise734]

I really miss the " Foresty Forest " jingle at the beginning of the video, glad your up and running.

[@john1COR151-4]

It was the police giving me an evacuation warning notice because of forest fires. Yes this looks like a good spot to replace my brakes. Lol. Stay safe Foresty, we need you. God Bless

[@RafixGameplay]

You're such a handyman! In Poland we have a saying 'golden hand' typically a person who can do anything needed...kudos!

[@3dlabs99]

Well said! Also kudos to the mechanic finding the 5V short.

[@Lt_Tragg]

Hmmmmm……..The Man With the Golden Hand. Could be a movie title. But, not in the James Bond sense. Forest…..Forestry Forest - outdoor legend.

[@dustyc324]

in the US we say jack of all trades.

[@MMac2450]

Sometimes I feel like Im right in the van with you while you’re talking. You’re a great person who also happens to be good at making great videos as-well.

[@doggedout]

Damn. So glad you got this sorted out. This was depressing me more than it should have. I have been stranded in the middle of nowhere (the Nevada dessert actually) with a problem I could not suss out and it really pissed me off no end. I was starting to worry that maybe I had steered you wrong in advising you to go to another shop. But the deal is, dealerships are supposed to have much more expensive and accurate diagnostic equipment than the cheap stuff we plebs buy...and those guys telling you they couldn't diagnose it (on a 6 year old van?!) was just red flagging all over the place. Looking forward to you next adventures! Keep on rollin on..

[@photopicker]

Pretty sure the dealerships deal with scheduled maintenance only. My dealership stopped stocking parts for my rig well over a decade ago.

[@doggedout]

@@photopicker I realized dealerships were useless when they tried to charge me $250 for a taillight on my 2013 Taco (that I had bought from them..my second in 5 years) while I explained to the shop head on the phone I was looking as we spoke. right then on the internet...OEM..for $75. His response: "Well $275 is the best I can do?" Been wrenching on cars for 50 years..and just thought, you know, I paid a lot of money for this ...surely the dealership will want a repeat, repeat....customer? LOL....guess I will be wrenching for another 50

[@NorthernKitty]

Honestly, a dealership is the last place I go for "expert" advice. I'm very fortunate to have a local mechanic who sees repair as an art form and LOVES a new challenge. And at better rates, to boot! He'll also go several steps beyond what you request, checking for common problems he knows of with your model even when you didn't ask him to check it. (At no extra charge unless he finds a problem.) Needless to say, his shop is swamped with customers, usually needing 3 weeks advance notice to schedule an appointment.

[@cat3crazy]

I hear you about price gouching. I had been going to a repair shop for years thinking that they were honest. I needed some bushings for my front wheels. The cost that they quoted seemed really high, especially for only one side. I asked how much was the price of the parts. The price for the parts were 4 times the amount I could order them on line! I didn't do the install, a friend did it for me. There have been other instances where I had to walk away from some dealers/repair places. I may not know a lot about mechanical works in vehicle but, I know when someone is trying to rip me off.

[@KrazyMitchAdventures]

@@doggedout I love Desserts. However being stuck in the Desert without a dessert sucks.. Ice Cream melts way too fast in the Desert heat.

[@juliuscaesare2666]

Foresty you are inspiring me to want to cook again...

[@JMR-1953]

Really nice to see how calmly you handle the issues that come up with your vehicle. I also watch Nomadic F and he whines, cries, complains and begs for sympathy all the time. Your videos are such a nice reprieve. Thanks!

[@mountainpride]

I seen that Nomadic F an 2 minutes was more than enough for me. I don't understand how anyone can follow that guy.

[@kevio6868]

there's no rush in Foresty's life

[@spacewolfjr]

Agreed but he's got kitty cats.

[@spacewolfjr]

Cat. He's got kitty cats and they meow meow meow and they meow meow meow.

[@Jokertk0]

Crazy I'm at that truck stop every other night

[@ramblynrocketeer]

When discussions around the kitchen table revolve around the van issues Foresty Forest is having, you know it’s serious! The outpouring of support to help solve your problem was phenomenal ♥️ It’s truly a relief the van is back up n running 🏔🌲 *I HOPENA PULE MAIKA’I* _Have A Nice Weekend_ 🌴😎🤙🌈🐳🌺🌅🍍🌊🏄‍♂️

[@stphns1737]

Right! So glad it was such an easy and inexpensive fix.

[@karenshiels6566]

I know, thought for sure we would have to start a Go Fund Me for Foresty's new home.

[@kati-ana]

NOOO ! Don't use those truck stop towels it's like using hotel towels, get your own plz. You are a very determined and intelligent man Forsety, and resourceful. A DIY kind of guy saves lots of money. Very good.

[@garyt534]

WOW! Glad to know you finally solved the drivability issue with your van. I was suffering with you and was impressed with how calm you were handling it. I would have been getting really irritated with everything. These newer vehicles with all their sensors can be a real pain. The code readers are nice but they only point you in the general direction of the problem. You ultimately need to get out your test meter to find the faulty component. Good to know you're on the trail to adventures once again. Safe travels to you.

[@wendynoto4726]

Halleluyah Foresty forest...

[@ManCaveMinistries007]

Foresty can fix anything, alpha male.

[@kellykells8120]

I need a Foresty Forest in my life

[@alaye1449]

So glad that your problem got sorted out Foresty. You're one of the nicest persons i've seen on youtube. All good things should come you automatically.

[@jessicaarverne1181]

Foresty Forest with the pedal to the metal.

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Pretty reasonable repair actually, it was just finding it. This generation of van has almost 20 years of production since 2003, commercial vehicle lines actually have money making and reliability expectations and so hog all the good engineering and resources, unlike the other cheaper product lines pumping out more disposable vehicles which may giving them a more widespread bad rep.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

That must be a major relief getting that fixed! Back to the mountains!

[@24CK5]

Glad to hear everything seems to be back in order again!

[@cookiewm]

Glad you are back mobile again. Stay safe from the fires.

[@tehroller]

So glad to see you've got it all figured out man, great job getting it done!

[@susanlewis1875]

I'm a 75-YO woman. I've learned so much from you: what tools to have at hand and how to diagnose problems, especially. I may not be able to fix everything, but I hope I won't be taken advantage of! Thank you so very much. And your climbing and hiking videos are poetry to watch.

[@nowheregal7610]

YAY!!!! So glad the mystery is solved and you’re back on the road. I totally admire how you handle things. I don’t know if it’s the fact that you’ve been on the road so long or what but the grace and dignity with which you deal with whatever curveball life throws at you is quite inspiring. Happy trails and safe travels!

[@bonniepwtf]

Oh happy day Foresty!!!! So glad your problem is solved.

[@murcus7]

All those codes from a manifold pressure sensor...hard to believe. Glad you're back on the road!! It was a fun diversion to watch.

[@alexchaparro5657]

Hell yeah forest back in business

[@robertnelson8621]

F-ing Aye...... Glad to see you got it all straightened out. As a “Full Timer” having problems with your Home on the road Has to be the Worst Feeling ever.

[@rebelyell1580]

Great to hear it got sorted out for you!

[@markharris5992]

Apparently a bad MAP sensor can 'This leads to excessive fuel consumption, poor fuel economy, and possibly detonation'. Don't blow yourself up Foresty Forest! Hopefully your fuel economy will improve too.

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

What is fuel economy for your rig in its current configuration.

[@BarryBranton]

Good job on finding the problem. So cool. MAP sensor = "In fuel-injected automotive engines, a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is used to continuously monitor the amount of air flowing into the engine, so the computer can calculate air density, adjust the amount of fuel to spray into the combustion chamber and adjust the ignition timing." And, you just replaced it. Awesome!

[@redditor1989]

Welcome to Foresty Forest, where Friday 13th is our lucky day! Congrats on solving the engine issue! It added a bit of dramatic content to the channel, and I'm glad it was happy ending.

[@jimcameron9848]

I was going to post this when you first bought the van, but waited ... for this. I drove these both gas and diesel. You are doing the very best you can and it will pay off. These vans are a mix of old world reliable GM with post-80s made in China tech (literally, made in China). If I see you travel to the southwestern US I will post on the fuel pumps because they have difficulty in plus 156 degree weather (F not C) on account of fuel vaporization in the upper tank and an accessory/sensor placement. All this to say, you are in a safe vehicle and you can do a lot of the work yourself because the tech is pretty low scale. Ride that learning curve! Great videos!

[@RyRyWags]

Bravo to fixing the van issues and getting at those brakes!

[@squeegie]

8:17 Your face expression... priceless... pure happiness.

[@tresfreaker]

I lived in Kamloops for 8 years and haven't been back in awhile. It is cool to see you drive around my old hood!

[@anthonycdamico]

Glad you're up an running again. If in Kelowna, say hello!

[@randallyee9272]

You’re a man of many talents. I enjoy watching your post. Safe travels to you and many blessings.🙏🏼🤙🏽

[@juliuscaesare2666]

He is truly an artic explorer...

[@PinchOfLuck]

The manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP sensor) provides instantaneous manifold pressure information to the engine's electronic control unit (ECU). The data is used to calculate air density and determine the engine's air mass flow rate, which in turn determines the required fuel metering for optimum combustion and influence the advance or retard of ignition timing.

[@rickybobby1891]

In other words...it's dang important! Enough to almost stallout the engine many different ways. Glad I saw this roblm discussed for my similar van problem.👍

[@woollyprimate]

It's such a pleasure to watch a competent person handle so many things! Like a previous commenter said, you are indeed a Renaissance Man.

[@rshanep5226]

Glad to see it’s sorted out. Nothing makes my hair stand on end like fault lights popping up on the dash ... doubly worse if it’s your house too.

[@SpicyReplays]

🎶Foresty Forest he lives in a Van🎶 Changes his brakes pads you know he's the man🎶👍🤗🇨🇦

[@TheVespap200e]

As Willie Nelsons song says "On the road again Goin' places that I've never been Seein' things that I may never see again And I can't wait to get on the road again " pretty much sums it up! Nice job Foresty!

[@peterward5251]

Hallelujah! So glad you finally figured out the problem!!! Nothing worse than having to chase down unknown gremlins in your machine. Keep kicking ass! You are an inspiration to the rest of us van lifers!

[@tech_jims]

Was just about to go to bed but will have to delay that for a foresty video 🙂🥳

[@HypnoToad248]

Have a good sleep after your daily intake of Foresty Forest 😊

[@jackflash5659]

Glad to hear the man and his van are back in business.

[@TravelingThru222]

Love the intro, and great job on the brakes. Glad the van is running again. See you on the road.

[@calvinmarshall1610]

Hey forest man you're pretty hands on with your van repair wise. And that is very impressive

[@user-kt6lg3yu9j]

Glad you got this all sorted out man. I'm looking at starting my van life soon, inspired by your first van build.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Great video. If you remove your brake reservoir cover when changing pads it make caliper easier to push back in and protects the cap diaphragm from collapsing.

[@tidelinetoalpine]

Great video dude!! Looks like your time in the backcountry of the city wasn’t so bad, glad you’re back on the road again.

[@JustRolledIn]

Glad you figured out the van issues. Makes the mechanic inside of me, happy. At least the one shop knew the issue. Dealerships are best to stay far away from! Take care 👍

[@texasfred9321]

Proud of you boy. Heck I knew you could do it. Perseverance is a virtue. O 👍

[@jeffbrunswick5511]

The skills this man has are unbelievable. Most people I know can barely string a sentence together.

[@pauloh3591]

"We are Foresty Forest and the Baby Wipes". Moresty: Am I a joke to you? Crockpot: Yes!

[@rorytippett8345]

Every time I see a van like yours your jingle plays in my head foresty forest he lives in a van foresty forest

[@pauloh3591]

The testosterone level in this van is off the charts!

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Watch out estrogen!

[@RichardKeysoftware]

Very happy you are back on track

[@stephen.mcguire]

Woohoo! So glad to hear that was resolved, glad you're back in business. Safe trails!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Glad you got your van fixed. Glad you could do most of the work yourself.

[@jesp999]

Its always a bummer when you have a problem undiagnosed. Glad you found a place where they actually diagnosed and found the problem!. I do suggest to everyone to not take the approach of throwing parts at problems hoping one of them solves a problem. that is usually the expensive route. Diagnose first and go on forums to find out who else had the problem and what the solution is, then spend the money on what will work to fix it. Unless you have a totally unique problem no one else had before. If no one can diagnose it first and you have to throw parts at it. Find a city with a you pull junk yard and pull the parts from junked vehicles instead of buying new parts. But you did the right thing to bring to mechanics that could tell you exactly what was wrong. That proves that all shops are not equal

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Just like your ultimate van poop solution instruction manual.

[@anthonypeak1]

So stoked van got fixed. Such sweet catharsis

[@HardNorthOutdoors]

i had the same issues on my 06 Trailblazer SS. anything stabilitrack is often the following: steering wheel position sensor, wheel speed sensor and it all ties into the traction control and abs. its a PITA for sure.

[@dmacell4110]

Glad you found a real mechanic and not just a tech.

[@leagreenall5972]

Was an excellent video mate. You looked so despondent with the problems, and I felt despondent with you... but on the flip side, when you fixed it all the elation was palpable and that too was shared :) I know I'm a nobody and that's totally fine, but you give this 50+ yr old Aussie inspiration to pick up and live off grid in Tasmania. Thank you for your videos - wish I could Patreon, but Subscription and a grateful follower is what I can offer :)

[@thomascollins4325]

@Lea Greenall You're not a nobody!!! Good luck in Tasmania!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@2clipsWaterfed]

So glad you're able to get the van figured out. Those dang sensors! Here's to many more miles and peaks! Take care. Be good do good.

[@hdjksa52]

Foresty, if you can, please get some jack stands. Those scissor Jacks are garbage. I have had a vehicle drop while using one of those attempting to change a tire.

[@grafja]

Pay attention. He's got one under there.

[@29jvskate]

Just wanna say, I miss the hikes foresty. And the meals after hikes. I hope the van is great again and your back out in the bush. Thank you foresty for all you do!!

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Wow, just a Map Sensor. Every few years it's good to take off the intake hose, or duct. Clean or replace the air filter. Disconnect the throttle cable from the throttle body. Unscrew the three sensors on all vehicle throttlebodies; 1 M.A.P (Manifold Absolute Pressure) 2 I.A.C. (Idle Air Control) and 3 T.P.S. (Throttle Position Sensor) and clean them off. Or replace them. Then, while their off, unbolt the aluminum throttle body from the Plenum. Throw it in a dishpan (solid aluminum piece) and scrub all the carbon deposits off until it's shiny & new, inside & out. Replace it all in reverse order making sure all small vaccuum hoses (MAP sensor) are re attached so there's no vaccume leaks that can change the idle. And your good to go!

[@dandyman251]

I wish you lived here near me I'd hire you to do all that

[@HICARO]

I had a crappy day but my day was brightened after watching this video, so happy for you!

[@craigjones9120]

Glad to see it fixed foresty ! Love your thought process and effort to resolve with a calm demeanour! You could teach a course on patience !

[@greatfulthankful1716]

Yay! I'm so happy you get to spin your van wheels again. It's great to see your beautiful smile again Foresty! I love your handy do-it-yourself nature.

[@iamwesterncanadian570]

Yeah dealerships with Associates are useless now, I wouldn't go there either. Good job on that power reduction problem.

[@Paul_Dalangpan]

Not all mechanics are equal. I'm so impressed with the one you found.

[@russellmcpherson36]

Foresty Forest, he fixes his van, FORESTY FOREST!!

[@Jon-jk8vd]

Beans owned = beans owed + bean holders equity

[@russellmcpherson36]

@@Jon-jk8vd Total beans - unwashed beans = net beans

[@AceVenturaWhenNatureCalls]

Great work Foresty!! Back up and running baby

[@peadubyah6327]

The in-jokes are strong with this one.

[@dianaverhulst3407]

There's always a solution! Good to see the smile back on your face. Could tell you have been frustrated.

[@msmith7730]

Being knowledgeable about the mechanics of a car safes you mucho $$$$. Soooooo happy for you!

[@SwaggingWithBen]

I laughed when the footage went from wild hilltops to shelves of kitchen appliances and nappies at a store! Thanks for the video, Foresty.

[@dragonflylvr1]

You're a pretty handy man to have around. You amaze me more and more with each new video, which I always love, BTW. Stay safe and keep them coming.

[@daviddirom7429]

FF back on the road again, love all the how to tips your passing around. Be safe out there.

[@yako0000]

"yeah, so this area is under evacuation order. i'm just gonna swap out my front brake pads quickly" lol. i like yer style, dude.

[@torianholt2752]

To be fair I think he said it was a notice, so only a potential future order...but yeah, I can't believe that cheap factory jack didn't fall over or sink into the ground on that gravel turnout.

[@RachelTScott]

Be damn careful those huge wildfires are out of control. You are a fool to ignore the COP! They are travelling 18Km in less than 6 hours!

[@torianholt2752]

@@RachelTScott Touché...I know better than to doubt the locals, I've had to evac stubborn tourists in my neck of the woods.

[@105cathy]

Over one thousand comments! FF you are a rock star.

[@eli1214]

I bought a 10 dollar pump weed sprayer from Walmart and I haven't paid for a shower since. I can shower head to toe with a single gallon. I don't even use a shower tent I just hike into the bush with a backpack and do the deed. I also use it for dishes.

[@abhimanyu.ganguly]

You, fine Sir, can fix a space ship if you were ever stuck in space. Damn! Your determination inspires us Foresty. Be well. So glad it worked out!

[@LowsJuan]

Yeah, I never like Math or its sensors. The feeling of frustration and dread when dealing with unknown fixes for car problems never seems equal to the reprieve when they are fixed. At least next time you will have more insight into the problem. I saw you cranking on those bolts to hold the caliper on. As I recall a normal length 1/2 ratchet produces enough torque to meet spec. I use a normal piece of auto electrical wire tied in a loop around an attachment point to prevent the caliper from hanging and putting stress on the brake hose. I was disappointed you didn't show us the extent of wear on the pads as this can give you lots of feedback about the condition of your stoppers. The one thing I remember about Kamloops it always seems to be about 39 degrees when I drive through. I always found the fact that it seems to be all built on the side of a hill fascinating. Plus I think of the damage a fully-loaded tractor-trailer losing its brakes could do on the main drag there. Happy trails

[@molenini]

Stupid overengineered stuff.

[@gahshew]

So happy you got that squared away!!! Thanks for taking us along!