Apart from normal servicing I`ve also changed various `consumables` before they caused a problem, some would say overkill but gives you a basic spares stock you KNOW works. Only costs a few quid but the principle might get you out of the mire and less trips on the big yellow van ... Principle is simple - replace ok with new and stash the working parts you`ve taken off in the van, giving you a chance to swap items you know work when a problem arises - I had the obligatory `box of ****` kicking around but was unsure as to what was working /donated by mates/bought at auto jumbles etc etc so binned the box and sorted out a `Working` spares box. So far over the last 15 years :- coil, rotor arm, dizzy cap, HT leads, fuel solenoid and changing the fuel pump this weekend, which got me thinking about passing this on. Basic precautions but seems to be working ...
I know garages that work on that principle, but usually when a vehicle is in for an actual fault.....they just change parts until something sorts out the problem but bill the poor owner for all the bits they've tried out speculatively lol I've also got a mate who's idea of preventative maintenance is to sell a vehicle on to a mug punter just before it blows up
Just keep it simple. I thought changing the fuel pump was going a bit far but it`s never been swapped in the 20+ years I`ve had it and at 13 quid why not ...
I've bought a T5 but kept the Bay in the shed [/quote] To be clear - this is a lie - it was said for comedic? value! I do not own a T5 and OP suggested only keeping parts that you know work!
i used to work for a software company that made 'facilities management software'. the concept of 'planned preventative maintenance' is big in the world of facilities and is the way a lot of large businesses manage their properties and also what airline industries do. i started to map out a PPM (as it's know) plan for my van and got it looking quite good. i actually think it is a good principle - obviously you would still have the unforeseen issues and things you may want to 'fix in time' - i could actually go on for hours about this - but won't bore you all
Why not - well there is a (GOOD) possibility that you are swapping out a good quality - prefectly serviceable item for a piece of carp made by a 2 year old in some far flung corner of the world and it will break and spoil your day in a big way!
I used to carry spares in the van like you say basic bits like coil pump spare wires but of fuel pipe. It's helped a few people out too who got caught out on small runs nothing worse than breaking Down 5 miles from home!!
Sounds to me like a distinctly good idea based upon the fact that everybody always says be prepared for lots of breakdowns and road side repairs!
It makes sense to carry with you points, plugs etc, perhaps dizzy cap, mechanical cables. Regarding changing something that's good and works, while I have done this (coil for example) I think it's not really worth it. A breakdown is going to be something simple that can be fixed easily or a major item such as the 30 odd year old engine and gearbox.
The logic is that if the new part fails because it is bad you know the replacement was definitely working when you took it off. And a badly worn original part may one day be worth restoring as they have since become unobtainable..
Just to clarify, I`m talking roadside repairs here. If the coil goes you have one onboard you KNOW works - saves trying source / scrounge one !
Point well made in above posts that, given the crappy quality of some parts, new isn't necessarily better. If something from the 70s can be refurbished, I'd use it!
