Just a quick one on the move:
The van started making more ominous noises after Zurich, so we pulled off the motorway for a better look. Looked pretty serious, so we found a layby off a side road and settled down for lunch to let the engine cool down and assess the situation.
We think the head gasket has gone, which means water is getting into the engine itself, resulting in steam coming out of the exhaust. We're now limping along at 50mph, stopping every 20 mins to refill the water system. Our thoughts right now are that it's terminal, but we're soldiering on regardless.
All in high spirits though, and still having a great drive in fantastic Alpine scenery. We've just entered our eighth country, Austria. But we haven't seen any kangaroos yet.
The van started making more ominous noises after Zurich, so we pulled off the motorway for a better look. Looked pretty serious, so we found a layby off a side road and settled down for lunch to let the engine cool down and assess the situation.
We think the head gasket has gone, which means water is getting into the engine itself, resulting in steam coming out of the exhaust. We're now limping along at 50mph, stopping every 20 mins to refill the water system. Our thoughts right now are that it's terminal, but we're soldiering on regardless.
All in high spirits though, and still having a great drive in fantastic Alpine scenery. We've just entered our eighth country, Austria. But we haven't seen any kangaroos yet.
5 comments:
Don't give up just yet on the van. We're kinda attached to it. I'm sure a bit of glue or similar will see you on your way. You're a resourceful lot. Try a friendly garage when they wake on Monday.
By the way, looked at your route. I hope it's an artist's impression because it misses the Nuburgring. However, it does take you near to NGK Germany in Dusseldorf. Should I ask them to give you lunch or a coffee?
Keith
Terminal? Hang on. Last I heard, you were suggesting it could take us on family tour of Scotland for a month. ;o)
Now have a German translation for the "what are we doing text". Will send on - between that and Dad's "car parts in 12 languages", surely somewhere will take pity on you and get you back on the road in time for lunch.
Lots of love
Helen
x
Here's "please mend our van and don't charge us cos we're an honest lot, doing our bit for a good cause" in German. Well, sort of:
Wir reizen durch Europa, um Spenden für Christies zu sammeln - das ist ein führendes Europäisches Krankenhaus, das auf Krebsbehandlung spezialisiert ist. Dort wird auch unser Freund Quentin behandelt, der an einen unheilbaren Nierenkrebs leidet.
Wir fahren drei aus den achtziger Jahren stammenden Autos - ein BMW, ein Jaguar und ein Chevrolet. Wir werden zwölf europäische Länder innerhalb von einer Woche durchqueren - insgesamt über 5000 Kilometer.
Danke für ihre Spenden für die Krebs-Research.
Cancer seems to be Krebs in German. Sounds even worse than over here...
lol
Hx
Hey guys,
eight countries already- what are you going to do for the rest of the week? Hope the van survives the distance- I am sure you will manage it some how. Good luck for the rest of the trip
Love to you all
Gill, Renny, Euan & Alasdair
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