Fuel for Thought

Major, Major Repairs

I just dumped thousands of dollars into the van, and now it wants more. Final verdict - engine replacement. Dump the thing or try to keep going?

Piper One said, "So..likely 30K into the van this year..." Me: "less than that, but that's the right idea."

But I'm not ready to fold yet, and here's what Sprinter Rationalization looks like. Engine replacement ends up comparing to the price of used vehicles. Engine replacement is well beyond my annual maintenance and repair budget. My budget does allow for new vehicle replacement every three years, so engine replacement comes from the new vehicle budget.

Eventhough I budget for a new vehicle, I refuse to pay the premium for a new vehicle. The used market has its quandry. Ten year old vehicles that are mechanically more simple, but smaller and quickly rusting away, or newer, emissions nightmares, or gasoline models that aren't on the used markey yet.

My 2007 Sprinter seems to be in a sweet spot worth saving. The van has a very good body and paint. It is in better shape now than some of the 2006 models (bought at the same time as mine) were five years ago. The ride is smooth, stable, and plenty sturdy for the job. 2007's had EGR and Diesel Particulate Filter problems early on, but I attribute much of that to Diesel 1 making its way into the Diesel 2 tanks. I've gotten 450,000 miles on my EGR, and I'm still on my original DPF at 640,000 miles.

So I feel I've got a handle on the emissions system without having to deal with the added complexity of Diesel Exhaust Fluid and that wonderful countdown-until-we-put-you-out-of-business computer. So for the price of a used van, I install a new engine with all new emissions components including catalytic converter and DPF, and I get another three years out of the van which pays for a new vehicle. In total, I'm still spending less than my new vehicle budget.

eb