A friend needs help

Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 14, 2021 at 21:39
ThreadID: 142984 Views:6633 Replies:8 FollowUps:9
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G'day All

As short as I can make this - a mate who I have known for 50 years is stuck in Dongara WA with his 1988 Hino Rainbow bus/motorhome. It won't start and according to the local RAC is a fuel pump issue. He has contacted all the local mechanics etc and no-one can help due to being already flat out with work and not interested in helping a tourist before helping a local plus being a bus.

He is in a caravan park and asked if he can stay a few more days until he gets his bus fixed - the owners of the park said they can't oblige as they are booked out and need his site. He explained he can't even drive the motorhome off the site.

He is on his dream of travelling Australia before he kicks the bucket ( he has some health issues ) and is only six weeks into his trip. The Hino has only done 110,000 genuine k's since new.

He's an easy going happy cheerful bloke who whilst not rolling in dollars is not poor either and happy to pay for help.


I'm just posting this on this great site looking for suggestions and or help on what you guys reckon he should do in his situation.

Look forward to your replies

Cheers

Gazz



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Reply By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Tuesday, Dec 14, 2021 at 22:09

Tuesday, Dec 14, 2021 at 22:09
Also post it to the Exploroz FB page 8000 followers and very responsive. People on FB can share and like to respond to immediate issues like this.
Michelle Martin
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AnswerID: 638813

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 07:28

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 07:28
Thanks Michelle

Done !
But does my post on there only go to Exploreoz members or can all my other fb friends see it - which I don't want ?

Cheers
Gazz
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FollowupID: 917602

Follow Up By: Candace S. - Friday, Dec 17, 2021 at 14:00

Friday, Dec 17, 2021 at 14:00
The EO Facebook page is public. So anyone on Facebook can see it.

Also, if any of your Facebook friends are "following" you, they may get a notification that you made that post.
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FollowupID: 917645

Reply By: RMD - Tuesday, Dec 14, 2021 at 22:15

Tuesday, Dec 14, 2021 at 22:15
Gazz
If it is a lift pump from the tank, some hose and a cheap petrol/diesel pump can be plumbed in and wired to Ign power source. The pumps should suck through a non functioning pump or even push through one if required to do so. The valving is one way after all. May solve the flow issue.
Cheers
AnswerID: 638814

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 07:25

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 07:25
He's no mechanic, nor am I for that matter but what he described to me sounds like it's sucking air after you change a fuel filter and don't bleed all the air out properly.

Hopefully it's a simple fix for him like a split hose or similar.

Cheers
Gazz
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FollowupID: 917601

Reply By: axle - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 09:22

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 09:22
Hi Gazz

By what your saying it could be a inline fuel filter, the ones that screw into the banjo bolts, theres usually one at the suction side of the lift pump and at the inlet at the filter head. Ok when fuel is warm some fuel will get through but with a little crud and cold it can totally restrict it . Jap imports are notorious for it,.


Hope all goes well for him

Cheers Axle.
AnswerID: 638816

Reply By: Aussie1 - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 09:28

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 09:28
Perhaps a bit of a long shot but, he may wish to give the Men Shed guys a call in Dongara. Those establishments are usually frequented by very helpful as well as skilled guys. If they are unable to help, perhaps they may help to find someone who can.
Dongara Men Shed contact number is 0487 102 404.
AnswerID: 638817

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 15:44

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 15:44
Thanks Aussie

That is a good to know - will forward the number

All the best
Gazz
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FollowupID: 917605

Reply By: Bazooka - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 16:57

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 16:57
Does he have road assistance Gaz? Even if he doesn't perhaps trying WA RAC might help. If not they may have some ideas.
AnswerID: 638820

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 17:13

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 17:13
Howdy Bazooka

Yes it was a WA RAC contractor who diagnosed it's a fuel pump issue - apparently he sprayed hair spray into a vent on or near the fuel pump and it almost started.

Thanks
Gazz
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FollowupID: 917609

Reply By: Member - Outback Gazz - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 17:39

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 17:39
Update

First of all thanks to you all for replying - good info and help !!!

My mate has managed to find a FIFO worker who works on diesels and will see him tomorrow.
Also - another chap on the Exploroz Facebook page is in Dongara and has offered to help.
Also had suggestions to contact Geralton Ag Services who more than likely will have a mobile service unit.

So at least now he has some good options and good people coming to assist as best they can

The great Aussie spirit at work here - just love being and Aussie !!!!

Will keep you updated

Cheers
Gazz

AnswerID: 638821

Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 21:02

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021 at 21:02
Yep, the help here is great - typical EO.

But
"no-one can help due to being ....... not interested in helping a tourist before helping a local plus being a bus."

falls a bit short, I reckon. And same from all the tradies in Dongara! Fair enough being busy with booked work, but ...

Imagine if we all did that.

"You from around here, mate?"
"Nah just travelling through."
"Sorry, can't help ya."

And we want tourism?????
FrankP

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FollowupID: 917615

Follow Up By: Member - Outback Gazz - Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 at 07:13

Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 at 07:13
Yes Frank that annoyed my friend but they all did say come back next year and we'll have a look !

Don't think there would be too many people just sit and wait in one spot for a month.

Cheers
Gazz
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FollowupID: 917622

Follow Up By: Member - Warren H - Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 at 17:01

Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 at 17:01
Wouldn't be the only place you'd strike that attitude. A couple of years ago, when I had a roof lifter fail, I got the same treatment in a large Vic border city . Interestingly, the motel owner said he'd been in the place for a couple of years and still got poor service as an 'outsider'.
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FollowupID: 917634

Reply By: Member - Outback Gazz - Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 at 21:22

Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 at 21:22
Update on this - now I've stopped laughing !

The FIFO worker has solved the problem and my mate is happier than a dog with two d---s and two tongues

Was as simple as a loose connection on some sort of vacuum switch - that's all I was told.
Bloke charged him a 100 dollars along with drinking all the beers Dave supplied him.

Big thanks to that man for helping !

And a big thanks to all on this great site who replied and offered help and advice !

Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and covid free new year and eat and drink as much as I will lol

All the best
Gazz

AnswerID: 638827

Follow Up By: RMD - Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 at 22:31

Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 at 22:31
Good outcome Gazz, but makes the RA man look a big silly. Vacuum isn't fuel, well I don't think it is. Just because he fed the engine hydrocarbon gas in a vent which is the air intake, doesn't mean it is fuel system related. Maybe avoid him!
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FollowupID: 917640

Reply By: blue one - Saturday, Dec 18, 2021 at 13:18

Saturday, Dec 18, 2021 at 13:18
Awesome result, have a great Christmas.
AnswerID: 638833

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