If you have a high mileage Chevy Work Van ..i want to talk to u !

[hvacfella]

I have a 1998 Chevy Cargo Van 1500 with the 305 cid V-8 engine. It has 88,000 miles on it. It is running very well, burns no oil between oil changes , and is not rusting. I am meticulous at maintaining it and I dont have anymore than about 500 pounds in the back at any one time. Im trying to get some idea as to how many miles these Chevy Cargo Vans get before big troubles start as this is my first Chevy Cargo Van. Dont know if to think about trading it in or keeping it. So :

1. How many miles are on yours and what 'major' problems have you had with it ?

2. If i were to keep mine, do u think getting a new Starter before it fails , is a good idea ...since it has seen many thousands of starts already ??

3. Are you still on your original Starter/ALternator ??

Thank you very much for any info you can shed.

Dave, Owner
Daves Heating and Cooling Inc.

[bigbird]

My gmc van,350 engine got to 288,000 miles before cam went flat.I now drive a 91 gmc 350 engine 1/2 ton pick up.
It has 229,000 miles on it & i`ve been through 4 startes 1 altenatour. Other wise it`s been good to me.

[icemeister]

I had a 1988 Chevy G20 with a 350. It has over 350K miles on it....second engine.....second tranny, but when it came to second body I gave up. :D

[bigbird]

Thats my problem, i need a second body but can`t find any doctors that will help.

[hvacfella]

Big bird and Ice,

Wow...thats some pretty incredible mileage figures ; did either one of you get at least a Valve Job done on the motor during the time you had the Van ?? Right now...im leaning toward keeping my van if i can get anywhere near what you guys did in mileage.

If i keep it, does it make sense to swap out the Starter before i get stranded ?? How about the ALternator.?

TY, Dave

[bigbird]

Never had a valve job on any of them.I change the starter anytime i think it starts to sound funny, I learned that the hard way.Starter fell of engine in rain storm. Never again will that happen.I carry a spare altinator with me incase it goes, there easy to change.

[icemeister]

If you're in it for the long haul, little things like starters (5), alternators (6 or 7), U-joints, shocks, tie rods ends, lower A-arm bushings, radiators (3), A/C compressors (2), etc. shouldn't bother you at all.

If you're not making payments to the bank, that money must get paid to somebody else. ;)

[hvacmd2002]

I just got rid of a 1996 Chevy G30 I had hanging around the yard. I retired it last year. It had 150k on it, and had no suspension, starter, or engine problems. I had the tranny worked on twice because of shifting problems. Other than that, it was an awesome truck. Sure beats the hell out of them Fords.

[Airhead]

I just got a 97 2500. I just use it for hauling equipment and scrap. The van has 230,000 miles and runs great. The front end is a little loose but thats the only problem. I have a 2003 Ford I use for service but next time I'll look more at the Chevy.

[appltech1]

I have a 95 G-30 with 367,000. Had the motor overhalled 4,000 miles ago. 3rd transmission. They seem to go about 150,000 before they give out, That was a heavy load at 70 mph. Shocks replaced twice. Right side ball joint fell apart on the interstate, that was a scare. Radiator once. I still have the original altinator. Go figure. Change the brakes every 25,000 and i still have the original rotors. Had a bad radiator cap and blew a head gasket. thats when retired it for a 2003 3/4 ton 8600 suspension.(15.6 mpg) Now has 57,000 and very happy with it. The old van is in great shape and is my spare.(12 mpg)

[hvacfella]

'I have a 95 G-30 with 367,000. Had the motor overhalled 4,000 miles ago.
'

ME: Appitech, That is simply astounding. Was this the FIRST motor overhaul at 363,000 miles on it ???? What oil did you run in that motor and how often did you change the oil/filter ?

My Van has long been paid for., so, with these mileage figures everyone is quoting...im definitely going to see how many i can rack up.

Thanks, Dave

[NedFlanders]

I drove the hell out of a GMC SAVANA 3500. Only left me stuck once at the shop with a bad fuel pump. At least it broke down at the shop 140000 no problems.

It had tilt and cruise....man I miss that van. I've since left the company and I still see a new guy driving it.(BASTARD) :mad:

[oilman]

I have a 95 1 ton with 180,000, a 90 1 ton with 320,000, and a 90 3/4 with 165,000. The biggest downfall with these is the rust problems. As the other fellow said, if you are not making payments, you are paying someone else. I try to get vans with about 120,000 miles on them. Usually, they already have had alot of work done to them at that point.

[jhd1234]

Compared to what a new work truck costs these days, you can do a lot of repairs.

[cynic]

starters and water pumps seem to be the most common problems in both the chevy and gmc's where I work. Sheet metal and intallers get the older service vans and I dont think any one of them has less than 250k miles on it.

[hvacfella]

'I have a 95 1 ton with 180,000, a 90 1 ton with 320,000, and a 90 3/4 with 165,000. The biggest downfall with these is the rust problems. As the other fellow said, if you are not making payments, you are paying
'

ME: Well then, im going to hang onto mine with 88,000 miles and use some POR15 Rust inhibitor paint on the frame and undercarriage ; what is it that usually rusts first on these Chevy Vans ??? The doors ????

TY, Dave

[oilman]

Dave, I'm not exactly sure on the new style ones. I think they might be better for rust protection. I was lucky enough to buy 2 vans years ago that were rustproofed by the original owner. I can't remember if it was Rusty Jones or Ziebart, but wow, what a difference! They really stayed clean, very little rust. If I purchased a real clean late model van, or a new one, I would have it done for sure. I know of a small Ziebart dealer who would carefully apply it. I guess with your van Dave, I would wash it alot and stay on the hinges and latches with spray. Make sure your weatherstrippng stays in good shape.

[hvacfella]

Thanks for the tips. I just had it painted at MAACO for $800 incl. two new bumpers !! They actually did a decent job on it for the money. Ill rustproof the underneath best i can with undercoating and POR15 paint and do as you said with the hinges ,etc...ITs in very nice shape outside for sure. Looks like a new van . I love the bin and shelving package which Chevy thru in at no charge when i bought it. Really is great for Servicing hvac. I think ill pop for a new starter only because i dont want a break down all of a sudden. BUt, im going to keep it.

One thing ive noticed between the old style G20,30 series and the new series Chevy Van like mine, is, the sides of the van are thinner on the new series ; when i close the side doors hard...the side of the van shakes ! Oh well...reckon they had to trim up thier cost somewhere . I still love it though...for a Servicing Contractor primarily..i find the 1500 Cargo Van with the 305 cid is just right. Nice and comfy ride and plenty of acceleration for me.

Dave

[James 3528]

88,000 on a van is nothing. Keep the oil changed. Start a account at the bank for a new van. Take the trip fee or service call fee and put into that account. In no time you can pay cash for a new van.

[Green Mountain]

Originally posted by James 3528
88,000 on a van is nothing. Keep the oil changed. Start a account at the bank for a new van. Take the trip fee or service call fee and put into that account. In no time you can pay cash for a new van.

Good Advice. We get around 150,000 miles on them and then we sell them.

The down time having them repaired just does not pay. This is especially true if you are paying an employee to drive it around.

We have chevys and dodges but the last few we bought where Fords. We just put one on the road and it came with free racks, shelves and bins. The tech that is in charge of it said that they are great to work out of.

[appltech1]

Originally posted by hvacfella
'I have a 95 G-30 with 367,000. Had the motor overhalled 4,000 miles ago.
'

ME: Appitech, That is simply astounding. Was this the FIRST motor overhaul at 363,000 miles on it ???? What oil did you run in that motor and how often did you change the oil/filter ?

My Van has long been paid for., so, with these mileage figures everyone is quoting...im definitely going to see how many i can rack up.

Thanks, Dave

Dave, i had the oil changed between 4 and 6 thousand miles. When you pass 4 start looking for a window of opertunity. Change the brakes by milage not sound and the rotors will last a long time. I had the trans serviced this morning (lub changed) at 58k. Some guys dont pay attention to these things but down time comes out of my pocket.( in lost revenue.)

[hvacfella]

'Dave, i had the oil changed between 4 and 6 thousand miles. When you pass 4 start looking for a window of opertunity. Change the brakes by milage not sound and the rotors will last a long time. I had the trans serviced this morning (lub changed) at 58k. Some guys dont pay attention to these things but down time comes out of my pocket.( in lost revenue.
'

ME: Let me give you and idea how crazy i am on maintenance of this Van :

I change the oil and filter with synthetic (both) every 3000 miles . I lube at 6000 miles. Trans. fluid (synthetic) with filter change every 20,000 miles. Rearend fluid (synthetic) every 20,000 miles. Cooling system backflush with fresh antifreeze every 15000 miles. Brake fluid (synthetic) flush every 35000 miles. Same for power steering flush. New pads about every 17,000 miles max. New wider tires about every 3 years.I get a Bilstein Machine Engine Flush every 35000 miles . I installed (myself) an Engine Oil Cooler, Trans. Oil Cooler, and remote high efficiency fuel canister filter .

I know this might seem a little excessive...but im an obsessive/compulsive person who spares no expense at maintaining my vehicles. I encouraged to see how long these Chevy Vans last considering the duty they see.
Chevy claims that over the past 10 years, 92% of ALL Chevy Vans are still on the road ; thats pretty impressive.

Dave

[appltech1]

Originally posted by hvacfella 'Dave, thats pretty impressive.

I'm driving 50k a yr Dave and cant stop that often, but i would guess you might get tired of working on the small stuff like cracked windows, door hinges, backed over a mailbox lately, that will leave a nice little scare thats not worth fixing. It's the little things that made me want the new van. LOL

[53 dogs]

1995 Chevy G20 cargo van.It has 201,000.Runs great! Mobile 1 synthetic oil.

[zoomer289]

Dave, being an ex GM tech, You are doing it right! Ive always been a believer in preventative maintinance. we have around 50 trucks in our fleet and I'm trying my best to keep the fleet intact. our trucks range in mialage from new with less than 20k to around the 150+k . my boss usually will turn a truck over after 150 if possible. most common repairs are brakes and tires,but thats normal with the loads we carry. its a whole lot cheaper to fix before its broke. only thing I'd suggest is... on the newest style GM G vans is to make sure you keep the side and rear door hinges oiled good. they have a tendensy to freeze up and brake. the hinges cost around $400 to have replaced just for the side doors. thats EACH door! so it pays to oil them regularly. we have had to replace the rear side door hinges on 3 out of the 4 vans in this body style so far. good luck! Bill

[Stamas]

100k, 1-tranny, 10 drivers and is in great shape. Kid diving it now keeeps it looking good.
We are good/great at keeping up maintenance and repairs. Seems to work if you keep it good shape it tends to be treated with some respect.
Why would anyone in the trade use a 1500 van?

[hvacfella]

Stamas :'Why would anyone in the trade use a 1500 van?
'
ME: I test drove the 1500 and the 2500 ; the 1500 is on a different suspension and the ride is much nicer -- not harsh at all . Since my business is 80 percent hvac servicing (residential) and 20 percent installations (residential)...i didnt really need the 2500 or 3500. ALthough next time i buy a new Chevy Cargo Van...ill most likely opt for the 2500 only so i can get the 350 cid motor which gets the same gas mileage as my 305 cid (14 mgp town) .

Im curious to know where these G style newer Vans are most prone to rusting ?? And...what type of lubricant is best for door hinges ? Oil, WD40 , spray grease or ????

Thanks, Dave

[Stamas]

Originally posted by hvacfella
Stamas :'Why would anyone in the trade use a 1500 van?
'
ME: I test drove the 1500 and the 2500 ; the 1500 is on a different suspension and the ride is much nicer -- not harsh at all . Since my business is 80 percent hvac servicing (residential) and 20 percent installations (residential)...i didnt really need the 2500 or 3500. ALthough next time i buy a new Chevy Cargo Van...ill most likely opt for the 2500 only so i can get the 350 cid motor which gets the same gas mileage as my 305 cid (14 mgp town) .

You outta love the Astro van. It holds some weight and stil handles.
If'n your going to load the van with what I would consider normal stock for what your doing, seasonly loaded, the van would be running at it's design limits, all the time. Then add some equipment and I'll bet it rides like a water bed on wheels. It's hard on the truck and stresses everything, IMHO.

Im curious to know where these G style newer Vans are most prone to rusting ?? And...what type of lubricant is best for door hinges ? Oil, WD40 , spray grease or ????

White Lithium grease, sparingly, be sure to get the inner working too.
As for rust, I haven't had any. And we live/work in a coastal area.

Thanks, Dave

Your welcome.

[Edited by Stamas on 05-29-2004 at 06:40 PM]

[James 3528]

The 1500 is for delivering flowers.

[bigbird]

And chickens.

[appltech1]

And linens. LOL

[hvacfella]

Stamas said :'You outta love the Astro van. It holds some weight and stil handles.
If'n your going to load the van with what I would consider normal stock for what your doing, seasonly loaded, the van would be running at it's design limits, all the time. Then add some equipment and I'll bet it rides like a water bed on wheels. It's hard on the truck and stresses everything, IMHO.
'

ME: The Astro Van would be too small for me.

Regarding the 1500 being for flowers, linen, etc.... : Wrongo Boys ! , and, its a heck of alot more comfortable than the stiffness of a 2500/3500 feeling every bump in the road... especially on long trips.

Dave

[appltech1]

Originally posted by hvacfella Wrongo Boys ! , and, its a heck of alot more comfortable than the stiffness of a 2500/3500 feeling every bump in the road... especially on long trips. Dave [/B]

You need to test drive a 2004 2500 van fella. The only bump i feel is a 6 in deep pot hole. But they do drive effortlessly and smooth.
I carry 9 motors and sometimes 3 compressors. A seven drawer cobalt tool box , Recovery equipment, 6 ft latter mounted to the ceiling. I can still fit a 3.5 ton 10 seer payne ht pump. LOL
This baby is a dream truck.
Im afraid a 1500 would rock and roll like a boat.

[hvacfella]

'You need to test drive a 2004 2500 van fella. The only bump i feel is a 6 in deep pot hole. But they do drive effortlessly and smooth.
I carry 9 motors and sometimes 3 compressors. A seven drawer cobalt tool box , Recovery equipment, 6 ft latter mounted to the ceiling. I can still fit a 3.5 ton 10 seer payne ht pump. LOL
This baby is a dream truck.
Im afraid a 1500 would rock and roll like a boat
'

ME: I test drove a 1998 2500 before i bought my 1500 and i didnt like the ride at all --- of course, that was with it being totally empty. Could be alot different loaded up . I can fit all of that stuff you said in my 1500 also if i had to ; i have Chevys Bin and Drawer package lined up on both sides of the Van filled with parts and material, installation equipment and material, and have had 2 a/c's and a heavy gas furnace in it at one time --- the 305 cid pulled it fine and it was as stable as can be.

I dont want to continue with the flame war you unnecessarily started, so, i wont be responding to this thread any longer in an effort to keep peace amongst fellow Techs in this Trade which happens to be seriously lacking as we all know full well. If youre happy with your Van..then thats great...but dont start tearing down others because they are happy with something different.

Peace, dave

[Stamas]

Originally posted by hvacfella
[
ME: I test drove a 1998 2500 before i bought my 1500 and i didnt like the ride at all --- of course, that was with it being totally empty. Could be alot different loaded up . I can fit all of that stuff you said in my 1500 also if i had to ; i have Chevys Bin and Drawer package lined up on both sides of the Van filled with parts and material, installation equipment and material, and have had 2 a/c's and a heavy gas furnace in it at one time --- the 305 cid pulled it fine and it was as stable as can be.

I dont want to continue with the flame war you unnecessarily started, so, i wont be responding to this thread any longer in an effort to keep peace amongst fellow Techs in this Trade which happens to be seriously lacking as we all know full well. If youre happy with your Van..then thats great...but dont start tearing down others because they are happy with something different.

Peace, dave
[/B]


But you can't keep him from pissin in it.