Excellent tips. I took my van to a Big O for a tire rotation. I told them to lift at the jack points. Long story short they jacked it at the pumpkin and yup diff leak. I took pics took it to MB had it replaced and Big O gave me a check for the repair $1063.00 and they did not flinch a bit. Good customer service.
The new wiring insulation is often plant based, which attracts rodents. Honda solved this problem, they sell a wire wrap tape which is impregnated with hot pepper (?) and rodents will not chew on it. Available only at Honda parts counters.
I've been driving (in Europe) Sprinters as a courier for 20+ years... 2,000,000 + miles. The key is to not drive too close to the vehicle in front. Obviously doesn't prevent them all together but compared to other drivers I know who drive more erratic and tailgate other vehicles (especially trucks) because they are always in a rush... I get a lot less chips and cracks. Yes I am clever LOL
There are 2 different types of Diesel 911. A white container, and a red container. The white is a preventative to keep gelling from happening. Red is for after it has gelled. There is a big difference here. There are also some other preventative out there, Howes is a pretty good option as well.
911 is not an anti gel additive. That product is for when you already gelled up. Use Howe's,power service or hot shot's as an anti gel/fuel conditioner at every fill
Windshield. I purchased my 2017 in 2019 with 11,000 miles on it and it had a cracked windshield. I replaced it in February and immediately headed North to ski at Sun Peaks. Have you ever driven the Coquihalla? They sand.... A LOT! Needless to say I replaced that new windshield later in August. Since then I've SOMEHOW avoided every rock thrown at me, maybe because of the Van Compass 4.3? Just 3 weeks ago I was back in Kamloops and discovered I was missing the upper shock bolt as I walked towards my van. AMAZINGLY I found a mechanic at a Chevy dealership who had a bolt that worled to get me on the road. I bought him two of his favorite bottles of rum, a small price to pay really! Since then I have installed the VC Baja kit to reduce this problem in the future. Next, I really need a diff cover. Thanks John, always good stuff!
las month My rear upper shock bolt broke driving on the highway..My van rarely sees dirt roads and my buildout is light(7800lbs)..2 weeks later my window started cracking from the edge.no chip or anything! Got the brackets installed..window this week!
My apologies, I don't always know the exact prices of items when I am doing a video. Overall, I simply wanted to communicate that the parts were good insurance for their cost.
John. You said that if there is an issue with a Sprinter, you've probably seen it. We'll, my 2022 with 2720 miles is stuck in Park. Yes, it will not shift. Ever experience that? Good video BTW. I love your products and your videos!
Yes, that has been something folks have had happen. It will need to be taken to the dealer. Typically they need to replace a part or the whole transmission
I had this happen when condensation built up in the computer below the driver's side dash, after it was sitting on the lot. Only happened the first couple of days. Once it dried out I never had a problem with it since.
@owlvansengineering The crappy Mercedes service center in Orlando has had it for 2 weeks already and have done nothing. I was hoping it was a bad ISM, but I guess it "threw a bunch of codes". So there it sits, stuck in park. The machine to lift and move it is broke so I have no idea when I'll get my van back. There should be videos on this nightmare situation !
I restored a Lamborghini Diablo, and the windshield replacement was 4k. I found a shop that installs clear plex (plastic protective film). It wasn't cheap, $300, but it's far cheaper than a new windshield and it works. Also, just in case people don't know. Keeping the diesel anti gel in your vehicle won't fix the gel problem unless you already have had it in your tank and circulated through the system prior to the freeze. A lot of fuel stations also add this additive to their winter fuel. I have a GLK with the same diesel engine. To me the biggest concern on all these diesels is the finicky emmisions systems, what a pain and expensive repairs.
Squirrels left my wiring alone but used the black fuzzy material under the hood as nest material. If you park inside, leave your hood OPEN. Critters prefer dark enclosed spaces. Fun fact, some Eco-Friendly manufacturers are now using Soy based wiring insulation. Delicious AND Nutritious for our critter foes.
DPF. Drive the van at a high speed for 30 to 60 mins on the motorway in a low gear at high revs. This will blow out the DPF filter and allow it to regenerate. Also add a DPF cleaner every 3rd tank of fuel.
Great video thank you. Just curious, does the shocky bolt trick you showed here apply to non 4 by 4 rear wheel drive's? I have a Sprinter LWB RV that hardly leaves the bitchumen therefore should I be concerned?
Regarding the diesel 911, you guys installed the 48 gallon tank on my Sprinter. Would that large of a tank require two bottles of diesel 911 in cold weather?
Diesel 911 is not a preventive. It is used when fuel is already gelled. Same company (and others) make additives intended to prevent fuel from gelling. All of them will say how much to add for a given amount of fuel.
@@owloffroad sweet, please chare extra to stamp one"NOT A JACKPOINT" also please do a video on your trigger six point shooter install/wiring in sprinter bay...thanks again
Hey John, I was put on a list for those hood vent lights when i was at the SJC van expo....... I never heard anything and now i see them on one of your Vans, LOL! What happened? I want.
Wait, what.. those are lights in the “scoops”?? @owlvansengineering Please make a vid on the light spread from those vs mounting LP4’s on brackets attached to the hood.
I’ve used dryer sheets. I don’t know if they were the reason I didn’t have problems but I didn’t have problems. I’ve used the electronic repellent in my homes and yards and saw no difference in rodent activity. I researched them on line and the consensus was that they did nothing.
I believe bulletproof glass is multiple layers of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate scratches very easily so the windshield wipers would probably damage it.
To avoid big Sprinter Repair bills and $175.00 oil changes: Buy a Ford Transit. I know I used to own A Sprinter. Now I drive the Ford Transit. Now I can afford to have food on the table.
I wanted a Sprinter but it sounds like a miserable ownership experience. Expensive repairs, expensive service, hard to get service around the country, manufacturer does not support customers... Sad because they seem like they could be awesome.
Honestly, we love Sprinters. I feel because they are so popular, they have more people using them, therefore issues look more common than they are. Overall, our experience with Sprinters has been fantastic. This video was not intended to make people think Sprinters are more prone to issues than any other van. Window chips, diesel gelling etc are all shared by all vans.
Come on man - You had me until you said the customer shouldn't bring in a dirty van. They brought it for you to service, so get your power washer out it and clean it if you don't like a little dirt. If that means charging them an hour then do it. They don't need you rolling your eyes on a video as if they are lower class citizens because they are using it as it's meant to be used and you can't handle a little dirt (Don't be a Fairy). By the way anyone watching this the diesel jell adaptive they recommend is a joke. I live in the Great White North and my van stays outside in the neg F and I've never had an issue for years.
Does your van use diesel for heat/hot water? It is my understanding that hydronic heating systems are more susceptible to clogging at low temperatures, not so much the engine.
You try working on a vehicle that has that dirt/mud on it and every tool you use showers dirt on you. You might change your tune very quickly. If you actually did it for a living you would change YOUR tune. Appreciate what your mechanic goes through instead of Sh!!ting on them!
Right, and fast forward to the moment the piggy, lazy, careless customer gets the repair bill that did not include the $200.00 washing service in the estimate. Chances are good the customer won’t pay it and/or will find another mechanic, so it is a lose-lose situation for the mechanic. An unfortunate side to the mud coating is that not only does it hide problems that the mechanic might get blamed for not catching, it also works its way into the tiny moving joints between parts and the abrasion causes premature wear. So instead of being a 12-year-old show off, the owner could take care of his vehicle so that it takes of him..
John, great tip on the glass and repair kit. However: RATS AND RODENTS... The Amazon device you endorsed (and every other one like it sold online), are not effective in deterring rodents. There is NO research at all that backs up the effectiveness of these specific devices. Available research actually suggests these devices may serve to attract rodents. In controlled lab testing, ultrasonic lows and high frequencies do show effect on rodents. However, the "over the counter" devices out there do not mimmic these same ultra high frequencies closely, and, they are in environments with dozens of other factors (windy outdoor carports, garages with heat or cooling, other ambient noises, smells, etc). In your tips, I suggest sticking with things that are tried and tested (as in the other four tips in the video). As far as rodents are concerned, there is some evidence that light and certain smells and sprays have some limited effects in determent. The new electric perimeter "fencing" has shown great promise too - expensive, but so are these vans. And if you have a real problem where you live, the investment might be worth it for something proven so far to work.
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Excellent tips. I took my van to a Big O for a tire rotation. I told them to lift at the jack points. Long story short they jacked it at the pumpkin and yup diff leak. I took pics took it to MB had it replaced and Big O gave me a check for the repair $1063.00 and they did not flinch a bit. Good customer service.
The new wiring insulation is often plant based, which attracts rodents. Honda solved this problem, they sell a wire wrap tape which is impregnated with hot pepper (?) and rodents will not chew on it. Available only at Honda parts counters.
I've been driving (in Europe) Sprinters as a courier for 20+ years... 2,000,000 + miles. The key is to not drive too close to the vehicle in front. Obviously doesn't prevent them all together but compared to other drivers I know who drive more erratic and tailgate other vehicles (especially trucks) because they are always in a rush... I get a lot less chips and cracks. Yes I am clever LOL
There are 2 different types of Diesel 911. A white container, and a red container. The white is a preventative to keep gelling from happening. Red is for after it has gelled. There is a big difference here. There are also some other preventative out there, Howes is a pretty good option as well.
911 is not an anti gel additive. That product is for when you already gelled up. Use Howe's,power service or hot shot's as an anti gel/fuel conditioner at every fill
Rabbits... We had a rabbit chew through our wiring. He also scared the crap out of me when I opened the hood and he jumped out!
Excellent advice! I think most of us owners geek out on this stuff. Keep 'em coming!! Thank you again
Windshield. I purchased my 2017 in 2019 with 11,000 miles on it and it had a cracked windshield. I replaced it in February and immediately headed North to ski at Sun Peaks. Have you ever driven the Coquihalla? They sand.... A LOT! Needless to say I replaced that new windshield later in August. Since then I've SOMEHOW avoided every rock thrown at me, maybe because of the Van Compass 4.3? Just 3 weeks ago I was back in Kamloops and discovered I was missing the upper shock bolt as I walked towards my van. AMAZINGLY I found a mechanic at a Chevy dealership who had a bolt that worled to get me on the road. I bought him two of his favorite bottles of rum, a small price to pay really! Since then I have installed the VC Baja kit to reduce this problem in the future. Next, I really need a diff cover. Thanks John, always good stuff!
Another great video John. In-depth and informative but most of all…honest. That means a lot to me. Keep up the good work. B from the OC. ✌🏻
They sell windshield film now, probably a great investment on vans to prevent chips and cracks. Probably a great item for you to sell or install.
Had protective film installed the same day my hood was wrapped. 32,000 miles in and no chips!
@@matthewhartman1653which film did you have installed? No scratches from windshield wipers and sand and grit from normal driving?
Thank you! I have actually done everything you have suggested because your company told me about them! Excellent advice!!!!!
Great video. As a new Sprinter owner that was very helpful!
las month My rear upper shock bolt broke driving on the highway..My van rarely sees dirt roads and my buildout is light(7800lbs)..2 weeks later my window started cracking from the edge.no chip or anything! Got the brackets installed..window this week!
I have been using the rodent electronic devices ever since my fuel line got eaten, no more problems. They work. Batteries last about 2 months.
When it get placed in the engine compartment, what kind of coverage area do you get? In other words, do we need one for the rear undercarriage?
Also does it bother dogs? Can the dogs hear it?
Another great video, thank you for sharing!
Somebody gotta make a window protector like we got for our phones
The windshield repair kit is an excellent item for my kit! Thx
Your company is so cool! Thanks for all your advice and my new REVEL WILL see you soon!
John. Thank you for this excellent video. This is great information. I can't thank you enough.
I agree this is a good upgrade! You mentioned in the video the brackets are a couple hundred dollars, and they are 345 when I look at your website
My apologies, I don't always know the exact prices of items when I am doing a video. Overall, I simply wanted to communicate that the parts were good insurance for their cost.
John. You said that if there is an issue with a Sprinter, you've probably seen it. We'll, my 2022 with 2720 miles is stuck in Park. Yes, it will not shift. Ever experience that? Good video BTW. I love your products and your videos!
Yes, that has been something folks have had happen. It will need to be taken to the dealer. Typically they need to replace a part or the whole transmission
I had this happen when condensation built up in the computer below the driver's side dash, after it was sitting on the lot. Only happened the first couple of days. Once it dried out I never had a problem with it since.
@owlvansengineering The crappy Mercedes service center in Orlando has had it for 2 weeks already and have done nothing. I was hoping it was a bad ISM, but I guess it "threw a bunch of codes". So there it sits, stuck in park. The machine to lift and move it is broke so I have no idea when I'll get my van back. There should be videos on this nightmare situation !
Oh shit, that’s bad!@@owloffroad
Interesting. Many cars have a way to put into neutral/disconnect the AT so the vehicle can be rolled for towing@@alexanderstykemain3114
I restored a Lamborghini Diablo, and the windshield replacement was 4k. I found a shop that installs clear plex (plastic protective film). It wasn't cheap, $300, but it's far cheaper than a new windshield and it works. Also, just in case people don't know. Keeping the diesel anti gel in your vehicle won't fix the gel problem unless you already have had it in your tank and circulated through the system prior to the freeze. A lot of fuel stations also add this additive to their winter fuel. I have a GLK with the same diesel engine. To me the biggest concern on all these diesels is the finicky emmisions systems, what a pain and expensive repairs.
What is that Air scoop on the hood? 😮 I need this!
When do they go on sale😅
I know right
Great video again! Just wondered where you got the raised air vents on the grill ? I can’t find them anywhere !
John just made a video about those. They are in R & D and not ready for sale yet.
Thanks for the info 👍👍. Safe Travels
Squirrels left my wiring alone but used the black fuzzy material under the hood as nest material.
If you park inside, leave your hood OPEN. Critters prefer dark enclosed spaces.
Fun fact, some Eco-Friendly manufacturers are now using Soy based wiring insulation. Delicious AND Nutritious for our critter foes.
These videos are very appreciated, thank you!
It is a great video thanks for the great information and well delivered. This is exactly what I was looking for.
Could I just buy the rear shock mount brackets from Owl, and install them myself?
Excellent and useful video for new owners thanks!
Marmot are a wiring preditor, too.
Great video with invaluable information!
great video! thanks for the tips
I keep the window repair kit with me in my classic car as well as my truck.
Great tips, just started converting a Sprinter! Where did you get the lettering cut on the wrap to the side of the headlights?
great tips thanks what is the name of the auto rat deterrent?
Man, this was great! Thank you 🙏🏼
DPF. Drive the van at a high speed for 30 to 60 mins on the motorway in a low gear at high revs. This will blow out the DPF filter and allow it to regenerate. Also add a DPF cleaner every 3rd tank of fuel.
I see a new product on the van. Curious when those lights in the hood will be released?
Enjoyed your video great tips, thank you.
always enjoy your vid, thx❣
Great information, thank you!!
Wouldn't Window Protection Film be a good alternative for a Class B RV?
Great video thank you. Just curious, does the shocky bolt trick you showed here apply to non 4 by 4 rear wheel drive's? I have a Sprinter LWB RV that hardly leaves the bitchumen therefore should I be concerned?
Regarding the diesel 911, you guys installed the 48 gallon tank on my Sprinter. Would that large of a tank require two bottles of diesel 911 in cold weather?
Diesel 911 is not a preventive. It is used when fuel is already gelled. Same company (and others) make additives intended to prevent fuel from gelling. All of them will say how much to add for a given amount of fuel.
The fuel treatment, put it in the tank when you are about to fuel up. And put it in before you need it, not when you get in snow country.
Learnt something!
Jon@ owl, great vid/advice, thanks... will your skid plate for the diff work with the extended long range gas tanks by sb?
Yes the skid plates work with the extended range tank
@@owloffroad sweet, please chare extra to stamp one"NOT A JACKPOINT" also please do a video on your trigger six point shooter install/wiring in sprinter bay...thanks again
Can you provide the name and a link to that rat inhibitor units you describe? Thanks.
Informative 👍
I'd like yo know where the jack points are on a Promaster.
Great info.
thank-you great ideas
Hey John, I was put on a list for those hood vent lights when i was at the SJC van expo....... I never heard anything and now i see them on one of your Vans, LOL! What happened? I want.
Wasn’t quite happy with the first round. We are refining them now. Should be available soon
@@owloffroad Got it, thank you! Looking good but can't wait for the finalized run.
Wait, what.. those are lights in the “scoops”?? @owlvansengineering Please make a vid on the light spread from those vs mounting LP4’s on brackets attached to the hood.
@@modavauxthose are prototypes. Product launching very soon
Hey John, how do I get the blacked out Mercedes emblem?
We paint them. I am going to do a video on how to paint crome without getting rock chips
What’s the hood vent scoop? With lights? Is that a product for sale ?
Coming soon 🤫
Do you know of any Baja bracket solutions for the 3500?
Those electronic rodent repellents don't work.
Living in NYC I use these on all my vehicles, what do u recommend?
I’ve used dryer sheets. I don’t know if they were the reason I didn’t have problems but I didn’t have problems. I’ve used the electronic repellent in my homes and yards and saw no difference in rodent activity. I researched them on line and the consensus was that they did nothing.
@@petercorselli7974 Thank you 🙏🏽
Maybe best to tru both anything is better than nothing
Big Rat traps with pizza for the New Yorkers sprinters that will work
German made cars have a Soy based element in the wiring looms , rats, rabbits, squirrels, love this……
Excellent
Can’t you just install unbreakable glass, such as bulletproof glass?
I believe bulletproof glass is multiple layers of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate scratches very easily so the windshield wipers would probably damage it.
Veo q tienes muchas furgo repetidas😂😂 podrías relajarme una y mandármela para España😂😂😂
Felicidades por el video,,,
Man when you turned on that emitter all the rats came out of the walls and made their last stand
What hood vents are those?
coming soon
👏👏
Mercedes made millions on 4WD and they never thought folks were planning to take them offroad?
To avoid big Sprinter Repair bills and $175.00 oil changes: Buy a Ford Transit. I know I used to own A Sprinter. Now I drive the Ford Transit. Now I can afford to have food on the table.
external toilet door isn't straight
I wanted a Sprinter but it sounds like a miserable ownership experience. Expensive repairs, expensive service, hard to get service around the country, manufacturer does not support customers... Sad because they seem like they could be awesome.
Honestly, we love Sprinters. I feel because they are so popular, they have more people using them, therefore issues look more common than they are. Overall, our experience with Sprinters has been fantastic. This video was not intended to make people think Sprinters are more prone to issues than any other van. Window chips, diesel gelling etc are all shared by all vans.
So sell me quick?
Easiest way is DON'T BUY ONE ! build quality is Awful and electrical system is shocking.
Number one - DON'T BUY ONE.
Come on man - You had me until you said the customer shouldn't bring in a dirty van. They brought it for you to service, so get your power washer out it and clean it if you don't like a little dirt. If that means charging them an hour then do it. They don't need you rolling your eyes on a video as if they are lower class citizens because they are using it as it's meant to be used and you can't handle a little dirt (Don't be a Fairy). By the way anyone watching this the diesel jell adaptive they recommend is a joke. I live in the Great White North and my van stays outside in the neg F and I've never had an issue for years.
Does your van use diesel for heat/hot water? It is my understanding that hydronic heating systems are more susceptible to clogging at low temperatures, not so much the engine.
you sound like a know it all.
You try working on a vehicle that has that dirt/mud on it and every tool you use showers dirt on you. You might change your tune very quickly. If you actually did it for a living you would change YOUR tune. Appreciate what your mechanic goes through instead of Sh!!ting on them!
Right, and fast forward to the moment the piggy, lazy, careless customer gets the repair bill that did not include the $200.00 washing service in the estimate. Chances are good the customer won’t pay it and/or will find another mechanic, so it is a lose-lose situation for the mechanic.
An unfortunate side to the mud coating is that not only does it hide problems that the mechanic might get blamed for not catching, it also works its way into the tiny moving joints between parts and the abrasion causes premature wear. So instead of being a 12-year-old show off, the owner could take care of his vehicle so that it takes of him..
John, great tip on the glass and repair kit. However: RATS AND RODENTS... The Amazon device you endorsed (and every other one like it sold online), are not effective in deterring rodents. There is NO research at all that backs up the effectiveness of these specific devices. Available research actually suggests these devices may serve to attract rodents. In controlled lab testing, ultrasonic lows and high frequencies do show effect on rodents. However, the "over the counter" devices out there do not mimmic these same ultra high frequencies closely, and, they are in environments with dozens of other factors (windy outdoor carports, garages with heat or cooling, other ambient noises, smells, etc). In your tips, I suggest sticking with things that are tried and tested (as in the other four tips in the video). As far as rodents are concerned, there is some evidence that light and certain smells and sprays have some limited effects in determent. The new electric perimeter "fencing" has shown great promise too - expensive, but so are these vans. And if you have a real problem where you live, the investment might be worth it for something proven so far to work.
Great info