I finally bit the bullet! Thanks to your help.....

[lisamac]

Okay....I finally did it! Got me a 2006 150 cargo. Still debating on her name....thinking maybe Sookie or Thelma. 
She's in good shape. Not used as a work van owned by an older gentleman who drove it daily to town and flea market on the weekend. She has 200k on her but really clean inside and out. I'm so nervous I'm sick to my stomach but already planning my next steps.... Tune up ....and layout etc. 
Thank you to all who have helped, advised, and encouraged me along the way. The support has meant so much and has helped this over-thinker take the leap of blind faith.
Only problem I have at this point is AC/blower not working half the , especially after first starting and under acceleration. From all my research, sounds like it may be a vacuum leak. I pulled off the air filter housing today to take a look around but can not figure out where everything is. A van is TOTALLY  different than what I am used to. Just trying to get my hand down to the oil dipstick was a learning experience. Anybody have any  advice or anyone around middle TN that could help show me how to chase it down?
I am super excited to get started now. Hopefully I won't over analyze things before getting on the road. Hoping to head out within a few weeks.
I just want to say "thank you" to all who have offered their help so  far. It has meant more than you . I really hope to meet some of you once I'm rolling!    :shy:

 

[Gary68]

cool,what make of van?

 

[tx2sturgis]

Just trying to get my hand down to the oil dipstick was a learning experience. Anybody have any  advice or anyone around middle TN that could help show me how to chase it down?

If that is a Ford, (sounds like it is) I have a short video I posted to help with that.

Assuming is IS a Ford and you have a V8 in there:


[video=youtube]


If you are a of shorter stature, it will help to use a step stool for a bit more 'reach'....

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Congrats lisamac! Any bumper holes to step into to get a higher vantage point? Otherwise, there are foldable type step stools. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stout-Stuff-Folding-Step-Stool/47089037

 

[lisamac]

Sorry...yes...ford and def need a step to even get to anything. Thanks for the video! I'm really needing help trying to find the vacuum leak for the AC. Any ideas on it?

 

[lisamac]

cool,what make of van?

2006 ford E150

 

[lisamac]

Congrats lisamac! Any bumper holes to step into to get a higher vantage point? Otherwise, there are foldable type step stools. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stout-Stuff-Folding-Step-Stool/47089037

You wouldn't  believe the yoga positions I've been in just trying to  things out! Lol!

 

[highdesertranger]

congrats, we need pics. highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

Mechanical and under-the-hood troubleshooting can get very technical and you probably will want to get help with that AC problem either by taking it to a mechanic or, ask the questions on a more appropriate website, like this one:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum128/

Sign up and post your question in the Ford Van sub-forum and I bet you will get some answers pretty soon.

There are a LOT of knowledgeable Ford people there, and it is even monitored by professionals and engineers at Ford.

 

[lisamac]

congrats,  we need pics.  highdesertranger

Thank you! here are a couple pics....

 

[tx2sturgis]

Lisa, you have the 'smiley' Ford, I have the 'mongrel' Ford, but either way, it looks like you found a keeper!

I got 21 mpg driving 60 mph the last trip I was on a few days ago...then 18 mpg coming back, with a sidewind and driving a bit faster.

Not too shabby for a big van!



Here's my 'Mongrel':

 

[olddude48]

Congratulations! It looks nice. Now the fun/work begins.

 

[lisamac]

Lisa, you have the 'smiley' Ford, I have the 'mongrel' Ford, but either way, it looks like you found a keeper!

I got 21 mpg driving 60 mph the last trip I was on a few days ago...then 18 mpg coming back, with a sidewind and driving a bit faster.

Not too shabby for a big van!



Here's my 'Mongrel':

Awesome! Love yours. I sure hope to get that kind of gas mileage. Everything  I am thinking of putting in...bed, storage, etc....my first thought is  "how much weight will this add?" I want to get the best mpg for sure!  :sleepy:

 

[lisamac]

Congratulations! It looks nice. Now the fun/work begins.

Thank you! Yep...work already commenced! Gonna get her in for a tune up and , then hoping to start out on a couple short trips to get my feet wet.

 

[VanGrrl57]

Nice van, lisamac. Congratulations! I remember how I felt when I got my 1988 Chevy Astro Van. I was so excited and I got a great deal on LenaBelle.

Once again, congratulations.


VanGrrl57

 

[lisamac]

Nice van, lisamac.  Congratulations! I remember how I felt when I got my 1988 Chevy Astro Van. I was so excited and I got a great deal on LenaBelle.

Once again, congratulations.


VanGrrl57

Thank you!  I looked at some Astros. I really like them. I was hoping to find a deal on one around here. I like the size of the Astros. It's going to take some time for me to get used to driving something as big as a full size van. A backup camera is at the top of my list to  for sure!

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Congrats!

 

[jonsun]

AC problem sounds like a clutch

 

[Van Man Dave]

Congrats!! I vote for "Thelma". It was my great grannies name as well as my van's name
Happy vanning!

 

[lisamac]

AC problem sounds like a clutch

Ok. Thanks for the feedback. I talked to a mechanic that seems to think it may be a vacuum leak either a simple one in a line somewhere or could be at some kind of reservoir?? He said where ford mounted that particular reservoir on the bottom was known to cause problems. He's going to look at it next week and give me a  quote to fix whatever it may be plus quote me a tuneup and brake job.  I think it may be just a little too complicated for me to do on my own. ?