Looking at those crusty tubes running along the rail, I'm guessing one is fuel and the others are brakes. For those of us who live in the rust belt, I sure wish the government would mandate a more corrosion proof material for both of those. Nylon for the fuel lines and there has to be a more corrosion resistant type of brake line other than just plain or even coated steel (without going to stainless steel).
Where did you get a test light that is higher amperage? or did you just find a build that would work.... And who made the test light with a vice grip? Cool idea!
I've been watching your videos. I thought you might find this info useful: Mouser Electronics, which is a major electronic component distributor, stocks a lot of automotive connectors. Not pigtails, they sell the terminals, wire seals, connector shell separately. You do need to know the connector manufacturer and part number or be ready to look through pictures for it, but I have gotten a couple of connectors from them that were either unobtanium or ridiculously priced as a pigtail (a $50 pigtail that consists of $1.60 in terminals and wire seals and $2 in a connector plus $1 in wire, for example). Another distributor, Digi-Key, also stocks automotive connectors but from fewer manufacturers. Both companies are happy to send your order via first-class mail so shipping for small orders is cheap.
This is why people trust SMA to work on their vehicles. Not only did Eric O find the true problem, the vent solenoid, but his repair thought process was an excellent solution to the customers problem. He bought a quality reasonably priced alternative and adapted it so well that it almost appeared to be a factory connection. These kinds of solutions are necessary when you own older vehicles where parts are often obsolete and no longer available. Eric kept a perfectly good vehicle on the road because he was flexible and thought outside the box. SMA IS tops in my book!
@Lawson80 Probably because not every shop does videos and not everyone watches this channel. Being able to see him work would give me confidence that knows what he's doing and isn't trying to scam anyone.
I Agree with you 110 % Kenneth this is what makes him a MECHANIC and he cares for his Customers and he refuses to fail them we need more People Like Eric O , I'm in Ontario Canada I'm not that far away from him I'm thinking of bringing my car to him leaving it with him while my wife & I go on Vacation in New York City !!!
I can't say enough how much I appreciate a mechanic that takes the time to truly help people. You could have robbed them, like many do everyday... but you saved them a ton of money and the use of the car. You're a hero in the mechanics world, a true American out to do the best he can by people. Thanks Eric, you're very cool..... wish you'd move to Oklahoma where there is NO rust and work on our stuff!!
This is the kind of video that is super helpful to skilled DIYers that don't have as much experience as a licensed tech like Eric. Creative solutions to unusual problems.
Mad respect for thinking out of the box Eric, and going the extra mile for the customer. A lot of shops don't do that. (as evidenced by the previous three)
Other ones did not even get close to diagnosing the original problem correctly before they got to the Evap problem (wish I had a good mechanic like him or his shop in the uk)
In my spare time I work on sail boats and are constantly adapting a fix. I am VERY impressed at you always finding a way to make things work and saving money for the customer!!
You are a pleasure to watch and your integrity to do a good job for a customer is reassuring to car owners that not every mechanic is out to rip them off or incompetent. Good job Mr. O.
Eric, you are probably one of the best, most thorough mechanics. If I ever took an automotive apprenticeship, and lived in the US, you would be the first guy I would go to as a mentor.
That’s why you’re my favorite channel to watch. There’s not a lot of us out there who go out of there way to look for solutions like this to help out the customer in in these situations. It may take a little time but you usually gain a customer for life. There is almost always a way around problems like this with a little ingenuity.
I once used a Chevy ignition control module to replace aToyota 4x4 igniter. I rewired it accordingly and hid under the original igniter. You had to look real close to tell. Chevy module: about $35 Toyota igniter: about $400. The customer was tickled pink and has been a regular customer for many years.
I have done the same sort of substitution many times. Knowing system operation, you get to know which other vehicles operate the same way, so you can use the most cost effective and easily available part. As Eric said, some people have recognised the exact part used on other vehicles, I suppose it just depends on what jobs come through your door.
Simply good, honest, resourceful repairs with a serious concern for your customer. I do wish there were more techs like you! Most shops would have kicked this thing to the curb and left the customer in limbo with the "no parts available" conclusion and never looked back. You'rer a great guy Eric --- don't get cocky!!!
i have used heat shrink tubing on the hose ports to "make up" the difference in hose diameters. seems to wok well. seals very well. it gives a kind of "no slip" surface so the hose holds well.
yep heat shrink or section of smaller hose inside if the diameter difference is great. not much pressure/vacuum there. just have to worry about possible fuel vapors. so don't use tape, the glue and fuel/vapors are no bueno
@@throttlebottle5906 There's a lot of small evap hoses on my car that came with plastic connectors/solenoids that are no longer available, so I have to do the "smaller hose stuck inside a larger hose" trick quite often now.
Just watched this one. From an old Army mechanic who went into teaching shop, you`re everything I would ask the troopies or the kids to be ( both the same after awhile). You`re a good man Charlie Brown. hard to teach integrity.
Well done Eric. An honest, thoughtful and skilled man who uses his skills to protect his customers interests instead of looking out only for his own. The best business deal in the world is one in which both parties to it prosper, as here.
Been binge watching your videos for a few evenings now. There's a huge difference in this world between a mechanic and a person who bolts on parts. There are far too many of the latter, too few of the former. Guess which one you are, and honest too. You deserve all the success that comes your way, personal and professional. ~ big fan in West Virginia
I have a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara v6 Hitachi TPS Went dead no longer made but I finally found one after 3 no fits from Ali Express and The Plug fit and all is good.
I love the videos where you do the improvising and the owner does not have to shitcan the vehicle for something that can actually be fixed. Great job Dr. O. Just like the parts for the 2004 GEO/Chevy Tracker that needed the transmission pan that couldn't be found. Oh wait your brother will have to fix that now.
Great work this situation is where alot of repair shops love to really go nuts and over chg the customer to the max.. Its nice to see an honest mechanic that could still chg for the exceptionally good thinking in fixing a difficult problem, by knowing how things really work. A man with alot of knowledge that knows how to use it. Is sometimes rare.
You're a good Man for helping Folks in need. Those other Shops pale in comparison, horrible misdiagnosis, parts changers & scammers should be ashamed for their incompetence.
Eric..you are a rare breed..and i hope that all mechanics who repair vehicles for a living see this example of going the extra step for a customer...not many of us can junk a serviceable vehicle and buy another because of a 40 dollar part..great job
It's good to see that Suzuki invested in quality metal for making their hose clamps, they look good as new. Too bad the same can't be said for those steel lines right next to the evap box.
You had to use a dorman part to fix it 🤦🏻♂️. It is great to see such a great mechanic who can adapt things and not just tell the customer junk your car You are the man Eric great video 👍👍👍
Eric; Excellent job in diagnosing and saving the customer money and despair! I CANNOT find a shop in my area that thinks the way that you do. Dog on a bone!! The shops that incorrectly diagnosed or told the customer to junk the car don't care one bit about the financial reasons as to why they are trying to keep the Suzuki going. Thank you!!!
Great plan B repair to help these folks keep there car on the road another day.Also reminding viewers that you are letting the customer know what substitute part and part number for future reference you used. Great video Dr.O until next time PEACE.
This is why you are a true mechanic. The term mechanic is thrown around a lot when only a smaller percentage in my mind deserves it. A lot of today’s I will call fitters as all they do is swap out parts but a mechanic will do this. Another reason I watch and respect this channel. Keep it up good sir
Really can't add much to the glowing compliments other than note that commitment to solving a problem along with professional excellence yields great results.
Thinking outside the the box now and then to get the job done, and you've got a new full time customer. Good fix! Thanks for the video.
6 років тому
Best mechanic on the web, period. I've been in the biz for the best part of 50 years, and this guy is tops. They really don't make 'em like him anymore.
What impresses me Eric is not only your skill but your compassion. I hear you often say "It'd be a shame for the owner to have to buy a new car for the price of a...". Good on ya, as the Aussies (or is it Ozzies?) say.
I am very happy that you were able to solve the problem with a valid and reliable adaptation. I make many adaptations because in my country it is very difficult to get repairs and I have to make adaptations to be able to solve ... my respects for you. God bless me!
I work in a parts department and I feel ya for the discontinued parts. It really sucks for the people who want to keep their cars and not get sucked into a carpayment they either don't want or can't afford.
Nice retrofit of the GM Vent valve, Eric! Wonder if my XL-7 will have this problem sometime down the road. Hopefully the KROWN will prolong the life of the OEM valve. But usually you can rip apart the original one and make it work again :)
Really nice to see a shop go above & beyond. Too many places would just wring their hands and say "Sorry, can't be fixed." Used to go to a small shop like this, then they got a new shop manager and went strictly by the "book".
Hi Eric I am always glad to see someone who Thinks. Figure out what the problem really is and find a way to repair it. Your customers probably do not know how valuable your service to them really is. In this case possibly returning to service a sound working vehicle that may have been sent to the bone yard if your repair not completed. Great video please keep posting more of them.
I'm digging the improvisation. It's just one of those things you need to be able to do in the repair field in general. I enjoy watching others thinking outside the box... and how they get around certain issues. 👍👍👍
Cuba Rodriguez yeah but it still sucks that they don't make parts for these cars anymore. I do small engine repair, and sometimes you have to improvise cuz depending how old the engine or machine is , they don't make parts for them anymore either. are you doing any big jobs yourself.
Jeremy Anthony yes, I see it all the time, heck, the dealers don't have to make parts for vehicles after 10 yrs of being out. I enjoy seeing the gears turn on someone else for a change. Sounds like you're pretty good at improvising too! 😊 yes, working on a Cherokee trans right now. Hoping to beat the heat & heading out in a few. I finally posted the last couple jobs on G+. It never stops.... lol
Glad to see it too. At the start of the video I thought he was going to say the Government wouldn't allow you to modify original equipment and that the car was going to be scrapped.
Another sign of a great mechanic. Being able to MaGiver something when you have no other choice. (and doing a hell of a good job at it too). It happens. I also love the fact that you are restoring some trust with the general public in being honest about repairs IE; the transmission fix. Thanks for all you do, Some of us techs have that same kind of integrity. Keep up the great work brother..
Beast... Mr. O. you really are in the minority of technicians that can diagnose any problem with certainty and overcome any obstacle. Frankly, I don’t even consider myself or anyone I work with in this category, but hope to get there someday.
Old video I know but some people don't get 'no longer available'. Someone i did a good job for didn't understand that little fact and went ballistic at me 🤣 glad you got an understanding customer
Fantastic Eric! I hope your customers appreciate how lucky they are. One of my previous mechanics ideas of thinking outside the box was using fence screws among other things. He will NEVER touch my cars again.
And if your hose isn't malleable enough..you could always give the hose nipple a couple rounds of silicone tape. That stuff works great for something like that. AS always Eric, another great thumbs up production bud. Cheers
As soon as you said they no longer make the vent solenoid, I thought of the same idea. I was offered a Suzuki Swift for a minimum amount of money. I told my friend that I probably couldn't get any parts when it failed. Another great video SMA.
Except that he forgot to take in to consideration that the Suzuki Vitara was also sold as the Chevrolet Tracker here in the U.S. and the part he needed was actually readily available as a Chevrolet Tracker part through AC Delco and very easy to get AC Delco # 2141059 . Same goes for the Suzuki Swift you were offered, many of those parts are the same as the Geo/Chevy Metro. l've owned both Geo/Chevy Metro's as well as Suzuki Swifts, parts were plentiful and cheap, you just have to have some awareness on how to order them, because 99.9% of mechanics and counter help at auto supply stores were/are absolutely clueless to these facts. Over 1 million Swift/Metro's were sold in the U.S. so parts for them can even be found on Ebay for goodness sakes!
Really good work. I was thinking the same thing about Subaru Legacys as a lot of others, here. Not that that would help with our local Subaru dealer. They refuse to do mandatory recalls on cars older than 10 years old which they have sold, much less provide parts for owner repair. Your videos have taught me so much. Thank you!
My local (larger shop) mechanics won't even go near a repair like this. Everything they put in the vehicle has to match the broken part and have a parts warranty so they don't assume any cost for a faulty part should it go bad again after repair. It's really tough to find a mechanic that just uses their wits to get the fix in, regardless. Often times, I have to pay for diagnostics (because smoke machines and diag computers are so dang expensive) and then spend quality time under the car atop cardboard putting in fixes like this.
wxfield: as I`ve mentioned many times before, when you do people a favor they will stab you in the back if given the chance. Eric knows this well but he`s willing to risk it to fix things. Thing is, if he gets burned too many times he`ll have to stop.
Communication is key. You have to tell them exactly what's wrong and that parts aren't available. You tell them warranty is limited or nonexistent. And you inform them of the part and repair you are suggesting. If they decide to do it document and cya
If it's hard to get a hold of the part or guarranty the repair, no shop would want a vehicle sitting around on their property for an extended amount of time or tell the customer that they cannot fully back up their work. If the repair doesn't work out, neither side will be happy.
I had the same problem with a jaguar last week! And it was the same DENSO valve. Vent valve but listed as a purge. No stock on the part anywhere. I thought instantly of using the gm vent solenoid due to the included harness. Instead the problem wasn't it leaking but corrosion on the inside was keeping it from switching so we took it apart and cleaned it up. The fix was perfect .... To get them through their emissions test! Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦
THANKS Eric!!! I had the same solenoid wear out on my AerioSX (same 2.5L) a couple of years ago. I was able to find one in a junk yard near me on a Grand Vitara that was still working, and they sold me the whole canister and all (still mounted on the bracket) for $20! The car has over 271,000 miles on it right now, and so far so good, but if it goes again I know what part I'm buying to fix it with! I was sure to save this video to a playlist for future use. 😉
I am so glad that my state doesn't do state inspections like some states do back east. The rules in those states about what makes a vehicle pass or fail seems like My state and the emissions testing we had to do in the 1990's for a few years. It got proven in court that the emissions testing was not helping decrease pollution. It was a scam by the state to make money from drivers.vehicle/owners. I think any state that requires a inspection is stealing form us. Vehicles get wrongly junked a lot with these "safety inspections". I am glad that you knew of a way to save the vehicle for the customer. Good job Eric O. this again proves you truely care about your customers and try to do the best job you can.
I love the videos when you are able to improvise. I have a POS and dying town and country with a rotted out rear heater core. I just bypassed it with some clamps and 1/2" copper pipe. Not parts store approved!
Late comment to post date but must say I admire your sense of purpose ... knowing that "State Rules" don't necessarily "make it right" ... you did a good deed and I admire that in you. I've had 4 Vitara's in 3 Countries and loved them for their reliability ... pity they went broke in USA ... still here in EU so expand your "parts search reach" ... you'd be surprised what's available (particularly in UK) still ... even with shipping. Ingenious the GM "Surrogate Mother" approach you came up with ... Bravo !!!
Good fix Eric! A zip strap or two would hold the plastic valve down with a piece of rubber between valve and bracket to prevent rubbing or a “what’s that rattle sound” comeback from the customer.
"Frame's not rotted on it yet" ... I do NOT envy you working on rusty cars... I'm blessed to be able to wrench on cars in non-rust country... Good thinking.
South Main Auto Repair LLC "Adapt, Improvise and overcome". If everyone was a dedicated to customer service as you, the world would be a much happier place.
Only thing I might have done different is maybe save the old plug ins and connected the wires to the old vent valve plug. so’s if ya ever find one or need another ya just pluger in. Nicely done. Nice quick diagnosis on the shorted wire from tranny solenoid
Nice work brother. I only know of one guy in this area that does work like this. He'll fix if he can rather than just replace parts. Jim Startup, one if the best.
G'day, Mr. O!! Excellent... 'Machine Gun Josh' 😉 providing the wonderful (SMA) ambient, and background noise! By the way, big thumps up for adapting, and improvising!! "That's using the old noodle!'' (To use one's own intelligence and intellectual ability; to think logically and rationally. ("Noodle" here is slang for head or brain.) Awesome job! Cheers! 😊✌🏼🛠💕 P.S. Going back in Nov. 2012... "American Suzuki, closed U.S. car division, and restructured to focus on more long-term growth for Motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles, and Marine Outboard Engines."
"Noodle" here in the US could refer to either your brain or your penis depending upon context. For example, "I should have used a rubber on that girl, but I was thinking with the wrong noodle."
Awesome job... I'm glad u were able to adapt and overcome. GM parts for the win, it's nice to see a mechanic take the little bit of time to do this little fix because most shops would just tell them the cars junk in an annual inspection state I think the only thing I would've done differently is drilling a couple holes through the canister tray and mounted the valve with a fat zip tie or a big metal hose clamp to keep it from rubbing itself to death from vibration. But I'm sure I'm just over thinking stuff lol
I bought an 03 Suzuki aerio brand new.it has been such a good car.250 k miles and still going strong.yes I worry about spare parts. Excellent job keeping this one going for your customer. You're a saint E.O
Yep, sometimes you gotta roll your own. The welded-on horizontal exhaust hanger on my 2004 Chevy Cavalier rusted clean off. They don't sell clamp-on horizontal hangers. Two regular U-bolt clamps/hangers welded on each side of a bent rod of steel out of the scrap pile worked perfectly. Had to be extremely careful grinding off the weld nugget of the remaining OEM rod, however. A slip and the old corroded exhaust would likely develop a through-hole. To keep the new clamps from possibly crushing the age-worn exhaust pipe, a short section of new stainless steel cheater pipe was slit in half length-wise. These two halves protected the welded clamp/hanger from crushing the exhaust pipe. With twenty minutes of scrap pile picking and simple fabrication, the exhaust lives on to get me down the road for another couple of years or so. Retail shops walk a thin line on baling wire repairs, however. So, I understand why some places refuse to do them.
*ReadySmoke (95-0400): www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=affiliate_go&affiliateID=2525b91fc8e906e8215984074c9d9e8f&go=www.aeswave.com/ReadySmoke-95-0400-p9661.html
Looking at those crusty tubes running along the rail, I'm guessing one is fuel and the others are brakes. For those of us who live in the rust belt, I sure wish the government would mandate a more corrosion proof material for both of those. Nylon for the fuel lines and there has to be a more corrosion resistant type of brake line other than just plain or even coated steel (without going to stainless steel).
Look for Cunifer on google
Where did you get a test light that is higher amperage? or did you just find a build that would work.... And who made the test light with a vice grip? Cool idea!
@ 16:00 to 17:00 is that the exhaust pipe torn off and dangling there??
I've been watching your videos. I thought you might find this info useful: Mouser Electronics, which is a major electronic component distributor, stocks a lot of automotive connectors. Not pigtails, they sell the terminals, wire seals, connector shell separately. You do need to know the connector manufacturer and part number or be ready to look through pictures for it, but I have gotten a couple of connectors from them that were either unobtanium or ridiculously priced as a pigtail (a $50 pigtail that consists of $1.60 in terminals and wire seals and $2 in a connector plus $1 in wire, for example). Another distributor, Digi-Key, also stocks automotive connectors but from fewer manufacturers.
Both companies are happy to send your order via first-class mail so shipping for small orders is cheap.
This is why people trust SMA to work on their vehicles. Not only did Eric O find the true problem, the vent solenoid, but his repair thought process was an excellent solution to the customers problem. He bought a quality reasonably priced alternative and adapted it so well that it almost appeared to be a factory connection. These kinds of solutions are necessary when you own older vehicles where parts are often obsolete and no longer available. Eric kept a perfectly good vehicle on the road because he was flexible and thought outside the box. SMA IS tops in my book!
I'm surprised that any mechanic shop in driving distance of SMA gets any work. I certainly wouldn't go anywhere else if I lived in the area.
@Lawson80 Probably because not every shop does videos and not everyone watches this channel. Being able to see him work would give me confidence that knows what he's doing and isn't trying to scam anyone.
I've had to adapt a few parts in my days. This was a great repair by South Main Auto. And a satisfied customer!
That's the difference between a real mechanic and part swapper.
I Agree with you 110 % Kenneth this is what makes him a MECHANIC and he cares for his Customers and he refuses to fail them we need more People Like Eric O , I'm in Ontario Canada I'm not that far away from him I'm thinking of bringing my car to him leaving it with him while my wife & I go on Vacation in New York City !!!
That customer will return to your shop, there friends will come to your shop. The power of word of mouth is the best advertisement. Great job.
I can't say enough how much I appreciate a mechanic that takes the time to truly help people. You could have robbed them, like many do everyday... but you saved them a ton of money and the use of the car. You're a hero in the mechanics world, a true American out to do the best he can by people. Thanks Eric, you're very cool..... wish you'd move to Oklahoma where there is NO rust and work on our stuff!!
This is the kind of video that is super helpful to skilled DIYers that don't have as much experience as a licensed tech like Eric. Creative solutions to unusual problems.
Mad respect for thinking out of the box Eric, and going the extra mile for the customer. A lot of shops don't do that. (as evidenced by the previous three)
Other ones did not even get close to diagnosing the original problem correctly before they got to the Evap problem (wish I had a good mechanic like him or his shop in the uk)
The Vitara was also sold as the Chevrolet Tracker. The part you needed is ACDelco 214-1059 and is still available.
Yep sure is! That's the little guy right there :)
erlebo you beat me to it! My wife's tracker had this same failure, I found the part no problem. Good fix Eric!
In my experience the GM Suzukis have different connectors and harness to Suzukis.
Knew it...😀
Omg that's it and still available on Amazon for $38.
Eric "You Are The Man" a true mechanic not just a parts changer. You fix cars like my dad did he could adapt and fix almost anything.
Great Job.
In my spare time I work on sail boats and are constantly adapting a fix. I am VERY impressed at you always finding a way to make things work and saving money for the customer!!
You are a pleasure to watch and your integrity to do a good job for a customer is reassuring to car owners that not every mechanic is out to rip them off or incompetent. Good job Mr. O.
Eric, you are probably one of the best, most thorough mechanics.
If I ever took an automotive apprenticeship, and lived in the US, you would be the first guy I would go to as a mentor.
That’s why you’re my favorite channel to watch. There’s not a lot of us out there who go out of there way to look for solutions like this to help out the customer in in these situations. It may take a little time but you usually gain a customer for life. There is almost always a way around problems like this with a little ingenuity.
I once used a Chevy ignition control module to replace aToyota 4x4 igniter.
I rewired it accordingly and hid under the original igniter. You had to look real close to tell. Chevy module: about $35
Toyota igniter: about $400. The customer was tickled pink and has been a regular customer for many years.
I have done the same sort of substitution many times.
Knowing system operation, you get to know which other vehicles operate the same way, so you can use the most cost effective and easily available part.
As Eric said, some people have recognised the exact part used on other vehicles, I suppose it just depends on what jobs come through your door.
Simply good, honest, resourceful repairs with a serious concern for your customer. I do wish there were more techs like you! Most shops would have kicked this thing to the curb and left the customer in limbo with the "no parts available" conclusion and never looked back. You'rer a great guy Eric --- don't get cocky!!!
Eric, you've made a lot of folks happy these last 2 weeks. That was an excellent video and an honest repair. Well done!!
I've been turning wrenches for years and you sir are one heck of a technician. Really enjoy your videos.
Wow!! Great repair!! You're costumers don't realize how lucky they are to have you. Thanks for the video again!! Excellent job!
i have used heat shrink tubing on the hose ports to "make up" the difference in hose diameters. seems to wok well. seals very well. it gives a kind of "no slip" surface so the hose holds well.
J.C. SMITH PROJECTS That is a great idea! Gonna do it next time.
Or a couple wraps of Super 33.
yep heat shrink or section of smaller hose inside if the diameter difference is great. not much pressure/vacuum there. just have to worry about possible fuel vapors.
so don't use tape, the glue and fuel/vapors are no bueno
@@throttlebottle5906 There's a lot of small evap hoses on my car that came with plastic connectors/solenoids that are no longer available, so I have to do the "smaller hose stuck inside a larger hose" trick quite often now.
I often catch myself responding to your talk as if I am there with you . Your videos are realistic to me !
Just watched this one. From an old Army mechanic who went into teaching shop, you`re everything I would ask the troopies or the kids to be ( both the same after awhile). You`re a good man Charlie Brown. hard to teach integrity.
Well done Eric. An honest, thoughtful and skilled man who uses his skills to protect his customers interests instead of looking out only for his own. The best business deal in the world is one in which both parties to it prosper, as here.
Those guys are lucky to have a knowledgeable, honest mechanic like you Eric.Another awsome vid,good job brother
Been binge watching your videos for a few evenings now.
There's a huge difference in this world between a mechanic and a person who bolts on parts. There are far too many of the latter, too few of the former.
Guess which one you are, and honest too. You deserve all the success that comes your way, personal and professional.
~ big fan in West Virginia
Great job Eric O. You went the extra distance for your customer and saved them a lot of money and headaches. That's excellent service.
I have a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara v6 Hitachi TPS Went dead no longer made but I finally found one after 3 no fits from Ali Express and The Plug fit and all is good.
I love the videos where you do the improvising and the owner does not have to shitcan the vehicle for something that can actually be fixed. Great job Dr. O. Just like the parts for the 2004 GEO/Chevy Tracker that needed the transmission pan that couldn't be found. Oh wait your brother will have to fix that now.
Great work this situation is where alot of repair shops love to really go nuts and over chg the customer to the max.. Its nice to see an honest mechanic that could still chg for the exceptionally good thinking in fixing a difficult problem, by knowing how things really work. A man with alot of knowledge that knows how to use it. Is sometimes rare.
You're a good Man for helping Folks in need. Those other Shops pale in comparison, horrible misdiagnosis, parts changers & scammers should be ashamed for their incompetence.
Eric..you are a rare breed..and i hope that all mechanics who repair vehicles for a living see this example of going the extra step for a customer...not many of us can junk a serviceable vehicle and buy another because of a 40 dollar part..great job
It's good to see that Suzuki invested in quality metal for making their hose clamps, they look good as new. Too bad the same can't be said for those steel lines right next to the evap box.
And that's why you're a mechanic and not just a parts changer! Great work.
You sir are a great man and awesome auto technician. Anybody else would've given up and not look for a solution. Great job!🖒🖒
You had to use a dorman part to fix it 🤦🏻♂️. It is great to see such a great mechanic who can adapt things and not just tell the customer junk your car You are the man Eric great video 👍👍👍
Chris blankenship. I thought i saw the dorman wings as well
Your customers are very fortunate you are willing to go out of your way to adapt and overcome!
Eric; Excellent job in diagnosing and saving the customer money and despair! I CANNOT find a shop in my area that thinks the way that you do. Dog on a bone!! The shops that incorrectly diagnosed or told the customer to junk the car don't care one bit about the financial reasons as to why they are trying to keep the Suzuki going. Thank you!!!
Great plan B repair to help these folks keep there car on the road another day.Also reminding viewers that you are letting the customer know what substitute part and part number for future reference you used. Great video Dr.O until next time PEACE.
This is why you are a true mechanic. The term mechanic is thrown around a lot when only a smaller percentage in my mind deserves it. A lot of today’s I will call fitters as all they do is swap out parts but a mechanic will do this. Another reason I watch and respect this channel. Keep it up good sir
Really can't add much to the glowing compliments other than note that commitment to solving a problem along with professional excellence yields great results.
Thinking outside the the box now and then to get the job done, and you've got a new full time customer. Good fix! Thanks for the video.
Best mechanic on the web, period. I've been in the biz for the best part of 50 years, and this guy is tops. They really don't make 'em like him anymore.
So glad to see you use the crimp and seal connectors. I was about to get upset until you heated them with the torch. Keep up the good work. 👍
What impresses me Eric is not only your skill but your compassion. I hear you often say "It'd be a shame for the owner to have to buy a new car for the price of a...".
Good on ya, as the Aussies (or is it Ozzies?) say.
I am very happy that you were able to solve the problem with a valid and reliable adaptation. I make many adaptations because in my country it is very difficult to get repairs and I have to make adaptations to be able to solve ... my respects for you. God bless me!
Best mechanic channel on UA-cam and if I didn't live in Australia I would be taking my car to SMA without a doubt.
I work in a parts department and I feel ya for the discontinued parts. It really sucks for the people who want to keep their cars and not get sucked into a carpayment they either don't want or can't afford.
*Pulls socket off bolt* "Thats now a 3/8s.." Yup, been there... lol
Wow a honest mechanic very rare breed indeed.
Nice retrofit of the GM Vent valve, Eric! Wonder if my XL-7 will have this problem sometime down the road. Hopefully the KROWN will prolong the life of the OEM valve. But usually you can rip apart the original one and make it work again :)
Really nice to see a shop go above & beyond. Too many places would just wring their hands and say "Sorry, can't be fixed." Used to go to a small shop like this, then they got a new shop manager and went strictly by the "book".
Good fix saved the old gal from the grave yard, do what you got to do hats off Mr. O.
GENIUS thinking outside the box & using Plan B...a mass majority of mechanics barely have a Plan A !
On behave of mankind, thank you Mr. O, for caring this much about your customers.
If only the rest of the world was like you.
Hi Eric I am always glad to see someone who Thinks.
Figure out what the problem really is and find a way to repair it.
Your customers probably do not know how valuable your service to them really is.
In this case possibly returning to service a sound working vehicle that may have been sent to the bone yard if your repair not completed.
Great video please keep posting more of them.
I'm digging the improvisation. It's just one of those things you need to be able to do in the repair field in general. I enjoy watching others thinking outside the box... and how they get around certain issues. 👍👍👍
Cuba Rodriguez yeah but it still sucks that they don't make parts for these cars anymore. I do small engine repair, and sometimes you have to improvise cuz depending how old the engine or machine is , they don't make parts for them anymore either. are you doing any big jobs yourself.
Jeremy Anthony yes, I see it all the time, heck, the dealers don't have to make parts for vehicles after 10 yrs of being out. I enjoy seeing the gears turn on someone else for a change. Sounds like you're pretty good at improvising too! 😊
yes, working on a Cherokee trans right now. Hoping to beat the heat & heading out in a few. I finally posted the last couple jobs on G+. It never stops.... lol
Glad to see it too. At the start of the video I thought he was going to say the Government wouldn't allow you to modify original equipment and that the car was going to be scrapped.
Cuba Rodriguez I wish we could meet someday. I'm from Bethlehem pa , and I'd love to meet a woman who's a mechanic .
The brake lines look like the next thing to go. Don't press down on the brake pedal very hard when backing out of the shop, lol.
They look like some kid's crystal growing kit.
Don't touch anything!!!
sounds like you are the only competent shop around the area
Another sign of a great mechanic. Being able to MaGiver something when you have no other choice. (and doing a hell of a good job at it too). It happens. I also love the fact that you are restoring some trust with the general public in being honest about repairs IE; the transmission fix. Thanks for all you do, Some of us techs have that same kind of integrity. Keep up the great work brother..
Always appreciate evap system repair videos. Great fix -- affordable and effective. Thanks
I hope your community knows how lucky they are to have you and the supporting cast.
Beast... Mr. O. you really are in the minority of technicians that can diagnose any problem with certainty and overcome any obstacle. Frankly, I don’t even consider myself or anyone I work with in this category, but hope to get there someday.
Oh no! That replacement evap valve was a DORMAN!
:/ I KNOW!!
Old video I know but some people don't get 'no longer available'. Someone i did a good job for didn't understand that little fact and went ballistic at me 🤣 glad you got an understanding customer
Fantastic Eric! I hope your customers appreciate how lucky they are. One of my previous mechanics ideas of thinking outside the box was using fence screws among other things. He will NEVER touch my cars again.
Niamh Healy oh come on where's your sense of adventure?
Haha it's now on my driveway fixing my own cars 😂
And if your hose isn't malleable enough..you could always give the hose nipple a couple rounds of silicone tape. That stuff works great for something like that.
AS always Eric, another great thumbs up production bud.
Cheers
I have used Super 33 electrical tape for the same, with great success.
As soon as you said they no longer make the vent solenoid, I thought of the same idea. I was offered a Suzuki Swift for a minimum amount of money. I told my friend that I probably couldn't get any parts when it failed. Another great video SMA.
Except that he forgot to take in to consideration that the Suzuki Vitara was also sold as the Chevrolet Tracker here in the U.S. and the part he needed was actually readily available as a Chevrolet Tracker part through AC Delco and very easy to get AC Delco # 2141059 . Same goes for the Suzuki Swift you were offered, many of those parts are the same as the Geo/Chevy Metro. l've owned both Geo/Chevy Metro's as well as Suzuki Swifts, parts were plentiful and cheap, you just have to have some awareness on how to order them, because 99.9% of mechanics and counter help at auto supply stores were/are absolutely clueless to these facts. Over 1 million Swift/Metro's were sold in the U.S. so parts for them can even be found on Ebay for goodness sakes!
Really good work. I was thinking the same thing about Subaru Legacys as a lot of others, here. Not that that would help with our local Subaru dealer. They refuse to do mandatory recalls on cars older than 10 years old which they have sold, much less provide parts for owner repair.
Your videos have taught me so much. Thank you!
You are the man. Like I tell my son, you have to be in charge of the situation not the situation in charge of you. Great fix!👍👍
My local (larger shop) mechanics won't even go near a repair like this. Everything they put in the vehicle has to match the broken part and have a parts warranty so they don't assume any cost for a faulty part should it go bad again after repair. It's really tough to find a mechanic that just uses their wits to get the fix in, regardless. Often times, I have to pay for diagnostics (because smoke machines and diag computers are so dang expensive) and then spend quality time under the car atop cardboard putting in fixes like this.
wxfield: as I`ve mentioned many times before, when you do people a favor they will stab you in the back if given the chance. Eric knows this well but he`s willing to risk it to fix things. Thing is, if he gets burned too many times he`ll have to stop.
*2sheets to the wind:* Thank you for telling us what Eric is thinking, so many times before.. Happy Fourth of July !!
Communication is key. You have to tell them exactly what's wrong and that parts aren't available. You tell them warranty is limited or nonexistent. And you inform them of the part and repair you are suggesting. If they decide to do it document and cya
If it's hard to get a hold of the part or guarranty the repair, no shop would want a vehicle sitting around on their property for an extended amount of time or tell the customer that they cannot fully back up their work. If the repair doesn't work out, neither side will be happy.
CarEnthusiast actually they have to be smart enough to figure out what the problem is.
I had the same problem with a jaguar last week! And it was the same DENSO valve. Vent valve but listed as a purge. No stock on the part anywhere. I thought instantly of using the gm vent solenoid due to the included harness. Instead the problem wasn't it leaking but corrosion on the inside was keeping it from switching so we took it apart and cleaned it up. The fix was perfect .... To get them through their emissions test! Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦
Bolt extractors are so great for rusted out bolt heads! But I love that "It may be 3/8 by now!" Thanks!
THANKS Eric!!! I had the same solenoid wear out on my AerioSX (same 2.5L) a couple of years ago. I was able to find one in a junk yard near me on a Grand Vitara that was still working, and they sold me the whole canister and all (still mounted on the bracket) for $20! The car has over 271,000 miles on it right now, and so far so good, but if it goes again I know what part I'm buying to fix it with! I was sure to save this video to a playlist for future use. 😉
Excellent a mechanic and not just a parts changer. You did good!
The Velcro holder for the wires is great someone was using their noggin great vid as always happy 4th
Great video! Sometimes Frankensteining parts together is the best answer, and is superior to the original.
Awesome fix...only somebody with as much experience as you would have know how to pull this one off!
I am so glad that my state doesn't do state inspections like some states do back east. The rules in those states about what makes a vehicle pass or fail seems like My state and the emissions testing we had to do in the 1990's for a few years. It got proven in court that the emissions testing was not helping decrease pollution. It was a scam by the state to make money from drivers.vehicle/owners. I think any state that requires a inspection is stealing form us. Vehicles get wrongly junked a lot with these "safety inspections". I am glad that you knew of a way to save the vehicle for the customer. Good job Eric O. this again proves you truely care about your customers and try to do the best job you can.
I love the videos when you are able to improvise. I have a POS and dying town and country with a rotted out rear heater core. I just bypassed it with some clamps and 1/2" copper pipe. Not parts store approved!
Late comment to post date but must say I admire your sense of purpose ... knowing that "State Rules" don't necessarily "make it right" ... you did a good deed and I admire that in you. I've had 4 Vitara's in 3 Countries and loved them for their reliability ... pity they went broke in USA ... still here in EU so expand your "parts search reach" ... you'd be surprised what's available (particularly in UK) still ... even with shipping. Ingenious the GM "Surrogate Mother" approach you came up with ... Bravo !!!
I had to do a similar fix on a dodge truck with the old vacuum purge valve. Great video and fix mr. O
Good man, Eric...saving the client from having to junk a good car.....(ish) A true mechanic..
Awesome work around! Look at all of that experience and knowledge oozing out! It was brilliant.
Exactly what I thought you were going to do after you said it was a pretty standard evap system! Nice work!
Good fix, I'm sure the customer will be really happy!!! Adapt and overcome.
Fantastic fix, so pleased though that at least in the UK none of these 'extra' emissions controls throw the engine light on if faulty!
Eric, a one in many million great fixes, improvise,improvise,at SMA thxs...
Whatever floats your boat Eric to get through a dam NYS inspection. Nice fix wish all mechanics did what you do for your customers. ❤️
Good fix Eric! A zip strap or two would hold the plastic valve down with a piece of rubber between valve and bracket to prevent rubbing or a “what’s that rattle sound” comeback from the customer.
It's a good feeling when you can help out other people. Saving the car and saving the customer money was cool.
"Frame's not rotted on it yet" ... I do NOT envy you working on rusty cars... I'm blessed to be able to wrench on cars in non-rust country... Good thinking.
South Main Auto Repair LLC
"Adapt, Improvise and overcome". If everyone was a dedicated to customer service as you, the world would be a much happier place.
Only thing I might have done different is maybe save the old plug ins and connected the wires to the old vent valve plug. so’s if ya ever find one or need another ya just pluger in. Nicely done. Nice quick diagnosis on the shorted wire from tranny solenoid
Nice work brother.
I only know of one guy in this area that does work like this.
He'll fix if he can rather than just replace parts.
Jim Startup, one if the best.
Looks like an EVAP for a GM product. A man working his magic another great video.
G'day, Mr. O!! Excellent... 'Machine Gun Josh' 😉 providing the wonderful (SMA) ambient, and background noise! By the way, big thumps up for adapting, and improvising!! "That's using the old noodle!'' (To use one's own intelligence and intellectual ability; to think logically and rationally. ("Noodle" here is slang for head or brain.) Awesome job!
Cheers! 😊✌🏼🛠💕
P.S. Going back in Nov. 2012... "American Suzuki, closed U.S. car division, and restructured to focus on more long-term growth for Motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles, and Marine Outboard Engines."
"Noodle" here in the US could refer to either your brain or your penis depending upon context. For example, "I should have used a rubber on that girl, but I was thinking with the wrong noodle."
Awesome job... I'm glad u were able to adapt and overcome. GM parts for the win, it's nice to see a mechanic take the little bit of time to do this little fix because most shops would just tell them the cars junk in an annual inspection state I think the only thing I would've done differently is drilling a couple holes through the canister tray and mounted the valve with a fat zip tie or a big metal hose clamp to keep it from rubbing itself to death from vibration. But I'm sure I'm just over thinking stuff lol
The same car was sold as a chevy tracker
Thumbs up for avatar and username.
Before I read your name, I actually try to remove the hair. Damn
@@MirceaD28 Hahaaaaaah I laughed so hard wgen i read that
@@MirceaD28 You weren't the only one!
EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED TO SEE! I’ll be getting a GM SOLENOID NOW! Thanks so much!
I bought an 03 Suzuki aerio brand new.it has been such a good car.250 k miles and still going strong.yes I worry about spare parts. Excellent job keeping this one going for your customer. You're a saint E.O
Just so you know, some replacement hoses have to be shipped from Japan.
Great job , Nice to see someone saving money and thinking of the Customer.
Yep, sometimes you gotta roll your own.
The welded-on horizontal exhaust hanger on my 2004 Chevy Cavalier rusted clean off. They don't sell clamp-on horizontal hangers. Two regular U-bolt clamps/hangers welded on each side of a bent rod of steel out of the scrap pile worked perfectly.
Had to be extremely careful grinding off the weld nugget of the remaining OEM rod, however. A slip and the old corroded exhaust would likely develop a through-hole.
To keep the new clamps from possibly crushing the age-worn exhaust pipe, a short section of new stainless steel cheater pipe was slit in half length-wise. These two halves protected the welded clamp/hanger from crushing the exhaust pipe.
With twenty minutes of scrap pile picking and simple fabrication, the exhaust lives on to get me down the road for another couple of years or so.
Retail shops walk a thin line on baling wire repairs, however. So, I understand why some places refuse to do them.