urban bus life is stressful but fun // Bus Life Vancouver 

Starter solenoid. Buy two to have a spare. Used to drive semi tractor-trailer. Everybody wanted the contents I was delivering but after that they always wanted you to get the heck out of there - NO PARKING - so I could feel your pain with the bus parking in Vancouver.

Probably the Starter Solenoid or the Starter Motor, but could be the Starter Motor itself, or could be loose connections of the wires attached to the Starter Motor. I would replace the Starter Motor with the Solenoid and make sure the connections are clean and greased with silicone electrical grease so it won't corrode in the future. Hope this helps.

This reminds me of an old car I had many years ago. The started needed replacing but would start with a whack of a hammer ...... until it didn't! It failed on a 4-lane street at traffic lights in rush hour. Car horns honking and drivers getting really mad until a truck driver pulled up across all 4 lanes to block traffic and kindly helped me push the car to the side of the street and my brother came and rescued me. All things considered Emma, it's been a not too eventful (bus wise) trip and you dealt with anything that did occur. I'd say the plusses definitely outweighed the minuses.

Percussive maintenance is the art of shaking, banging or pounding on something, in order to make it work

The act of hitting things until they work is called "percussive maintenance" and is pretty common for a lot of things on older vehicles in my experience.

This channel is starting to blow up as I knew it would. Keep going Emma, you have a great thing going here.

I enjoy your video brave lady. And happy you got a new little one in your family.

Just a tip from a senior mechanic that thing your tapping looks like a selonoid that powers up your electrical panel when you turn the key on giving the fuel system power to operate and supply fuel to the engine without that the engine will turn over but not start. Try jumping the two big posts with booster cables then crank engine thats called hot wiring. This tip is if it cranks over but wont start only. Need better picture of the area but give it a try and if you want to park just take booster cable off. Good luck.

You still have the best dang channel on RVing out there.

FYI, if you could find a cracker barrel, maybe you could park in their parking lot, you'll have to check if you go to one of those places. I've seen a lot of van lifers park at the cracker barrel or walmart parking lots. Hope it helps. :)

Dude, I really appreciate you putting these videos out. It seriously reminds me that I am not too old to get free from my daily life, and live again. Keep up the great work Emma :)

Hi Emma. I am now fully up to date with your Birbie adventures. All those other perfect skoolie buses are just boring. Sending good vibes from London.

Another very enjoyable video. Vancouver looks amazing.

As soon as she mentioned the hammer I knew it had something to do with the starter…I recently saw my husband do this on our old Toyota 😂😂

That was the starter solenoid you were tapping with the hammer. Every time you moved those wires including to the solenoid, it worked. Wasn't the hammer. One loose wire on the solenoid being able to connect every time you moved it. Awesome! Don't let that slow you down. Oh! and by the way hammers do work on stuck starters.

That is a solenoid. They are not very expensive and the should sell them at any parts store. You can also jump around the solenoid if you get in a bad bind.

Hi Emma, what a trip you’ve made. You have a great backup team and a wonderful mindset. You inspire us. Have a great week and till the next episode. 👋🇳🇱

Definitely the starter solenoid. Has a contact inside that shuts to engage. Sticky solenoid needs a whack in a pinch and needs replaced asap so you don’t get stranded. Hugs and good luck!

I love the City too! It's fun! Can't wait to see the Baby!!!!!! Congratulations 💗💗💗

Billy SBC knows what he's talking about. Most electrical problems are from poor connections. I've always wanted to see Vancouver and with your help I've seen it. Thank you. Great people are just ordinary people with a great amount of DETERMINATION!

Oh, the Rocky Mountains, Banf, Lake Louis are all near that area and it is super beautiful. If you get a chance, check it out too. :)

I laughed at loud at your opening remark about "crashing into Canada". I'd get that starter solenoid replaced sooner rather than later. You're not wrong about only having so much time before it fails completely.

So, you think your bus is communicating with you. You are correct. Listen to what it is telling you. Stay safe and I love that "Million Dollar Smile". 👌

Vancouver has people living in vans, rv's, busses all over the city. When I say living I mean staying in one spot not moving day to day and it's totally legal.

Congratulations on 20 thousand subscribers. 👍

You mended it with a hammer! I love it! It was indeed the right thing to do! Sometimes starter motors land on a dead spot. Your little shock (hammer) moved it off that spot! Hammers also work on fuel pumps! Keep that friend on speed dial!

A couple years ago. I would have told you of numerous places in Seattle that you must visit! Now? Dont stop! Drive through and keep going! Not safe there anymore! Safe travels!

So glad you made it back..Look forward for your next video..btw...I'm not John..that's my hubby..lol....

Emma, that solenoid could be for a couple of things, if I remember right once before when it did it the motor was cranking but not starting???? That would be a solenoid for the glow plug system, with out the glow plugs working the diesel engine wont start crank but wont start. Great job getting her to go to get you home. Keep up the great work be safe out there!

As a lifelong Pacific Northwest resident I can tell A LOT has changed throughout the PNW in the last 30 years.

11 years since I visited Vancouver, so many things that look familiar

Great video, Vancouver looks like a nice place.That is the starter solenoid you have to hit with the hammer.I've been there before, had to do that for two or three days until payday.

So much of Seattle has become gentifried. Come to the Tri cities, right on the Columbia River

Good job! Good luck and fun on the rest of your travels!!🚌

Hello Emma, I live in Powell River, BC, which is only about 80 miles north of Vancouver. I recognized that you were in New Westminster, because I lived there for three years. It was fun to see you walking by Places that I have been. Cool...

The fact that you're taking the bus so far from home means you should have a new Starter Motor, a new Starter Solenoid, a new Fuel Pump and new Fuel Filters, a new Water Pump and Themostat with new Antifreeze, new drive belts, a new Battery, a new Alternator, and I would seriously consider installing a new Radiator as well. These are just things you don't want failing on you out on the road... It's a small price to pay considering the things that could happen in the middle of nowhere if they failed.

Emma, Your solenoid is defective and must be replaced. It is not the starter motor as they are separate units. The solenoid has electric connections in it that get burnt from over use. By that I mean if the bus wont start for a while the solenoid will heat up and burn out. sometimes hitting it will jog the wires and make a connection. It is a simple fix. Enjoy the rest of your summer, good luck.

While walking through Vancouver, all the filming looks so seamless. Did you pull out a camera, or just use your phone? Just curious, and if it's a phone, what kind? I love the way you do this, it is so causual, not touristy, and I love that. You go girl, and we all will keep watching. Love and peace on the road. ✌

22nd Skytrain station. I just live up the hill from that station. I recognized some of the video clips. Deep Cove is right next door to North Vancouver.I drove school bus and dropped students off to for Camp Jubilee which on an Island from Deep Cove

Loved this travelog. If you do stop in Seattle, be sure to go to the Ballard locks to see the salmon running( many to see 2 weeks ago) and the harbor seals frollicking in the water gulping down those same salmon.

So glad u made it home safe and sound, can’t wait to see the improvements that are coming up

Very wise choice to head back. That is a solenoid. It's an electromagnetic switch. They wear out and get stuck.

If you ever reach Atlanta, you can park almost anywhere. I park about a half mile from the capital, month at a time, with no problems. Downtown is boring, but it's a quick train ride to Midtown, and a 40 minute walk to Little 5 points and a ton of vibrant urban activities. I enjoy being near and in the cities, and recharge in nature often. Sorry about the stress driving too. I have a hole in my tire that's freaking me out! It's not leaking but it's a big chunk out of the side. I am parked now until I replace it, but drove 250 miles home stressing out about it. Comes with the life I guess.

So glad you made it back safely.Your bus has been pretty reliable and your travels were awesome! I enjoy your videos so much.

Strong work! Glad you had a good time in Canada. And welcome home!!! Xoxo

Great Video Emma I'm glad that you had yourself a fun adventure and made it back home safe. I'm looking forward to seeing your next video

I think the coolest thing about you and your channel just straight up natural what a blessing salude,cheers ,prost , nastrovia rock on

My ex wife and I had a big 40' Diesl Pusher for years, did the loop around the US several times. I discovered that 4 to 5 hours a day was plenty of driving. Plus 6 MPG was ridiculous and that was when diesl cost $140 a gal. So not sure I could justify that much traveling now. 🤔

Your the best at what you do

Emma One word of warning. I too suspect loose connections, but could be the solenoid. The wires are thick to carry high current. When working on the solenoid, ideally disconnect the battery. If that's going to break stuff, then cover as much of your tools as you can with plastic. (Electrical tape would be fine - don't need a great thickness Contact between earth (battery negative - most of the metal of the bus) and the solenoid thick wires is to be avoided - as in - your spanner/socket may turn into a ball of molten metal droplets. Wear eye protection anyway. Equally, be prepared to slip a plastic (or card) cover over each thick (and thin) wire as soon as you undo their connection - that way they can't touch anything whilst you're fighting the rusty bolts holding the solenoid. That said - this is something you can do - just understand the danger and plan to avoid metal things touching other metal things. Good luck

Looks like you managed to have some fun, in spite of the hardships. Many of us have smacked a solenoid with a wrench or a hammer to get started. Wishing the bus a speedy recovery, and you better days. Rock On

Great video Emma

Hi from the uk another good video keep up the good work and stay safe

I googled your question if a bay and a cove was the same as I was interested to know the answer too. here’s what i found “A bay is a recessed, coastal body of water that directly connects to a larger main body of water, such as an ocean, a lake, or even another bay. A large bay is usually called a gulf, sea, sound, or bight. A cove is a small, circular bay with a narrow entrance.” I love your videos and always look forward to watching them.

You're welcome back to Canada any time you want! If you get an earlier start next year, you should definitely make it all the way to the east coast!

I can relate absolutely getting to a new area and then not finding anywhere to park tired getting late I just stopped it a big dirt lot maybe a pizza place they don't open early and then unload my car and go to some recon and hopefully find an open place like I said before I'm in Forks Washington I stayed at the entrance of oxbow campsite they got some big enough sites down below I'm 36 ft long but I stayed at the entrance for 2 weeks and then I went down the street and mile and a half to Allen's bar and it's $5 a day been here for a month

Hi Emma, love having you visit our city. Don't worry, you were not charged twice for the skytrain, you have to tap in and tap out as the fare is based on zones and that is how it calculates your fare. Just make sure you used the same credit card both times. Safe journeys.

Hi Emma love your over overwhelming courage being a bus driver myself I've done coach driving and school bus driving for many years also a bus mechanic for several years and the part that you're hitting to keep your bus running is the starter solenoid which do they do go bad they can be cleaned and put that together again without having to buy new parts also while fueling your bus you can keep it running without the fear of fire diesel fuel is not as flammable as gasoline so if you continue having it problem starting your bus you can keep it running while you're feeling it also in your travels if you get a chance to come to Pennsylvania I could help you finish your bus inside and outside if needed. Be safe on your Journeys don't give up hope don't give up your bus. Be safe and enjoy your Journeys take care David Chantry

It's probably called the Ignition solenoid as others said. Essentially a little switch that flips a big switch that battery cables are connected to which supplies power to everything when ignition is turned on. It's a basic electrical part. Disconnect engine batteries then snap a pic of the part/cables, Disconnect wires clean wire terminals with a wire brush in your drill etc, or sand paper. Smear some Dielectric Grease on them, then reinstall on the new part. Pretty easy really. Buy a second as a backup they're pretty cheap. If you're able to zip tie the new one right inside that panel so it's always there.

Emma...another chapter Completed! I'm glad your safe..I enjoy your journeys ..that must have something to do with your "Krypton" connection!🙂🎶🎻🐭

I'm glad you enjoyed my city Vancouver! Deep cove is indeed a cool spot. The rates when checking in en out of the SkyTrain can be confusing, but I don't think you pay twice, it just recalculates how much you actually have to pay when you check out. One of the things you mentioned from your guidebook in Seattle does still exist! I did it a few years back, going through the old sewers, it's quite fun!

When you cross more than one zone on the Skytrain it adds some charge like $1.35 or something when you tap out 😎 Welcome to Vancouver. I'm from Quebec but moved here when i was 17 and now spend 4-5 months of the year here, currently here with my cat Merri. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and tons of Vancouver vlogs on my channel 👍

Thanks for showing me Vancouver, i've never been and will probably never go.

Nice work making it home. You get more clever every day.

Emma, looks as if you had a great time in Canada. I was at the Canada boarder a little over two weeks ago visiting Niagara Falls. Glad to see you back home and doing well.

Yaaay...was waiting for this

Sorry things got a bit stressful for you, but on the bright side I found your stressors very entertaining 😂 Have a great time at your sisters and enjoy the new nephew. 🚎🙏🏼👍

Nice roller coaster ride

Glad you got to your family safe and sound. I hope you don't give the bus life up as I really enjoy our videos.

Hi Emma, I just wanted to say how pretty you looked and what a good story teller you are! I hope you and your bus stay safe and healthy. 💗💜☮️

I discovered you last week and had to watch all your videos. I just finished watching the last one when you released the new one. Your Birbie is beautiful. Monkey complements him beautifully. Emma, you're amazing. I love your smile. I admire your determination and your skill. I long to be there with you... Hello from the Czech Republic. (I'm sorry, I don't speak English) ❤

That's the starter solenoid. It is a switch that gets "toggled" by an electromagnet inside. When you turn the key to the Start position, it powers the electromagnet inside which flips the switch (which is spring loaded so that it doesn't remain on) for you to run the starter motor (in this instance). Solenoids are used throughout cars so that high current items can be switched using low current capable switches (like the ignition key barrel) You're are correct, hitting it with a hammer loosens the main switch inside. It's an electro-mechanical device that flicks a switch using an electromagnet, but hitting it loosens the switch, allowing it to activate when there's electricity flowing to the electromagnet. It's definitely a limited lifetime operation and replacing it is the best course of action. And, it's a pretty easy part to replace ONCE THE BATTERIES ARE DISCONNECTED! Then it's just a matter of loosening the bolts, making sure which wires are on the correct posts and tightening them up again. Very easy. I've replaced many of them in picnic areas and caravan parks around Australia. I carry spares, though, given the remoteness of the places I travel.

Standard 100 amp solenoid. Luckily, they are cheap, and easy to change out. Remember to remove power from the batteries before servicing.

Good old “percussive maintenance” is indeed a thing.

Wow now that was a groovy Trip Man little hiccups along the way but you were in B.C Canada very cool I was at that Park the last one you were at 40 years ago it was a lot newer if not brand new in Canada yeah it's clean they're kind they're wonderful people

If you're ever back in the Seattle area, a few things that you might want to think about doing: If you've never done it ride the ferry across to Bremerton & back. A couple cool places to eat around Seattle for a reasonable price: Check out spice bridge in tukwila. It's like a food court kind of with a bunch of different ethnic foods, that change daily. Also emerald City fish and chips over on Rainier avenue is to die for. Other things to do in western Washington? I would highly suggest visiting forks. It's out on the peninsula absolutely beautiful out there. Possibly Long Beach / Ocean Park. If you're heading back across the mountains I would go across on highway 12, you could see alder lake absolutely stunning from hwy 7. Rife lake back on hwy 12. And rimrock lake on 12 up in the mountains.

Go to the beach a tidy the cycle in the city...big vehicle parking and end of season

Check the outer areas. Langley mapel ridge, Abetsford , white rock.

Great video! Looks like you had fun! I was going to say starter motor until you showed it(they can get jammed when wearing out and if you hit with a hammer it loosens them up), bit it doesn't look linked to the engine more electrical looking, so it's not that but must be related to the starter motor circuit or maybe even a coil pack or solenoid, But I'm just guessing tbh it's a bus, so not sure. Old Minis and things used to have issues like that as they were open to the elements here in England.. Either way just replace it, pretty sure you could probably do it yourself if you get the part given how accessible it is.. Anyhow you had a good time and got where you needed to lol.. Have a great week 👍😉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

A lot of cities including Vancouver BC are now plagued with homeless folks living in derelict RV's. Those folks often cause a lot of problems related to the various issues they have. So as a result many major cities are limiting overnight parking.

I had same prop with my old fietra use to cross the nuts with a screw driver for two years then could afford to change it for pretty new onw..

You are so sweet and I love your story 😊

Park N Ride and bus into Seattle. The streets are crazy and parking stupid expensive and tight even for a car.

Yes good video thanks...

those are my jams as well!!

What you tapped with the hammer looks like the starter solenoid switch.

Great video, as usual. I was thinking, I wonder if you should tell people what projects your going to be working on the week before you start. That way you might get some tips or advice beforehand. Anyway, just an idea. You seem to always figure things out. Thanks! Looking forward to next week!

nice to see you like Canada. you should try the east cost...

My favorite yputuber is back with another great video. Hope you are having a great day 😀 😊 ☺️ 💗 💛 💕 😀 😊 love you

safe travels

COOL VIDEO EMMA!!!@

Welcome to canada 🇨🇦😊💜BC is a nice place I’ve haven’t been there since the 80’s.we just live on the other side of canada 🇨🇦 in on Ontario 😊safe travels 😊back to your family home town cheers

Places you can park is definitely limited in a bus. Parking in most cities and small towns are almost always problematic.

I’m not sure - but try Canadian Tire’s - on the Sunshine Coast that’s where van people stay

15:38 so far it sounds like the starter motor & you're right, once they start to go wrong there aren't many starts left. If you need to whack it twice in 6 months get it reconditioned or buy a new one. [edit] 17:30 that's not a starter motor. I can't tell what it is for sure but it looks like it might be a relay but again, if you're whacking it it's not reliable & needs replacing or maybe the connections need cleaning & greasing While you're in there, that wiring is really untidy which makes fault-funding difficult & is easier for rodents to chew. It's possible there's some sort of tidying thing already there & it just needs putting back in.

you ought to go acr0ss to port angeles on the ferry and back into the wilderness

Must have been the solenoid!

Check the small wire on the solenoid looks loose.

LOL you are to Cute i think that is a starter solenoid,nothing like driving and jamming out

try jerricho beach, or near there