Destination Chiangmai Thailand - ChiangMai

After the Floating Market, our destination now is Chiangmai. It's going to be a long drive for this stretch. Around 9 hrs drive and it's about 760 km away.

If all goes well, 1 more refill of " Gasohol" ( Ron 95) should take me right up to chaingmai.

The condition of the freeway is better for the northern part of thailand. There are 4 lanes freeway and in bangkok, there are even 5 each way so total 0f 10 lanes without taking into account the Frontage lane on both sides of the freeways.

Some of the strecth are really straight as you can see here and I guess I am fortunate there wasn't much traffic to delay my trip. Smooth sailing all the way.

We were about 43km away from Chiangmai and it was around 6:00 pm. We decided to take a breather/freshen up at Doi Khuatan Rest area. I needed nicotine top up. You can feel the temperature is cooling. Doi Khuatan is a hilly area and we had to do the climb. With the 807 fully loaded, there was no lost of power. So far quite satisfied with it.

As planned, at about 7 pm, we arrived Chiangmai town. Some traffic jam due to the rush hour. The rental apartment is at Twin Peaks on Chungklan Road ( Beside Shangrila Hotel ). At least now I can look forward to some good times... heard the thai traditional massage is good.

Destination Chiangmai Thailand - The Floating Market

After a good night rest, woke up early ready to take on the next challenge. Good thing nowadays we have wifi at most of the hotels in thailand. I think we need to catch up eventhough WERE AHEAD at one point of time. But that is another story for some other time.Check on emails and keeping abreast on the happenings in Thailand and Malaysia. My navigator studied the internet and the floating market is only 7 km away from where we are staying.

So, early in the morning, we loaded the 807 again. Interestingly, we are only half way to Chaingmai and 807 is already fully loaded. My Navigator cum Load Master cum Co Pilot is already complaining that we have too much stuff.








Now I have to give credit to Thailand for making it very tourist friendly with CLEAR sign board, Correctly PLACE and in ENGLISH. I believed that more people will be travelling into thailand using their own vehicle in the future. This brings to a question was my Navigator really good or it's the Thai authorities that provided user friendly clear sign board that even a "blind" driver can't miss.












Took the drive from the hotel, followed the road sign and guess we are there in no time. We arrived there quite early as there were ample parking space for cars. Not sure if I was early or is that the recent political development that causes tourist to stay away from thailand. According to the Star, Penang Hotels were fully booked due to the political situation in Bangkok. Asked the businessmen in thailand and they admitted there is indeed a "slow down". Even their new Tourist Minister is inviting Tourists to come back !!!



You can take a sampan ride and enjoy the ride. Shop/buy/eat on the boat. It's a good experience that you should not let it pass.
















There are shops along the river and they sell anything from handicrafts to coffee
Just a note here, if you are the first customer of the day, the money that you have paid, they will use it to bless their merchandise/goods. They believed this is good luck to them. But also on the same note, once you have bargained /asked for specific price, he/she may choose to sell you at a lost, make sure you take it, you cannot walk away from the deal, if you do .. then he would give you his mind !!!! @#$!!***((!!!!)

Destination Chiangmai Thailand - The 1st Trouble

It was around 7 pm local time and we are about close to our planned stop over at Phetchaburi. Saw a Shell Petrol station and make a pit stop for petrol + coffee+ refreshments + easing ourselves. Fuel gauge showing I still have around 35 litres of fuel. Told the station attendant to load in V POWER !!( I was told to load the best fuel ) . He obliged accordingly and after 9 litres went into the tank, he pointed out to me that he is loading in DIESEL !!!!. OOOH SHIT!!!!. Immediately told him to stop and without getting angry or panic I found out that in Thailand, V POWER IS only available for Diesel. Guess it was my mistake for being so uninformed!!!.



Being Thai, the station owner is a nice guy. I explained to him what had happened and after crossed check with his guy, he understood the problem. He immediately asked his people to push the 807. Make sign language to me to take the steering. Without starting the engine. The steering feels damn heavy to maneuver. We parked the 807 at a ramp ( similar to the one which is like tyre alignment shop - access from below ).


First the owner tried using compressed air pumping into the fuel tank and using another hose to channel the fuel out into a container.







This method could not hose out all the contaminated fuel. Check at the gauge I still have 20 + litres in the tank. Make a call to my Penang Mech ( Ah Hwa - OEM Engineering ). Told him my situation and he told me to drain the fuel out from the tank. Also he said if there is some leftovers, the engine should be able to cope . I thank him and we proceeded to remove the fuel from the fuel tank. It was quite easy. 1 X screw ( input hose and 1 x noose clip that holds the input hose and the tank is all it takes to drain all the fuel out.
We use a jack to tilt the 807 to oneside to drain all fuel out. Then just fix the hose clip and mounting.

In the mist of draining, I could not help to take this photo of an Elephant that is being transported on a truck.







Once the fuel is drained out, same thing in reverse, the 807 is pushed to the pump and loaded with Ron 95 ( that is what is available ).



Time to go and I thank the station owner ( no extra charge - though it was my mistake - Thai people are actually nice and friendly ).

Heads to our planned stop and check into a hotel. I need to take a good bath - my t-shirt and pant is semi-wet with diesel. One thing about diesel is that it will remain wet and oily and leaves a long lasting stain and toxicating scent.


Meantime, my navigator is looking at tomorrow's route - Floating market.

Destination Chiangmai Thailand - The Journey begins ..

22nd Dec 08. After having several consultation and considerations, the family decided to head for Samut Songkhran which is about 700 Km. Reason being is that this place has the Floating market. I guess the 700km+ push was ok to them.

The journey started Ok and the open highway is not bad. You can't really speed as you have to watch out for traffics merging out from left, making U turn at the right lane and cutting into the highway from the right. Bottom line is, be careful. Drive safely. Speed is not the issue here but watch out for the vehicles merging from left/right etc.

Look at the Freeway .. ain't it good ? Certain stretch are really smooth as silk and some are just horrible. But generally they are OK ( free ma ).

Once you are familiarised with the driving style in Thailand, things begin to happen. There is a phrase " Familiarity Breeds Contempt". How true. Just a bout 2 hours away from Hatyai, I was doing >120+km constant and stays at the right lane most of the time.

The result was, I was stop by the traffic police for Speeding + Hogging at the right lane.

This is a tough situation. I do not speak thai, the cop does not speak english and I did what the laws says is wrong.

I tried explaining to the cop that this is my first time driving in thailand and I really do not have any clue as to the speed limit. I am not sure what happen but he say, ok.. and explain that the RIGHT LANE ONLY FOR OVER TAKING. Stay on the left after over taking. So Guys take note of this. The default travelling lane is left. Right is for Overtaking only. The cop relented and let me go. I felt good... and say thank you to him...

Not long after that .... "Famila.......breeds ...Cont.."" I was doing 140-150 km again ...

to be continue ...

Destination - ChiangMai Thailand

I have been planning to drive to Chiangmai thailand since 2007. The trip was not possible then as I was advised against it due to thai election campaign ( Dec 07 ) - that was just after the military take over ( Thaksin Fled to UK ) and looking for a replacement Govt.

Anyway, year 2008 wasn't as promising either. Have bee reading Bangkokpost on a daily basis just to keep abreast on what is happening there. After throwing out a Prime Minister that cooks on TV, kickout Thaksin's brother in law, seizes Airports and elects a new PM, I could not wait till all the dust are settled before taking the trip. It has to be Now !!

The politics in Thailand is like Stock Market ( I maybe wrong here - my apologies ). Very Unpredictable and Volatile but Life has to go on.

Politics aside .. I could not let this volatility situation to derail my plan. This is also why I did not organize a group trip. It would be a nightmare making decision as to "When to go ?".

There are lots of preparatory works to be done. Here are just a few of them.

1. Prime up your Vehicle
- Beltings ( Timing belt/Aircon belt/Crankshaft pully)
- Oils ( Engine / AFT / ATX / Brake Fluid )
- Brakes ( front / Rear brake pads / Disc )
- Fans ( Radiator fans working fine / Aircon blower )
- Tyres ( all 4 + spare ) - Perfect balancing + alignment )
- All the bushings .. tie rod end/ multi links / etc
- Others ( ICE ? etc )

2. Paperwork
- Car registration
- Car Insurance cover to thailand ( I extended my coverage to Kingdom of Thailand with an additional payment for 1 month that cost me RM85 - get it thru your local insurance agent )
- Buy Thailand 3rd party insurance coverage at the border town in Changloon
- Valid Passport & driving license

3. Others
- Drinking Water
- Medications ( Just in case )
- Thai Currency

So on the 21st Dec 08, I set out to Thailand.......... now here we go ...

First day ..






Penang -- The traffic is already heavy going into Penang bridge

Oh what a day .. the timing is impeccable. But what else is new about Penang Bridge ?

Border Town - Danuk ( Bukit kayu Hitam )










At the border....

Once you have crossed the border, for those who are driving, take note of this.

Take a left turn and park your car at the car park. Walk to the immigration booth. Collect disembarkation form at the office.Fill up the disembarkation form and present it together with your valid passport to the thai immigration officer at the many booths available. Please also enclose RM1/xx. The officer that we met did not ask for it.

Once you have cleared immigration, present your Vehicle ownership claim form ( grant ) together with your passport at another booth ( specific for vehicle registration into thai ). The officer will key the Vehicle data into a computer and will pass the whole set ( 4 copies ) to you together with your passport. Take that set of forms and pass it to the next booth. This when the last officer will ask you to "Bring Car". Get into the car with all the passengers and drive into the lane and stop right at the same officer. He will give you 1 copy of the approved form and will signal for you to proceed into thailand ...

First Town

We started our Journey and the traffic was smooth. As we move towards Hatyai, we decided to take a break before undertaking this Long Haul, do some shopping, get familiarised and to start early. Saw lots of Malaysian and Singapore Cars there. Guess it was a weekend and everyone was looking for a bargain.

The Christmas Mood is already in the air.






View of Hatyai Town from the hotel

Driving in the Rain

This is a short take on one of my drive in the rain. It has been sometime since then and I guess it's good to share experiences.

I have always keep my front windshield speck&clean. I use windshield wax - Japanese brand.

This short movie take is in a heavy downpour and I know it's dangerous driving at 120km/hr - 140km/hr. I would not encourage you doing that.

But this clip is to show the effectiveness of this product ( not gonna name it here ) and how important it is to always keep your windshield clean all the time.

Don't try this ... this short clip is to show you why you should keep your windshield clean all the time. You never know how the weather gonna be like. So be prepared.

Picnic at Teluk Bahang - Penang - Dec 08

Just had a Picnic on a beach at Teluk Bahang Penang recently.

Will post pictures later. The Picnic starts at 10:30 am and we packed up at 10:30 pm. Decided to take the "Round Island Route" back to civilization. It was a cool drive in darkness with it's snaky twists and turns.

Here is a short brief take on the drive video I took using my handheld digital camera. ( not a very good one -apparently ).

Pollen Filter replacement

When you buy a used car or mpv, there are several things that needs to be fix. Depending on the previous owner, the amount of work needed to be done is inversely proportional to his/her passion. Here I've got a used MPV Peugeot 807 with 80K km on the clock. Everything else works but there are minor work to do to make it close to perfect. This is the first of the series of things that I have done.

In the coming days, I will try and add more helpful simple tips on my Peugeot 807.

This is the Pollen Filter ( Filter located at the engine bay to allow dust free external fresh air into the cabin ) will filter out all dust and small particles from entering into the cabin. All Peugeots I have owned 405/406/807 has this filter.

You can see the Pollen Filter housing once you open the bonnet. It is located just below where the rain wiper sits.

There are 2 mouting screws ( half turn and 1 on each side). Turn anti-clockwise to release the front end of the housing. There are also 2 quick release securing clips at the front end ( 2 clips on each side ). You will have to slide your hand and you can feel it. Just lift the clip and it will be unsecure. The next picture will show how the quick release clip looks like.

As you can see, the Pollen filter is already disintegrating. It has done it's fair share of service and is now "dead".!!

You can also see the quick release clips.

This is the underneath of the housing. There is a drain hose that is connected to it. When you pull the housing out, please also remove this hose first.It's just a simple twist and turn at the hose end to unsecure it. The challenging part is when you are installing it back the housing. You will have to twist and turn to secure it back. I wish you all the best. As a tip, put some water at the hose end to make it slippery and slide the hose back into this hole.

The new Pollen Filter is ready to go to work. Installation of the housing is pretty straight forward. Slide the housing into the bay, Twist and slide the hose ( wet the hose ends to make it slippery ) into the hole ( underneath). Secure the 2 screws ( clockwise half turn ) and then the quick secure clips.

Hope you guys have a good day ...

My People Mover Peugeot 807

Well ... this is my new people mover. It's a Petrol 2.0 GLX model. Kind of a basic model. It comes with D9 engine as with Peugeot 406/407 with 4 speed auto/Triptronic gear and comes with AL4 gearbox. Curtain airbags with auto sliding doors. One need to change the way this baby is driven. Not like a normal car. I need to learn to slow down. This is especially true if you are driving a 405 and a 406. I need to "adapt". But generally the handling for this 807 is not bad actually. Have not really had a chance to really stretch this baby yet.  Anyway here is how it looks. ain't it gorgeous ?

Solex Carburettor Pdf files

Hi Guys,
I thought it would benefit those who are looking for information on Solex Carburettor that is used in Citroen & Peugeot cars.

I have this .pdf file on Solex carb. If you are interested please click

DOWNLOAD LINK below FOR ANYBODY WHO WANTS A COPY OF THE PDF FILE:

I am still getting requests for this file and I think if you have read all the comments , it was posted by Boris ( thanks buddy ) that he has made a DOWNLOAD LINK FOR ANYBODY WHO WANTS A COPY OF THE PDF FILE:

http://download711.mediafire.com/zcevxq3tdxtg/mzymoizwtnl/solex+z1.pdf

I think this would help you to get it faster.

Last I checked it stills works.

thanks and regards

Oil Cooler for Peugeot 406

It's been awhile since I have update this blog. Hope this new entry will cheer some of you up.

I happen to come across 1 Peugeot 406 ( D8 ) fixed with an additional ATF oil Cooler. The way my friend installed it by using Oil Cooler from Hayden Auto. The web link is here :-

http://www.haydenauto.com/products/transmission-and-engine-oil-coolers.htm

As we all know the No# 1 killer for any auto transmission is HEAT. The Oil cooler that comes with the Peugeot 406 ( D8 ) is kinda small. But from my experience, it is apparently quite efficient and reliable as it is. However, if you still feel there is a need to add another one, please do so as this will definitely provides more cooling effect.

Here are the pics I took on my friends installation.

This is how it is installed. Kinda neat place to be. There are ample room to place this oil cooler. I believed if this is installed at the front air intake, the cooling effect will be much more efficient. This installation is in series with the original 406 cooler. So now he has 2 oil cooler. One is water cooled and the other is air cooled.

This is the Original installed oil Cooler that comes with the car. It is actually sealed. Noticed the coolant intake and outlet ? This is water cooled oil cooler.

If you intend to use the original Oil cooler in series to the new one, you will need to do some modification to the unit. You will need to drill open this unit to allow the ATF to flow out to the Hayden Oil Cooler and return. How this is done is to drill 2 holes. One for the outflow and one for the inflow. You will need to weld it with pipelike fabrication so as to allow the hose to secure the outlet and the inlet.

So here you have it.