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Date:         Wed, 31 May 2000 00:19:35 -0500
Reply-To:     Marshall Ruskin <mruskin@PANGEA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marshall Ruskin <mruskin@PANGEA.CA>
Subject:      Re: 87 and 86 Westy Buying advice?
Comments: To: Phil Walker <pwalker@NEXTDIMENGINEERING.COM>
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

This is a common question, and is asked often enough that there is a document written up on it.

Go to www.vanagon.com, and go to the index section called "info" - then read the FAQ's.

I'd add that it's a good idea to take the van to an independent and experienced VW garage, and have them check it over - looking at the points mentioned in the FAQ stuff.

I'll also add that it's a good idea to try the AC, if there is one, and also try the stove and sink. IE: Turn on the stove, does it work? Have them put water in the water tank, does the faucet pump work?

If it's an automatic - no specific problems to look for. If it's a manual - check that it holds all the gears - as I hear that sometimes, the manual transmission can't stay in/or get into 3rd or 4th gear.

If the fridge doesn't seem to work - that's totally normal - it takes near an hour to feel anything, and it makes no noise at all, unless it's brutally hot inside the van, and the fan turns on. Odds are it won't.

Does it have both tables and associated arms, the curtains for the front windshield, and for the sliding door?

Does the front windshield fan work, and does it make a squealing sound? If so - that's prolly $300 CDN or thereabouts to replace fan, including labour.

Does the rear heater work? (smell for coolant) - sort of like maple syrup smell - if so, it needs fixing up.

Finally, open the poptop - check the canvas, window screen etc. Is the rubber poptop seal good?

Open the upper and lower beds, and check for rips etc.

Good luck!

When I bought my van, I was too ignorant to know any of this stuff - but I got extremely lucky - as I paid too much. At least I got a good van, and not a "project"!

Cheers!

Marshall Ruskin 84 Westy "Iron Igloo"

I'm new to the VW Vanagon experience, but completely hooked. Wife and I are ready to move up from tent camping and have no desire for full size (ford/chevy) conversions. My wife is German and I admire German engineering (being an engineer myself). I have looked at a couple of Westys and know that is what I am looking for. Currently I have an 86 and 87 Westy (2WD) that I am going to have to drive 300 miles to inspect. I am told everything works and the engines are in working order. They are both at about the 100K mark. Any major items I should watch out for with these years? Should I find a local shop to give me a compression and leak down test (possibly a cooling system check also?) Is rust a major concern? Where should I look?Should I consider a blown engine van a do a rebuild or a different (Subaru?) engine? Is there a way to check clutch or tranny? I realize this is a lot to ask, but I know this group consists of the experts, and I want to be as educated as possible before purchase. Thanks in advance for advice. Also, any experience pulling a 1000 pound trailer with a Vanagon? Phil Walker Engineering Consultant Next Dimension Engineering pwalker@nextdimengineering.com www.nextdimengineering.com (801) 299-0130


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