Date:         Wed, 9 Aug 2000 17:34:16 -0400
Reply-To:     k1cajun@pipeline.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave L <k1cajun@pipeline.com>
Subject:      Re: rear hatch STRUTS on '90 Westy stopped working
Comments: cc: "\\\"K. Taylor\\\"" <ktaylor@premier1.net>

> The back hatch struts on my '90 Westy stopped holding the hatch up
> yesterday. It seems like they went from 'working 100%' to not
> working at all in one step. Is this characteristic of struts that
> have stopped working? Is there any adjustment fixes, or do they
> simply need to be replaced?

I don't think that there is any repair other than replacing.

On my 87 van, they slowly let the hatch down.  They held for about
15 minutes, but as it got lower, it moved faster until it slammed.
Made it unsafe to work on the engine for any length of time.

So last night, I decided to try something that I read from a list
member some time ago (I can't remeber who, but it was a great idea).
I had some extra PVC pipe laying around from a home plumbing project.
I think it was 3/4 inch schedule 40.  Just big enough to slip over the
struts.  Lift the hatch all the way, have someone hold it up.  Measure
the distance from the end of the cylinder, to where the piston shaft
mounts to the body.  Cut two pieces this length.

Take the retaining clip off the body and slide off the shaft, slip the
PVC over the shaft and put the shaft and clip back on.  Do both sides.

When you open the hatch, the PVC will drop onto the shaft and prop the
cylinder up.

It ain't pretty, and I wouldn't do this to my Westy, but the van is
the workhorse for around town.

But you know, since yours failed all of a sudden, it makes you wonder.
It's probably a good idea for anyone working in the engine compartment
from above, the use a safety prop, no matter how good you think your
struts are !