I'm finally going to go look at a '87 Vanagon Syncro this friday. I looked at it several weeks ago and it had a bad starter so I couldn't drive it. The general condition is o.k. (at least good enough for me to go look at it again) but I don't know a whole lot about waterboxers or syncros, or Vanagons for that matter (that's why I got on this list three weeks ago when I first looked at it!). I know basic automotive, I know air cooled VW's pretty well. What should I look for on a Watercooled Syncro Vanagon GL? It's got 108,000 miles on it and the locking rear differential. I need it to last 20-30,000 in the next year (and would hope for 50,000 before I need a new (swapped) engine). How do I tell if I'm going to have head trouble (assuming I can't take it to a reputable mechanic - haven't found one in Tulsa in the year I've been here)? Is there something special I should look for in the Syncro Drivetrain? If I have problems with the syncro drivetrain can I just pull the ! drive shaft and the front axles/CV's and run it as a two wheel drive? Any help would be greatly apreciated. Heath |
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