Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2001 23:02:06 EDT
Reply-To: VWLVR1055@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Feldstein <VWLVR1055@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Rebuild, Replace, or Start From Scratch? (Long)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Well Jim, that's a toughy. I am of the mind, that you just keep pouring
money into the machine unless you see chronic problems which make you feel it
will soon have an untimely death on the highway, even with your thoughtful
repairs. There are vans out there in better shape (it sounds like).
Sentimentally, I can't see letting mine go. But you must decide yourself
when the amount you spend on your daily commuter (like mine is), overwhelms
your ability to enjoy your ride. Hope my ramblngs helps.
David Feldstein
82 Vanagon Westfalia
==================================================
The Question:
Should I rebuild my motor, replace my motor, or buy another van?
I love my '83 Vanagon. Here's the story:
In the past few months, I have noticed that I am losing power, my gas milage
is down, and last night the engine oil light started blinking at idle (I
never had this problem with Fram or Bosch filters; only since I started
using the Mahle filters--sorry).
I am the second owner of an '83 "L" series Vanagon. I bought the van from
the original owner about 5 years ago, at about 105K miles. I now have 205K
miles. According to the original owner (with receipts to prove) the engine
was replaced at 50K due to major problems. The transmission (4 spd manual)
was rebuilt at 100K. The van was in excellent condition when I bought it
(despite the fact that the previous owner had five kids--I have four). I
have used the van as a daily driver (40 miles round trip to work) as well as
a family travel and all around use van. I replaced the clutch at 150K, but
have done no other major engine or drivetrain work.
I have replaced the brakes, clutch slave, tires, turn signal/dimmer switch,
ignition switch, exhaust, etc. as necessary. The van is in pretty good
shape, with no major body defects, but rust around the rear window, gas tank
inlet, and door handles. The front windshied is cracked (with several other
pits). The interior is still in pretty good shape.
The van uses about 1 quart of oil (I use Valvoline 10W40) about every 1500
miles. I "use" about a gallon of coolant a year. I have used normal (like
Zerox) antifreeze since I bought the van (I know I was supposed to use
better antifreeze). At best, I was getting 20 MPG, but am now down to about
17 MPG (country roads and interstate, with a little city driving). When I
replaced the clutch at 150K, I checked the compression, and it was about 120
pounds, with each cylinder about the same (have not checked since).
I am looking for advice: Should I attempt to rebuild the engine, replace
the engine, or attempt to find another Vanagon. I bought this van for about
$2250.00, and would be looking to repair or replace for no more than that
amount. If I bought a new (to me) Vanagon, I would probably keep the old
one for parts. I am not looking for a Westy or 4WD, just a family, daily
driver. I drive 40 miles round trip to work, with work related (read I need
reliability) trips up to 400 miles (round trip) on a fairly regular basis.
Your thoughts? (How hard and expensive is it to rebuild/replace an engine?
I did the Vanagon clutch myself, but my last major engine work was a '63
Rambler, 20 years ago.) Jim
| 
