Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001 15:12:31 EDT
Reply-To: BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Benjamin Tan <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Need to replace rear hatch struts on '84 Westy & other
stuff...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
In a message dated 4/18/01 11:00:20 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
lamusicamellama@JUNO.COM writes:
<< ... rear hatch struts. Does anyone know how to do this job? >>
Get a small flat head screw driver. pry the bottom clip off sideways. A rag
held near the clip will keep it from flying off to never-neverland. The upper
end, just slide the plastic cover over then the strut should pop off the ball
mounts. Changing both sides should take you no more than a few minutes.
Thanks.
<< 1) Coolant drip from right cylinder head --- at the rear cylinder
bolt....>>
Well, the leak is a telltale sign that the end is near. Your budget will
determine whether you want to try to live with it or addressing it
immediately. Head replacement may not be necessary. It's usually a headgasket
and/or a broken stud. My 87 GL has close to 200,000 miles on the original
headgaskets. Using the blue factory coolant no doubt has been of help.
<<2) Pilot bearing or throw-out bearing seems to be out. ....>>
Based on your own remark, "I have few tools and little mechanical expertise,
but willing to learn." I would say take it to someone who knows what to do.
Or do it only when someone is nearby to assist. You will need to pull the
engine to get to it. It would be too involved to discuss by email. Can't tell
you if you broke anything w/o peeking inside.
<<... but hearing a tapping noise now...is this ok? I have heard this is the
hydraulic lifters which over time with motor running get fluid and noise goes
away.>>
Yes, you have this right.
<<4) I noticed the parking brake stuck, so I spent a good deal of time
forcing the van to move ( once in a while I can disengage the clutch)...is
the brake sticking a common problem?>>
It will probably be a continuing problem if you don't move the van around,
especially in the wet weather in NorCal.
<< ... By the way my mechanic recommends using 20w-50 engine oil...I live on
the
foggy redwood coast. Temp here is 40-70 fahrenheit year-round. I know
the engines run hot, so does this sound right? >>
That's what I use in San Francisco weather. The thicker oil will exacerbate
your occasional lifter noise.
BenT
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
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