Date: Tue, 1 May 2001 07:19:29 -0700
Reply-To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@worldnet.att.net>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@worldnet.att.net>
Tony,
When hydrocarbons bond with oxygen, the byproducts are carbon dioxide and
water, along with a percentage of pollutants, etc. When your exhaust is
cold, that water runs out the tailpipe, and is usually kinda rusty from rust
within the exhaust system. As the exhaust heats up, the water comes out n
the form of invisible vapor. If all you got is rusty water, and only when
cold, this is perfectly normal for any internal combustion engine.
Can't help you on the AC, and it's your decision on the rust.
Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Gould" <tgerr85@yahoo.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 12:34 AM
> Ok -- So I went and looked at the van today:
>
> The van was listed as '90 Carat - actually is a '89
> Carat. It is at a used handicapped van place - asking
> is $6000 - Edmunds has it from $2500-4800 depending on
> repairs etc. (this van has a used wheelchair lift in
> the side door - probably worth $500-750). Automatic
> with air. (A/C no workie - see below)
>
> So after I inspected it for around an hour (thanks to
> the list for the form - totally valuable to use:
> http://vanagon.com/info/articles/buring/bus-buyers-guide/index.html)
>
>
> and before I even drove it I told the guy about the
> engine (see below) and offered him $2500. He's
> getting back to me tomorrow on that figure.
>
> I'd really, really appreciate comments from folks
> about the engine issue
>
> Major issues:
>
> a. Now for big news - when I got there it had been
> moved across their parking lot. There was dampness in
> the tail pipe and a brown spot of rusty water on the
> ground. When I started it specks of water flew out of
> the exhaust pipe. A mechanic I phoned told me this
> means either: bad headgaskets or a cracked head.
> Note: after I drove it I checked the exhaust pipe and
> it was dry
> Any ideas anyone? A mechanic i've visited b4 - Bela
> Auto in Burbank, CA said over phone this is probably
> at least headgaskets or maybe cracked cylindar heads
> (as i figured) and would be around $1500 - 2000.
>
> (b) Engine stumbles sometimes when starting out - and
> also when cold - any ideas anyone?
>
> When driving the van has great zip - plenty of pickup
> and generally a pleasure to drive. I'm totally hooked
> on getting a Vanagon after this drive...just not sure
> if this is THE one....
>
> FEEDBACK PLEASE !!!!!!
>
> b. Was hit in right rear, had broken engine
> mount/frame problems (fixed per repair records)
>
> General Stuff:
> (1)Has wheelchair swing lift - old model - no longer
> made - works
> (2) Regular radials -not LT tires
> (3) Ran VIN# search - sold 1st in Illinois - was there
> for 4 years (had 80,000 when came out to calif)
> (4) Rust under sliding door track, under step-ups at
> front doors, at lower left windshield
> (5) No rust found in wheel wheels front or rear (maybe
> a new undercoat job???)
> (6) Missing: spare and jack
> (7) small chip in windshield
> (8) Interior in great shape - new headliner; seats not
> worn or squishy; carpet ok
> (9) gauges worked to spec
> (10) ran cool during/after drive
> (11) new front rotors/pads - rears unknown
> (12) new power steering pump
> (13) A/C is down the middle - and doesn't blow cold---
> any ideas anyone?
> (14) Drove ok - no pulling; brakes worked good - no
> pulling or diving to one side/other
> (15) no weeping of water/oil/fluids around engine
> before test drive or after
> (16)Dipstick showed no water beads before/after
> driving
> (17) Engine oil didn't smell of exhaust excessively
> before/after driving
>
>
> --- Tony Gould <tgerr85@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > all,
> >
> > I am the dad of a 15 yr old wheelchair user -
> > interested in purchasing a vanagon w/power lift for
> > the chair into the side door. Saw an ad for a '90
> > w/150,000 miles -- original engine/auto trans
> > w/front
> > and center air....$5990 It is located here in So
> > Calif....
> > - any feedback on reliablity - what to look for (i
> > know about the headgaskets, possible incorrect
> > water/coolant issues, blow-by on the rings/guides
> > etc)....reliablity? other issues/whatch-out-fors?
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Tony
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do You Yahoo!?
> > Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great
> > prices
> > http://auctions.yahoo.com/
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
> http://auctions.yahoo.com/
>
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