Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2001 08:32:06 -0700
Reply-To: Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Organization: WetWesties <http://wetwesties.org>
Subject: VW Howard looking for ideas...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Howard asked ne to forward this since he is not on-list at this time.
Please direct your comments to <mailto:vwhoward@wagenwerks.com)>
Jim Arnott
WetWesties
Union, OR
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
_______________________________________________________________________
1985 Volkswagen Vanagon
Engine: 1.9 L / 4 cyl / Gas / OHV
Fuel: Fuel Injection
Ignition: Distributor-Breakerless
Trans: 4-speed Standard Transaxle
Mileage: 120,000 miles
Emissions: US Fed emissions w/cat conv.
VIN: WV2YB0255FH013540
Misc Data: Eurospec engine conversion
Symptoms: Broken exhaust pipe
Occurs: After a few months
More Info: Repair history included below
____________________________________________________________
This is not the original head gasket leaking, oil light
buzzing engine that came with the van. At the owners
request I replaced that engine with a more reliable one.
This engine is sort of a hybrid. It is a combination of a
new 2.0 engine and a vanagon diesel. By that I mean the
long block is OEM with a different oil pan, mounts and
exhaust system. The van really runs great. Both the owner
and myself could not be happier. However, the exhaust
collector pipe is now broken for the 2nd time. This pipe is
located just below the exhaust manifold. It is shaped like
a "J". It has a 4 bolt flange at the manifold, a curved
section, a small pre-cat. and finally a 3 bolt triangle
flange at the outlet end. Next is the vanagon original cat
converter, then another curved "J" pipe, and finally the
muffler and tail pipe.
The problem we are having is the collector pipe continues
to crack. When it does this it is not even at one of the
seams. The metal cracks and tears in a spiral pattern. The
first one cracked after only a few months use. I thought
maybe it was a defect. This pipe looks fabricated by the
way. VW does not have a listing for it here on the east
coast. I replaced it and thought all was well until this
week. Now the pipe is cracked and I am not sure what to do.
I would like to help this very good customer. I can not
recommend another replacement pipe until I know why this is
happening.
My question to you folks is, do you have an answer? Have
you seen this happen with this combination of parts? Can
you think of a reason this is happening? The local exhaust
shop thinks it is heat related. Maybe a restriction in the
system. This does not seem like the answer to me. The
exhaust flows good, the cat is in good shape inside, it
passes an emission test with no problems and, after hours
of operation, it does not get hot. It just made it across
the Country and back. I should add that in case you do not
know, the entire exhaust system is bolted to the engine.
When the engine moves, so does the exhaust. Does anyone
know what kind of exhaust system the TII South African VW
motors come with? VW of South Africa has been replacing the
Vanagon 1.9 and 2.1 liter engines with a similar one as
this. Maybe I could just swap the entire exhaust system
over to that version. If that would fix it, we would gladly
do it. Anyone know?
Thank you very much. If you are still reading this then you
took the time to read this very long, wordy post. I
appreciate it. I wanted to provide as much info as
possible.
Howard Pitkow
Owner/Technician
Wagenwerks, Inc.
Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, USA