Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2002 22:35:25 -0400
Reply-To: Karl M <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl M <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject: Re: [Syncro] Tiico Concern regarding bending frame rail
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I believe that if the three-bolt flange supplied by Tiico is welded onto the
body member as VW did in the diesel Vanagons, this problem would be
alleviated. The twisting of the engine on only two bolts is too much strain.
However, the best solution still is to remove the rubber joints in the end
of the offending support cradle, and weld it solid. There is no possible
reason this should void a warranty, in my opinion, since it is a marked
improvement over the original design if performed correctly.
Karl Mullendore
Westy Ventures
1987 Westfalia Syncro 1.9TD
----- Original Message -----
> Hi there,
> a few of us have noticed that the left engine cradle is causing the
> vanagon frame rail to bend. This is seen at the rear of the cradle where
> it is bolted to the bus. This situation has been documented recently by
> two other listees.
>
> This is a potentially dangers sitation espicially if this carrier breaks!
>
> What is happening is the mass of the engine (and any force from bumps in
> the road, etc) is being transferred to the joint at the rear of the
> engine cradle, resulting in torque on the frame rail and subsequently
> bending the frame rail. I encourage you to look at this for yourself.
>
> There exists a few solutions. One is to replace the complete left side
> engine cradle with a solid-jointed variety (vw part #251 199 203 E,
> about 200$) or to weld your TiiCo supplied joint solid. Having a solid
> connection instead of the pivotable joint will transfer the load from a
> torque to a sheer, like the Right Hand Engine cradle is setup.
>
> Peter B. in the TiiCo customer service department has be contacted and is
> on top of this situation.
>
> In the mean time, i am asking that everybody with a TiiCo engine please
> look at their left (driver's side) rear (back of the bus) engine cradle
> where it attaches to the bus and see if it is bent. Upon installation,
> which i have pictures to prove, that engine cradle bracket was verticle,
> which it is obviously not now. If possible, snap a photo and email it to
> me so i bundle them and send them to the customer service dept. of TiiCo.
>
> Note that welding or replacing your engine carrier may (will?) void the 12
> month warranty.
>
> I will get back to everybody once i hear about a solution to this problem
> from TiiCo.
>
> Thanks
> matthew
> 86 syncro westy tiico
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