Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2002 10:58:04 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Trip Report: 742 miles and a blown seal
In-Reply-To: <BA2776A2.4930%jrunberg@mac.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Unfortunately, the seals you really need are the piston rings. This is a
common problem with the diesels and it is caused by excessive piston
blow-by at the higher engine speeds. Make sure the crankcase vent lines
are clear. If you only have the vent from the valve cover, you may want
to add another vent from the block. A fitting can sometimes be added at
the block off plate where a fuel pump would sit on the gas engines. Keep
in mind that if you get too much oil into the intake manifold, the
engine can run away as engine oil does make good fuel for the Diesel.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of john runberg
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2002 1:14 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Trip Report: 742 miles and a blown seal
Just took the new-to-me Vanagon diesel on a trip into the mountains for
business and am glad to say I made it home - barely.
The trip was from Virginia Beach to Blacksburg (both in Virginia) and I
got
to go over one of the steeper mountain passes in the state. The van did
OK -
better than I expected - only slowing to about 45 on the steepest climb.
Wasn't expecting to have to drive the diesel, but the Carat sprung
another
leak which I haven't fixed yet. Combine that w/ it's noisy/scary tranny
and
I don't feel so good about long trips. My new tranny from will fix that
once
installed. Although the diesel had problems, it did average 32mpg with
an
average speed of 53mph. Nice.
The good: Maybe I'm the only one, but the Carat seats that I put in this
van
are super-comfy. They made the 7hr drive not only bearable, but
enjoyable as
well. I can't drive more than an hour in the Jetta without butt pain.
I got there, and got home. I even was able to drive a consultant to the
airport (who actually got a kick out of it).
The bad: Spattered oil all over the back hatch from a missing o-ring on
the
dip-stick hole. Whatta mess. Quick fix with strategically placed duct
tape
to hold it tight in there and it was better on the way home. What's the
best
way to clean this?
Air bubbles in the system meant no heat most of the time. COLD drive in
a
giant noisy box. Didn't help that the interior had been pulled to clean
it
so what little insulation there was spent the trip in my garage!
Noticed oil on the ground before beginning to head home. The clutch
chattered a bit previously so I assumed I was getting oil in there, but
this
was the first time I saw oil on the ground. Checked the reserve supply
of
oil and headed out. Stopped halfway across the mountains and noticed a
8"
puddle after only getting a drink. Out come the nerves. Top up and begin
praying. Nothing happens for the next several hundred miles until I get
off
the interstate and come to my first light. SEVERE chatter coming away
from
the light. Second light is the same thing, but this time 4th slips
unless
I'm careful. At this point I'm so happy I made it this far I'm fine with
it
just giving up and me walking home (probably warmer that way, too), but
I
make it home and slide it into it's spot in the driveway. Go in, say
hello,
and come out to a 12" puddle. I think I have a leak.
So how hard is it to change this seal? I assume the clutch is history as
well, or can it be salvaged?
Thoughts?
John
90 Carat
82 Diesel (bless it's heart)