Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 13:14:11 -0500
Reply-To: john runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: john runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
Subject: Trip Report: 742 miles and a blown seal
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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)