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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
Comments: To: john runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
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)


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