Date: Sat, 11 Jan 2003 14:20:12 -0800
Reply-To: zolo <zolo@FOXINTERNET.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: zolo <zolo@FOXINTERNET.COM>
Subject: I got back from CA with the '85 Westy...
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Thanks for all of you who responded to my request of help on the way
back. Fortunately did not need it, I could manage on my own with the
troubles.
I found an '85 Westy with good interior and fixer upper exterior.
The engine was running rough but made it home to Seattle. It is a
previously reconditioned engine and a lot of little things are new on
it. The starter did hardly turn over and the help of an other fully
charged battery did not make it either. It started well with
pushing. So, all the way, I had to look out for spots with slope,
including gas stations. It also leaks out on top when filled up,
scaring the attendants in Oregon where there is help at every gas
station for you. As I looked under, finding no spare tire, - but
there was no jack and wrench anyway,- I also noticed that the gas
tank was crushed by a knowledgable person who was trying to lift the
car up, causing the sediment inside to migrate to unwanted area, like
the outlet to the filter and fuel pump. At halfway, after I had a
nice day at the Pebble Beach Golf Club, making nine over par, finally
the thing died just after refuelling. Cold and rain did not hold me
back from changing the fuel filter that was supplied by the seller.
Started again and kept on going with sporadic coughing and jerking
but cleared itself and did not do it again. The brown color of the
exhaust suggested that the fuel mixture is slightly lean, so I
adjusted it one full turn clockwise on the air flow meter. I am not
sure if the performance got better but surely used more gas.
I also had to take the scenic route of HWy 101 to avoid the big
mountains and the snow and ice and chains and all the misery, because
I did not have the confidence in the car to make it over those slopes
other than first or second gear.
It took me almost four days to make it home.
I also went to see "Go Westy" on the way when I saw that I am just
passing Los Osos. I phoned them up, they gave me directions and
fifteen miles later I was in their shop. What a nice, well organized
place with all those guys who know so much. They supplied me the set
of curtains that was missing from the van and a set of tires and
wheels for my old trusty air cooled family camper. But most
importantly they fixed the persistent oil leak that was scaring the
seller. I left a stack of money at their place but I only bought
stuff that was needed.
So, with some fear of the unknown, I have carried on, sleeping in the
van in the sleeping bag that I took with me, looking at great sunsets
on the rugged Oregon coast, driving kind of high up on the hillsides.
I did not need the heater in California but sure it would have been
nice to have it working. I think the thermostat did not work because
the temp needle was low always and the heater only blew warm when it
startd to get warmer in heavy traffic.
Finally I got onto I-5, that is from Canada to Mexico, and managed to
maintain a respectable speed on the straights and downhills. Made it
to home late night and now I can start restoring one more Westy that
was saved from the crusher.
Sorry if it was a little longer. Just the way I am...
Zoltan
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