Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2003 23:10:07 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Hello-and- suggested first steps for a new owner?
In-Reply-To: <000001c36900$bd90b640$52f61e41@mn.rr.com>
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Hi Julia!
Congrats on your "New Westy". I'm jealous!!
You asked about things to do for it.
First off, protect the vehicle by exercising certain precautions.
1) Our beloved Vanagon based vehicles are VERY prone to engine fires.
Since even the newest ones - 1991 models - are now 12 years old, and
yours is 14 years old, before going anywhere, you should replace every
fuel hose in the vehicle aft (that is to the rear) of the firewall. DO
NOT fail to do this. It is incredible how these things can burn.
There are a number of our list vendors that have kits just for this. Ken
Wilford at Vanagain. Com is where I got mine. I'm glad I did it when I
did, as I found some rotted fuel line and one where it was nearly worn
through by something rubbinhg on it. The fuel line replacement should be
an absolute top priority. I cannot emphasize this enough. You would be
heartbroken to suddenly see your new treasure and investment
unexpectedly burn to a crisp while on some wonderful trip of a lifetime.
2) Change the oil to a top brand of 20W50wt oil or to Mobil 1 15W50. I
did so recently and my oil consumption has dropped significantly. My
engine has 40,000 miles on it since a complete rebuild and up until
recently I had been running Texaco havoline 20W50. The flat engines will
always use a little bit of oil, but it was considerably reduced when I
made the switch. The change to the 20W50 will also help prevent the oil
light from coming on and scaring you half to death.
3) Install a Mahle Oil Filter. Do this when the oil is changed. The
Mahle filter has a pressure relief valve whose spring is is of the right
strength to prevent the infamous "Vanagon clacking Lifter Syndrome" From
occuring.
4) Vanagon Lifter Syndrome - How to Avoid.--- This is a clattering,
clacking sound from then engine that will just appear suddenly out of
nowhere at anytime and anyplace apparently for not good reason. It
sounds as if the engine is going to swallow a valve, or drop a lifter.
Very loud clacking sound. it is caused by a lifter going flat. Occurs
when parked with the engine off. Next start up the clacking sets in.
Caused by oil leaking out of the lifter. Results in the valvae train
being out of clearance adjustment, so "clackety - clack". Takes a while
to pump back up. This condition is contributed to by improper grade of
oil, and improper oil filter. If the filter pressure relief spring in
the filter is not sufficiently strong, the oil is not retained in the
oil galleries in the engine, the oil drains including the lifter, and
the next engine start, "Clackety - Clackety"!
So, follow through on items one and two are essential to avoid the
problems. I would do this before any first trip.
4) Have the manual transmission drained, the refilled with Redline MT 90
tranny fluid. It is a fine synthetic gear oil and has relieved many a
problem in our manual trannys. Makes for much easier shifting, and is
good on the long trips. Especially good in cold weather. The Redline is
ok to mix with the residual dinosaur oil that will be left in the
tranny. Doesn't hurt a thing. And then the next time you change the
tranny oil, it will be almost clean of other blends. Change the Redline
MT 90 out every two years. That mainly removes the metal filings from
normal wear from the tranny fluid.
5) Coolant: Coolant needs to be changed in these beasties every two
years. There is a corrosion problem with these engines and it tends to
make for head seal leaks. Thus the affection name for the watercooled
vans --- WasserLeakers.
Any good brand of phosphate-free coolant is good. Bio-degradable is even
better, and prolly VW's own "Blue Stuff" is best of all, though more
that twice the price per gallon of the more common domestic brands.
6) CV Joint Bearings and Boots. I would make sure these are in good
condition. If you have a torn boot, then you prol'ly need to have a new
CV installed. Once grit from the road gets in there, the bearings are
history. At least have them inspected when at a garage, and if you can
determine the last tie they were lubed, you may want to get it done
again before a long trip. At very minimum have the torque on the CV
bolts checked. Servicing the CV's is not terribly difficult, and can be
a rewarding experience.
Good luck,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Julia Schrenkler wrote:
>Hello all,
>
>This is a fantastic list and the archives are already helping cure those
>small baffling items…
>
>We picked up our first Westy (A lovely ’89 manual with comparatively low
>miles and great body!) on the 17th. We have the Bentley in one hand and
>the keys in the other. Beyond the usual paperwork rigmarole we’ve washed
>it to take care of the crud from the freeway drive home, started
>detailing the dash, and began working on the garage so it has safe haven
>during those Minnesota winters. The engine is a real sweetie that has
>only tasted the right coolant - and I plan to tend it well so it stays
>happy.
>
>But I want to ask you folks where you’d begin as a new Vanagon Westfalia
>owner. Where would you start? A short trip? Complete detailing? Rigorous
>camping accessories testing?
>
>-Julia
>
>
>