Volks, Reflections on 2003 and the North American Road Trip. In February of 2003 the RoadHaus left my Daughter and Son-In-Law's place in Mesa, Arizona. She started out as a beautiful 1990 Syncro Westfalia that had been lovely maintained and ~80% rebuilt. Since then we have traveled 38,000 miles. Along the way: Tow truck rides = 3 Engine rebuilds = 4 Three = 2.2L design piston replacement rebuilds (#1 piston blew up) One = 2.1L OE piston replacement rebuild Most know the sad story of my unfortunate choice of engine rebuilders. So I won't repeat the saga here. Parts replacements: Starter = 1 Fan Belts = 3 (tough Alaskan & Canadian roads) AC Compressors = 3 (still doesn't work) Water Pumps = 2 CV Repack (front) = 1 Transmission Reseal = 1 Distributor O-Ring = 1 Oil Pump seals (inner & outer) = 1 Oil Changes = 10 Tune Ups = 1 Spark Plugs = 2 sets Right Rear Wheel Bearing Sets (Inner & Outer) = 4 Now it's February of 2004 and we are on our way to Florida ... planning to follow Spring up the Eastern Seaboard. I'm sad to say the RoadHaus is limping a little bit. - The front inner CV joints are getting worn * Have been repacked but will need replacement someday soon) - The engine mounts are sagging a bit * Exhaust vibrates on the Syncro sub frame once in a while - The engine compression is marginal * Cylinder 1: 85 psi * Cylinder 2: 130 psi * Cylinder 3: 150 psi * Cylinder 4: 145 psi Note: Cylinder 1 was the one that kept burring pistons with the previous 2.2L engine design The plan is to run the current engine until she can't go anymore. - The Right Rear wheel bearings are failing prematurely * Collective thinking at this point is to replace the complete right rear stub axel assembly .... someday. One a positive note ........ she keeps chugging along. I think the RoadHaus wants and needs this trip as much as I do :) She is a "Game" ole girl. Important point - each time she had a major breakdown, I have either been able to limp into a excellent VW shop or get towed a short distance to one. The RoadHaus previously know as Sprudel has always taken good care of me & Bullet the road dog. She has been an amazing ride. 2004 looks to be a dicey year. Just as it should be for a 1990 Syncro Westfalia know as RoadHaus on the North American Road Trip.
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, But in having new eyes. ~ Marcel Proust Larry Chase Email: RoadGuy@RoadHaus.com Web: <file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/RoadHaus/Application%20Data/Micro soft/Signatures/WWW.RoadHaus.com> WWW.RoadHaus.com Cell: 408.202.1217 What: North American Road Trip How: RoadHaus - 1990 White VW Westfalia Syncro Today: Arizona headin to Florida |
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