Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2004 09:04:21 -0700
Reply-To: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Subject: RoadHaus - Reflections on 2003
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
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
