Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 09:15:31 -0600
Reply-To: jay mattern <jmattern@HOUSTON.RR.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: jay mattern <jmattern@HOUSTON.RR.COM>
Subject: Considering Purchase 83.5 water cooled Westfalia
In-Reply-To: <200402160504.i1G54ZAt021810@txmx01.mgw.rr.com>
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Hi,
I am considering purchasing a clean one owner 160k miles westy that's been
sitting under a TREE in my friends driveway for 5 or more years (Garaged
previously). (He took it to a non vw mechanic (only once) for a tune up and
it was towed back to his house...long story) We do not believe it was
overheated. He had new heads put in prior to the negative mechanic
experience.
I am expecting my first born in <3 months and am leaning toward having a
mechanic do repairs to get it running and then do most maintenance myself if
I can. (My experience on other vehicles is basic maintenance and minor
repairs incl. alternator, water pump, clutch)
I had a VW mechanic (30+years at same location) in houston check it out and
he says
A* it has good compression in all cylinders (115 psi?)
B* all fuel injectors are frozen up and need replacement
C* water pump leaks and needs replacement
D* it ran and sounded good to him
E* some surface rust and rust through in 1/4" spot in roof gutter and lower
driver windshield pillar
MY QUESTIONS:
1. Is there a good source for testing and cleaning fuel injectors
2. OR what is the best source and approx price for new injectors .
3. is a factory manual sufficient for learning to replace fuel injectors, &
waterpump myself
4. Is there a westfalia club in houston or owners phonelist I can chat with
via telephone
5. What is a price range for an 83.5 vanagon westfalia ? He was asking
2500 and came down to 1500. (is this too high?
6. Should I watch ebay for a later model westy (i'd like a 86 thru 91) or
subaru vanagon?
7. Are the worst case repair costs below reasonable (parts & labor) when
considering purchasing this westy?
Fluid change
25 Oil;
25 Brake;
25 Clutch;
25 Coolant;
50 Gas Tank Drain;
25 Washer Fluid
800 4 Fuel Injectors
400 Water Pump
Tune Up:
50 Spark Plugs
50 Wires
50 Coil
50 Distributor Cap
200 O2 Sensor
100 Brake Job
Rust Repair
400 Tires
100 Wax & Detail
50 Emissions Inspection
8. What are other probable significant maintenance & repair costs?
9. Is there a good source for subaru converted vanagons?
9. Please correct me if my post does not follow format for this list serve
and give source for instructions.