Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2004 11:49:06 -0700
Reply-To: David Menche <dmenche914@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Menche <dmenche914@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: help in digest mode, and oil pressure, cooling system, thermostat
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hello All: I just joined this list, i have an 1986 California spec Vanagon.
some help is needed. i tried to get on the list in digest mode, by sending an email to the listserv address. I sent the message as " set digest " (but without the "" marks). I had nothing in the subject line, only in the body of the email. I got an error reply back.
How does one set up digest mode?, please walk me thru it, I am not real good at this computer lingo, and dispite trying to follow the instructions on the list web site, i still screwed up.
I got 170k miles on my original motor. Oil pressure is a bit low I think, but I only installed a gage recently. On the freeway (4000 rpm) it drops to 25-30 psi, which I think is a bit too low (sensor located at port on between pushrod tubes #3 and #4 cylinders) Is it true this pressure port is after the rocker passages, and hence it is ok to be this low in pressure???
I am using Mobil One 15w-50 oil, and a Mann filter.
Also my compressions readings are disturbing
#1 121 psi, #2 131 psi, #3 119 psi, #4 95 psi.
Van still runs ok, but does not have a lot of zip (not that is ever did, but I think it might be slowing down)
What are oil , and compression pressure readings that you all are getting.
I'd like to keep the existing engine as long as possible short of a total breakdown on a camping trip due to the cost of a new motor.
I have been looking at some motors on the web, the Go Westy site is intersting, I like the idea of there mid performance upgrade, slightly bigger displacement and a compression ratio boost. Anyone have experience with them, and their motors? I will have to pass California dyno smog tests, so that has to be considered in any future motor setup.
Also my CV's are shot, (at least three of them) I saw that Bus Depot sells complete axle shafts, sounds like an easy fix, anyone have experience with this vendor? Is this a quality CV / Axle assembly?
Also i have seen both 87C (stock) and 80C thermostats. I am replacing a cracked lower thermostat housing, and would like to know the benifits if any of the converting to the lower temp thermostat, is it recommended??? I drive in California, near the San Fransisco area, with camping trips up to tahoe, and yosemite, so i do pull some hills, sometimes in 80-90F weather.
Also i want to add a flush and fill kit to the cooling system, one of those inline kits you hook up to a garden hose. Is the hose to the rear heater core under the body an good place to install this flush and fill kit???
thanks, sorry for so many questions.
dave