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