Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2004 06:58:04 -0700
Reply-To: Rocket J Squirrel <j.michael.elliott@ADELPHIA.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Rocket J Squirrel <j.michael.elliott@ADELPHIA.NET>
Subject: Re: known Vanagon problems
In-Reply-To: <412F2077.1060804@fyi.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
This is brilliant. What would be very useful to us amateur mechanics new
to Vanagons would be to turn it into a FAQ. Then, in the case where the
solution to the problem is not self-evident ("replace light bulb"), a
quickie description of a procedure and list o' parts. I would be happy
to volunteer my time to create the web page, but would need others to
provide the text. I can maintain it, too. Volunteers with photos, links
to parts suppliers w/ part numbers, knock-knock jokes, etc.?
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 VW Type 2 / 84 Westy: A poor but proud race.
KG6RCR
Eric Zeno wrote:
> I have compiled a list of unusually COMMON problems
> that have shown up in our beloved Vanagons.
> I'm not including regular maintenance items
> like brakes, or light bulbs after 100,000 miles.
> These are problems I have seen in a lot of Vanagons
> that are regular premature problem. I am looking
> for suggestions to add to this list. Here is what I
> have so far: 2-25-2002
>
>
> Common Vanagon Problems------
> 1 - Water Leaks: front windshield, side seals, side windows
> 2 - Head Gaskets: need I say more
> 3 - Water pump: every 50,000 miles
> 4 - Rear hatch struts: hatch falls
> 5 - Rear heater: core leaks
> 6 - Engine idle controls: throtle switch out of adjustment, idle stab
> controller unit
> fails, idle stab valve gets gummed up.
> 7 - fuel leaks: cigar tube, clamps rust, hose brittle
> Plastic fuel fitting on firewall fails
> Fuel tank vent system leaks
> 8 - Front heater: blow motor seizes,blows fuse, burns switch
> 9 - Front heater duct/control: internal flap seals deteriorate, air leaks
> 10 - head light ground wire: wire to small, low voltage, head lights dim
> 11 - Electrical connections: crimp connectors get hot/melt, several bad
> grounds
> 12 - Power door locks: esp. driver's door, wiring harness breaking, out
> of adjustment
> 13 - Ignition switch: gets intermittent, hot when high beam are on.
> 14 - Headlight switch: Melts, quits
> 15 - Inside sliding door handle: not strong enough internally, socket
> splits
> 16 - cooling system parts leak: plastic components, distributor on fire
> wall, expansion
> tank cracks, pressure cap. leaks, hose clamps loose
> 17 - body rust: Seams rust, Cavity in front of tail lights
> 18 - Clutch pedal linkage: clevis pin wear, play in pedel
> 19 - Power steering: rack leaks fluid.
> 20 - Engine performace problem: ECU, wiring to (or) temp. sensor, O2
> sensor,
> constant speed shutter, AFM wearout (bucking).
> 21 - Non-power side mirrors: mirror will not stay in place, rust in
> socket
> 22 - Clutch: chatter
> 23 - Early slide windows -- glued bearing pieces fall out
>
> Syncro------
> 1 - Drive shaft: vibration/balance problem
> 2 - Transaxle: creeper gear trying to escape, blows hold in case
> 3 - Transaxle: Synchronizers 3th and 4th break, can not shift
> 4 - Viscous Coupling: locks up or completely free, hard to detect
> 5 - fuel sending unit: rusts out, wire breaks off, gauge dead
>
> Camper------
>
> 1 - Fridge: Pilot light blowing out while driving
>
> Cory Sammons wrote:
>
>> I will search the archives as well so don't repeat any long threads.
>> Looking at buying a 87 syncro westy for sale in the NE
>> Anything in particular I should worry about?
>> Known problems / recurring problems etc.
>> Thinking of upgrading from my 84
>> Anyone want the 84?
>> Thanks
>>
>> Cory Sammons
>> 84 Westy
>> 99 New Beetle
>> Gardiner, NY
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
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