Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 20:00:19 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: auto. trans. towing - Rambling questions
In-Reply-To: <0a3301c5561f$2cd30910$6401a8c0@aag>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
There are less FI issues reported for 85 and earlier vans mostly because
there are less of them and people who buy them not knowing better tend
to have serviced by others. The earlier FI is more tolerant to bad
inputs so it will keep running even with bad sensors such as the O2. The
later FI system is actually designed to nearly shut down if things are
not right. Chrysler products of that error worked the same way. Since
there is no warning indicator of an emissions system failure,
drivability becomes so bad, it has to be fixed.
The later vans have better front brakes, better AC, and the engine has
better main bearings. There is also an oil cooler but the longer stroke
and power of the engine make that a requirement. Excessive oil temps can
still be a problem. The dynamic oil pressure warning system was added
for a reason. The exhaust is also a better design, especially the
muffler brackets.
Typical life for an auto tranny is somewhere from 100-200k miles. The
fianll drive lasts forever or until there is no gear oil in it. The auto
section is usually an easy rebuild and all tranny shops can get the
parts for reasonable cost. The torque converter has to be sent out for
rebuild.
There are a number of bushings in the auto that rely on oil pressure for
lubing. They can get damaged from being towed with out the engine
running. If it still drives OK without weird noises, it is probably OK.
Still, I don't recommend doing it.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of AAG - Larry Word
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 7:47 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: auto. trans. towing - Rambling questions
Hello all knowing Vanagon group......(I am always amazed at knowledge
base of this extended group....)
I have owned a 1985 Vanagon 1/2 camper for years and always thought this
older model water cooled Vanagon might have a
more simply, more reliable service life experience than the newer 86-91
Vanagons (based on the # of FI entries/? on the list - 83-85 vs.
86-91?).
Any truth to that idea (that the FI system of the older 83-85 water
cooled Vanagon is "more reliable" than the later 86-91 FI system?).
I have had excellant service from my 1985 1/2 Camper but I am
considering "upgrading" to a 86-91 Vanagon in order that my wife
would drive this updated vanagon w/ its auto. trans. and better
interior. Couple of model / year type ?'s:
-what is the upside of upgrading to a 86-91 Vanagon other than its
superior water pump layout, auto. trans.
(what are the reliability "thoughts" on this superior more complex
auto. vs. manual transmissions common to the 86-91 vans?), and
superior (more modern) interiors common to the 86-91 models over the
83-85 models.
-If I purchase auto. trans. which is the (1) life expectancy of such
units (mileage) and (2) what are common rebuilding cost for auto. trans.
on the 86-91 vanagon.
-What is a good source for getting a Vanagon auto. trans. rebuilt
in the SE USA area?
-Any "$ issues" on the 86-91 Vanagons that I've not had to deal with
on the older 83-85 Vanagons?
Last ?, what happens to a auto. trans. Vanagon if towed incorrectly with
the rear wheels on the ground (say of a tow dolly) for 200 miles (this
occured on a recent E-bay auto. trans. Vanagon auction and curious minds
want to know......).
Thanks for advance for advice......sorry for mulitple ? but that's where
I am at in this decision making process (Stay w/ 85 model with its round
highlights, manual trans. and slightly "simply" interior or attempt to
"upgrade" to a 86-91 model in an attempt to gain this three items
(interior, exterior, and auto. trans.).
Larry
Georgia
