Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 10:46:48 -0700
Reply-To: Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Doug in Calif <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
Subject: Re: Need Viscous Coupling Refresher Course - '91 Syncro
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
My vc in my 87 syncro just recently gave up, it was agressive in tight turns
but no more. I was backing up my small utility trailer accross some mulch in
my yard and started to spin, first thing I did is engage the rear diff lock,
still spinning, I thought "wow" spinning all three, looked outside and saw
the fronts doing nuttin. (bad vc) as soon as I can get the cash I will be
installing the manual decoupler and SOLID shaft in place of the vc and will
never look back. IMHO the vanagon should have had the manual decoupler all
along. If it were mine to design I would have designed it with free wheeling
locking front hubs and a low range transfer case so you would have had a
SUPER SUPER low gear and 4 speeds for off road.
The dreamer...
----- Original Message -----
From: "vanagon teepee" <vanagonteepee@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 6:03 PM
Subject: Need Viscous Coupling Refresher Course - '91 Syncro
> Hi All,
>
> I have some very basic questions about the viscous coupling and the
> best 4WD practices/ operation for my '91 Syncro Camper. I used to
> know some of this stuff, but it's been a while and now I only know
> enough to ask the questions. :-)
>
> 1) Is it accurate to call the Syncro an "on demand" 4 wheel drive or
> All Wheel Drive? It's my understanding that the viscous coupling is,
> in effect "always on"..with the discs always spinning and ready to
> transfer power instantly to the wheels with traction. Is that
> accurate?
>
> 2) Is it nonetheless possible for my viscous coupling to somehow be
> broken or not functioning? I was testing it recently starting from a
> stop going up a steep slippery road, and I got the rear tires spinning
> nicely but with no obvious, notable help from the front tires kicking
> in. (I am not 100% certain about this...they may have a little.)
>
> 3) When I pull out the differential lock knob, nothing happens...no
> light, no lock that I can tell -- nothing. What's the likely cause?
>
> 4) Under most circumstances where you would want the 4WD to actively
> kick in whenever needed (driving in snow for example) is it still
> better to keep the differential unlocked?
>
> What ARE situations where locking the differential makes a big
difference.?
>
> Thank you.
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