Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 00:04:49 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Let me introduce myself- finally!
In-Reply-To: <17700134.1117765064425.JavaMail.root@wamui-little.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
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I think it takes a lot of courage for a non mechanical person to buy an
18 year old vehicle and embark on a 1,600 mile trip through the
mountains. Even if this is a low mileage vehicle, there are many parts
that can fail due to age. Particularly the hoses and suspension
bushings. Before the trip-consider the following:
Tires- Are they in good condition and the proper type? If the van has
sat a lot, they should be replaced if over 5 years old regardless of
tread. Make sure they are rated to at least 44 psi inflation pressure.
Brakes- Can't say enough here. Have the fluid changed, make sure the
shoes and pads are good and the drums and rotors have not been cut
beyond their limits. Quality pads and shoes are extremely important for
these brakes to work right. Carefully inspect brake hoses. Also, flush
old fluid out of clutch cylinders. Change power steering fluid and
filter. Synthetic ATF works best.
Suspension-have front checked carefully. Front radius rod bushings often
need replacement.
Engine- Have compression, leak-down, and oil pressure tests done. Oil
change, Mobil 1 15w-50.
Transmission- manual or auto- change fluid or fluids. Again, I like
synthetics. Check operation. If manual, should not make any grinding
crunching noises when shifting. If shifter moves in third gear when
throttle is applied or released, indicates main bearing and gear carrier
housing may be failing. Have CV joints checked and re-greased if not
done recently. Service front/rear wheel bearings.
Cooling system-Thoroughly inspect all hoses and connections. If main
coolant pipes to radiator have not been changed, have the hoses pulled
and the pipes inspected for the ends cracking. Replace them if needed.
87 still used screw type hose clamps. Replace with the spring type
clamps. These allow for expansion without crushing the hoses or cracking
the pipe ends. Check the tees to the rear heater core. The replacements
are plastic. If you get any weird smells in the van, you probably need
new heater cores. Inspect the radiator. They not only clog but they can
crack internally letting coolant go from the feed to the return without
actually traveling through. If the water pump is approaching 60K,
replace it.
As for the fridge, it really works best on propane. The 12 volt only
works when the engine is running and the performance is such, the
thermostat is not even used on 12 volt. 110v is convenient if at a
campground with hookups. The fridge should stay lighted while driving,
if not something is wrong. Be sure to turn off the propane when
refueling in case of a spill.
Hope this helps.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Lisa Bliss
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 10:18 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Let me introduce myself- finally!
Hi friends,
I have been lurking around here for about a month and I guess it is time
to introduce myself! First I was waiting for our westy purchase to go
through. The seller was reluctant to part with it and now that we have
officially adopted it, I think I understand why. I love it!!! My
friends love it!!! My kid loves it!
I am about to embark with my 7 year old daughter on a trip from Atlanta
to Crested Butte, Colorado to visit a friend and bum around camping for
the month of July. It was just going to be me and my daughter but my
friend's brother is now coming along for the drive from Atlanta to
Colorado. I am quite happy to have the company and the know how as he
is an excellent outdoorsman. Husband will join us for a week at some
point, but except for my passenger on the first leg I am going to be on
my own.
My van did not come with any manuals so I bought one on ebay for
vanagons. I need to get my hands on instructions for the fridge and
stove - I have no idea how to light these things and I think I will
need some help. Does anybody know where to get instructions for how to
light these two things?
If I understand correctly, I should first cool the fridge for 24
hours on electric power and then switch to auxillary battery? Only
power it with propane if going to be settled in one spot for the whole
time?
The van is at the mechanic now getting some things taken care of before
the trip. Because I am going to high altitude, should I ask the
mechanic to adjust for this??
I have appreciated the suggestions on the list about what to pack and I
am going to track down the list of repair shops between here and there
if the need should arise. I have some extra belts. Gathering my other
must have and like to have supplies and emergency items. Really looking
forward to hitting the road for 4 weeks and hope that I meet some of you
out there.
Happy trails to all -
Lisa Bliss
1987 Westy "Bree"