Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2005 19:24:29 -0400
Reply-To: dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Advice on potential trade of Eurovan for Vanagon
In-Reply-To: <BAY104-DAV704FF91A5B2816BBAAD38B5C20@phx.gbl>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Fuel mileage for an 81 Westy auto is more likely 12-15, on good days. The oil leak on a rebuild can be scary. If you are lucky it may be a bad valve cover gasket or a pinched push rod tube o ring. If the oil is coming from under a cylinder, it is most likely due to a bad engine case. These cases wear at the center bearing web. When reassembled, the case will distort as the halves are bolted together. The cylinders will not sit straight and parallel. The head will not seat properly on both cylinders causing the gasket to fail. Unburned oil that collects at the bottom of the cylinder will drip out. If a gasket or o ring did fail, it was either a very poor instalation or a sign the engine is over heating. Anyway, plan on another engine.
Dennis
----- Original Message -----
From: Franklin Wood <adventureracers@HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tuesday, August 2, 2005 6:42 pm
Subject: Advice on potential trade of Eurovan for Vanagon
> I am considering trading my 1993 Eurovan MV for a 1981 Vanagon
> Westy Camper. I could use some advice even if it is not in my favor.
>
> Here is the Westy's synopsis: ($1800) Automatic, runs well,good
> tires, propane stove and fridge(both work), water pump for
> sink(works),quartz headlights. Windshield has had crack for years
> & the plastic receptacle surround for water filler/city water/AC
> electric connection is broken but they are still functional. Small
> oil leak from left head. Engine rebuilt 3000-5000 miles ago. 18-19
> MPG
>
> Here is the Eurovan's synopsis: Light Blue 1993 Eurovan MV, 5 spd
> manual, 5 cyl, 2.5 L, gets 20 city and 24 highway, 210,000 miles,
> dual air conditioning which works well, seats 7 with 2 in front, 2
> in center facing rear and 3 in back facing forward. Back seat
> pulls out to comfortable queen size bed, pullout table, there is a
> shelf behind rear seat with 2 cabinets on each side, tires are 15"
> Michelin in rear and two all season soft tires in front for more
> comfortable ride. Replaced in the last 5000 miles: spark plug
> wires, tune up with new bosch spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor,
> OEM Bosch fuel filter, air filter, OEM muffler, oil filter and
> front rotors. I was told that I needed a new starter, so I bought
> it but the problem has gone away. I still have the starter and can
> install it or give it over to the next owner. I am about to get an
> oil change.There is no curtains, pop-top or cruise control.
> Everything else works. The interior is in good condition and the
> exterior is also except for the dent in the rear hatch. It does
> not affect the opening or closing of the hatch. The dent was there
> when I bought it, so I hadn't gotten the chance to get it fixed.
>
> Questions: Is the oil leak from the left head a big expense? How
> about the plastic receptacle surround expense?
>
> Any advice on this trade would be great. If anyone knows where
> else I could consider a trade or good deal on a Westy, that would
> be alright by me.
>
> Franklin in Seattle
> 93 EV
>
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