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Date:         Sat, 23 Dec 2006 18:23:28 -0800
Reply-To:     BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: More advice, please
Comments: To: Nathaniel Poole <npoole@telus.net>
In-Reply-To:  <C1B312A4.2405%npoole@telus.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

On 12/23/06, Nathaniel Poole <npoole@telus.net> wrote: > > I've got a decision to make. Just bought a '84 non running Westy for $750 > Ca. Guy has replaced gas tank rad clutch brakes bearings, cooling hoses, > CV > joints and did a bunch of body work (rust at the side service fittings) > welded in new metal. > > Engine is out of a California '86. > He spent his summer holidays doing all this work and when the engine > wouldn't work right he just walked away from it.

Well, since the 84 WBX was a 1.9 whilst the 86 is a 2.1, the DPO must have converted the engine.

The engine hasn't been run in months and it smoked white like crazy when I > got it running, and I might be wrong but heard a not-very-loud knock that > made me wonder main bearings (Didn't sound like con rod). But then, I > don't > know what these things are supposed to sound like.

Wasserboxers usually lose pressure in the hydraulic lifters when stored. That could be the knock the you are hearing assuming it is a knock. The white smoke is a sign of a bad headgasket. However, it is also possible that the old engine blew a headgasket and there is still water in the muffler. How do I know this? It happened to my buddy & I recently. If the gaskets are bad, that could be more serious noises you are hearing.

It has some kind of big secondary heater underneath it - what is that? > > Don't remember seeing a propane tank.

Probably a gas heater. Eberspacher.

My dilemma now is whether to gut this beast or fix it up. I still have my > '80 Riviera which is in fabulous condition, but I don't like the > conversion > -cabinets too small, very basic interior, fixed vinyl seats, no tables and > more cramped. I could swap the whole interior of this Westy into my AC and > be happy, although I wouldn't have the 50% increase in Hp. Certainly it > would be a much cleaner, lower mileage vehicle. Or I could pull up my > sleeves and fix up the Westy and sell the Riviera.

That becomes a matter of personal choice. I prefer Westies to the any other conversions available in the US. I also prefer WBX Vanagons to aircooled.

-- BenT


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