Date:         Sat, 10 Feb 2007 11:59:47 EST
Reply-To:     Dvdclarksn@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Clarkson <Dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Subject:      central door lock problems/archive problems-continued (sort of
              long)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I last posted on a problem with the central door lock mechanisms on my 1990
westy (thanks to Tom-_neemo@yahoo.com_ (mailto:Tom-neemo@yahoo.com) , for the
alternative  solution with aftermarket actuators/switches). Unbelievably, my
wiring is all  intact, but I may still run extra wires for when the originals
fail. My drivers  side door lock actuator had internal corrosion and was shot-a
good argument for  keeping the seals around the front windows maintained or
replaced. All  other door lock actuators are working well after cleaning the
sliding door  contact switches with light sanding and an eraser (trick that I
learned at work  at my Honda dealership). I bought a replacement actuator off of
a 91 vanagon  from a parts yard that did work but seemed to need some
internal lubrication.  The drainage hole/lubrication port didn't quite get it well
enough so I  removed the screws and opened the case to spray electrical
cleaner/lubricant on the motor-works perfectly and then to use some heavier  white
lithium grease on the internal gears. I didn't get the largest wheel that  has
the contacts for the motor/sliding switch exactly back in place and now the
actuator doesn't work exactly right (straining /overheating the motor at one
point-be careful and attentive to details if you do this). I had thoroughly
disassembled my original actuator so I don't have it as a guide. Does  anyone on
the list have a picture or could take a picture of a working actuator  that is
opened so that I can see the exact position of the largest wheel  gear? Any
help that anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated. I tried to  search the
archives and once loaded I am almost always getting a blank  screen (heavy
traffic?). Is anyone else experiencing problems like this? Thanks  to everyone.
This list has been so generous and helpful to me where Bentley  falls short on
the details. Happy motoring all.

David Clarkson
90 Westy (235k)