Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2007 06:30:42 -0600
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Rebooting a idle 87 vanagon.
In-Reply-To: <AC2D0ED0-89AB-45B6-8487-B44FCAE6E9B2@newclear.us>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
For your project, I know you have gotten/gonna get some sage advice from
list members "in the know". Here's my $0.02.
There are two areas in which the "I think" mode is not gonna fly but the
"I know" mode is the one to be in.
#1) A very BIGGY here. You must KNOW about the status of the fuel lines.
There are going to be list member who are going to disagree with me,
BUT, with my sad experiences with fuel lines, from my point of view 5
year old fuel lines, especially lines 5 years old or older, especially
on a vehicle that I don't know automatically get changed out before it
goes anywhere. It simply ain't worth the risk to do otherwise.
#2) Brakes - These are a safety item, and I would make certain they are
in top operating order and all the bits, pieces and parts are in good
shape before taking the vehicle on the road, especially a relatively
long drive.
Like I said, my $0.02.
Good luck,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver - who has sprung serious fuel leaks even on brand new fuel
hose, because when it comes to fuel hoses - S**t happens!!
Kai Mei wrote:
> Anyone got a fresh perspective on this? Thanks.
>
> I'm buying a van that has been sitting for 5 years... Run only once
> every year or so.. long enough to warm up the engine. Every year was
> the year he was "gonna do something with the van" but building his
> house was taking up all the time. It was covered with a car cover (i
> know paint abrades)... Currently it does not leak and all electrics
> work except the front blower motor (which worked 5 years ago).
>
> Before being laid up... regular maintenance, Mobil One... coolant
> hoses changed, new paint (but not with windows out so theres some
> rust near the window seals. This year Rear brake lines were rusted
> out... those got replaced.
>
> Currently running. tires are cracked... good thing I have a set in my
> brownstone front yard, lol.
>
> My plan is bring my tires. change the oil, do some driving, change
> the oil again and auto tranny fluid.
>
> Jump the fuel pump and listen for noise... test fuel pressure. I
> think fuel lines were changed,
>
> Can I disable the Idle stab. and just pull a spark plug wire w/o ill
> effect to the ignition?
>
> I'm also going to bring my O2 sensor monitor and see if it's bouncing
> properly.
>
> Test for brake fade, rusty rotors and burnt tranny fluid and drive
> home 6.5 hours at 55mph.
>
> Any other suggestions?
>
>
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