Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 22:53:30 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Recommended Exhaust System for '88 Vangon
In-Reply-To: <170488.5350.qm@web53908.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Hello Todd,
Welcome aboard!
Regards your exhaust system - I like the stock OEM exhaust system. At
least the exhaust collector parts - headers in the auto world,
collectors in the aviations world - and there are some aircraft
mechanics on this list - seem to hold up well. I put 205,000 miles on my
85GL and had a single fault - a cracked collector - at 195,000 mi. I now
have 100,000 on my current 88 GL and no problems.However, I think
perhaps a stainless steel muffler might be nice. I've been through a
couple of mufflers on each vehicle.
A few tips......if you don't know already......
1) The oil filler neck has an extension tube down inside, you can grasp
it with your thumb and fore finger and pull it out for easier oil
servicing. Jut push it back in when done, and replace the cap.
2) unless you know the absolute history of the van first hand -
ABSOLUTELY DO NOT DRIVE your van any more until you have replaced all
the fuel lines and fuel injector stub hoses with new ones. This is a
first class priority for safety.
These Vanagons are notorious for fuel system related engine fires, and
it you have one you will lose your vehicle - that is a guarantee. They
nearly always are caused by a fuels home that fails, spraying fuel all
over the engine, and when one relay switch clicks back there and makes
a spark or there is a spark anywhere back there, your van is GOOOONE!
You did not say what model year your van is, but consider this - the
newest vans sold in the US were the 1991 models - and they are now 18
years (model years begin near the end of the year preceeding the
calendar year - making the1991 models 18 years of age) You do not want
to risk driving around on 18 year old fuel injection hoses which are
high pressure hoses, capable of putting out a LOT of fuel if the hose
splits.
I'm serious. Don't drive it again until you take care of the fuel hoses
issue.
You can get hose replacement kits from Ken Wilford at Vanagain. com or
from Ron Salmon at BusDepot.com I know - because I have dealt with both
of them. Ron is a little cheaper, Ken is a little faster - pick what
works for you. It will cost you around $60 or so, but that is cheap
insurance. BE sure and ask for the injector hoses, seals and clamps as
well. There are other list vendors that carry these things as well.
Get this done without delay. Just about a week or so ago, we had a long
thread here on someone's Vanagon that burned. Sad case.
Finally, while you have the van down for this maintenance, get a helper
and drain, flush, refill the brake fluid system. You will be amazed at
how much water and dirt will come out of the system.
Since the clutch and the brake reservoir is the same, it would be a good
idea to drain and bleed the clutch cylinders as well. This is a bit more
of an effort, but one well worth doing. For the brake/clutch reservoir,
use only DOT 4, which has a higher heat rating than the DOT 3.
Check out http://vanagonwiki.net/index.php/VanagonWiki
There is a page in there that is dedicated to Newbies that will help out
immensely.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Todd N. Sabin wrote:
> I just acquired my first Vanagon. My girlfriend and I were planning a trip around the country and started investigating appropriate transportation. We considered every option - truck, conversion van, mini-van (yuck), renting an RV.....etc. But, none of them felt right.
>
> My buddy in college had one and we had some really good times and adventures in it. I never considered it for myself, though. After much research, I fell in love with the idea. Although my girlfriend and I may be breaking-up, I still had to have the Vanagon. So, hear I am.
>
> This is my first project car, and I'm not terribly mechanically. But, I'm not too much of an idiot, and after seeing all of the support from the Vanagon community I'm excited about my new hobby.
>
> Well, my 1988 Vanagon needs a bit of work. The major, single investment will be in completely replacing the exhaust. I'm torn between price and performance. Any recommendations and advice on purchasing S&S Headers (or other aftermarket) verse an more expensive OEM exhaust?
>
> Thanks for your time and hope to contribute to the list serve when I gain some insight on how these things work.
>
> Todd
>
>
>
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