Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:05:39 -0400
Reply-To: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject: It's back (just in time for 4th of July weekend).
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I finally got my camper back. Pardon my cross posts.
The story up to now. I killed the SVX engine (main bearings likely
prognosis based on metal shards in oil pan.) Westy Syncro was towed in
to a shop I trust, but which is zero experience dealing with VWs with
subaru powerplants. First mechanic pulled engine, then quit. 2nd
mechanic, flying blind completed swap, with a few curveballs along the
way.
Since I have two vans in the shop at the same time, they thought to
diagnose my shifter problems on the 91 Westy by comparing against my
86 Syncro passenger. No such luck, as the 86 has the nice (NLA)
bushings, whereas the 91 has the plastic tube. After countless
frustations in adjusting it, they got it pretty decent. Note, in the
process of pulling the engine, my shifter cup to the transmission
broke (a previously expected situation for which I had the parts just
sitting waiting to get used.) And along with pulling the engine, these
perfectionists wanted to make sure everything was proper before
setting me back on the road.
My under powered problem was (according to them) corrected by
adjusting the accelerator cable (previous position they had it, only
allowed throttle to open about 1/2 way). It looks normal to me, so I
can only count this towards in experience with the conversion.
I had some popping in the right front CV area. Loose bolts on the CVs.
An easy fix and I didn't even need to swap out the half shaft.
I've recharged my AC (since I use Duracool, I told the shop not to.)
Absolutely mandatory to have AC in this DC summer weather (90+ weather
with high humidity.)
Problems remaining...aux battery isn't charging. An inspection in this
area revealed charred wires. Right at the battery and relay. I suspect
one probable cause. The crappy replacement alternator I supplied them.
Which was putting out 20 volts. Since I was planning on redoing that
wiring with a Surepower 1315 battery separator (already in hand), I'm
not too concerned about that. Just need to pull a nice new cable to
the main battery to replace the old one.
Aux battery is dead (minor current drain on it over 4 months, this is
not a surprise). Putting it on a battery charger, I'm only getting
about 50% so it's probably time to get it recycled.
Still to do (beyond the Surepower 1315) I need to install my
Intellipower 9140 AC to DC convertor.
Aw screw that. I gotta get out camping!
Kim, once again with a Westy :)
