Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 14:16:37 -0400
Reply-To: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Vanagon Winter Storage and or annual inspection
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Found this on Samba... added a few things to the list.
Any other suggestions on things to look for before a big trip or winter
storage?
Engine Mechanical
___ _____ Any Abnormal noises
___ _____ Check for engine fluid leaks (Oil, Fuel)
___ _____ Compression test: (disconnect coil, remove ALL plugs)
___ _____ 1. Dry: 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________
___ _____ 2. Oiled: 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________
___ _____ Plug condition? (OK? Burnt? Oily? Sooty?)
___ _____ 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________
___ _____ Oil Pressure: idle_______ 4000 RPM_______
___ _____ P/S, Alt, & A/C Belts not cracked, not frayed, deflection correct
___ _____ Check water pump for leak at weep hole, pump noise/wine
___ _____ Visual check of fuel lines from pump-firewall-injectors!! If
original lines REPLACE!!!
___ _____ Fuel Pressure: _______
___ _____ Visual check of Vacuum hoses/lines stiff? Patched? Capped?
Missing? Cracks on ends?
___ _____ Visual check air intake system, AFM, check electrical connections?
___ _____ Vacuum Idle: _______ 4000 rpm: _______
___ _____ Tune up parts Cap, Rotor, Plugs, Air Filter, distributor, coil etc
___ _____ Oil level/color
___ _____ Power steering fluid level/color
Electrical Systems
___ _____ Battery voltage ____________ volts, load test
___ _____ Alt/Chg Volts/Amps: idle____________ 4000 RPM____________
___ _____ Engine compartment wiring harness not loose, not frayed, oxidized
___ _____ Engine compartment relays in the black box, check fuses for
corrosion and proper contact
___ _____ Starter motor/ wiring from battery/alternator
___ _____ Battery cables, ground points (Battery case, Cyl head, tranny,
dash star)
___ _____ Spark plugs (NGK - B6ES)/coil wires cracked, water spray test
check for sparks jumping ?
___ _____ Check lights, bulb contact points, add di-electric grease where
needed
___ _____ Visually inspect exposed wires, chassis grounds - clean and
reattach, O2 sensor wires, etc.
Cooling System
1. Flush and Fill Cooling System - use
http://yhst-1918367471896.stores.yahoo.net/peliang12.html also add
http://www.redlineoil.com/Products.aspx?pcid=10 (do this every 5 years with
this coolant, every 2 years with other phosphate free coolants)
___ _____ Cooling system pressure test & check for external leaks, pressure
cap
___ _____ Cooling Hoses no bulges or soft
___ _____ Check reservoir/expansion tank for cracks
___ _____ Check Rad Fan Motor on Hi-Low speed, Relay
___ _____ Check PH condition of coolant (Acidity/Phosphate) - or replace if
due
___ _____ Coolant level/color
Braking System
___ _____ Brake disks/drums grooved? LF_____, RF______, LR______, RR______
___ _____ Measure % Discs/Drums & Linings/Pads LF_____, RF______, LR______,
RR______
___ _____ Visual check of rubber brake lines, cables for leaks, brittle,
cracked ?
___ _____ Master/Wheel cylinders Inspect for leaks from, brake pedal test
___ _____ Brake fluid level/color (Use Castrol LMA dot 3/4 fluid)
Suspension/Steering
___ _____ Steering wheel play
___ _____ Tie rods inner & outer straight? Tie rod end boots intact?
___ _____ Ball joints upper & lower boots intact
___ _____ Control arm upper & lower bushings
___ _____ Engine and transmission mounts
___ _____ Front & Rear Suspension: Springs, Spring mount and Shocks
___ _____ Check shock absorber action (bounce test) and component leaks
___ _____ Check CV joints, 2 tight 360' turns each way. Any noise, cv boots
intact?
___ _____ Check power steering for leaks and noise, steering rack boots
intact
___ _____ Check front & rear wheel toe in/toe out
___ _____ Wheel bearings move wheel on hoist check wear/play, Axle bolts
torque, cotter pin in ?
___ _____ check Tires wear LT / "C" Tread? Bulges? Cracks?
___ _____ check Rims Bent? Rusted? Cracks? Wheel bolts up to torque ?
Auto Transmission
___ _____ check for slippage
___ _____ Check for leaks from all components
___ _____ Check for leak in tranny cooler aluminum heat exchanger
___ _____ Gear oil level/fluid color
___ _____ Transmission fluid level/color
Road Test
___ _____ Automatic transmission shift points?
___ _____ Any noises/vibrations when accelerating, coasting, decelerating,
braking?
Any Other general comment recommendations
Prior to Winter Storage:
2. Fill fuel tank and add 1 can of Seafoam to stabilize fuel
3. Change/Replace Fuel Filter - Every 5 years or 30k miles. Bosch PN:
0-450-905-030
4. Change Oil and Mann Filter (use TOTAL Quartz Racing (ELF) 10W-50 5L
Synthetic Motor Oil from S&G
5. Clean K&N Filter and re-oil, or install K&N Air Filter Part E-2475
6. Treat all rubber with protecting conditioner (including weather
stripping)
7. Drain water storage tank
8. Hook up battery float charger
