Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:43:34 -0800
Reply-To: Tyler Dann <tylerdann@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Tyler Dann <tylerdann@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: New Westy owner with a few questions
In-Reply-To: <BANLkTin893uz81_W6V_M9hSObG8zbNJmtQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Thanks all, for your advice, information and experience. I'll be taking it
all into account and look forward to making the most of our van.
Best wishes to those in the tornado zone.
Cheers
On Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 5:09 AM, John Meeks <vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 4:09 AM, Tyler Dann <tylerdann@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Greetings!
>>
>>
>> -What do other arctic/sub-arctic Wasserboxer owners do? Garage all winter?
>> Conversion? A mechanic friend of mine with a Eurovan says the conversion
>> route is foolish, and that instead of swapping the engine and everything
>> downstream I should simply have a rebuilt stock engine ready to swap out.
>> The uncertainty of future engine failure in a remote spot leaves me a bad
>> taste, but so does the cost/time of a conversion. I'll probably go back to
>> my bike next winter, but would love to learn about other options/opinions.
>> Canadians? Other Alaskans?
>>
>
> I drive my 2.1L all winter in northern Michigan with lows around -15° to
> -20° F with Mobil1 0w40. 15w-50 in the summer. Also a good synthetic gear
> oil makes shifting summer like. I use Redline MT90. If you have a manual
> trans, this stuff really helps. Change gearbox oil every couple of years.
>
>
>>
>> -What do you keep handy for road trips? I've ordered a belt, some fuses
>> and
>> spark plugs, other ideas?
>>
>
> A spare ignition switch can diagnose/fix a bunch of electrical gremlins
> that might pop up.
> A spare fuel pump can get you out of the woods if yours fails. Doesn't
> happen often but you're toast without it.
>
>
>>
>> -Awning preferences? I'd like something robust to winds, those I've seen
>> seem pretty flimsy. I don't care about shade but am thinking about rain
>> protection to cook under.
>>
>
> Made my own.
>
>
>> -Which battery powers what? The battery under the passenger seat is much
>> newer, Dave had it replaced three years ago, so I assume that powers the
>> starter. But what is the very old-looking battery under my seat power? Are
>> both recharged by the alternator? I look forward to Bentley for this one,
>> but would appreciate any words of wisdom.
>>
>
> You've got it right.
>
> Other considerations: Replace fuel lines in the engine bay if not done
> within the past 5 years. Start with a fresh fuel and air filter so you have
> a baseline for the future.
>
> Check this:
> http://www.vanagonauts.com/Things-to-do-for-new-vanagon-owners150.htm
>
> Also thesamba.com has a load of info. Just drill down to the vanagon
> section.
>
> Good luck and Happy Camping!
>
> John Meeks
> '91 Vanagon MV
> Northern Michigan
>
> Vanagon Rescue Squad
> www.vanagonauts.com
>
>
>
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