Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2012 12:32:45 -0700
Reply-To: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Low compression, more test results
In-Reply-To: <20120908122628.CVAYE.1661978.imail@eastrmwml107>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
I'm starting to feel much better about my 2.1 with slightly uneven
idle, and somewhat low compression readings. < grin >
Having purchased what I think is a similar condition vehicle to the
one Stuart got, I too worked on some assumptions. A somewhat educated
gamble lets say.
Even if I'd gotten a pre purchase inspection done, there's so much
that can't be easily seen or tested within a reasonable time frame. To
date:
- a malfunctioning ISV module (black box. Pricey refurbished, mine was
~ $70 used)
- seized bleeder screw RF caliper (ya. It snapped off)
- wear on RF wheel spindle (nothing I can feel, but someone likely set
the wheel bearings to tight)
- really abused Dometic likely due to "rough" handling
- rotors worn just below spec (a recent brake inspection said nothing
of this. A PPI may not have either)
- radius rod bushing worn past rubber to sleeve
I'm being fussy and picky, but part of the above is just one side of
the front end on a 140K KM Westy. I haven't even pulled the drums yet
(though shop did not mention anything about them on a recent
inspection)l
All I can suggest, is that regardless of a PPI, one should have the
mindset of __ thousands of dollars ready at hand to invest as they dig
into the vehicle. And, if they choose to do their own work, be
prepared to live with mistakes.
Don't ask me how I know that! < grin >
Neil.
On Sat, Sep 8, 2012 at 9:26 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> ..... I had had little experience with vanagons, or VWs generally, when I bought this one. I had done enough homework to know I was getting a good one, or thought I was anyway. But I was unprepared for all the things I'd have to do to be happy with it, or just for it to be reasonably reliable, ...... I have spent more money on it than I like, but now I like the camper, and will live with the inordinate expense and trouble of having an old vehicle. And I think that is mostly where the trouble lies. My inexperience has also caused me to spend money that I probably could have saved by doing things differently (putting in a new oil pump when the problem was a bad sensor and a badly installed gauge, plus oil that was wrong for the season, for one, quite an expensive mistake). They are not new. mcneely
> ---- Tom Carchrae <tom@CARCHRAE.NET> wrote:
>> I'm not convinced my engine is well just yet. I've had a series of
>> coolant issues, possible minor head gasket leak, but not confirmed.
>> Anyway, van runs quite well, ......
>> On Fri, Sep 7, 2012 at 7:52 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:
.....
>> > Looks like it’s got some leaking valves. No surprise this rig is worn out, I
>> > assumed it was, but I could drive it home at least. I hope I can get a few
>> > thousand more miles out of it so I can save some dough for a conversion!
>> > Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but never for long. I waited until after my
>> > planned summer trips to check the engine condition, so I was blissfully
>> > ignorant on purpose. I’m still planning a couple of fall trips nearby
>> > though. What the hell, I’ve got AAA premier.
--
Neil n
65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
