Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2012 22:16:11 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Low compression, more test results-busaid inying used vans!
In-Reply-To: <BAY152-ds13049F902FB5048A0C4F34A0AE0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
So true, but I did know what I was getting. It's been fun to use all the
tools I have in my tool box now to determine the condition of this engine!
This was an abandoned rust free van (given to a non-VW shop in lieu of
payment for other work) in nearly original condition for $7500. PO before
the PO who gave it to the shop was renting it out and put a new starter,
AFM, shift cable, and water pump in it then gave up the business model.
Duh. I expect to have a $20k+ camper when I'm done, likely with a Subaru
engine in it, so I'm hoping for a bit more time! Decent Westies around here
are $15k to $20k+ with 250k+ miles, and often have "rebuilt" engines.
Usually the owner paid big bucks for the engine, still owes on the van and
needs to pay his CC down, hence the high prices. Not going there anymore
given my past experiences with three of these engines in my previous '84.
Thanks for your help, you are a great resource for the list!
Stuart
In Seattle, a Westy Mecca, limping around in my '85 Westy which will soon
have a "JUST PASS!!" sticker on the back
-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes [mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 9:25 PM
To: 'Stuart MacMillan'; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: Low compression, more test results-busaid inying used vans!
As I have said in the past the most important part of purchasing a used
vehicle is to find out why it is/was for sale. For some reason the
past/current owner no longer wants it!
Since you only had this a few months you now know one reason. I doubt this
"just" happened. Depending on what you paid and how you go about the
conversion and then all the other stuff to follow you too may soon have that
$20K Camper.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 10:52 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Low compression, more test results
Well, for those who have been following by email thread about making the
mistake of checking compression on my 140k mile original engine
(90-150-100-130) I’ve done some more tests.
1. Valves were zero lash or 1 turn in, no valve noise, timing dead on
2. Manifold vacuum is 12” Hg with ±1” tick (should be steady 17-21)
3. No detectable vacuum leaks (propane test), all vacuum hoses new.
4. 22% leak down on #1, could hear leakage all three places, but
exhaust and intake were louder than the dipstick, with the exhaust being the
worst. (Should have used the decibel meter on my iPhone, but I didn’t want
to get it greasy ;-) ). Didn’t bother testing the others after this result.
5. Does not burn oil (in 1000 miles at least) Plugs that came in it
were clean.
6. PO installed reman AFM recently
7. Idles smooth (as any of them anyway), runs well, no coolant leaks,
but has poor acceleration and poor gas mileage (~15 mpg highway).
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.
Stuart
’85 Westy, purchased in May
