Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:25:02 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Considering some big repairs and upgrades
In-Reply-To: <62ABB49C-3413-4393-AAB3-C150CAF394F7@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Hey Dave, I think it mostly boils down to how long you plan to own your Vanagon; your radius of travels; your pocketbook; your mechanical agility; your "peace of mind" factor when on the road.
1. SS Coolant pipe? Very nice; many concerns eliminated. The GoWesty fix is a good one I think. You should be good for a long while.
2. If pressure cap is leaking, you will gradually lose coolant via steam. Might get air bubbles trapped in system which reduces function at critical points in engine. Easily monitored. But I hate trying to outsmart the original design; and the modern plastic tanks and blue caps are bleak. The VanCafe aluminum pressure tank is stout and eliminates a whole bunch of worry.3. Fuel Lines? So now 16 years old since replaced....I've heard many horror stories about ethanol and rubber. It's only a 6 hour job for a DIY guy. Coolant hoses? I would monitor these on a one by one basis....pretty expensive to replace all...but then again, the hassle and need to replace all coolant and the burping to eliminate any trapped air.
I am 69 years old. Owned Vanagon for 34 years. I invested in Subie conversion and rebuilt tranny and all the rest. Goal is to go until I am 89 years old. But that's just me. Who knows if there will even be affordable gasoline available 20 years from now.
Richard in San Diego
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 05:43:48 PM PDT, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
Hi Dave,
I moved the upgrade questions here,
Right now, the camper needs a few thousand dollars of maintenance. I am
mulling the trade-offs involved. Some queries about that:
1. Stainless steel coolant pipe kit: How important? My camper has
(installed 2 years ago) the GoWesty stainless inserts in the plastic pipe
ends. No leaks there.
2. Metal coolant pressure tank: How important? Or just a new plastic
one? The current one has not ruptured or anything drastic, just leaking at
the cap.
3. I put on all new fuel lines in 2008. Is it time to do that again?
Ditto coolant hoses.
David McNeely
My two cents,
Do the fuel lines
Coolant, only if you see leaking or cracks
Coolant tank,
Try a new cap
Or a new or used good tank.
I like the metal ones but what a price!
If you plan to hold onto the van even after you go electric put more into it. If you plan to sell cross fingers and go with the cheaper options. This would include a traditional muffler set up.
I’m currently doing two approaches on two vans.
One got lots of fancy upgrades
The other got as close to stock upgrades as possible.
Both have strengths and concerns.
But, the stock solution van is very reliable and less expensive.
I’m interested in your future upgrades and your impressions as time goes on.
Eric Caron
> On Mar 21, 2023, at 8:30 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
>
> Dave, this is gonna be a robust discussion for sure! Everybody....just state your mind, don't be shy....this is how we gain perspective on the whole matter.
>
> On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 04:53:12 PM PDT, David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I fully support the transition to electric vehicles. I fully support any
> legal actions that local, state, and federal government take to hasten the
> transition. Right now, my main personal transportation is a 2006 Toyota
> Prius. I will keep it so long as it continues to provide the service I
> need, because the environmental (and monetary) cost of replacing it with
> new, even electric, are greater than keeping it. I continue to use my
> camper for the reasons I have it, but if I could replace it with electric,
> I would. I look forward to the EV Buzz, and hope that by the time it comes
> here, it will have improved range. If I can get a camper conversion of it
> or something like it, I will.
>
> Right now, the camper needs a few thousand dollars of maintenance. I am
> mulling the trade-offs involved. Some queries about that:
> 1. Stainless steel coolant pipe kit: How important? My camper has
> (installed 2 years ago) the GoWesty stainless inserts in the plastic pipe
> ends. No leaks there.
> 2. Metal coolant pressure tank: How important? Or just a new plastic
> one? The current one has not ruptured or anything drastic, just leaking at
> the cap.
> 3. I put on all new fuel lines in 2008. Is it time to do that again?
> Ditto coolant hoses.
>
> David McNeely
> 4. Antifreeze is bright blue and perfectly clear. Do I need new when
> redoing coolant system?
>
>
>
| 
