Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2023 21:11:11 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: A great vanagon ride
In-Reply-To: <A7BF90BC-DF69-447E-858C-FEC1FB432FF3@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi Tim,
I enjoy working on the van and hopefully doing more good then harm!
I finally feel like I’m making real progress on both vans.
The 84 just went on a 100 mile trip over and back over a mountain road. It was great fun and a confidence builder.
coolant system is operating correctly. Engine is running smooth, idling great, and starting easily.
There are still many small things to address but basically this van is ready for summer travel and fun.
I may have even found a solution to a small power steering drip. I believe it was the low pressure side where the hose connects to the lower nipple on the reservoir. This can be really tight and hard to get fully on. I don’t think they completely got it on there is a little room to go. Before realizing that I tightened the clamp a bit and the seeping seems to have stopped. Next winter I’ll work on getting that hose pushed just a bit further onto that nipple.
Small things can add up so I try to keep on them.
Why not try now? Forget it. I’m going to enjoy the season and risk breaking that reservoir during the winter care season.
I’m still feeling great as Heidi gave the sound deadening and vibration reduction work a big thumbs up. And, the running of the van a similar high rating.
We have to enjoy the successes when they roll down the road!.
Eric Caron
> On Apr 9, 2023, at 4:23 PM, Tim Hille <timothy.hille@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> Great news and nice progress Eric. I am in awe of your work on your van. I too believe in attention to the details and focus on preventative Maintenance.
>
> I just returned from my AZ - 3,300 mile trip via Austin and New Orleans - Wall-E never missed a beat.
>
> Look forward to seeing you at West River.
>
> Tim
>
>> On Apr 9, 2023, at 12:00 AM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@gerry.vanagon.com> wrote:
>>
>> There is one message totalling 61 lines in this issue.
>>
>> Topics of the day:
>>
>> 1. A great Vanagon day
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Date: Sat, 8 Apr 2023 20:43:32 -0400
>> From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
>> Subject: A great Vanagon day
>>
>> Hi folks,=20
>>
>> My 84 was freed from the garage. I lowered air pressure and put =
>> 6 people and a dog in her to sink her down. We cleared the top of the =
>> door easily. Issue is tall GW lift and a metal rack on the rear pop =
>> top.=20
>>
>> Over the winter I changed several coolant hoses, and the =
>> radiator, changed the wiring harness to a new one, and we had a new GW =
>> throttle body. AFM was adjusted just before winter and turned out to be =
>> the cause of some running issues. I cleaned up several grounds including =
>> starter and battery connections.
>>
>> Also sound deadening and lots and lots of cleaning and small repairs. =
>> And I hunted down every rattle I could find.
>>
>> We went on a nice long test drive. And=E2=80=A6 All was great!=20
>>
>> Very quiet van. Many rattles gone and just a very few easy new =
>> ones found. Running great. Tomorrow an even longer trip over a =
>> mountain.
>>
>> Need to double check fluids but no drips under van at this point.=20
>> Sunroof seal seems to be letting in lots of air so that goes on =
>> the list.=20
>>
>> But, the 84 is ready for extensive spring and summer travel!=20
>>
>> I have more to do but it can wait until next winter or available support =
>> folks.
>>
>> I took the 85 also out again today. Running smooth and strong. Seems =
>> happier and happier as it runs. Only about 160 miles on the engine.=20
>>
>> Drip after running is about three quarter sized circles worth in a small =
>> area and that=E2=80=99s it until van is started again. Not noticible yet =
>> on dip stick.
>>
>> So, hoping this turns out to be something simple like the dip stick =
>> seal. =20
>> I=E2=80=99m planning to run this new engine gentle for the first =
>> 500 miles or so before getting it over 3600 rpms.
>>
>> But, this is the first time I=E2=80=99ve had both vans out for a ride on =
>> the same day and both acting like they are ready to go on a major road =
>> trip!
>>
>> So, keep up the good caretaking work. A healthy vanagon is magical.
>>
>> Eric Caron=20
>> 85 and 84 Westfalias.
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> End of vanagon Digest - 7 Apr 2023 to 8 Apr 2023 (#2023-107)
>> ************************************************************
