Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2023 16:21:37 +0000
Reply-To: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "ddbjorkman@verizon.net" <ddbjorkman@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon update paying to undo other's work
In-Reply-To: <FAF49126-2690-47CB-91CE-7BC8AF689CCA@comcast.net>
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I am totally with you on that one, Eric. Diane and I have been broken down, at one time or another, on most of our cross country and up and down the coast trips. Mostly engine support systems. Replacing flex pipe in muffler system is common. Every time we were on the side of the road, someone, usually in some kind of VW bus, have stopped and have helped. Got lots of useful information about the area, sometimes a meal, and I am still in contact with some of them. A promise to drop by next time I am in the area went with it. One-time fellow campers at the Grand Canyon noticed me under the bus after being towed in and asked us to join their group for dinner. It was great.
Most of the time it's not so bad to be on the side of the road in a VW bus, Vanagon, etc.
Dave B.the Boston one
-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Fri, Jun 2, 2023 9:21 pm
Subject: Re: [VANAGON] Vanagon update paying to undo other's work
Hi Richard,
Are you ok? You sound sort of angry.
Interesting you bring this up. I’ve broken down in the middle of nowhere many times in a VW bus. Not sure why that is a current issue for you and why you think that would change my mind about traveling in a vW camper.
Some of my best and joyful life experiences happened when broken down in a VW bus.
I strive for making it and I love the trip reports like the recent list member posted with years of reliability on his mostly original set up.
Heck, I did a major update on my 85 only to be stranded last summer in Canada on an island in the middle of nowhere. A VW friend found a way to get me the needed part and a couple of fellow travelers installed the fuel injector by flash light. I learned that my wife was an amazing bus partner, less stressed than I was and took it in stride.
So no, breaking down in the middle of the country won’t change my mind. And if someone travels all the way to VT they would be surprised how many folks might be not too far away that could help.
The VanAllert app for example is full of helpers for such situations.
I’m not sure why you seem upset with joyful optimism and many examples of success with these amazing vans.
Fingers crossed yours is back to you soon and your joyfulness returns.
Eric Caron
> On Jun 2, 2023, at 9:09 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> Hey brother.....try driving across the USA....and with eventual breakdown in middle of nowhere....your perspective will instantly change, I can assure you of that.
>
> On Friday, June 2, 2023 at 06:02:25 PM PDT, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> Nope,
>
> I prefer working on the older cars. But that is just me.
>
> I think it is wild that I currently have three vintage vW bus resources in little VT and nearby NH less than 30 miles away. One is the parts yard with a basically retired owner. The other is an older experienced VW person reengaging in older VWs. And the last a young man with a tech and his wife running the office. They don’t want more business as they can’t keep up with what they have and they like the current amount. I’m in the vW bus community but it took years to find these folks making a living or supplementing mostly under the radar. Two out of three are continuing on quietly. But at least one of them is training a young mechanic to carry on.
>
> Not everyone wants to work on the newest cars.
>
> And, some younger folks are still working on these vans.
>
> I don’t expect it to last forever. In fact, I kind of look forward to eventually converting one of the vans to electric or hydrogen.
>
> Call me a optimist but our buses have a strong following and there are still mechanics out there.
>
> eRic
>
>
> > On Jun 2, 2023, at 5:45 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET <mailto:rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>> wrote:
> >
> > Excellent synopsis, Eric. We all share your pain and frustrations and Dollars.
> > Here's the thing: Old school Vanagon mechanics are closing shop. Put yourself into their situation. They have done a good deed, maybe 40 years. Meanwhile, there are tons of modern cars that need attention! If it were me, I'd go after modern cars. I think you would too.
> >
> > On Friday, June 2, 2023 at 02:28:04 PM PDT, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> >
> > Hi folks,
> >
> > I brought my 84 to a young vanagon mechanic, probably mid 40s. He seems to know his stuff.
> >
> > This was my first visit. He has a wait list that is over a year long.
> >
> > His priorities were first, make sure the van will not catch on fire, then make sure it stops well, then make sure it runs well.
> >
> > After two weeks I got it back.
> >
> > He spent most of his time undoing what others had done.
> >
> > The GW AFM was new, and sadly not working. Luckily Denis Haynes and one of his customers donated a AFM to me some time ago. It saved the day. It did need a little adjusting but the old one is working well. The result is the van now runs correctly with O2 sensor connected.
> > Old AFM goes in my spares or may be a core some day. It is barely 2 years old and maybe only one year old. It was purchased to fix a running issue but probably arrived not working and no one realized it until now. A different mechanic adjusted it and it worked better but still no O2 until it was changed out.
> >
> > With regard to not catching on fire.
> >
> > We removed yards of wire that were part of a charging and aux battery set up. And also extra wires to starter. Simplified the system and added 6 fuses. This is now a simple but functioning system.
> > Old et up was destined to short or cause issues. Some wires were even dangling hot.
> >
> > As for stopping, brake fluid needs to be changed but not immediately.
> >
> > And He replaced a complicated bunch of elbows and hoses where the rear heater was removed and used a simpler set up.
> >
> > Also, gave me a list of the next work to be done as time and money allow.
> >
> > Front suspension bushings, one lower ball joint
> > More coolant hoses and pipes.
> > And, that is about it. Van is road worthy as is but prevention work will be needed.
> >
> > So nice to drive it home with O2 sensor working correctly. I expect fuel use to improve.
> > Timing was checked and was right on.
> > There was a need to adjust throttle cable to allow idle switch to engage every time and a vacuum leak on the cold idle valve was addressed.
> >
> > Funny thing is this man liked the 1.9 system. He encouraged me to just maintain it as is and not move up to the 2.1 systems.
> >
> > So, some clean up and maintenance my future for the 84 but I’m hitting the road with confidence.
> >
> > Also, I am please that much of the work is likely things I can do this winter. Though I’m leaving the suspension work to him.
> >
> > Hopefully it doesn’t take two years to get in again.
> >
> > I asked him if he wanted me to promote his business and he laughed and said we try to keep a low profile. Only the that can wait more then a year to get in should really call.
> >
> > So, at least one young and successful vanagon mechanic near me but demand is out of control.
> >
> > Eric Caron
> > Trying to keep both vans road worthy!
> >
> >
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