Date:         Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:22:13 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Trip Report Bus Fusion
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Hi Folks,

        I wanted to write this up before memory fades, and that is already happening!

We set out in June to go from Southern VT to Almonte Ontario.  Plan was to then return via the Thousand Islands.

        Just before leaving we went for Vt inspection and failed.  My front wheels wobbled.
        I talked to a few friends including Dennis H and was encouraged to try to fix them.  I only had the afternoon as we planned to leave the next day.

No real stress though as my 84 was running great and could have made the trip.
        Dennis was very helpful describing the way to get to the nut and how the ping worked. 
        the hard part was getting the cap off.
I broke a claw hammer, snapping it off in the process.  Finally a strange shaped heavy print bar, from a road side free pile, had just the right angle.  With a wood backing and brute force it came off. 
        I was told to turn just a bit but the nut was pretty loose so I’m guessing it turned more than one revolution.
        Put it together and wheel turned easily but no wobble.  Other side went easier. 

So, set off with  uninspected  van but in working order.  
Fixing it was easier then unpacking and repacking the other van!

So, we set off in the 85 with about 500 miles on the GW 2.3 engine.  I had changed out the break in oil and we were off.

        We met up with friends in Underhill VT and then 6 vans traveled to Almonte Canada the next morning.
        My scan gauge is still not perfectly set up. I need help setting the speedo again.  But temps and pressure seem to be working on the scan and Vido units.

        At start up oil pressure is about 60 PSI when hot it is about 38 at idle, and about 58 when rolling.  Oil temp seems about 200. Trans most often about 180 Coolant about 196. Numbers when rolling along fully warmed up.
        Gas mileage ranged from 15 to 18 miles per gallon, averaging about 16.8.  At one time I compared my mileage to a friends van with 2.5 Subaru and auto Trans.  We both showed 134 miles on our odometers as we were traveling following him.  They match almost perfectly.  Our tru distance according to him was 6 percent more due to our larger tire diameters.  It came to 18 MPg. For me and slightly better about 18.6 for him.  I was able to fit about .6 gallons more in my tank than he could.  We had filled up at the same times.

So, my 2.3 was really doing very nicely compared to his 2.5.  Average speeds were about 60 on smaller roads  And we were following him so hills were at about the same speeds.

I still have a very small drip from engine.  But, I set off with the oil right in the middle of the lines.  And on return, oil was still exactly in the middle.  About a 700 mile trip.
Only issue was, friends reported left brake light fainter than the other.  I fixed with sand paper. So cleaning and protection is on my list.
All vans in the group did well.
One of the 2.1 engines had a small running issue and a small muffler repair on route but made the trip.

2 Auto trans my 2.3 GW and friends 2.5 Subaru
2 2.1 Standard 
A 2.2 subaru Standard 
And a Pasat engine running backwards with Audi transmission 

At Bus Fusion there were at least 5 List members that I know of, that is folks from this list. 
Tom and I were there, We met Pete, Dan, and Steve.

        If you were there let us know.

Trip back was good. At one point Heidi reported a very high oil temp so I don’t know what was up with that.  All other numbers were normal.  Oil was about 230 or 240.  After a stop it settle back as far as I know.

So, 85 needs a few things this winter for care but at the moment is ready for the road. 

Bus Fusion was great.  230 tickets sold abut I think about 200 buses.  The Raffle included some nice items but I didn’t manage to win the vC bumper set.  But I did win a local unusual gift basket including vodka made from cows milk.  Strange I know but actually not bad.  Strangely, my wife that doesn’t drink much and doesn’t like milk, actually liked it.

Oh, and on the way back I met a very nice couple with a beautiful 87 camper.  I described in an earlier post.  I shared the list info with them so we may see them on list in the future. 
This is the van that had the Dennis H hitch among other very nice updates.

Eric Caron