Date: Sun, 24 Sep 2023 09:01:24 -0400
Reply-To: Geoffrey Toye <geoffreytoye@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Geoffrey Toye <geoffreytoye@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 81 Vanagon 4 Speed 2WD Shaft Bearing Bushing
In-Reply-To: <D4742A48-4EA9-4DAA-B458-2DE5CC2E9E68@hxcore.ol>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
That's a great idea to sneak up on what might be the inevitable fuel tank
removal. I can certainly lower the tank down slowly with the jacks etc that
I have and see if I can get access to the bearing without breaking any
fuel/vapour boundaries.
I jacked up the van and removed the center pan to take a look while
investigating the new noises. It looks like the bearing is centered over
the fuel tank and not at one end which would have made it easier using the
lowering trick.
The good news is that the shaft goes through a hole in the center of a
cross member where the bearing sits and so is captive and cannot touch the
gas tank. However, gear shaft dynamics is now different and the weight of
the shaft is now sitting on both ends. I plan to replace both wearable end
bits of the gear change shaft while it's out so not too worried about that.
I think my plan is to tackle this when the camping season is over and do it
over the winter layup. So far gear changes are noisier but just as clean.
Thanks for the thought.
On Sun, Sep 24, 2023 at 3:03 AM LarsP <olgreywoof@gmail.com> wrote:
> Geoffrey,
>
>
>
> The annoying clunk is just part of the situation. I’d be wondering if at
> some point the shifting might bind or somehow go sideways, and in the
> meantime, what other damage might be happening with the action making that
> noise. Is it banging on the gas tank?
>
>
>
> But with no issues with vent tubes and all that, I get not wanting to get
> into that full job. I have done the tank removal, alone, and with all the
> opinions you’ve already seen I’ll throw mine that it is doable but not a
> breeze – I had lots of help from bottle jacks. And that’s where my
> suggestion comes in. I’d be looking to see if the tank could be lowered
> enough to get access to that shift rod bushing without disconnecting tubes
> and completely removing the tank. Support the tank with one or two bottle
> jacks or scissors jack or whatever, remove the mount bolts and then let the
> tank hinge down slowly, under control using the jacks, to see how far it
> will lower without pulling hoses. Then see how that bushing is mounted and
> if you can get to it. If the weight of the gas tank is supported by jacks,
> easy enough to push it back up.
>
>
>
> My nickel, cuz there ain’t no two cents anymore!
>
>
>
> *From: *Geoffrey Toye <geoffreytoye@gmail.com>
> *Sent: *Saturday, September 23, 2023 6:52 PM
> *To: *vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> *Subject: *81 Vanagon 4 Speed 2WD Shaft Bearing Bushing
>
>
>
> The bearing bushing for the gear change shaft that sits above the gas taken
>
> has come apart on my 81 Westy. It now clunks during a gear change and
>
> occasionally hits a resonant spot while in 3rd gear. Not too bad of an
>
> issue but one I'd like to solve.
>
>
>
> Looking at the job it seems that I must remove the gas tank to get access
>
> to replace the bushing. While reviewing Samba etc on how to remove/replace
>
> the gas tank it seems there is a wide range of opinions on how much of a
>
> job that is. I've never done it myself.
>
>
>
> Currently, the gas tank and its expansion tanks and tubes do not leak
>
> and perform their job admirably. I don't know when the seals/tubes etc
>
> were last replaced. I've owned the Westy for four years.
>
>
>
> So my quandary is should I put up with the noisy gear shift until I have
>
> to remove the gas tank for other reasons or is the effort worth the time to
>
> replace the gear shift bearing bushing just to silence the clunk?
>
>
>
> I realise the answer to this question is a matter of opinion but if anyone
>
> that has experience in removing and replacing the gas tank has the time to
>
> opine I would be most grateful.
>
>
>
> I have learny a lot from this list. Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
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