Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2023 19:32:34 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Idle control unit for 1.9
In-Reply-To: <663991865.313524.1701818727024@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi Dave,
the Waxoil person is also my local Vanagon expert. For vanagon work it can take a year to get in. For Waxoil it is scheduled and takes one week. First day is taking things apart and cleaning. Second day dry from cleaning. Third day Waxoil. Next two days drying and then pick up.
He is proud because he takes time to get every possible spot covered. He prefers it if people bring in the van stripped inside so he can access the inside cavities.
In my case I did the inside with fluid film so he will only do a few areas inside.
He has been told he uses more product per car then anyone else and he is proud of that as he wants to do the best job possible.
I’ve also heard him turn away customers when the underneath is too far gone.
he does all kinds of vehicles but he knows what not to spray on a vanagon.
My 85 still has good undercoating. But the 84 has good paint but much of the original coating has fallen off. So, I chose this route for protection.
Fingers crossed it all works out.
Down side I think is that working under the van will be a dirtier situation going forward. I’m told the wax oil will come off on your hands when you work.
My guy said there are two kinds one is black and one is more clear. Clear for interior. He said both do the same thing. He offered to do mine all in clear so I would be less likely to get black on my clothes and hands and such.
I probably should have done that but said to do it the way he does for everyone. He said the black is easier to see so He won’t miss anything.
So far, I have been very happy over all with his work so I expect this will work out well.
Also, he uses his van for skiing as you do. The perfect vehicle for that.
ERic
> On Dec 5, 2023, at 6:25 PM, ddbjorkman@verizon.net wrote:
>
> That sounds Great, Eric. So glad you have reached a place where the 84, and you. are happy. There was considerable work and testing involved.
>
> Keep us up to date on the 85. Hope that works as well as the 84.
>
> By the way,, where do you get your Waxoil job done? Did they cover or stay away from the things one does not want to get that stuff on. Potential "maintenance" items (gas pump, emergency brake, etc.)? Winter is coming. and I might use mine to do some skiing.
>
> Dave B.
> the Boston one
>
> On Monday, December 4, 2023 at 09:48:59 PM EST, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> OK,
>
> I have now gone a second outing in my 84 after replacing the little ICU that connects by the coil.
>
> When I got the van I was told mine didn’t work and it was removed and the plugs were hooked together.
>
> I was gifted a green one from list member Jim C and later Jimmy , one of our long time VW East coast folks gave me a brand new looking beige one. Dennis Haynes had mentioned to me that there was a black one that would work better than the original green.
>
> Anyway a friend and I replaced it and went for a ride. The idle seemed much better when cod. Then it stayed consistent even in places where in the past it would tend to stumble. This usually happened for a short time between cold and hot running.
>
> Now that 1.9 system is running great.
>
> Frankly I’d put that old 1.9 system up against the GW system and say it is as good or better.
>
> With my 84 standard I’m getting between 20 and 22 mPG, usually 22.
>
> The idle is now smooth and reliable.
>
> I’m now trying to collect spare parts and just keeping my fingers crossed.
>
> Many folks told me the ICU on the 1.9 is not needed. And, the van runs ok without it. But, it runs much better with it.
>
> So, if you are running without it. Try a new one. Or, I can see if Jimmy D can find a few more. I took one but he had about 6 new looking units in his collection.
>
>
> This second trip was done in the cold and damp and the engine started and idled great in all conditions.
>
> A noticeable improvement.
>
> That van is now getting Waxoil undercoated to protect the rust free undercarriage.
>
> I have my 85 back after extensive tune up work and will report observations on that later.
>
> Best,
>
> Eric Caron
> Trying to get vans ready for winter care and spring adventures.
