Date: Mon, 16 Jan 1995 10:38:34 -0800
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: "Erik Soule" <erik@henries.nsc.com>
Subject: Re: Help with 81 Westy please
Hi Jim,
I have an '82 Westy with the same mechanicals. I have 95,000 on a well
maintained motor, although I am the third owner (since 58,000). Lately the
compression has started dropping in 2 of the cylinders a little (I forget which
ones and how much), but it runs strong. Rebuilt tranny 5k mi ago. From my
experience and by talking around, these motors are good for 120-130k if very
well maintained. My friend bought an '82 (a clone of mine, puke yellow) that was
known to be poorly maintained by the previous owner, and a ring broke at 75,000.
Mine developed an oil leak at about 85,000 mi (a drip that finally became
intolerable). I replace the push rod tube o-rings with the viton seals (yes,
just like your '71, but you don't have to pull the heads!). Problem solved. BTW,
viton is a new high-tech material that doesn't harden so easily with prolonged
heat. Better VW shops know about these. I got mine from Kohlwiess in Redwood
City, CA. I could dig up the number if you need it. One of the few cases where
aftermarket is superior to OEM.
$2,000 is a great price. For comparison, I paid $5200 3 years ago, but it only
had 58,000 mi and was (and is) *very* clean. My friend paid $2500 for his over 2
years ago, but it had a little body damage and questionable maintainance. As
usual, YMMV.
-Erik
In message <9501161541.AA17707@unlinfo.unl.edu> writes:
> I have a friend looking at an '81 Westy that is for sale. The guy is
> asking $2,000 before any talking. It might be cheaper. I haven't
> seen this bus, it is half a continent away. From reports: this guy
> is the second owner, 94,000 miles on original motor, little or no
> rust, interior in good shape, pop top and canvas good, motor leaks oil
> (possibly from one of the heads?). I don't know what this last thing
> means. Do these motors have push rod tubes like my '71? I guess what
> I want to know is how much he might have left on the motor. From
> there, can we guess what might be a more accurate price. Hell, it
> might be a good deal now!? Could someone please let me know. Oh,
> BTW, the guy looking at doing the buying is the same one who sold me
> the '71. He misses it. :) Thanks, Jim
> --
> James A. Brill Jr. \\ //
> jbrill@unlinfo.unl.edu \\ \\// // If you're not outraged
> University of Nebraska \\//\\// you're not paying attention.
> free-lance homo sapien \/ \/
NSC Analog Automotive Systems Tel. (408)721-3476 Fax (408)721-8292 M/S C2480
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