Date: Wed, 15 May 1996 16:49:22
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: EXPRES@gnn.com (RON SALMON)
Subject: Re: What should I look for or avoid in 84 Westy?
>Are there significant differences between the 83.5, 84 and 85?
>Should I desperately try to find the extra money to get a later
>model? I read some reports of problems with the water pump and
>cooling system in the early wasserboxers - were these faults
>really a big problem, and were they fixed in later models?
85 came with a tach and a digital clock (also on the earlier
Wolfsburg models, I believe, and maybe even the '84 GL). Also, the
'85 GL usually had power steering and air, plus nicer fabric on the
interior (the striped fabric on the '84 and earlier does not wear
very well). Other than that, to my knowledge '83-85 are basically
the same. I can't say much about the '86 up, since I've only had
'85 back, but they did put in a 2.1L in '86 plus redesigned the
cooling system. However, from the '86 up owners I have spoken to,
I believe the major problem areas were not much improved. These
problem areas include:
1) Cooling system. I would drive the van for about ten minutes,
and then let it idle for a good 20 minutes and see if the temp
guage goes much above 1/2 way. By now, the radiator should be a
bit hot to the touch, and above the 1/2 way mark the fan on the
radiator should come on. If the radiator is not warm, the coolant
is not flowing properly. If the van overheats, see below.
2) Heads/head gaskets. A problem with all Vanagon years, I
understand. If the van overheats once, or the coolant is not
changed regularly, these can be a problem. Look carefully for
signs of coolant around the heads (or any sort of aftermarket
sealant applied around the heads). Look for signs of coolant in
the exhaust (white smoke). If the van has a coolant leak or if the
coolant is not flowing properly, it may have been overheated, and
your heads or head gaskets may be damaged. If you need them, this
is not a cheap repair. I have yet to buy a Vanagon wasserboxer
that didn't either need head gaskets, or already have had them
replaced.
3) Water pump. Many Vanagons I've looked at have had it replaced,
or had leaks.
4) Steering rack. Look for excessive play. Again, many
Vanagons I've looked at had this replaced before 100k miles,
indicating a problem area.
There are probably other common problem areas, but I haven't run
into them yet. In general, I have found the watercooled campers to
be less reliable that the air cooled ones (I'm sure I'll get flamed
for this one!), and more difficult/expensive to repair. On the
plus side, they sure are plush inside, have nicer amenities (like
better heat, and a fridge that really works), have more power, and
more room. I love camping in my '85, more than in my '77, but I
miss my '77 when I have to pay for a part for the '85.
By the way, if anyone is interested, I will have an 83-1/2 Westy
with 85,000 miles for sale very soon - just as soon as the head
gaskets are replaced!
-Ron
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