Date:         Mon, 17 Aug 1998 08:33:03 -0800
Reply-To:     YauMan Chan <YauMan@CCHEM.BERKELEY.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         YauMan Chan <YauMan@CCHEM.BERKELEY.EDU>
Subject:      87 Vanagon shakes after Clutch job - Resolution
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain

Hello all fellow Vanagonians (or is it Vanagoneers)

This is an update on my 87 Vanagon GL who ran perfectly for
10 year (120,000miles) until a recent clutch job.  Thank you
to all who replied to my posting.  Here is a summary of all
your suggestions:

In general, everyone agree that this is a well known problem
with the Vanagons and the causes are many, the most
common ones suggested are

1. The  Sach clutch.  There may be a bad batch out there.
Some rivets may have come loose.  A few suggested using
LUK clutch - its oem for the Synchro but will fit the 2wd'ers
2. Flywheel needs to be resurfaced.. in this case it was
done..at least I thought.
3. Check the operating lever arm which pushs on the release
bearing.. make sure that they are evenly worn..any slight
differences will cause the shaking clutch problem
4. Engine and transmission not properly aligned and bolts
not properly torqued when put back together.
5. Shaking will go away when the new clutch is worn in.. It's
still there after 2000 miles.

So, armed with this information, I went back to the shop.
They agree to take a look at the problem again. They agree
to not charge me for the labor, but if I needed new parts like
the release lever or another clutch, I will have to pay for it.
They also did not admitted to damaging the motor mounts.

I got my van back and it works much better now.  They did
not replace anything.. just refitted and realigned.  This
weekend putting the van to test, I can only make it shake
when it fully loaded and starting up hill (steep San Fran
hills!).  Otherwise under normal use, it did not shake easily..
I can make it shudder slightly if I let go the clutch a bit fast.

So there it is.. not being a litiguous person that I am, I will let
it go.  For my troubles, the shop gave me a coupon for a free
smog check when my next one is due.

Now for my next problem.. my AC hi-pressure hose just
blew.. next posting..

Yau-Man Chan
87 Vanagon GL
120,000 miles.. original owner..