Vanagon EuroVan
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Date:         Mon, 28 Jun 1999 01:33:22 -0700
Reply-To:     Coby Smolens <cobys@WELL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Coby Smolens <cobys@WELL.COM>
Subject:      Re: newbies questions...
Comments: To: t ob <calwestfalia@netscape.net>
In-Reply-To:  <19990627171620.24354.qmail@ww156.netaddress.usa.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi, Tim - You wrote:

> The 83 won't smog.. After replacing/checking every component in the fuel > injection system, my mechanic finally called Bosch.. They told > hime to do the > things he had already done.. head temp sensor, O2 sensor, brain, wiring, > airflow box, check aux injector, etc. Finally they said is > sounded like the > cam was off a tooth. In light of any other evidence, this is what > I am going > on. Any more ideas?

You can check the valve opening angle by using a leakdown tester which injects low-pressure air into a cylinder as you rotate the engine and listen to the intake plenum with a stethoscope. There is a spec in the book for intake opening angle - you check the TDC mark against the timing scale at the place you first hear air coming out the intake. Useful for checking flattened camshafts or the problem you suspect. Also - the wiring harness? Has it been thoroughly checked from the ECU to all the terminals? Did your guy have KNOWN GOOD components to work with when replacing parts? Like from a perfectly running vehicle? (new is NOT the same as KNOWN GOOD.)

> SO one of the small tanks will work better? Ok.. expensive to refill, at least > here in the bay area, but easier to haul around.

The propane tank doesn't usually get hauled around without the car - it's bolted in. It's true the buggers always want a "minimum" amount to fill the tank in the SF Bay area, but one can simply drive out of town a ways and have it filled by civilized humans. There's no minimum in Arcata, or even Ukiah (at least not the last time I got propane there). Then, remember to have it filled before returning home and then it's full before you go the next time, and you don't even have to remember to stop on your way out of town.

> How hard is it to transplant the poptop of an 81 to an 83?

It can't really be done properly without serious metal fabrication. The roofs of the two types are fundamentally different. The poptop opening is a rolled back edge that provide reinforcement to stiffen the box-structure of the van, which otherwise would be sacrificed. Cutting a big hole in the top would remove several of the lateral channels across the roof. These are not for decoration...

> I have redone the bottom end of a Sunfish before... The secret is > getting the > gelcoat to look like i didn't do it. I will try recleaning it first.

You're a step ahead of me, then - I have only done a few extemporaneous fiberglass repairs, and never had to be concerned with appearances.

Have fun - looks like you're in for an enjoyable afternoon or two!

Coby

Valley Wagonworks "Intimately acquainted with VW Vans since 1959"

Volkswagen Bus, Vanagon, Westfalia and Eurovan Repair and Service Specialists

1535 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94933 Voice:(415) 457-5628 Fax: (415) 457-0967 http://wagonworks.com mailto:contact@wagonworks.com


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