Date: Wed, 8 Sep 1999 23:25:35 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes57@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes57@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Organization: Microsoft Corporation
Subject: Re: Experienced Opinions Wanted
You got questions!
I'll answer some below.
----- Original Message -----
From: Renouard, Robert <Robert.Renouard@METROKC.GOV>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 1999 9:05 PM
Subject: Experienced Opinions Wanted
> Dear Experts,
>
> Being reliant on professional mechanics to keep my new old van in good
> shape, I seek advice for the best options given the following conditions.
>
> I love my van because of the all wheel drive, interior space, and
> functionality for hauling my family, youth Cross Country team, building
> materials, outdoor gear, and camping. Paid $3,200 to a dealer as
> wholesale and $1,800 on new shift linkage, brakes, fluids change, and
> general service. Total investment in first three months of ownership =
> $5,200.
>
> THE VITALS:
>
> 86 Syncro
> 178,000 miles
> Good power
> Excellent body and interior
> Truck handling feels "tight" Nice ride.
>
> THE SYMPTOMS:
>
> Head Gaskets
> Exhaust gas in the coolant. { Has this been confirmed and how? The
ccoling system will not operate adequately with a real internal head gasket
problem. If the Heads are leaking intenrlally, gaskets will not fix it for
long. New or welded reconditioned heads will be needed and there may also be
some cylinder eroision making thier repalcement immenent. How is the oil
pressure? Maybe time to save for a rebuild considering the mileage.}
> No sign of coolant leaking on the ground.
> Some seepage on underside of left gasket.
> Red coolant light blinks but occasionally doesn't. {May be related to
exhaust gases pushing the coolant out of the expansion tank and away from
the sensor. MAy also be senso roproblem or system needs to be properly
bleed.}
> Temperature needle stays stable at top of red diode (barely up from
center) {Normal}
>
> Transmission
> No problems shifting, stays in gear
> "Rattle" when the clutch is not engaged. Quiet when in gear. {Some
rattling is normal in the Syncro Trans. It is caused by the large croos
country (Low) gears always turning with the input shaft. Try changing the
oil. Has the trans been repaired before? When? One test is to apply light
pressure on the gear shift in 3rd or 4th gear and blip the throttle. If the
gear shift moves abruptly with changing engine load, then the main bearing
is moving in the case or it is shot. May also be a gear cracking at the hub.
If this is the case, then plan on needing a trans soon. Otherwise, do not
tear it down based on a few rattles.}
>
> THE QUESTIONS
>
> If the transmission is truly going out, will there be significant warnings
> or, can it catastrophically fail. Do I need to worry about getting
stranded
> on a 400 mile trip? {No matter what, anything can happen on a trip. 400
miles is not that far but have a contingency plan in place. A trans can be
shipped in a few days to almost any where and any competant shop should be
able to install it. Trans shops are usually best for outright R+R. If the
trans blows unexpectedly do not let a shop repair it unless they thouroughly
convince you of thier expertise with this box. Renting a U-haul and trailer
is an option to get your van home. I also carry a few tow insurance plans,
(tow 150 miles today and agin tommorrow).}
>
>
> THE OPTIONS
>
> 1. From a shop that works out of a home: $700 for gaskets and $800 for
new
> heads. No guarantees {Russian Reulette, no competence. I work out of my
home, gaurentee work. I make a profit on the parts to help cover comeback
losses}.
>
> 2. From a reputable independent mechanic who told me I need new heads and
> my transmission also needs to be rebuilt. Total price $2,000 (trans not
> included). He also did the original $1,000 job for new linkage, rear
> brakes, fluids, and I'm not sure what else except that it seamed high for
> what I got. 12 Months or 12,000 mile guarantee.
>
> 3. Volkswagen dealer will charge $1,200 for gaskets and $1,000 more for
new
> heads. Given the symptoms, mechanic doesn't think the heads need
replacing.
> 12 months, 12,000 mile guarantee. {If you do have internal leakage you
will need new heads or to have yours welded and machined. Considering the
mileage on the engine, I would not spend $2,200 for a head job. Think
Engine. Your almost 2/3 there from VW. A good used engine is another
option. Besides, it won't stop at $2,200. You will need some exhaust parts
and hoses, tune-up parts, etc.}
>
> 4. Sell and look for a 89-91 syncro with lower mileage. {Really depends
on the condition of the body and other mechanical parts. If a lot of parts
such as the power steering and brake lines are rusted, they will have to be
dealt with. How about the suspension? This al must be considered.}
Hope this helps,
Dennis
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