Date:         Tue, 21 Dec 1999 12:03:58 -0800
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Coolers and Re: pwr mirrors
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 10:21 AM 12/21/1999 -0800, you wrote:
>My power mirrors and power windows are also recently
>on the fritz. It's a conspiracy!
>
>>
>> Jonathan Phillips wrote:
>>
>> > This is the first winter that I have had my Syncro
>> GL
>> > and the pwr mirrors just stopped working this a.m.
>> > When I turn the switch I can here the motors
>> grinding
>> > but nothing happens.


I have been servicing one 91 Euro Westy for several years now. Window lifts
were updated due to a high failure rate. Check with the dealer for updated
parts. Power mirrors are a typical weakness as they ONLY last 8 to 10
years. The housing with motor and the glass are separate part numbers. If
you can pop off the old glass without breaking it, you MAY be able to to
snap it on to the new housing without breaking one of several midget 8 year
old plastic tabs. I doubt you have better than a 25% chance of getting away
with it. Housing w/motor $154, glass $100+, at local dealer here.

Bentley has excellent procedure for removal of the door panel. I billed 0.8
hours for the mirror complete replacement. However, the speaker mounting on
this one is not quite the same as in the manual. The speaker did not have
to be removed. The wire is long enough that the panel can be supported by a
card board box during the procedure to prevent any strain on the wires.
Feeding the connectors for the mirror through the foam seal takes patience,
as does getting the lock knob actuator rod lined up for the trim piece
there when setting the panel back in place.

DO use a middlin' large phillips screw driver for the middlin' large
phillips head screws. Frustration and damage can occure if you use a
smaller size blade.

As a matter of note, with the reasonably complete maintenance inspections
and repair history documented on this vehicle, these are the only failures
on this 70k Westy, adding only failure of the neat under seat cooler. $400+
complete as I recall. No repair parts were available. If someone with
thermo dynamic equipment technology experience wanted to diagnose and do
some component replacement as a service, he could problably do a couple or
three repairs every evening and create good value for the 10's of thousands
that need or will soon need a more economical restoration to function of
these 10 year + or - failures.

Someone want to send me a failed underseat box with no obligations for
experimenting by me to try to restore function????? If I could fix it, cost
would be for parts only. I will accept as value to me the knowledge gained.
P-mail me if you need this service or if you want to send me a box for
attempted repair.

If I get a responce, I will dig out an old thermodynamics text and begin
researching parts sources for current tech coolers of all types. Perhaps
something in replacement parts from Coleman could be adapted????

I know AmSci&Surplus has the new tech thermisters in generic form.


T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
Surveyor, Mechanic, Poet, Philosopher
San Juan Island, WA