tony moore (tony-moore@EXCITE.COM) said on the date of 9/17/00 12:20 PM

>hey volks,
>
>just resubbed to the list after something like a 4 year absence. i can
>remember the 'pre-split' days! fell into the world of splits and loaves, but
>now i'm back :-)
>

     Welcome back!

>anyway, just picked up a nice '85 westy and had some q's as my memory on
>these bricks is failing :-)
>
>1) as with all the other vanagons i've owned, this one has the front end
>"scrunch" too. i think i remember this being caused by some bushings? anyone
>care to refresh my memory?
>

     This should be the A-arm bushings on the body.  Test this by
spraying them down with water (or driving throught puddles!) and then
listening for the scrunch.   I've never had mine fixed, but I remember
people mentioning lubing the bushings with something.

>2) there is a 'whining' that coincides (increases and decreases) with
>acceleration. the transmission doesn't effect it as it still happens when
>either the clutch is depressed or completely out of gear. it doesn't seem to
>adversely affect anything at this point, just annoying and it does worry me.
>
     Might be the diff, as it still spins when the tranny is engaged.
Change the tranny oil to a good synthetic.  And then pray.

>3) the ac compressor spins but the po says it won't hold freon for more than
>a couple weeks. i'm thinking the seals have gone. anyone know of a good
>supplier for a replacement? is there a better alternative to the standen?
>
     Probably true.  Time to look at a R134a conversion.  I think one of
the list vendors sells a kit.

>4) lastly, can anyone recommend a good vanagon-sympathetic mechanic near
>burbank, ca? unfortunately, work and two little girls don't allow me to
>tinker as much as i used to :-)
>
     Burbank!  But it is so warm out there!  Besides, the kids are great
for handing you tools.

_________________________________________________________

Bob O'Shaughnessy,         Columbus, OH
vanagon@columbus.rr.com
99 A3 Jetta TDI
85GL with basic Westy interior
74 Bus (Dad's)
72 Wife, 94 Rabbit, 95 Cat, 96 cat, 98 Kid 11/00 Kid!
52 House