Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: New bus
From:Andrew Grebneff
Date:Sat, 20 Apr 2002 20:38:05 +1200

>Greetings list,
>
>I have just acquired my first water cooled bus, an '89 Westy.  At face
>value it appears to be in excellent condition.  I plan on doing the
>initial general maintenance (new plugs, oil change, etc.).  Coming from
>the air-cooled world, I know there were certain key recommendations such
>as replacing fuel and brake lines.  Is there anything I need to be aware
>of with this bus?  And what else should I inspect/change?
>
>Thanks,
>Darren

Just the engine...  keep an eye out for coolant on the ground under
the heads after it's been parked. this is caused by corrosion of the
inadequate head-sealing surfaces and poor metallurgy. Also 2.1s are
prone to throwing rods. A great van let down by its
engine/transmission/electrics (in that order).

You may have seen postings about Subaru conversions, an increasing
number of which are being undertaken. Heard of the Subaruvanagon
Yahoo list?

I have gathered together a 260hp flat-six 3.3  DOHC Subaru SVX EG33
engine, KEP adaptor kit, Porsche 930 Turbo LSD G50 trans, 930 CV
joints for my 84 Caravelle.
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut