Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: keeps blowin' fuses
From:Doktor Tim
Date:Sat, 21 Jun 2003 11:32:35 -0700

You need to verify compression specs and balance. Then check for good spray
misting pattern. Typical of these diesels to drop both compression and fuel
pressure over the course of life. But of a certainty, verify start of
delivery timing per the Bentley.

Don't know where you are, but if you are on the last legs for this motor,
get a nice reman long block from NW Con Rod in Seattle. Add a rebuilt
injection pump and rebuilt injectors and have done with running issues,
assuming reasonable maintenance, for another 150,000 miles or more.

Then check and replace the foul thermo switches so the fans operate
properly. Verify the grounds under the dash and replace all fuzes that show
tarnish or age. Look for heat stress on the relay terminals. Any corrosion
here is reason to pull the relay cover and have a look inside. If the
solder joints are mirror bright and there is no evidence of rosin weeping
out or corrosion of any kind, reuse it. If not, replace it.

I've seen a few grades of a mile or two that I must pull in 2nd at 30 mph
with my 72 dual carb. But I am tuned spec and not overheating. Get a Ford
Van with a 428 V-8 at 10 mpg if you want to stay in top gear up grades.

At 10:22 AM 06/21/2003, you wrote:

>Got a 10 mile, 1500+ foot climb every time I go to Wally World, or
>wherever, the 1.9 diesel is down to 30mph in 3rd for about 4 miles of
>it. I put in a separate toggle switch so I could start the high speed
>radiator fan  while I'm still on the flat to keep it from overheating.
>This works well, except as soon as I shut the fan off the 16amp fuse pops !
>I guess I could put the hot wire on the lower speed of the radiator fan,
>but that isn't as efficient and the engine still heats up a little.
>A bigger fuse? Anyone got a fix?
>Dave Cromwell  '82 1.9 Westy diesel "la ballena azul"