Thanks, Eric.  I'm keeping this, and I'd love to hear what others have to
add, elaborate on, etc.

Joy

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Joy Hecht
and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon

For musings about life and the vanadventures:
http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy

****************************************************************

:::-----Original Message-----
:::From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
:::Of Eric Zeno
:::Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 7:52 AM
:::To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
:::Subject: known Vanagon problems
:::
:::    I have compiled a list of unusually COMMON problems
:::    that have shown up in our beloved Vanagons.
:::    I'm not including regular maintenance items
:::    like brakes, or light bulbs after 100,000 miles.
:::    These are problems I have seen in a lot of Vanagons
:::    that are regular premature problem. I am looking
:::    for suggestions to add to this list. Here is what I
:::    have so far: 2-25-2002
:::
:::
:::Common Vanagon Problems------
:::1 - Water Leaks: front windshield, side seals, side windows
:::2 - Head Gaskets: need I say more
:::3 - Water pump: every 50,000 miles
:::4 - Rear hatch struts: hatch falls
:::5 - Rear heater: core leaks
:::6 - Engine idle controls: throtle switch out of adjustment, idle stab
:::controller unit
:::                fails, idle stab valve gets gummed up.
:::7 - fuel leaks: cigar tube, clamps rust, hose brittle
:::                Plastic fuel fitting on firewall fails
:::                Fuel tank vent system leaks
:::8 - Front heater: blow motor seizes,blows fuse, burns switch
:::9 - Front heater duct/control: internal flap seals deteriorate, air leaks
:::10 - head light ground wire: wire to small, low voltage, head lights dim
:::11 - Electrical connections: crimp connectors get hot/melt, several bad
:::grounds
:::12 - Power door locks: esp. driver's door, wiring harness breaking, out
:::of adjustment
:::13 - Ignition switch: gets intermittent, hot when high beam are on.
:::14 - Headlight switch: Melts, quits
:::15 - Inside sliding door handle: not strong enough internally, socket
:::splits
:::16 - cooling system parts leak: plastic components, distributor on fire
:::wall, expansion
:::                  tank cracks, pressure cap. leaks, hose clamps loose
:::17 - body rust: Seams rust, Cavity in front of tail lights
:::18 - Clutch pedal linkage: clevis pin wear, play in pedel
:::19 - Power steering: rack leaks fluid.
:::20 - Engine performace problem: ECU, wiring to (or) temp. sensor, O2
:::sensor,
:::                  constant speed shutter, AFM wearout (bucking).
:::21 - Non-power side mirrors: mirror will not stay in place, rust in
:::socket
:::22 - Clutch: chatter
:::23 - Early slide windows -- glued bearing pieces fall out
:::
:::    Syncro------
:::1 - Drive shaft: vibration/balance problem
:::2 - Transaxle: creeper gear trying to escape, blows hold in case
:::3 - Transaxle: Synchronizers 3th and 4th break, can not shift
:::4 - Viscous Coupling: locks up or completely free, hard to detect
:::5 - fuel sending unit: rusts out, wire breaks off, gauge dead
:::
:::    Camper------
:::
:::1 - Fridge: Pilot light blowing out while driving
:::
:::Cory Sammons wrote:
:::
:::>I will search the archives as well so don't repeat any long threads.
:::>Looking at buying a 87 syncro westy for sale in the NE
:::>Anything in particular I should worry about?
:::>Known problems / recurring problems etc.
:::>Thinking of upgrading from my 84
:::>Anyone want the 84?
:::>Thanks
:::>
:::>Cory Sammons
:::>84 Westy
:::>99 New Beetle
:::>Gardiner, NY
:::>
:::>
:::>
:::>