Hey Eric.............
Please compile a list of what's not wrong with Vanagons.

Stan Wilder
www.engineceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Zeno" <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 6:52 AM
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
> >
> >
> >
> >