Isn't this what http://www.vanagonauts.com is already doing? They're
doing such a good job, why not lend them support? It all comes out of
our archives, from what I understand.

Just a thought.

Jim

On Aug 27, 2004, at 8:58 AM, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:

> This is brilliant. What would be very useful to us amateur mechanics
> new
> to Vanagons would be to turn it into a FAQ. Then, in the case where the
> solution to the problem is not self-evident ("replace light bulb"), a
> quickie description of a procedure and list o' parts. I would be happy
> to volunteer my time to create the web page, but would need others to
> provide the text. I can maintain it, too. Volunteers with photos, links
> to parts suppliers w/ part numbers, knock-knock jokes, etc.?
>
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 71 VW Type 2 / 84 Westy: A poor but proud race.
> KG6RCR
>
>
>
>
> Eric Zeno wrote:
>
>>    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
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>