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Subject:Re: known Vanagon problems
From:John Meeks
Date:Fri, 27 Aug 2004 11:06:16 -0400

On Fri, 27 Aug 2004 09:33:56 -0500, Jim Felder <felder@knology.net> wrote:
> 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
>

Thanks Jim,

The "they" and "them" you refer to is just me (I wish I had a "them").
A few people have contributed good posts they have saved, but I could
use a lot more help.

Anyone?

Thanks for the thought
John Meeks
Vanagon Rescue Squad
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm

>
> 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
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >
>

--
John Meeks
Vanagon Rescue Squad
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm
'91 Multivan ~ white lightnin' ~
KC8ZFN