Gab ~
First, remove the power steering belt to avoid running the pump without
fluid.
You probably have a rust hole in the power steering lines. In Canada, a
good replacement can be found here: http://www.frankcondelli.com/hose.htm

Tires: Be sure to find tires with a load index of 98 or higher. Lower is
dangerous and not fun to drive.

Alternator: Try replacing the voltage regulator/brushes module if it's not
producing an acceptable (~14v) output. If the shaft is wobbly or makes
noise, time for a rebuilt (Bosch is best) replacement.

Reference manual: I have the 1986 Glovebox manual I could send to you but
the real manual is the Bentley. Most of the list vendors have them.

Here's a good list of things to know and do for a new owner from Unca Joel:
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Things-to-do-for-new-vanagon-owners150.htm

Have fun !!!

John Meeks
'91 Vanagon MV Phoenix
Northern Michigan

Vanagon Rescue Squad
www.vanagonauts.com

On Mon, Jul 9, 2012 at 10:28 AM, Gab and Em <shoesandbikes@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi,
> I am in Oakville, Ontario and new to the list, new to my 86 Westy and have
> two small children that want to go on a road trip starting next week:
>
> Challenges:
> -REPLACE FOUR PASSENGER TIRES;
> -POWER STEERING -- RIP as of last night -- PS fluid all fell out -- front
> and back after I put in some Lucas.
> -AIR CONDITIONING -- RIP as of Y2k;
> -JUMP SEAT;
> -ALTERNATOR
> -REFERENCE MANUAL -- where can I get one?
>
> Other vehicle details:
> -Vanagon GL (what does the GL mean?)
> -odometer: 235000km'ish (odometer axel that holds the digit wheels in place
> keeps sliding out of place so that the odometer gear (in the dasboard) does
> not engage the driving worm-gear, so I question the odometer!)
> -"gold" colour with gold colour (light brown) interior)
>
> I am so far behind the eight-ball that I would appreciate ANY advice!  This
> is a general call for any comments or recommendations that are jumping up
> to to anyone.
>
> Thanks in advance (I am digging through the List Archives -- lots of neat
> stuff to read; but there is so much to read and it a bit slow to
> peruse...so I am falling behind a bit).
>
> Gabby
> that guy with too many questions.
>