

| Subject: | Re: vanagon Digest - 17 Apr 2015 (#2015-20) |
| From: | greg difortuna |
| Date: | Sat, 18 Apr 2015 08:25:15 -0700 |
Stop sending me this please On Friday, April 17, 2015, Automatic digest processor < LISTSERV@gerry.vanagon.com> wrote: > There are 5 messages totalling 408 lines in this issue. > > Topics of the day: > > 1. Audi (2) > 2. Time for new tires! (3) > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2015 18:59:44 -0700 > From: Jeffrey Vickers <jeffrey@VICKERSDESIGN.COM <javascript:;>> > Subject: Re: Audi > > I have a 2005 Avant with 136K. Great car - bought it new. It is however, = > an expensive car to fix. I did the timing belt myself which basically = > requires taking the front end of the car off. Doh! That was a fun = > weekend. Timing belt in a shop is around a $1200 -$1900 job depending on = > who does it.=20 > > My Avant needs a water pump - $1100 - and a clutch in another 10K or so = > ($900). If your seller hasn=E2=80=99t replaced either one of those, plan = > on doing them soon.=20 > > I don=E2=80=99t know if the =E2=80=9998 has a coolant flange, but = > that=E2=80=99s another weak point in the coolant system that fails and = > is expensive to fix because it=E2=80=99s buried at the bottom of the = > engine. I had the driver=E2=80=99s door window regulator go south a = > couple of years ago and that was around $700. ABS sensors are rather = > pricey as well from what I hear.=20 > > BTW - these are independent shop - not dealership - prices I am quoting, = > although I live in the Bay Area and mechanic=E2=80=99s labor prices tend = > to be higher here. > > I=E2=80=99m hoping that when the new A4 platform is revealed in August, = > that there will be a diesel Avant with a stick shift and Quattro to = > replace my =E2=80=9905. Hey Audi - is that so much to ask? =3D ) > > Jeff in Marin > > > > > On Apr 17, 2015, at 6:36 PM, Automatic digest processor = > <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <javascript:;>> wrote: > >=20 > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com > <javascript:;>] On = > Behalf =3D > > Of Gene P > > Sent: Friday, April 17, 2015 12:03 PM > > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <javascript:;> > > Subject: Fryday NVC - Audi opinions? > >=20 > > Thinking of getting a German cousin for the ol grey wolfsburg to give = > =3D > > him a break, let him stay in some in the winter, etc. Vehicle is a 98 = > =3D > > Audi A4 Avant (little wagonlike hatchback) with 135K miles. Upside is = > =3D > > one owner and I know the owner, so confidence in how it's been driven = > =3D > > and maintained. Downside is unknown, am I jumping into a money pit = > with =3D > > a needy vehicle I won't be able to maintain? If any of y'all have =3D > > experience or opinions with these things, I'd like to hear. > >=20 > > Thanks, > > gp > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2015 18:59:21 -0700 > From: PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM <javascript:;>> > Subject: Re: Time for new tires! > > Thanks very much for the info. Tomorrow morning I will contact the local > dealer and ask if he can get the recommended Hancooks. Apparently they're > available from Walmart and Sears, but I'll keep checking to see where else > they can be obtained locally. > Patti > > On Fri, Apr 17, 2015 at 6:46 PM, Jim Arnott <jrasite@eoni.com > <javascript:;>> wrote: > > > Hi Patti, > > > > The 185R14 is not an indication of =E2=80=9Ctruck=E2=80=9D tire. The > load= > range is. There > > are three =E2=80=98acceptable' criteria. All taken individually, of > cours= > e. > > > > 1. load range 104 is high enough. 95 or 98 really isn=E2=80=99t. > > 2. the suffix XL on the size. 185R14 XL (Extra load.) > > 3. the suffix C on the size. 185R14C (Commercial) > > > > Any of those those the indicators would show suitability for a Vanagon. > > > > The same holds true for the factory optional tire size 205/70R14. > > 205/70R14 is a passenger car tire. 205/70R14 XL is a Vanagon tire. > > > > Larry Chase=E2=80=99s site <http://www.roadhaus.com/tires/guideline.html > >= > is > > noncommercial. Bus Depot sells tires. (Though Ron is way more accurate > th= > an > > one of the other popular Vanagon tire sellers.) > > > > Jim > > > > > > Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own mind. > > -- Franklin D. Roosevelt > > > > > > > On Apr 17, 2015, at 6:11 PM, PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM <javascript:;>> > wrote: > > > > > > Both sets of tire guidelines are very helpful. I'm glad to know that I > > > already have the recommended size tires *(**185R14)* on my Westy, > > although > > > they need to be replaced. Is this size, by definition, a TRUCK tire, > a= > s > > > opposed to a passenger car tire? And is *185R14* uniform within all > > makes > > > of tires? Is there any variations within this size from maker to > maker= > ? > > > *Patti* > > > *90 Westy Automatic* > > > *Los Angeles * > > > > > > On Fri, Apr 17, 2015 at 5:15 PM, Jon VO <jondvo@gmail.com > <javascript:;>> wrote: > > > > > >> Load range & sidewall deflection issues are what comes to mind, given > > the > > >> smallish tire and relatively high weight & loading of the tire. You > ma= > y > > be > > >> able to go to 195r14's if you can find them. A bit larger all around, > > more > > >> weight capacity but still will fit the spare area, and otherwise be a > > >> slight improvement. Unfortunately, the 195r14 reinforced size seems > t= > o > > >> have all but vanished...I believe Hancook still make them. > > >> I am running all-season tires which are a compromise, summer tires > wea= > r > > >> longer. Winter tires have much better cold & ice traction. > > >> Jon > > >> > > >> > > >> On 4/17/2015 2:58 PM, PB wrote: > > >> > > >>> Is there anything different about getting new tires for my 90 > > >>> Westy automatic? There's a tire dealer I feel comfortable with, not > > far > > >>> from where I live. I've gotten tires for my Jeep there. Their service > > is > > >>> excellent, and I have had no problems with the service or the tires. > > >>> > > >>> My current tires are Michelin 185R 14C. While the tread is fine, > the= > y > > are > > >>> cracked all around because I don't have a garage. I probably drive it > > less > > >>> than 5,000 miles/year, and would like to replace them with decent, > sa= > fe > > >>> tires that would be less expensive then Michelins. > > >>> > > >>> Is there anything special about Vanagon tires that I should know > > about? (I > > >>> am not considering used tires or retreads.) > > >>> > > >>> Thanks. > > >>> Patti > > >>> > > >>> 90 Westy automatic > > >>> Los Angeles, California > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >> > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > *=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**= > > =E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99= > =AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA* > > > If it's not on my Smart Phone, it doesn't exist... > > > =E2=97=8F=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E0=AE= > > =9C=DB=A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=99=A5=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC= > > =E2=96=AC=E0=AE=9C=DB=A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2= > =96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=97=8F > > > > > > > --=20 > > *=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2= > > =99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA= > =E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA* > If it's not on my Smart Phone, it doesn't exist... > > =E2=97=8F=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E0=AE=9C=DB= > > =A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=99=A5=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96= > > =AC=E0=AE=9C=DB=A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC= > =E2=96=AC=E2=97=8F > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2015 19:09:42 -0700 > From: PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM <javascript:;>> > Subject: Re: Time for new tires! > > Yaay! Looks like my favorite tire > <http://www.americantiredepot.com/tire-details.html?id=3D27411> place has > them or will be able to order them! (I hope these are the ones!) > Patti > > On Fri, Apr 17, 2015 at 6:59 PM, PB <pbrattan@gmail.com <javascript:;>> > wrote: > > > Thanks very much for the info. Tomorrow morning I will contact the local > > dealer and ask if he can get the recommended Hancooks. Apparently they're > > available from Walmart and Sears, but I'll keep checking to see where > els= > e > > they can be obtained locally. > > Patti > > > > On Fri, Apr 17, 2015 at 6:46 PM, Jim Arnott <jrasite@eoni.com > <javascript:;>> wrote: > > > >> Hi Patti, > >> > >> The 185R14 is not an indication of =E2=80=9Ctruck=E2=80=9D tire. The > loa= > d range is. > >> There are three =E2=80=98acceptable' criteria. All taken individually, > o= > f course. > >> > >> 1. load range 104 is high enough. 95 or 98 really isn=E2=80=99t. > >> 2. the suffix XL on the size. 185R14 XL (Extra load.) > >> 3. the suffix C on the size. 185R14C (Commercial) > >> > >> Any of those those the indicators would show suitability for a Vanagon. > >> > >> The same holds true for the factory optional tire size 205/70R14. > >> 205/70R14 is a passenger car tire. 205/70R14 XL is a Vanagon tire. > >> > >> Larry Chase=E2=80=99s site < > http://www.roadhaus.com/tires/guideline.html= > > is > >> noncommercial. Bus Depot sells tires. (Though Ron is way more accurate > t= > han > >> one of the other popular Vanagon tire sellers.) > >> > >> Jim > >> > >> > >> Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own mind. > >> -- Franklin D. Roosevelt > >> > >> > >> > On Apr 17, 2015, at 6:11 PM, PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM <javascript:;>> > wrote: > >> > > >> > Both sets of tire guidelines are very helpful. I'm glad to know that > = > I > >> > already have the recommended size tires *(**185R14)* on my Westy, > >> although > >> > they need to be replaced. Is this size, by definition, a TRUCK tire, > = > as > >> > opposed to a passenger car tire? And is *185R14* uniform within all > >> makes > >> > of tires? Is there any variations within this size from maker to > make= > r? > >> > *Patti* > >> > *90 Westy Automatic* > >> > *Los Angeles * > >> > > >> > On Fri, Apr 17, 2015 at 5:15 PM, Jon VO <jondvo@gmail.com > <javascript:;>> wrote: > >> > > >> >> Load range & sidewall deflection issues are what comes to mind, given > >> the > >> >> smallish tire and relatively high weight & loading of the tire. You > >> may be > >> >> able to go to 195r14's if you can find them. A bit larger all around, > >> more > >> >> weight capacity but still will fit the spare area, and otherwise be a > >> >> slight improvement. Unfortunately, the 195r14 reinforced size seems > = > to > >> >> have all but vanished...I believe Hancook still make them. > >> >> I am running all-season tires which are a compromise, summer tires > we= > ar > >> >> longer. Winter tires have much better cold & ice traction. > >> >> Jon > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> On 4/17/2015 2:58 PM, PB wrote: > >> >> > >> >>> Is there anything different about getting new tires for my 90 > >> >>> Westy automatic? There's a tire dealer I feel comfortable with, not > >> far > >> >>> from where I live. I've gotten tires for my Jeep there. Their > servic= > e > >> is > >> >>> excellent, and I have had no problems with the service or the tires. > >> >>> > >> >>> My current tires are Michelin 185R 14C. While the tread is fine, > >> they are > >> >>> cracked all around because I don't have a garage. I probably drive > i= > t > >> less > >> >>> than 5,000 miles/year, and would like to replace them with decent, > >> safe > >> >>> tires that would be less expensive then Michelins. > >> >>> > >> >>> Is there anything special about Vanagon tires that I should know > >> about? (I > >> >>> am not considering used tires or retreads.) > >> >>> > >> >>> Thanks. > >> >>> Patti > >> >>> > >> >>> 90 Westy automatic > >> >>> Los Angeles, California > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >>> > >> >> > >> > > >> > > >> > -- > >> > > >> > > *=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**= > > =E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99= > =AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA* > >> > If it's not on my Smart Phone, it doesn't exist... > >> > =E2=97=8F=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E0=AE= > > =9C=DB=A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=99=A5=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC= > > =E2=96=AC=E0=AE=9C=DB=A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2= > =96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=97=8F > >> > >> > > > > > > -- > > > > > *=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2= > > =99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA= > =E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA* > > If it's not on my Smart Phone, it doesn't exist... > > =E2=97=8F=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E0=AE=9C= > > =DB=A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=99=A5=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2= > > =96=AC=E0=AE=9C=DB=A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96= > =AC=E2=96=AC=E2=97=8F > > > > > > --=20 > > *=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2= > > =99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA= > =E2=99=AA=E2=99=AB**=E2=99=A5**=E2=99=AB=E2=99=AA* > If it's not on my Smart Phone, it doesn't exist... > > =E2=97=8F=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E0=AE=9C=DB= > > =A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=99=A5=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96= > > =AC=E0=AE=9C=DB=A9=DB=9E=DB=A9=E0=AE=9C=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC=E2=96=AC= > =E2=96=AC=E2=97=8F > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2015 02:31:23 +0000 > From: Paul Freese <freese.paul@YAHOO.COM <javascript:;>> > Subject: Re: Audi > > Yes the 98 is indeed a good one.=C2=A0 I assume is is the 2.8 and not the > t= > urbo since it is still around after almost 20 years.=C2=A0 The 12 valve is > = > indeed a robust engine and there is a site dedicated to this:=C2=A0 > www.12v= > alve.org=20 > This is quite simple and easy to work on but you will have to remove the > fr= > ont bumper assembly to work on the front of the engine (H20 pump, timing > be= > lt....).=C2=A0 Not so with the same vintage A6 but then you are stuck with > = > an auto. > It will be one of you favorite cars ever!!! > -Paul > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2015 23:48:23 -0400 > From: KIM BRENNAN <kimbrennan@MAC.COM <javascript:;>> > Subject: Re: Time for new tires! > > ??? Aspect ratio of 185R14 is 82% as I recall. Why would you consider = > the 185R14 designation obsolete if tires are still made with that = > designation?=20 > > > > > On Apr 17, 2015, at 9:36 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM > <javascript:;>> = > wrote: > >=20 > > No, and 185R 14 is an obsolete designation, but you may be able to = > still find it. All modern tires use an aspect ratio along with the = > diameter and tread width, like 205 75 R 14. It's the load rating that = > makes it a truck tire. Load rating C or D for the Vanagon, both of = > which have reinforced sidewalls.=20 > > ------------------------------ > > End of vanagon Digest - 17 Apr 2015 (#2015-20) > ********************************************** >
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