Hi folks, 

        My 84 was freed from the garage.  I lowered air pressure and put 6 people and a dog in her to sink her down.  We cleared the top of the door easily.  Issue is tall GW lift and a metal rack on the rear pop top. 

        Over  the winter I changed several coolant hoses, and the radiator, changed the wiring harness to a new one, and we had a new GW throttle body. AFM was adjusted just before winter and turned out to be the cause of some running issues. I cleaned up several grounds including starter and battery connections.

Also sound deadening and lots and lots of cleaning and small repairs.  And I hunted down every rattle I could find.

We went on a nice long test drive.  And… All was great! 

        Very quiet van.   Many rattles gone and just a very few easy new ones found.  Running great.  Tomorrow an even longer trip over a mountain.

Need to double check fluids but no drips under van at this point. 
        Sunroof seal seems to be letting in lots of air so that goes on the list. 

But, the 84 is ready for extensive spring and summer travel! 

I have more to do but it can wait until next winter or available support folks.

I took the 85 also out again today.  Running smooth and strong.  Seems happier and happier as it runs.  Only about 160 miles on the engine. 

Drip after running is about three quarter sized circles worth in a small area and that’s it until van is started again. Not noticible yet on dip stick.

So, hoping this turns out to be something simple like the dip stick seal.  
        I’m planning to run this new engine gentle for the first 500 miles or so before getting it over 3600 rpms.

But, this is the first time I’ve had both vans out for a ride on the same day and both acting like they are ready to go on a major road trip!

So, keep up the good caretaking work.  A healthy vanagon is magical.

Eric Caron 
85 and 84 Westfalias.