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Subject:Re: water pump replacement 85 GL
From:Gary Thaxter
Date:Wed, 4 Nov 1998 01:02:38 -0500

>Hi again listees,
>Anyone that has replaced/ had replaced the water pump on Vanagons
>(85GL)...could you please tell me about how long the shop time should be for
>the job?
>Anyone had it done lately? Cost?
>Thanks
>Leo
>Meaford ON

Hi Judith and Leo,

Was the problem you had earlier a leak at your water pump?  I had the
problem on my 85 kombi a couple of winters ago.  Of course, it finally left
me stranded on a 30 below night about 11pm.  A police car picked me up and
I met some friends that gave me a ride home.

Any way, I looked all over for a water pump, every place shipped the wrong
one (The diesel engine style I think)  Turned out the dealer was cheaper
(surprise!) and of course it was the proper one.  It cost about $80 (CDN)
and change and came with the proper o-ring.  The shop time quoted by the
dealer was 4 hours.  I changed it myself and replaced the thermostat in 4
and a half.  It was the first time I ever did it and I "learned" my way
through it without a manual.  My van, however does not have air
conditioning, or power steering.  These things get in the way a quite a bit
(i am finding out on my 86 syncroGL).

Hope you find a deal on getting it changed.

Gary Thaxter
74 transporter panel
78 westy
85 kombi
86 syncroGL