TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Jan 11, 2004 5:03 pm

Hey, There is an '86 westy for sale in my area for a killer price and am interested in buying it. I've always had aircooled busses but never a water cooled. I am weiry of the headgasket problems that I've heard so much of. Are there any telltale signs of an engine that's on it;s way out and any other problem areas associated with these vans? Thanks for your help.

clarke.

Sun Jan 11, 2004 7:31 pm

www.vanagon.com
Click 'info',
Click 'arcticles and essays',
Click 'how to buy a vanagon', and also check out the 'bus buyers guide'.
There is a lot of great links and info on that website that should get you started.
As far as the engine is concerned, I wouldn't consider purchasing a van until a compression test is performed. Also check the condition of the fluids, ie oil and coolant, to make sure they have been using the right types. Let us Know what you find out.

Sun Jan 11, 2004 10:27 pm

Hey, thanks for the good info......... I have been to that site before but didn't find the purchacing article untill you directed me to it. Looks like i need should do a pressure test on the cooling system as well as a compression test.

Fri Jan 16, 2004 11:16 am

You could also look at the rubber head-to-water jacket gaskets carefully. A lot of times (especially in cold weather) they will have some drips of coolant on the bottom side. Unfortunately it is hard to see the bottom of the gaskets if the lower sheet metal protective plates are in place though.

My '87 Syncro had drips on the bottom of the gaskets (and no protective plates) that would usually dry up in the summertime. I drove it for 3 years without having to do the heads or any cooling system problems. Occasionally it needed coolant but it never left any puddles or diluted the oil with coolant. The motor was tired though (limited low-end torque) and had 217k on the bottom end and 110k on the heads.

Also look carefully at the exhaust system. The components are not cheap.

I sold it about a year ago and the new owner has since had Boston Bob (www.bostonengine.com) build a new motor. It was sold with the understanding that it would eventually be needing a motor.

-Stanagon

Fri Jan 16, 2004 2:39 pm

1986-91 is the desired years if your going water cooled, bigger engine, cooler front nose. IMHO. Check the coolant lines at the heater under the back seat, run it if possible, check for leaks and or the smell of antifrz.
Exhaust is a big exspence, as are brakes/front end. try and get as much info on any work done on it.
Good luck with it.

Fri Jan 23, 2004 5:17 pm

I have an '85 that (knock wood) runs fine. I like the front end on 86+ Vanagons more, but the motor in mine isn't different enough from the 86'+ to bother (same half-assed engineering...everything else wonderful).

Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:02 pm

besides mechanical, check for signs of rust. Rust along any of the seams usually means it's also on the inside -- have to pull the interior to fix. Westys can also for bad rust beneath the driver's side window, either along the floor or along a horz bar about halfway up. its always much worse on the inside...

Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:30 am

if it has power steering the lines can rust out. dealer wants major coin but you can get someone to fabricate hydraulic hoses for you, if need be. thats what i did.

Wed Mar 24, 2004 8:11 pm

You can find an introductory buyers guide to '68-91 Busses and Vanagons, as well as some links to classifieds and other buyers' resources(including TheSamba), at http://www.busdepot.com/links.jsp