My "New" 1988 Westy! PICS! Verbose!

Vanagon Nut

Hi all.

Well. Finally.

I was torn between getting a nice Carat or a Westy, but IMO, in the price range I was looking at, this Westy is as good as it gets around here.

Last night, after months of obsessive searching, I was somewhat dismayed and sick of viewing my computer. I'd just about given up; in my price range, none of the local Westies were what I was looking for. Then after work last night I thought:

"what the heck. I'll check CL one last time."

Then this guy popped up in my radar. Called, made an appointment, woke up all excited at 6 AM, texted asking to get there early (had a gut feeling there would be lots of interest, I was right), arrived early, viewed it, knew right away it was a good Westy. Didn't even get it inspected though that may bite me later. Seller stayed firm on th advertised price which was fair for both parties IMO.

Sadly, part of someones estate, but the family seemed happy it would go to someone who cares.

They were extremely helpful btw.

With all due respect to the seller, I have to wonder if the KM's are higher than what shows. It seems odd that the speedo was replaced by the dealer at 113K KM's, in 2000. Maybe it was flawed from the get-go. Anyhow, "new" speedo shows ~ 27,000 KM's. Combined with the paper work, this all points to lower than average KM's. (and btw, this bus c/w all the original owners manuals, supplements etc.)

There's very few signs of rust poking through the "new" paint, (like some at apron behind front bumper) the interior is nearly perfect, it's got matching Michelin M&S tires. (haven't found the manufacture date yet), engine is rough at times, (bumpy idle) mufflers shot, fuel lines have a combination of rusted screw type FI clamps at FI's and factory pinch clamps at FPR, shocks *look* old, but..... it drives really well, has decent power, brakes well (good pedal height) clutch is about 50%. Transmission is stiff shifting and at first catching into 2nd but it seems that driving it may have worked gear oil around the various parts. Lubing the linkage will be done soon.

It has PM's, PW's, a "Black Widow" aftermarket keyed remote which works (all doors properly lock or unlock via the remote key), canvas/zippers good, new screen sewn in, poptop pivots appear to be worn VERY little if at all, cable/springs seem fine. (though a Jack Bombay kit would be nice), etc. Many good points!

Even though it appears this Westy must've sat idle for periods of time (sun bleached top? Somewhat rusty upper A-arms) I see this as worthy of my time and money to make even better and am stoked, though right now, I tend to see what needs to be done sooner than later: LP tank refurb or replace, new reg, (has what is likely OEM reg. now), fridge service, remove insulation (will be very curious to see body condition behind that stuff), tranny oil, engine oil, (and filter. Dang it has a Fram!? Sheesh!) clean grounds, plugs etc. The nice part is engine feels and sounds like it has good compression and there have been zero signs of coolant leaks. I have yet to get through Air Care (emissions) but with the new Ernst muffler I just picked up, hopefully that will help things. (maybe help O2 sensor sniff things better?)

Enjoy the pics and thanks for the patience and help regarding my second Vanagon purchase!

Neil.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
1981 VanaJetta 2.0 Westy "Jaco"
1988 Westy To Be Named! :^)

Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:
https://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-i...irect=true

My Air Cooled Vanagon to 15º Jetta ABA swap pages:
https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/15degreeengineconversion

ragnarhairybreeks · Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 8:25 pm Post subject:

Pretty nice Neil, well done.

i guess the island trip to scout syncros is out now Smile

alistair
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 8:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks Alistair.

I'm happy with the purchase though had hoped to take it down to Fishermens Bend. That may happen, but I would be wise to do the fuel lines, muffler and check some other things out. Still, as-is, it would likely make the trip no problem.

Edit: With time and some elbow grease, who knows; I may bring it over to the Island soon enough!

Neil.
_________________
1981 VanaJetta 2.0 Westy "Jaco"
1988 Westy To Be Named! :^)

Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:
https://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-i...irect=true

My Air Cooled Vanagon to 15º Jetta ABA swap pages:
https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/15degreeengineconversion

mariusstrom · Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 11:10 pm Post subject:

matt_j · Samba Member Joined: April 02, 2012 Posts: 55

Congrats! Noticed that one on CL. Looks great! Maybe I'll catch you driving around in it.

DAIZEE · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 1:32 am Post subject:

CONGRATS BUT you can only drive one at a time Wink

I do get the addictive nature of the disease tho Cool

_________________
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 97 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (for sale)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

Mental Health issues affect us all. Ignorance is not bliss. It's up to each of us to educate ourselves.

morymob · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 3:41 am Post subject:

A TWIN, mine is just like yours, i do like that shade of blue, my sticker bad so does any know if that is Dove Blue and can u read your sticker up under dash, would like to have paint code. Mine sat for 1 1/2 yrs and painnt was really nice after i buffed it out but will do some more on top.

DAIZEE · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 4:06 am Post subject:

Someone told me my Riviera was Dove Blue but I think they were wrong as your blue is more indicative of Doves. Can't you get your paint code off your VIN?
_________________
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 97 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (for sale)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

Mental Health issues affect us all. Ignorance is not bliss. It's up to each of us to educate ourselves.

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 8:36 am Post subject:

All right. Sig edited!

I like the blue! (and RTV blue kinda matches the poptop colour right now..... PO took rack off, holes, rain last night. Temp. measure)

Walla Walla a "no go". Dang work < mumbles >

Paint code. (can't find my close up glasses so here's a pic)

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
1981 VanaJetta 2.0 Westy "Jaco"
1988 Westy To Be Named! :^)

Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:
https://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-i...irect=true

My Air Cooled Vanagon to 15º Jetta ABA swap pages:
https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/15degreeengineconversion

D Clymer · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 9:02 am Post subject:

Looks good, Neil. There's a lot to like about the late model Westy's and that one looks like it's clean, original, and well-preserved. I'm glad you waited for the right one to come around.

D

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 9:19 am Post subject:

Thanks David. Your previous advice was appreciated and I'm glad I stuck to it!

There will be rust cropping up at some point, but for now, once I get things dialed in to road safe (for me anyway), it will be even more of a joy to drive.

Neil.
_________________
1981 VanaJetta 2.0 Westy "Jaco"
1988 Westy To Be Named! :^)

Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:
https://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-i...irect=true

My Air Cooled Vanagon to 15º Jetta ABA swap pages:
https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/15degreeengineconversion

photogdave · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 9:23 am Post subject:

How do you feel about the "atmosphere" with the newer interior?
When my girlfriend and I were sitting in the new van, compared to the old brown interior of the Tiger Van, she said it felt like "an 80s retirement condo". One of my friends suggested we name the new van "Boca Del Vista"!
_________________

GBA 88West LA · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 9:37 am Post subject:

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 9:38 am Post subject:

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 5:38 pm Post subject:

Do ya think this is what was causing the rough idle? Wink

Always something to do on these rigs!

Actually the cat only looks "half full" (clogged). Not sure if the leaks and clogged cat affected the O2 sensor adversely. I'll find out. Got a box of new parts!

Neil.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
1981 VanaJetta 2.0 Westy "Jaco"
1988 Westy To Be Named! :^)

Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:
https://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-i...irect=true

My Air Cooled Vanagon to 15º Jetta ABA swap pages:
https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/15degreeengineconversion

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 4:37 pm Post subject:

Hi all.

Got things buttoned up. New muffler, cat, O2, replaced two small coolant hoses, (one was steaming. PO used braided fuel hose. I replaced with good FI hose) tune up, check some Digi things. Slapped on my day permit, took my Westy for a good run before test before emissions testing (Air Care) On the way, visited a local Vanagon mechanic. He sniffed the exhaust and was surprised at how "clean" it smelled. He said I'd pass no problem.

I passed! No problem!

Thought some might find the numbers interesting. In spite of a somewhat rough idle, it passed. The idle test was something I was concerned about. As Captain Pike commented, rough idle/miss may be an injector(s) issue. We'll see. I'm running FI cleaner through but will pull FI's and check spray pattern. Am super tempted to drive it to work to show it off, but will do the check and fuel lines now.

Thanks for the help in other threads regarding my engine. A major step has been made!

Neil.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
1981 VanaJetta 2.0 Westy "Jaco"
1988 Westy To Be Named! :^)

Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:
https://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-i...irect=true

My Air Cooled Vanagon to 15º Jetta ABA swap pages:
https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/15degreeengineconversion

zippyslug31 · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 4:45 pm Post subject:

Congrats on your passing! (sorry if I made it sound like you just died Laughing

)

This is the SINGLE worst thing for me owning my westy. Every two years its like pulling teeth (and spending tons) just to get the thing to pass.
This past time I replaced a bunch of top end components... if anything I'm hoping it will help me pass more easily next time around.
_________________
previous: '80 westy
current: '90 syncro westy

mariusstrom · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 4:57 pm Post subject:

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 5:00 pm Post subject:

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 11:07 pm Post subject:

So just a verbose update. Wink

Replaced fuel hoses in engine bay, routed them along intake runners. Send and return hoses located closer to driverside of firewall, each attached to firewall via SS brackets and a part like this: http://www.phillipsind.com/upload/images/product/5-4503.jpg

After the initial tune up, new muffler/cat, the engine still didn't run right. Ran same as when I got it. Adding Methyl Hydrate and new gas added seems to help as did adjusting the timing. Ironically, setting timing using the 2" 40º full advance at 3K RPM method made the engine really bog on acceleration. It may be that I misunderstood the 2" thing. I cut a 2" piece of tape, put it on pulley to right of forward most "V" notch, made my mark and timed that new mark to case seam. Regardless, putting back dizzy close to original mark (turned it CCW) put some of the "zip" back into the engine.

A new used ISVM was swapped in which seemed to help the idle. But there's still a subtle miss and the idle can be a little high or low. Edit: and it surges a little at "parking lot" speeds. Could also call it a subtle "bucking". Engine may be running too hot as well. I'd have to double check, but pointing an IR gun at various engine parts seems to indicate this. (and temp gauge needle usually sits above LED) Running heater helps cool things down. It may be a rad issue. Will swap in new thermostat soon. Coolant needs to be changed I bet. Knowing me I'd just as soon yank the rad, coolant pipes etc. etc. and just do it all over but I'll resist. I'll start with the thermostat. It may be that's it's not opening all the way. Thermostat and coolant sensor were replaced in 03 about 18K km's ago and there was a "Check cooling system" done a few days later, but, meh, who knows? This work was also done at the same time a new pop top seal was done. Looks like it was GLUED to the pop top. Rolling Eyes

Anyhow.... I suspect someone thought there was a cooling system issue (hot running?) and it may not have been resolved.

Over all, the engine runs much smoother and accelerates much more consistently, and it's nice knowing the fuel hoses are done. If it weren't for what I think is a hotter than should be running engine, I'd take it camping asap!

Neil.
_________________
1981 VanaJetta 2.0 Westy "Jaco"
1988 Westy To Be Named! :^)

Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:
https://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-i...irect=true

My Air Cooled Vanagon to 15º Jetta ABA swap pages:
https://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/15degreeengineconversion

>Help >Donate >Buy Shirts >Register >Log in	See all Samba banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Vanagon/Eurovan	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time Goto page 1, 2 Next
Page 1 of 2