New to me 1990 Vanagon GL. Lots of photos now! Page 2

[gotboost?]

hello Samba!

I am inheriting my grandfather's 1990 Vanagon GL 4 speed. It currently resides in Portland, OR and I will be flying up to take possession, then driving it home to San Jose, CA. My question to you (my new family )

What will I need to go over to make sure it is suitable for the 500+ mile voyage home?

The Van currently has 82000 miles on it with newer tires.

Here is what I am thinking about doing:

1. Oil change... I will be taking care of this for sure
2. Air filter.... Any recommendations on a nice new one?
3. Coolant... Should I do a drain/fill/bleed?
4. Tire pressure and brake check.
5. Battery charge

What else do I need to check on this Vanagon? What are the common problems that would leave me stranded on the long trip home?

Thanks in advance!

[GBA 88West LA]

first of congrats...was the van active or has it been sitting? biggest thing most folks will bring up is fuel lines, fuel lines and more fuel lines, cv joints, brakes, radiator circulating correctly etc, bring all your tools or AAA card just in case
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currently 88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th

[PDXWesty]

I would arrange to take it in to a local shop for a thorough inspection before you take off. A mechanic familiar with these may be able to spot something you might not. There are several good places that could do it, but I would make an appointment now because this is a busy time of year.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[gotboost?]

The van has been ran about once a week up until the time he past back in March. Since then it has been ran about twice.

What do I need to look at for the fuel lines? Also is there a how to about the coolant?

[gotboost?]

[GBA 88West LA]

check to see if fule lines are old and brittle look for obvious signs of them being relpaced....they crack and cause fires with the motor in rear usually by the time you see smoke in rear view mirror its too late........one important thing while driving if the red idiot light starts blinking PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY not in one minute dont try to make it to the exit if the red light blinks on dash pull over , do not pass go any coolant issues at all play it safe

biggest thing you can do is spend some time on here and read ask questions and use the search function , read thru old posts get up to speed with your new ride

google vanagon rescue squad
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currently 88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th

[Wildthings]

You have a lot of plastic parts in the cooing system that have been slowly aging as all plastic is what to do. Coolant tanks and the coolant tower of the right head are the worst. They are prone to sudden cracking and loss of coolant. There are also several hoses that are more prone to blowing.

You might buy yourself a new pressure cap so that your system pressure doesn't go higher than it is supposed to. You could also take your old cap and drill a 1/4" hole in it so that if you get a minor leak you can run your system without pressure and nurse it home.
A roll of tape suitable for making temporary repairs to coolant hoses would be good as well.

Having a short jumper made up to jump the terminal on the fan switch would be a go idea to. Maybe 4" inches long with 1/4" male spades on each end.

[GBA 88West LA]

[quote="gotboost I am extremely mechanically inclined, but this will be my first VW. I am more into doing motor swaps and turbos for Japanese imports.[/quote]

your gonna fit right in my friend

Ooooh yeah its sort of a right of passage for noobs to post a pix of the van so we can eye google it
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currently 88 Westy GL Vanaru 07 2.5 EJ25/AA Trans/oiling plates, 1.14 3rd-.77-4th

[Gpeck96]

Congrats on the new van!!

As for me, when it comes to maintenance I go a bit over the top. Keep in mind that I currently have a 91 Westy, so my maintenance will, and intervals will be a little different than yours.

1. I do my oil and filter change every 2k using a MANN oil filter and Castrol oil. It is a hole lot cheeper to change the oil, than an engine.

2. As for the air filter, I am using a MANN air filter and change it about twice a year. Sometimes more often depending on how much I drive, and the driving conditions. Once again, this is cheep preventative maintenance.

3. For the coolant, I change that once a year, making sure to changing it with a phosphate free brand. I use Prestone coolant, the one in the yellow bottle with a 50/50 water to coolant mix. Just keep in mind that "burping" the coolant is a trick, because of where the radiator is located. I have to put the front of the van up on stand to do mine.

4. For the tire pressure, that depends on a lot of factors such as: tire size, tire rating, driving style...etc. I currently have GW 16'' with Michelin Hydroedge 215/60/16 tires that are rated at 44psi. I run all 4 at about 42psi.

As for the breaks, I have upgraded the front to the GW larger disc breaks. They make a world of difference! Depending on your driving style and how much your van weighs loaded will change your break wear. However I check the tire pressure and breaks once a week.

5. Assuming that your van only has one primary battery, just make sure that there is no corrosion on the terminals, and that the battery looks like it is in good shape. Other than that, just normal batterie stuff.

As for what to look for, I would look at the coolant lines. Make sure that they are not leaking or show any signs or problematic wear. Check the file lines for the same issues. Check the engine, look for any thing that looks out of place, or damaged. Check the oil and coolant, make sure that they are not overly dirty. Check the tire wear, make sure that the tires are not wearing unevenly. Uneven wear could be a sign of alignment problems. Check out the engine heads, look for any signs of coolant seeping out from between the block and head. I would also recommend that do this when the engine is cold and after you have warmed the van up for about 15-30min.

Other than that, just look the van over, and go for it!!

[gotboost?]

Wow!!! Thanks guys, this is wonderful!!! I appreciate the tips and the knowledge! I am going to buy some oil filters, air filters, pressure cap, sounds like some tape and or extra hoses. Also jumping the aux fan to run all the time seems brilliant for the ride home. Are fuel lines just normal 5/8ths fuel line? I would like to buy some and keep in the van for the ride home as well just incase i spring a leak.

[shenan-agon]

[dobryan]

http://www.benplace.com/fuel_line.htm

Buy a fuel line replacement kit and do the work BEFORE you drive it home!

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_499_1323/fuel_line_replacement_kit.html

Replace the fuel filter as well.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 w/ TBD and Locker

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stephenson

[gotboost?]

Don't have to tell me twice! Ordering fuel line kit, fuel rails, metal firewall connector, and the tune up kit. After the research on the fuel stuff, this is a no brainier. 3 hours of my time and I will be much safer!!!

Thanks!

[PacificSticker]

The following is a good start.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...highlight=

I'm still making my way through it.
Congrats.
d
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1989 Wolfsburg T3 Whitestar 2.1 WBX
Libelle

Damon in Ventura

[PDXWesty]

Any parts you might need (brakes, clutch, cooling, tune-up, etc.) can be had at Halsey Imports. They specialize in VW and their prices almost always beat the on-line prices. I would certainly call them to get a quote before going crazy with the orders. They also have a service department that can inspect or work on the van. There are many good garages, but this place is best for parts.

http://halseyimportparts.com/
Phone (503)256-0182 FAX (503)256-3155
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[shenan-agon]

A big +1 to Halsey. As mentioned, their prices often beat the usual online vendors (but not always - call ahead to check on pricing for big stuff).

Fuel line kit I would just go ahead and order online, though. The one time Halsey steered me wrong was when they sold me some plain old fuel line when what I really needed was high-pressure fuel injection hose (and this was before I knew better).

[Wildthings]

[stevey88]

Do whatever suggestions you feel important but make sure you buy a Bentley manual and bring it with you. When you breakdown on the way down, you will have something to help you to locate the problem. Even if you can not fix it on the spot, the garage you go to may find the manual useful if they do not service Vanagon regularly.
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Steve

87 GL 4 speed
87 Westfalia full camper 4 speed

[gotboost?]

[stevey88]