What to look for when buying '87...

[bcqc]

Well as the title says, I'm going to check-out an 87 model. Besides cooling system, the cc, the general state of the engine...For the interior, any tips as to see that everything is a go. How do you check the waterpump, the canvas etc. thanks all. Any history on '87 models? Ciao

[60kombi]

I had a 1987 syncro for about 5 years, I bought it from the original owner when it had about 40,000 miles. When I sold it it had approximately 120,000 miles. Here are the things I would look at:

1) Look closely at all the water pipin in the engine bay. Especially the steel pipes. Really feel around them. I had a pin hole in one of mine that was really difficult to see. They are expensive to fix.

2) Check the exhaust system really well. The cat alone can set you back quite a bit. Make sure everything is tight and not too rusty.

3) Grab the waterpump pully and give it a pull. If it is loose it will need to be replaced.

4) Check for coolant leaks. This is sometimes tough but look to see if there are any wet spots. Leaks mean either pump replacement, pipe replacements, or heads. Head replacement is big bucks. Mine was done under wanantee by VW. Cost nearly $3,000.

5) Check to see that all electrical items are in working order. Especially the gages, temp and fuel.

6) The only place I had any rust was under the drivers wheel well. Look closely there and at all seams.

7) Make sure there are no noises coming from the CV joints. Drive it while turning the wheel hard. Any popping sounds will indicate that the CVs need work.

Hope this helps.

Mike

[obus]

check the rear heater core which i think is under the rear seat. those are problematic
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[60kombi]

Yes obus, though mine did not give me any problems, I have heard that it was a real problem in some vanagons. Te thing would leak under the seat and wouldn't be discovered until the coolant level was checked.

Mike

[obus]

or i think you get a nice maple syrupy smell, if i recall
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[crukab]

As with any Bus/car, when out driving, make sure the odometer is actually working, also check- e-brake, high/low beam switch, door locks , windsheild washer pump, slider door track, pulling when braking....ect.
Good luck on your adventure !!
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'65 Bus/Panel/camper W/T/Shed
'66 Singlecab
'66 Westy
'82 Rabbit Truck
'86 Doublecab W/T
'91 Vanagon carat/wolfsbrg.Tiico
and others.

[earthmuffin]

A good way to check that rear heater core is to just turn the back fan on. If it is leaking you will be enjoying that marvelous aroma of antifreeze in no time. I just changed mine and it wasn't to bad of a job. I was dealing with another coolant leak and thought it would be a good time since I was going to have to bleed the system anyway.
Hey bcqc, are you noticing a resounding coolant system theme in these replies?
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This thread SUCKS!!!

[obus]

if no one said it, check the power steering lines if it has p.s. mine was leaking and the vw replacement metal lines are $$$$. i used hydraulic rubber replacements. i got mine through ken at van-again but i know somemone on vanagon.com had them also.
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