TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Mar 30, 2019 1:32 pm

March 30th 1:30 pm Pacific Time ......

So, anyone in Tacoma area with decent diagnosis skills?

My 86 is at my Nieces house, idling rough with an odd squeaking sound.

If anyone is out that way and could swing by and take a quick listen, it would be MUCH appreciated.

PM me or email me

Dave

Sat Mar 30, 2019 1:40 pm

see if they can take a video with sound, or just sound. could be two unrelated issues eg a belt squeak along with rough idle. some hi res photos of the engine bay would also be good, we can look for vac hoses, etc.

but nothing beats being onsite... hope someone steps in.

Sat Mar 30, 2019 1:58 pm

I would if I was nearby, maybe she should contact Stuart Zickefoose?

(I have a direct line to his corporate sanctum if needed) :D

Sat Mar 30, 2019 2:09 pm

Unfortunately, im back in LA. Sorry!

Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:16 pm

Long shot. Helped a couple at a GTG. Engine miss with a noise. Right away I saw a spark plug wire arching to the alternator case. Wrapped with elec tape and rerouted for their drive home. They were stoked.

Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:33 pm

Perhaps someone played with the A/C switches?

Maybe an aux battery ran way down and the alternator is working hard to charge it?

Need a little more to go on.

Mark

Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:38 pm

Was that you getting loaded onto the flatbed on I-5 that I saw?
Halfway between Tacoma and Seattle, North bound?

Sun Mar 31, 2019 5:27 am

what have you found out so far, Dave? we know you don't need help diagnosing from afar, you need boots on the ground.

Sun Mar 31, 2019 5:32 am

My Brother arrived at her house and found some loose belts and a missing A/C compressor bolt.
But being three hours later night fell upon me and sleep took over.

Now I wait for them to wake up, it's only 5:30 AM there.........

Dave

Sun Mar 31, 2019 5:40 am

Aahh the joys of a van you once owned.

Luckily she doesnt have a "mechanically inclined" friend w more motivation than knowledge.

Ive had two vans that I sold return to my headspace through phone call and email. Both were easy fixes that a veteran VW owner would have addressed in a NY minute. Alas today Im occupied with my own engine codes :roll: .

Sunday/Vanday.

Sun Mar 31, 2019 7:49 am

I guess the key is NOT to sell your rig or give/loan it to a family member LOL

Sun Mar 31, 2019 8:16 am

I'd help, but I'm 40 miles away and have a long list today....

When I saw your subject line HELP!!! I thought someone was dangling another Vanagon in front of you (in New Jersey). And you needed help to resist the urge.

Your Help plea being both timely and location-specific....
For boots on the ground..... maybe edit the subject line to "HELP!!!! in Tacoma, WA" ?

Mon Apr 01, 2019 3:31 pm

Van is running and heading South on I-5 being followed by a White Eurovan.

My Vans future is uncertain for I think my Niece decided that she isn't cut out to be a Vanagon owner.......
I'm guessing it may appear on the Southern Oregon market??

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not 100% sure what was done to it.

Dave

Mon Apr 01, 2019 3:45 pm

ah. sorry to hear that, Dave. always frustrating when a mismatch occurs. your niece has a really well sorted out van, i wish she'd stick with it. i know this experience has her questioning.

on the other hand, i'm sure they'll be able to flip it for alot more than you charged them. or...... maybe a buy back is in order!!

come back to the fold... it's calling you~~~~~~~~~~ Dave.. Dave.. I miss you.

Mon Apr 01, 2019 3:50 pm

Yeah, you can do a fly-and-drive for a nice cross country trip!

Tue Apr 02, 2019 5:25 am

campism wrote: Yeah, you can do a fly-and-drive for a nice cross country trip!

i'll be in Seattle in August and can drive it back Dave. it's the least i can do ;)

Tue Apr 02, 2019 3:53 pm

The van was VERY low on fuel and running poorly.

My Brother filled the tank and it shortly began running much smoother and better.

Best Guess is a bit of fuel contamination.

He is safely back home in Southern Oregon.

Dave

Tue Apr 02, 2019 3:59 pm

the gas needle on a Vanagon is a cruel one... empty means empty, not another 20 miles. the air sucking starts before that.

'kids these days..' should always drive on the top half of a tank in case you break down and need heat for the night. at least that's what was drilled into us living where winters are -40F.

glad it's running better but sad you aren't getting it back.

Tue Apr 02, 2019 6:22 pm

You only need a couple of gallons to stay warm at night.

No car in our fleet goes under 1/8 in summer , 1/4 in winter