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Mon Dec 13, 2004 11:13 am

Anybody seen a list or have for me what to look for when buying a Syncro? Want to make sure I ask the right questions and check the right things! I have experience with aircooled, just not watercooled and the Syncro.

Thanks,

Paul

Mon Dec 13, 2004 11:31 am

Here's a start:
www.syncro.org
www.vanagon.com/syncros

My impression has been if you don't really need the 4WD, they are not worth the money, but if you need the 4WD they are quite capable, and worth the cost.

Mon Dec 13, 2004 12:15 pm

Thanks, I am aware of those sites, looking for first hand experience here with what someone should know on a test drive etc... common problems etc with syncros.

4wd a must where we are!

Mon Dec 13, 2004 2:44 pm

common probs with syncros are the same as other vanagons, PLUS the 4x4 system... and the 4x4 is VERY pricey to repair...

not to mention the air filter for the syncro is $100 :roll:

Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:35 am

I'm not sure where you buy your filters??? :shock:

Paul check out http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=33. Its the vans and transporters forum of the vwvortex. You may have better response there.

Rob

Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:22 am

HI, i got my 87 syncro about 2 years ago, have had minor problems, like thermostat, some electrical, grounding, tune up, basic famous vanagon problems. ive done a new clutch and starter recently. but try and separate the engine from the syncro part/parts of the car, it seems to help figuring out when there are problems. theres alot more parts to the syncro than a regular vanagon, underneath is so tightly snug its almost impossible to do anything. and this is not counting the protecting bars running under the whole car front to back. but to add a few steps when buying one, drive it and when you turn a corner does it feel tight, like tires are rubbing against a curb? if its tight than you may have an over active viscous, but it could also be your tires so make sure all are good condition and have no unusual wear, like out of alignment etc. and if it has a diff lock, pull it out drive super slow in that low 1st gear and make small left/right motions(turning the car) it should engage and then itll be really hard to turn like a non power steer car with really low tire pressure, but then you know it works properly. push back in do the same with the steer and thats a basic check.(the light should come on when engaged)
i have had mine in a foot of snow (diff off) and the thing is awsome. ive never had a non vw car so i wouldnt know what its like in another vehicle so im comparing it to busses and bugs, etc. prices for the syncro components are pricey but what can you do, its a syncro. and costs will be more in time for underneath, just because the bars are right there in the way for repairs. If you can do repairs yourself do not hesitate, they are alot of fun, feel free to email me if you need more info, im not a pro but I own one and do the repairs myself, thanks and good luck.

Tue Dec 14, 2004 12:07 pm

Oh yeah, change out your fuel lines.

If one of them has a CV bolt sharpened to a point, just leave it in there.

Tue Dec 14, 2004 2:32 pm

Rob McGill wrote: I'm not sure where you buy your filters??? :shock:

Paul check out http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=33. Its the vans and transporters forum of the vwvortex. You may have better response there.

Rob

The actual filters for the syncro are different than the regular vanagon filters although most places do not carry filters for the vanagon... If you are going to use the regular vanagon filters on a syncro and actually take the syncro off road then you just need to change it a LOT more frequently... the syncro filters are made for the offroad use and abuse.

Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:09 am

Randy you are cruel!

No off-roading to be done, my wife wants a new daily driver since we lost our bus and we need 4X4 with all the ice and snow!

Thanks for all the replies... Have a happy holidays.

Paul

Wed Dec 15, 2004 12:40 pm

Yes I almost lost my bus to fire this fall while on vacation, but since your sad event, I changed out my fire extinguisher with a new one, and bought another one that is mounted behind the drivers seat.

That one saved me. It was your story of woe that prompted me to do it the next week. For that I thank you. I still feel your pain, after doing all of that work to you Champagne Westy.

Enjoy the new synchro when you find it. I am sure you will.

Stay warm up there! It is even cold at the beach 18* with our Alberta Clipper that just showed up.

Thu Dec 16, 2004 10:26 am

Without question, the Syncro vans are the most underpriced of Vanagons (with the exception of the Westies). Nice ones can be purchased in the $3,000-$6,000 range. All parts are still available to repair these, including new OEM viscous couplers. I can't believe that VW hasn't offered an AWD version of their latest Vans.

Thu Dec 16, 2004 9:00 pm

I had a 1987 syncro for about 6 years. I bought it in 1994 with 45,000 miles. The only problems I had were leaky head gaskets at 54,000 miles which VW picked up the tab, and problems with CV joints which I replaced.

All syncro drive train parts are expensive, but you can find them out there. Both new and used. It is by far the best vehicle I have ever had in the snow. It was a freakin tank. It had the locking diff which made it even better when I got stuck. Much better than the 4x4 toyota I had. I loved that van. Apart from the above mentioned problems it was trouble free. I sold it with 120,000 miles. It was still running strong.

Mke

Sat Dec 18, 2004 7:10 am

60kombi wrote: I had a 1987 syncro for about 6 years. I bought it in 1994 with 45,000 miles. The only problems I had were leaky head gaskets at 54,000 miles which VW picked up the tab, and problems with CV joints which I replaced.

All syncro drive train parts are expensive, but you can find them out there. Both new and used. It is by far the best vehicle I have ever had in the snow. It was a freakin tank. It had the locking diff which made it even better when I got stuck. Much better than the 4x4 toyota I had. I loved that van. Apart from the above mentioned problems it was trouble free. I sold it with 120,000 miles. It was still running strong.

Mke

my gas gauge doesnt work, radio dont work and the head gaskets leak, and the rear brakes kinda stick... but it still runs great :)

Mon Jan 03, 2005 4:07 pm

I have a 16" syncro doouble cab coming my way soon. It is a good driving bus but i would like to find a good classifieds site to advertise it on is there a syncro classifieds?
Also looking into how difficult it would be o import one into the usa. I know there is a point which i beleive is 1974 after which any vehicle brought in has to comply with safety regs. Can anyone shed any light on this? anyone shipped in a late 80's or eearly 90's vehicle?

Thanks,
Graham

Thu Jan 06, 2005 11:04 am

52ambo... I don't think the safety regs will be an issue as the 16" was reinforced and the "regular" vanagon was plenty fine.

Issue will be emissions. If the engine in the 16" is not IDENTICAL to an "approved" unit in one of the "regular" vanagons you will have a tough time. Ditto for updated regulations after VW discontinued importing the wasserboxer.

Mike!

Sat Jan 08, 2005 6:25 am

So it will need a catylytic (spelling?) converter then? i don't think it has one.
Graham

mjamgb wrote: 52ambo... I don't think the safety regs will be an issue as the 16" was reinforced and the "regular" vanagon was plenty fine.

Issue will be emissions. If the engine in the 16" is not IDENTICAL to an "approved" unit in one of the "regular" vanagons you will have a tough time. Ditto for updated regulations after VW discontinued importing the wasserboxer.

Mike!

Mon Jan 10, 2005 3:42 am

If it doesn't have a catalyst, then it might even be carbed. I've seen a number of german market dokas with carbs, most were 34 picts very similar to the old ones on 1600s in buses or bugs.

Mon Jan 10, 2005 3:41 pm

Find the appropriate engine/emissions spec for the model year you are importing and duplicate it... When that setup "dies" once it gets home, well...

Dunno what precisely is involved, you will have to contact DOT or EPA for that.

g'luck,

Mike!

Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:39 pm

hey there, I am currently preparing my 86 Syncro for sale. Once I get it ready I will post the asking price if you are still interested. I live in Palmer. I have put LOTS of money into it so I will be asking the high end but it has had all the major repairs a syncro can have. I won't be making any money on it. I just need to part with it unfortuneatly. A blast to drive in the snow. I concur...Syncros are exspensive to repair. But I am not a mechanic and couldn't do any of the repairs.

Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:54 pm

umm...battery dies on me almost every other day, and the cv's click like crazy...but after it is all said and done, i wouldnt drive anything else...except for my toyota truck on 40's ;) but the vanny is my dd, and thats heaven. ive got an 86 vanny, off road it handles pretty well, ive done a couple wheel stands, inspired by my yota, youll love it!!!