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DuncanS
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013
Posts: 4583
Location: New Hampshire
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 Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 7:09 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Agree with Dave on the length of the paint job. My car is currently a 20 footer. If you have a two footer you can hold your head high at any T3 gathering.
Duncan |
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2023 11:18 am Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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The new starter motor arrived today.
I have to remember to get inside the housing and remove the old brass bushing - the new starter (from PartsGeek $121.51 inc shipping) comes with a new brass bushing. We'll install it Saturday or Sunday.
Hope you all have a good weekend and for the Americans enjoy your 4th July!
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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DuncanS
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013
Posts: 4583
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2023 2:08 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Wonderful, and while you are at it, add a ground from the starter directly to the chassis or body tin and remove the transaxle ground.
Duncan |
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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| DuncanS wrote: |
Wonderful, and while you are at it, add a ground from the starter directly to the chassis or body tin and remove the transaxle ground.
Duncan |
Noted - thank you Duncan. I have a spare ground strap in my spares stash too!
Today July 1st, we got right to it early, to beat the heat (just after scoring a great Shop-Vac from a Yard Sale for $3), the starter went in perfect, I cleaned up all the wires, and did all the due dilligence, hooked the battery back up and voila, Freddie cranked into life. Excellent.
Then we put the rear bumper on, that I scored in the week. Needed some hardware for the end caps but otherwise a fun and simple install. We just need the rubber block trim that goes across the face of the chrome and we're set.
Wifey was very happy, as you can see... and Freddie looks very handsome.
We warmed him up and went for a test drive around the local back streets. It was a hot day today.
When we got back to the house, I noticed some coolant dripping on the ground. Upon closer inspection (wifey spotted this one) she noticed coolant weeing from
a hairline crack about 1/4" long in the top of the tank, just below the cap, look...
Well, the cooling system worked today, the fan came on, he drove amazing, but as with most old cars, here's the weakest link in the chain.
I'll take a look on the Samba and see what you guys think about patching this, or replacing it, or upgrading it.
Small set back aside we had a great day together and really enjoyed working on the van together.
Hope you're all safe and well.
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:31 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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I've looked through a LOT of posts on here regarding the expansion tanks - seems like the aftermarket ones are much of a muchness, and any of them will give you 2yrs of service, more if you are super amazing lucky.
The aluminum ones are nice but I'm buggered if I'm spending $300 on an expansion tank.
Partsgeek has some well priced ones so we will just chalk this down to a part to keep an eye on at all times.
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8163
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:53 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Would any old expansion tank that fits and can be fitted with the sensor from a modern car in a junkyard work? It does seem that an inordinate amount of time is spent with troubles caused by Vanagon specific tanks that aren't aluminum.
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- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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DuncanS
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013
Posts: 4583
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2023 4:05 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Expansion tank--
| DuncanS wrote: |
Back to pressure tank debacle.
The new one arrived and I made the swap. In examination of the old/recent plastic BD tank, I couldn't see any obvious crack which would have created the leak. No matter. Tightened the level sender probe in the new replacement. WHAT???? Just with the last bit of tightening, the top split off leaving the threaded portion in the hole.
HOW EXPLETIVETINGLY STUPID WAS THAT??? I had just made a promise to consider restoration over maintenance and ignored the whole thing. There was nothing wrong with the 6 month old replacement BD tank at all. I could see by discoloration on the split that the crack went half way around and had been there for a while. Crap... Needed the car so drove the 15 miles without the probe. Topped it off once, but all was fine with normal temps. Ordered up a new one at $2.88, but with overnight shipping, $45+. Serves me right. If I had pulled the tank first, didn't want to loose the coolant, I would have discovered the real problem the first time around. So now I have a good spare pressure tank, which I apparently didn't need and forty bucks shipping which I didn't need either.
In doing all this, I noticed that the hose going from the tank up to the halo was weeping even with some good pressure on it, so ordered a complete coolant hose kit which has arrived. I want to re configure the coolant hose which passes over the tranny and shorten up on the pipe running forward which will give move volume in the aux tank project. This is a good time for all of that.
Duncan |
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2023 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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All the above duly noted thank you guys.
The new tank arrived, and we'll be replacing it this evening.
On my lunch break today, I decided to look at the Pick n Pull inventory, and lo-and-behold they had an 86 Vanagon.
The Pick n Pull is less than 3 minutes from my work so you know what happened....
This poor little guy was sat there...
He had been picked over real good. Barely anything of value, however, I did pull the following:
2x rear side marker lights and bulb holders (the lenses are faded but not broken)
2x rubber step covers for driver/pass step-up area
1x Sliding door rail cover beading
1x sliding door latch rubbery flap thingy still attached to a good seal.
2x sun visors in good shape.
many many interior trim clips
Some side markers for my old Dodge elsewhere in the yard.
There was barely anything else left. I was hoping for the captains chairs rotating bases and the sliding side window latches but alas, all gone. Poor guy.
Upon looking at these pictures I did spot the sliding door in the background, leaning up against another vehicle DOH!!! We will go back and get that in wifeys minivan.
Also I'm wondering if it's worth pulling the z bed frame out, maybe that's worth something to someone? The seat back was still there but the bum part was gone.
That's all for today fella's hope you are all safe and well.
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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DuncanS
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013
Posts: 4583
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 8:50 am Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Still lots of good stuff. Radiator?, rear hatch, slider, front heat exchanger box ?????
Duncan |
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 9:45 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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| DuncanS wrote: |
Still lots of good stuff. Radiator?, rear hatch, slider, front heat exchanger box ?????
Duncan |
You are right Duncan, there's definitely some more stuff there. We are going to go back, because on this occasion, I was on my lunch break with limited tools, so time was of the essence! 
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2023 9:54 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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On Saturday, it was a miserable 105F here in Utah. I know there are hotter places but Moses Sandals it was uncomfortable. So with limited time due to imminent death, I ran to a few stores to see how to spruce up the rear side marker lenses.
I went for a $2.79 punt, on this tosh...
Which actually didn't look too bad...
It doesn't dissipate the light particularly well, but I think that's more down to the tired old lenses than the film. Still, does the job for now!
We drove Freddie hard this evening, got him wound up, and then checked the cooling system with a flashlight for leaks...no leaks, or steam, so I think we can say, for now, the expansion tank debacle is behind us. But make no mistake, we have our beady eyes on him, we listen to him, and most of all we love driving him.
That's all for now fella's, cheers and have a blessed week.
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2023 2:00 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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This Sunday we did a 50 mile round trip in Freddie. It was the hottest day of the year, at 103F.
Fun had: Bucket loads
Issues arisen: 0
He ran like a swiss watch, so we are very glad about that.
Here he is, sitting proudly after his run, with the ever increasing Volkswagen contingency at our house.
Hope you are all keeping safe and well, and cool!
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2023 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Hi guys!!
Just a quick update and to say hope you are all well and enjoying your summer.
Freddie did a huge road trip this weekend, from Pleasant Grove Utah to Richfield and back, which is 270 mile round trip. I'll have wifey send me some pics (I didn't go) of the camp spot and stuff, but he was trouble free the whole time...
HOWEVER...about 8 miles from home, wifey said he lost power in 3rd gear - bogged down enough to worry her...so she pulled over to the side of the road and called me.
I was there in 20 mins and he started right up and drive home the rest of the way with zero issues.
Now, I bow to your guys' superior knowledge, and I'm not sure what to do with the information i just typed out, but do those computers get a bit crazy when they are extra hot? It was SUPER hot today, all I can think of is that, because when he cooled down a little bit, there were no issues at all.
Maybe a blocked cat? But the final stretch home saw zero issues.
Do these fuel pumps go bad gradually or just flat out fail?
I really needed to be in the van when this happened.
I'm not even calling it a breakdown, he did a hot ass trip this weekend and she and Freddie loved it.
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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DuncanS
Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2013
Posts: 4583
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2023 4:45 am Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Sounds like an ECU reboot issue. Vanagon Syndrome? Do you have a capacitor on the AFM?
Duncan |
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sanchius 
Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2007
Posts: 1562
Location: IN
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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The Pilch
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2013
Posts: 731
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2023 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Hi guys, thank you so much for your input @djkeev, @sanchius and @DuncanS
I read all of those links you guys posted.
I did notice when I got to her pull-over spot, I jumped in and Freddie started right up, the tach did one little flicky thing. I found that odd.
That was the only issues I witnessed.
So I have some questions for you Legends Of The Vanagons:
Vanagon Syndrome effects 85's? I ask, because the Van Cafe Hall Pickup tech data states VS for 86 and on vehicles.
What on earth is a Hall Pickup?
One of my guesses was the computer and the coil etc was hotter than all hell and fury. Should I replace the coil as good practice, and also would some kind of shroud work to reflect heat away? Has anyone done that?
Very interesting reading and I appreciate the information from you guys. Thanks again so much.
Oh and we used Freddie as a hauling truck this evening, full of furniture, a good 20 miles, hot as hell, zero issues.
Bless the Vanagon and all who sail in them.
_________________
'85 Vanagon GL, weekender package, 1.9 wbx named Freddie/ '61 Beetle named Ringo/ '78 Dodge Monaco which is nothing like the Bluesmobile so please don't cast that oily rag upon it. |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15345
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2023 9:29 pm Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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tach acting odd is a key thing here.
I'd inspect the wiring plug and the wires inside the distributer very closely for looseness or chaffing
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| Abscate wrote: |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2023 3:20 am Post subject: Re: Our '85 fix-up-and-enjoy Vanagon |
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Initially, mine started right back.
When it started missing and the tach jumped around, I could kick it into neutral turn off the key (DO NOT PULL IT OUT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS! ) Start it back up and all was well.
Then that stopped working.
I needed to stop and turn it off, then restart.
And then it stopped starting well, it would crank and fire and stall.
I'd check for spark after the stall and I had spark!
Then it would start and stall.
I think the Hall would produce a few sparks but cease doing so after it fired.
Then a few times there wasn't a spark..... check again and there was!
Sit a bit, it would fire right up and off I went!
It was mind numbingly frustrating chasing an intermittent self healing problem!
A simplistic explanation is that The Hall replaces the points.
It signals the ECU to create a spark and to fire the injectors.
Your symptoms sound like my early symptoms.
Good luck!
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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