Money Machine

[zeekiel]

[dobryan]

[zeekiel]

[madspaniard]

[PDXWesty]

If it were my van, I'd change the heads and gaskets and be on my way. If you only get another 30,000 miles by doing this, that's 5 years of driving for me. Worth $2,000 in my opinion.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[kryptkat]

I find it shocking how people on this form at surprised at how often they have to fix these vehicles or that they wish it was made by Ford, Toyota, or Ferrari.

How often do you see people driving 30 year old Ford or Toyotas daily let along a camper with double the weight and twice as many parts?
These vehicles are not for everyone and if you’re going to acquire a 30 year old vehicle, you better be mechanically inclined or have a phat wallet or both. It doesn’t matter if it’s a VW, Porsche, Merc, Ford or Ferrari.

[zeekiel]

Im starting to narrow down ideas on how to resolve this. Thank you for all your input! keep it coming!
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85' Westy GL /w 2.1L Swap

[wasserbox]

[greebly]

[MarkWard]

In the back of my head, I believe if the coolant level drops below the minimum, the red led flashes in the temp gauge and the needle climbs to peg out. I don't know where that memory comes from.

To test for a compression leak into the cooling system, there is a simple to use tool that sniffs for carbon monoxide in the coolant. Something like this. Most shops should have this tool.
http://www.importtuner.com/tech/impp_1108_blown_head_gasket_diagnostic/

If that test passes, you can then do a cylinder leak down test to verify the engine is sealed. If it passes these two tests, maybe update the cooling system including a flush, verify the cap holds pressure, the coolant is circulating and the rad fan cycles on and off eventually. You'd have to do this even with a replacement engine of any type. Search Libby Bong here.
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☮️

[240Gordy]

[jbnova]

We bought our Westy Weekender 3 or 4 years ago at the end of summer. We camped in it a few times, then put it away for winter. When spring came, I charged up the battery and fired her up. White smoke came out of the tail pipe in billowing plumes. I could smell coolant.

Took it to the mechanic and had them check that, plus a few other things. They found several spots where hoses were leaking, so they fixed that first. They left the system pressurized overnight, the next morning it hydro-locked with coolant in the cylinders. Diagnosis: pull the heads and replace the gaskets.

Dang. Approaching our first full summer of camping and already a hefty repair required.

While researching whether I should replace the heads, the whole engine or go with a conversion, I came across several recommendations to try the magic Subie Sauce. A stop-leak additive made by Subaru to help stop head gasket leaks.

I tried it. It worked!

I haven't lost a drop of coolant in three years, and not a puff of white smoke.

If your engine sounds like it's running well, I would start with a $5 bottle of the Subaru stop-leak from your local dealer first.

I thought my engine was toast, but we just keep on driving, and keep on camping.

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1986 Westfalia Weekender
2wd; Bostig RG3
GoWesty (H&R) 1.5" Lift Springs + 0.5" pad in rear.
Bilstein Shocks
16" Mefros, Cooper Discoverer AT3 (215-70-16)

[Ahwahnee]

[Farfrumwork]

^^ be careful with stop-leak type fixes... I'd consider a new radiator post treatment (IF you would go that route), as the treatment can clog up unintended items (like coolant passages in the radiator).


I'd go with used but running a 2.1 wbx if I were you. find something from a conversion. expect more like $1000 for a good one plus whatever your mechanic charges. I had a stock 1.9l here in CO for a couple years... would NOT spend $$ on one - go 2.1l at least.

And I would add that even if one can write checks for mechanic work, it does not prepare you for self-sufficient travel and ownership. People have different ideals, but personally I would rather take care of my own. (btw, 6 weeks for a swap does NOT mean 8hr a day for 6 weeks).
kryptkat has it right - 30yr old vehicles require attention! don't buy one if you can't give it (via sweat/blood or checkbook - OR both more than likely).

I built my own van and i take great pride in that . I'm way ahead on valuation vs. $$ invested as well. I still have lots of time for my family, payed work, and fun (hike/bike/etc...) - BUT this is one of my hobbies so I make time when I can (it's part of the fun! )


Good Luck!!
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sold -> '85 Wolfsburg Syncro / 'Built' DOHC EJ25 (a great machine!)
'07 Legacy spec.B, road tuned stgII
'17 4x4 Sprinter, stone grey, SMB pop-top, on 33"s

"Blood stains, speed kills - Fast cars, cheap thrills - Rich girls, fine wine - I've lost my sense, I've lost control, I've lost my mind"

[VisPacem]

[djkeev]

[levi]

[photogdave]

[Steelhead]

[Gruppe B]