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Powbum5 Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2016 Posts: 28 Location: Colorado
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 7:19 pm Post subject: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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Is it difficult to find mechanics to work on your engines? Seems to me that having an all VW vehicle would make it easier to service, whether at dealers or shops. I can do some stuff myself but any major work will be at a shop. I just want a sense of whether a 1.8t setup makes maitenance and repair any easier? |
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 7:59 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8t engines.... |
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Converted is converted and most shops will not be interested.
If they are really interested, they see a cash cow |
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12115 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 9:07 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8t engines.... |
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If it's a Euro shop, they might initially balk at the idea of a conversion, but if you can show them the OBD port and all the peripherals, then they'll probably be ok providing service. They would be used to providing service to other VAG products with the same engine, and the van should be even easier to access than the donor rigs. _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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?Waldo? Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2006 Posts: 9752 Location: Where?
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 10:55 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8t engines.... |
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Pretty much no one works on Vanagons any more. Dealerships don't have a clue. I think you're more likely to find someone who can adequately service a conversion than someone who knows how to work on a WBX. This is coming from someone who does not ever let anyone else work on their vehicles, so I've never tried to find someone. |
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goffoz Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2007 Posts: 1486
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 11:09 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8t engines.... |
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Powbum5 wrote: |
Is it difficult to find mechanics to work on your engines? |
Yes.
Powbum5 wrote: |
Seems to me that having an all VW vehicle would make it easier to service, whether at dealers or shops. |
The VW dealer..will hate you or rape You, don't even bother them "Maroons"
Powbum5 wrote: |
I can do some stuff myself but any major work will be at a shop. |
So find a german/euro/audi/vw independent shop..here in Kali if you have a CARB tag and know your engine ...can show them where every sensor and component has been relocated..they are very interested in being helpfull
i get comments like "This could be so much better with a VR6
Powbum5 wrote: |
I just want a sense of whether a 1.8t setup makes maitenance and repair any easier? |
Yes it does, OBD2 port really helps.
Repair shops You need to get them, 50% of the way to the problem...romance it...have fun
The 18t is so fun to drive ..a six speed would be better..but hey its fun making do with four |
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goffoz Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2007 Posts: 1486
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 11:11 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8t engines.... |
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insyncro wrote: |
Converted is converted and most shops will not be interested.
If they are really interested, they see a cash cow |
Don't go to Dylans shop |
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 5:02 am Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8t engines.... |
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goffoz wrote: |
insyncro wrote: |
Converted is converted and most shops will not be interested.
If they are really interested, they see a cash cow |
Don't go to Dylans shop |
Just for the record, my shop is private and I do not service Vanagons or sell parts any longer. |
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Mountain1.8t Samba Member
Joined: January 20, 2013 Posts: 340
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 8:44 am Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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I'm in the process of installing a 1.8t, working with my friend that is a mechanic so I learn how it all goes together and works. I imagine you are considering the 1.8t for its reliability, so you won't need to take it to a shop except for maybe routine maintenance. |
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hans j Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2006 Posts: 2714 Location: Salt Lake City UT
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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I would much rather work on a VW engine conversion than a subaru or ford conversion. When I get my shop setup at my house, I won't work on anything but VW engines.
I currently work at an independent VW/Audi, Subaru shop and would welcome any 1.8T conversions in, even home swapped engines that need a little sorting. _________________ 1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181 |
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lloydy Samba Member
Joined: September 15, 2010 Posts: 715 Location: cheam surrey
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 11:04 am Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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hans j wrote: |
I would much rather work on a VW engine conversion than a subaru or ford conversion. When I get my shop setup at my house, I won't work on anything but VW engines.
I currently work at an independent VW/Audi, Subaru shop and would welcome any 1.8T conversions in, even home swapped engines that need a little sorting. |
Move to the UK, there is a void in the south for such a garage. _________________ 16" syncro multivan pop top AHU TDI
“Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.” |
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goffoz Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2007 Posts: 1486
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 7:02 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8t engines.... |
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insyncro wrote: |
Just for the record, my shop is private and I do not service Vanagons or sell parts any longer. |
probably a good thing |
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Birdcage Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2013 Posts: 203 Location: Collins of fort
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 9:15 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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The Ed Carroll VW/Porsche/Audi dealership loves my 1.8t and will do any type of work I request. They do my oil changes regularly and cheaper than I can do it at home.
Even while on the road we've never had an issue finding someone to do maintenance. The engine runs great, barring a catastrophe regular maintenance is all thats needed. The only semi major work that will need to be done is the timing belt and the dealership is just fine doing it or any other tuner shop in the valley for that matter _________________ @syncrostyle
@optoverland |
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katzenjammer Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2005 Posts: 113 Location: Santa Cruz
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 11:28 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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My independent VW shop said, "Sure, no problem." My conversion was done by SAH, and they're happy to field calls from any shop with a question. Not sure if that applies to conversions done using their kit, but I would guess yes.
Dan _________________ 1990 Westy Multivan, Auto (3.08 R&P) 1.8T by SAH |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10371 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 11:42 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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I respect that this is a 1.8T thread but....
While in Bishop CA, I decided it was time to replace the coolant pump on my
ABA. I knew the housing had low KM's so was asking shops if they'd tackle
just doing a pump R&R. This was not a "by the book" thing so that likely
figured into it, but since the local Vanagon guy was busy, I asked at least 4
different shops about this job. The fact that they'd be about 3 days out on
the repair aside, the general response was "ummm, maybe..."
From my POV, the job wasn't rocket surgery but then I installed the thing.
Regardless.....
a. the responses did not inspire confidence in me
b. if the new part, install, whatever, was going to go nipples up, I'd rather
I be the orchestrater of that.
IOW, one has to be involved with their swap. IMO.
OTOH, I've had Vanagon aware shops not really blink an eye for doing basic
stuff on my ABA swap. Depends really.
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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davevickery Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005 Posts: 2887 Location: Fort Collins, CO
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 9:12 am Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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I had a local foreign car repair center do the timing belt on my 1.8t. They look at it and said it looks like it will be quicker that doing one in a car so they quoted the normal cost and it came in a little under. They also have done some trouble shooting using the OBD diagnostics and their smoke machine. I think a VW shop wouldn't have any trouble with any of it. |
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davevickery Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005 Posts: 2887 Location: Fort Collins, CO
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 9:13 am Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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I had a local foreign car repair center do the timing belt on my 1.8t. They look at it and said it looks like it will be quicker that doing one in a car so they quoted the normal cost and it came in a little under. They also have done some trouble shooting using the OBD diagnostics and their smoke machine. I think a VW shop wouldn't have any trouble with any of it. |
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termuehlen Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2012 Posts: 993 Location: Redwood City
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 2:54 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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As with any conversion, make sure you have a VIN# for the donor engine, that will help parts suppliers and repair shops. Try to keep a list of fluid types that you used, any other changed parts that you have (ie big brakes), and have a working knowledge of where things are located (harness splices, ecu, etc). These will all help you get service down the road. _________________ 1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx |
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Howesight Samba Member
Joined: July 02, 2008 Posts: 3274 Location: Vancouver, B.C.
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 3:19 pm Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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termuehlen wrote: |
As with any conversion, make sure you have a VIN# for the donor engine, that will help parts suppliers and repair shops. Try to keep a list of fluid types that you used, any other changed parts that you have (ie big brakes), and have a working knowledge of where things are located (harness splices, ecu, etc). These will all help you get service down the road. |
Excellent advice! I think SAH twigged to this a long time ago and put together their "manual" anticipating this.
For my conversion, I have a binder with all that data, the wiring diagram from Tom Shiels, a few pics showing where all the various parts from the Subaru SVX are nestled, and print-offs of the most frequently-accessed portions of the SVX factory service manual, the rest being on my hard drive. I even have all the specs for my transaxle rebuild in that binder. It is, in effect, a "composite service manual".
Any conversion would benefit from keeping composite manual like this for service techs. Of course, I would not expect any tech to work on my DIY air conditioning or my DIY cruise control - - there's a limit to all this. _________________ '86 Syncro Westy SVX |
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Brandonfast Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2013 Posts: 20
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 2:50 am Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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I work at a dealership in San Diego and welcome any vw swapped vanagon or non swapped for any service. Any service writer will blow you off if they think it's a waste of time. You need to talk to the mechanics. The mechanics working on the car will either instill confidence in you about repairs or rub you the wrong way. You can make your decision from there. |
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12115 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 8:39 am Post subject: Re: Those of you with 1.8T engines.... |
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From a biz perspective, the reluctance to service a vehicle with custom non-stock work done to it concerns the learning curve required of the techs over and above the actual work they're going to perform. A service writer tends to view the learning stuff as unrecoverable time, and time is money. _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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