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dcgood Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2015 Posts: 7 Location: Carmel Valley
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 2:23 pm Post subject: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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I'm planning a few very long roadtrips and wanted to get some advice on the most typical/important "on the road trip" repairs I should know how to do before heading out. So what unplanned "do it yourself on the trip" repairs/replacements are most common? Sadly I missed auto shop in high school and don't have much mechanical experience so hope to study up a little in advance.
As background, I've had my 87 Syncro for 5 years and am now really familiar with the typical pains -- and I always travel with the handy AAA card. All major services have been done by my trusted local mechanic - and we've done just about everything - new transmission, new engine, new cooling system, big brakes, new belts, new/upgraded suspension, new hoses, fuel filters, etc. Still, with a 30 year old van anything can go on a several thousand mile trip.
Thanks in advance for any tips! |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32584 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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fxr Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2014 Posts: 2321 Location: Bay area CA
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 3:03 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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A spare ignition switch and know how to change it.
A tire puncture repair kit (sticky string works very well) and a small 12V compressor to pump up tires. That's along with a spare wheel and the tools to change it.
Jump leads are always a good idea. Remember to connect negative last and remove negative first.
A credit card plus AAA premium, or AMA for roadside assistance. _________________ Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300 |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32584 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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DanHoug Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016 Posts: 4772 Location: Bemidji, MN
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 3:22 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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i think you need to know how to differentiate between fuel and ignition problems on a non-starting van. 10 minutes of testing can narrow down the problem to a very specific component. even if you get towed in, it will protect you from an unscrupulous, or far more common, incompetent mechanic.
crazyvwvanman has a great post about putting together an electrical troubleshooting kit very inexpensively and gives instructions on how to use it. throw in my Hall tester and a cheap multimeter and Bob's your Uncle.
then pickup a Bosch2 noid, carry a 10mm wrench for the injector hold down and travel with a pack of new injector seals. REMOVE the hold down screw NOW so you know you CAN and re-install with anti-seize so you can get it out without drama on the road. with this, you'll be able to check for the ECU operation of the injectors as well as verify they are indeed spraying.
so many logic conclusions can be made with these simple tools.
you should grease your front wheel bearings now, maybe carry some spare seals, and it will forestall bearing issues but you'll also know what is going on with the front bearings and how to examine them.
knowing how to change a voltage regulator is dirt simple but can save the day if you carry a cheap spare. _________________ -dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
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Ahwahnee Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010 Posts: 9798 Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 3:37 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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As the above posts & link demonstrate - it is easy to start a list of what to prep and take - the difficulty lies in deciding when to stop.
On our longest trip (24,000 miles) I prepared for a lot of things, worried about a few and in the end had to deal with nothing. Okay, we bought a set of tires somewhere along the way and did a few oil changes - such is the nature of long trips, but no repairs needed. |
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vegpedlr Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2014 Posts: 774 Location: TBD
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 4:06 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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I carry spare of the small WBX specific parts that would be difficult to source in the field. O2 sensor, temp 2, ignition switch, belts, fuel pump, filters, cv joint, throttle cable. Basic hand tools, oil and coolant. Rescue tape works great. I patched up a leaky hose with it because I didn’t want to deal with it and was curious about how well the tape works. It lasted until the next oil change.
The only real issue my old van had was the dreaded “head gasket.” Until it was finally diagnosed and fixed, I had recurrent cooling system issues. So I also like to carry the GW pressure tester bleeder pump gizmo.
And the Bentley. _________________ 1985 Tintop 4 sp GW 2.3 “Connie”
2006 Mk V GTI 2.0 FSI “Penelope” |
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Steve M. Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013 Posts: 6829 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 5:44 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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Carry all the above plus: (if not mentioned)
a volt meter.
a Manual,
and an internet connection! _________________ This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.
There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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outcaststudios Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2015 Posts: 1732 Location: Maine
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 6:17 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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djkeev wrote: |
As a novice who has paid to have his Van made "reliable"........
Triple A, a Cell Phone and a credit card is all you need to carry.
For someone like me who HATES to be stranded or call for help, I carried boatloads of spare parts and many many pounds of tools.
Dave |
_________________ '88Doka JX td
'69 westy
(rip)couple bugs
(rip)three type III"s
(rip) '81 vanagon
a bunch of french stuff,and 9 motorcycles.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2573791 |
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vanagonjr Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010 Posts: 3431 Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 6:19 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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Roadside repairs can be pretty stressful, even when you have plenty of car repair experience. I guess I’m saying if are NOT doing your own repairs now, it’s unlikely you will on the side of the road or in some parking lot.
Still, a tool kit, spare belts, and as mentioned an electrical meter and a good internet connection and perhaps TheSamba can help you through a problem. _________________ John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798 |
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vegpedlr Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2014 Posts: 774 Location: TBD
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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Even if you’re not going to be able to do the repairs yourself, it helps to have some tools and parts handy. Maybe you can figure it out, maybe someone else can help. If you can narrow down the issue that might help get you back on the road sooner. Even if you pay others to do the work, it helps to know what’s going on. That’s why I carry the small WBX parts that a FLAPS wouldn’t have. _________________ 1985 Tintop 4 sp GW 2.3 “Connie”
2006 Mk V GTI 2.0 FSI “Penelope” |
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danfromsyr Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15144 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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keep the paper Bentley inside the van
also
the Digijet or digifant fuel manamgent guides. (print them off from the technical section here)
they do you NO GOOD at home in the garage, and even if you don't know/have the ability to fix it. Fix-it Felix at joe's garage may be able to help if hehas the procedure and specs handy from the Big book. _________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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vanagonjr Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010 Posts: 3431 Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 3:43 am Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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vegpedlr wrote: |
Even if you’re not going to be able to do the repairs.... That’s why I carry the small WBX parts that a FLAPS wouldn’t have. |
danfromsyr wrote: |
keep the paper Bentley inside the van
also
the Digijet or digifant fuel manamgent guides. (print them off from the technical section here) . |
Solid advice here! Excellent points guys. _________________ John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798 |
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clift_d Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2012 Posts: 265 Location: Hackney innit, UK
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 4:46 am Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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To the OP, what sort of terrain are you thinking you'll be travelling? Is it going to be all pavement, mostly pavement with some moderate gravel tracks, or are you planning to drive the length of the Andes using only herding tracks? Deciding this will make the biggest difference to the inventory of spares you will need to take, and what repairs you will need to be able to attempt, as it will determine how likely things are to break, and how easy or cost effective a third-party recovery or repair option will be.
In terms of reading material, I have sent you a link to download a translated PDF of Leitfaden Reisen unter erschwerten Bedingungen (Journeys Under Difficult Conditions), which is a publication that VW produced back in 1984 with guidance on expedition preparations and repairs.
I would also highly recommend that you try to get hold of a copy of Tom Sheppards - Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide. It is the defacto standard reference for anyone undertaking long overland journeys, and contains lots of great information about various planning considerations which is really helpful, even if your journey is mostly on pavement. _________________ 1988 LHD T25 1.6TD Westfalia Club Joker syncro |
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mikemtnbike Samba Member
Joined: March 26, 2015 Posts: 2795 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 5:20 am Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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danfromsyr wrote: |
keep the paper Bentley inside the van
also
the Digijet or digifant fuel manamgent guides. (print them off from the technical section here)
they do you NO GOOD at home in the garage, and even if you don't know/have the ability to fix it. Fix-it Felix at joe's garage may be able to help if hehas the procedure and specs handy from the Big book. |
You can download the pdfs of the pro-training manuals to iBooks or the equivalent app on your phone's OS for easy storage/ road accessibility as well. _________________ 1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual |
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AZ Landshaper Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2009 Posts: 1698 Location: The Old Pueblo
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 5:39 am Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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You had someone else fix your van for you!
You only need a few things. road side flares (great for entertainment too) a decent jack, lug wrench, spare tire, 1 gallon distilled water, tow strap and write this one down. www.thesamba.com.
See if you can get DJKeevs home phone no too. In leu of that there is an ap out there full of folks who know how to take pictures of their vans. LOL. _________________ Support Small Business.
-------------------------------------------------------
85 Weekender w/ EJ22
Previously
64, 71, 72, 73, 76, 81, 84, 85 & 87 Campmobiles and Westfalias
and a 67 bug. |
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vegpedlr Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2014 Posts: 774 Location: TBD
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:10 am Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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This thread reminds me that I need to get a copy of the Digijet tuning guide in my van. And organize the parts I say I carry, but in reality that was the old van. Oh, and some vise grips for fuel lines, channel locks, and . . . _________________ 1985 Tintop 4 sp GW 2.3 “Connie”
2006 Mk V GTI 2.0 FSI “Penelope” |
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dhaavers Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 7756 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:46 am Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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New fuel lines? Good! Now ASAP (or at least before your big trip) please...
INSULATE THE CONNECTORS ON YOUR POWER STEERING IDLE BOOST SWITCH.
Check it:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=692179
For years I've brought along plenty of spare parts (fuses, bulbs, fluids, grease,
belts, plug wire[s], temporary hose repair tape, ignition switch, voltage regulator,
coolant tower, throttle cable, [1] CV joint, oil cooler o-ring, fuel pump & filter...)
But in 50k miles in this van, the only things I've needed while out on the road are:
1) 13mm wrench to tighten loose windshield wipers in thunderstorms (3x)
2) spare front window cranks (yes, seriously...2x)
3) front outer wheel bearing (I should've paid attention to years before)
- Dave _________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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vegpedlr Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2014 Posts: 774 Location: TBD
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 8:54 am Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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I want a Swiss Army knife with flat and Phillips screwdrivers and a 13mm wrench. Then I can fix everything. _________________ 1985 Tintop 4 sp GW 2.3 “Connie”
2006 Mk V GTI 2.0 FSI “Penelope” |
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dabaron Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2018 Posts: 2559 Location: Philly, mang
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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 9:10 am Post subject: Re: What "on the trip" repairs should a novice know how to do? |
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vegpedlr wrote: |
I want a Swiss Army knife with flat and Phillips screwdrivers and a 13mm wrench. Then I can fix everything. |
would be a pain to adjust the lifters, not impossible, just a pain with an all in one. _________________ 1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic
"burnin oil and cookin coils" -- Destructo
BiWerks Design, LLC |
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