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depps74
Samba Member
Joined: January 16, 2020
Posts: 157
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 Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:06 am Post subject: What are the biggest DON'T DO THIS for a Vanagon? |
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Recently I drove my van a couple miles while it was overheating. (there is a 12 page thread on this topic) To avoid another stupid mistake I am wondering if there are any other basic, do not do this for a Vanagon? I have a 1990 multivan with automatic trans. that is now running very well despite the trauma I put her though. I just want to avoid any other stupid rookie mistakes.
Please note I am a rookie here.... so no answer to obvious. |
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alaskadan
Samba Member
Joined: January 09, 2013
Posts: 1857
Location: anchor pt. alaska
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:10 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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| Don't reset trip meter while rolling. |
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Phishman068
Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007
Posts: 1867
Location: Pittsburgh PA (ish)
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16503
Location: Brookeville, MD
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?Waldo?
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2006
Posts: 9752
Location: Where?
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:16 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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It is a myth that resetting the trip meter when driving can damage the function of the odometer.
If you examine the way the odometer gears interact and what happens when you reset the trip-meter, there is no possible way for it to additionally stress the odometer when rolling/moving. Pigeon superstition at its finest. |
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SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3115
Location: Bozeman MT
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:20 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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I think you're going to find that the "Don't Do This" items are common across most every other motor vehicle. Don't drive it while it's overheating, don't drive it if there's no oil in it, don't coast down hills in neutral, don't text while driving... The list goes on and on.
_________________
'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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mikemtnbike
Samba Member
Joined: March 26, 2015
Posts: 2795
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:34 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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Don't let random friends drive it without explaining the nuances of any old VW (i.e., first gear is where?) and of your particular van.
_________________
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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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 17124
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:37 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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Draft a Semi. They stop amazingly well. 
I have a phobia about buying fuel when the tanker truck is topping off the inground tanks. I'm sure its just in my head.
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depps74
Samba Member
Joined: January 16, 2020
Posts: 157
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:42 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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| dobryan wrote: |
| alaskadan wrote: |
| Don't reset trip meter while rolling. |
And do not stab at the reset button. Push smoothly. |
ok, just curious why? |
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fishgo
Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 127
Location: Madison, WI
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:46 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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| mikemtnbike wrote: |
| Don't let random friends drive it without explaining the nuances of any old VW (i.e., first gear is where?) and of your particular van. |
Shortened for clairty: Don't let friends drive it. Ever. |
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tims490
Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2005
Posts: 20
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:03 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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RE: Trip meter. Done it. Twice. Was years ago. I forget if the van was rolling or not. Both times it caused the odometer to stop working/spinning. $100 fix. I just don't mess with it anymore. '90 Westy.
Is that the experience of others?
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1990 Westfalia Camper |
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16CVs 
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2004
Posts: 4024
Location: Redwood City, California
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:04 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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Don't give it a name or talk about it as a Gender. Makes you look crazy. Don't do any Mods that you read about here or any other site until you fully understand how it affects other parts of operation. Don't post general common questions here in the Forums, learn to use the FAQ's 99% of anything you need is in there.
My .02
Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread. |
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andy52
Samba Member
Joined: December 17, 2019
Posts: 98
Location: Barcelona
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:13 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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| 16CVs wrote: |
Don't give it a name or talk about it as a Gender. Makes you look crazy. Don't do any Mods that you read about here or any other site until you fully understand how it affects other parts of operation. Don't post general common questions here in the Forums, learn to use the FAQ's 99% of anything you need is in there.
My .02
Stacy |
I get it, but believe me, sometimes when u are starting, when u just bought the van, when you are trying to restore yourself you NEED help and maybe you dont even know how to ask something properly, or how to call it, or the language is a problem.
this is a huge thing with a lot of information and search mechanisms. But for me its a community above all. And communities always help, based on good intentions. |
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Squidfish
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2004
Posts: 336
Location: 95519
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:22 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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Basic "Don'ts" -- Let your fuel lines age/rot, use the wrong coolant in a WBX, set your gas cap on your tire when filling up - only to forget it, leave your lights on because it is easy to do...but number one -- don't NOT have a AAA card with 200 mile tow if you travel a lot. 
...Have fun with it everyday and DON'T take the salty personal opinions/advice of some forum members here too seriously. 
_________________
1985.5 - Vanagon Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg Edition - LH8U - "Penny"
- 2.6i 5-Cylinder 10v (2004) |
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Crooked Designer
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2018
Posts: 323
Location: Chicago, IL
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:22 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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If you have a house / aux battery wired with the GoWesty aux battery kit (or similar wiring method) and you run out your battery (or if you have a low voltage disconnect), your brake lights and hazard lights will no longer function until you have a charge on the aux battery.
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'85 Westy full camper, Subaru 2.5L, 5 speed SubiGears + 5speedbus shifter kit |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32598
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Jake de Villiers
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007
Posts: 5911
Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:47 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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| tims490 wrote: |
RE: Trip meter. Done it. Twice. Was years ago. I forget if the van was rolling or not. Both times it caused the odometer to stop working/spinning. $100 fix. I just don't mess with it anymore. '90 Westy.
Is that the experience of others? |
No. I generally remember to reset the trip odometer as I'm pulling onto the roadway. I've pushed the reset button hundreds of times on both vans anywhere between 0 and 70MPH and the odometers still work fine.
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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Love My Westy
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 1837
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 10:49 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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| Don't lug the engine, keep the rpm's up when going uphill. |
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tjet
Samba Member
Joined: June 10, 2014
Posts: 3533
Location: CA & NM
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 11:44 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DONT DO THIS for a Vanagon |
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| MarkWard wrote: |
| I have a phobia about buying fuel when the tanker truck is topping off the inground tanks. I'm sure its just in my head. |
That's a good practice, especially if you have a diesel. All the water at the bottom of the tank gets stirred up. |
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zoti
Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2007
Posts: 2060
Location: Plano, TX USA
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| Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 11:45 am Post subject: Re: What are the biggest DON'T DO THIS for a Vanagon? |
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| Don’t buy one if you want to stay sane. |
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