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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 9605
Location: Western WA
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 Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2022 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| MsTaboo wrote: |
| Received a box of new carpet today |
Some “used carpet” could be a decent upgrade to a lot of other vans.
Getting back to adding a “pre-fuse” fuse block with 4 MIDI fuses.
1) supply the VW fuseblock
2) direct headlights 400w relay supply
3) LiFePO4 house battery supply
4) accessory power ports, cig lighter, SAE plug, shore charger etc
Was just getting started on this project again and Turkey soup arrived.
Wish me luck getting back tuit.
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb
Last edited by Sodo on Sat Nov 26, 2022 3:27 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32592
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32592
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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| Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2022 5:34 am Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| bobbyblack wrote: |
| djkeev wrote: |
...[not] knowing but what issue are you having that has frustrated you so much?
Dave |
Its just been these coils lately. I carry spares in my buses, usually. I carry spare injectors. I carry a fuel pump, and lots of repair parts and equipment.
Just how the coil bracket hangs on the left side, behind the compressor and mating the coil to the bracket and getting that lined up with the first bolt hole is not a heavy job, but it thoroughly exhausts me, and I need to do 'loss mitigation' since I drop the bolts at least 8 times, and have dropped coils too. Just three coils, but only two on the '87 (in just 3 months) and now the first one on the '86 Westy.
It doesn't take very many 2 or three hour jobs to add up to the costs of a microsquirt conversion. Thus, frustrated. |
It is odd to go through so many coils, even in a long time span.
Spark plugs are often a cause of coil failure.
Tell us about your spark plugs, which ones are you using, hiw old are they and what gap are they?
Also your wires? They also factor in to any reduced coil health.
There are other factors too such as excessive heat, moisture and oil saturation.
Coils also aren't generic, they have difference built in resistance values. In the "good ole' days" they had external ceramic resistors which would sometimes crack or burn out.
But alas, we don't run them.
Do make sure you have the correct coil.
Dave
_________________
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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MsTaboo
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 4087
Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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| Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2022 1:14 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| Sodo wrote: |
| MsTaboo wrote: |
| Received a box of new carpet today |
Some “used carpet” could be a decent upgrade to a lot of other vans. |
Yep!
Plan to put the old carpet up for sale when finished. Will probably include the new carpet underlayment that came with the kit as my original underlayment is still in good condition.
The old carpets pretty good, a little tattered where the kitties sharpened their claws on the humps but still looks decent.
(will need to cover the new carpet in those areas when camping with the kitties in the future  )
Your project's looking good!
I need to tackle the new LiFePO4 aux battery setup and wiring on mine this winter. Looks like an interior strip is gonna be the best bet as the new carpet has to go behind the sink cabinet anyway and having everything out will make running new wire easier.
Still flummoxed by a slight Syncro driveline vibration despite new U-joints and balanced driveline. 
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Help the fight against Truth Decay.
Defend democracy, support Ukraine. |
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bobbyblack 
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4349
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2022 5:05 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Spark plugs are often a cause of coil failure.
Tell us about your spark plugs, which ones are you using, hiw old are they and what gap are they?
Also your wires? They also factor in to any reduced coil health.
Dave |
I've been using NKG 3 leg units: NGK (1263) BP6ET Spark Plugs since my head reseal at 272K mi., I've replaced them two times since, last time was at 328K mi. I use the gap that they come set from factory. Not sure how to re-gap three leg plugs. Please note; at the time I replaced the plugs I took a good look at my rotor, apparently it had been 'blown', as in the resistor bit? had been cooked in the path from the coil tap to the end of the rotor... I don't understand much about that, but it was still "running" with a blown rotor. Mind boggling. I did replace all ignition wires on one of the spark plug replacements, just not sure of which. But, I'm sitting at 339Kmi. today, so that makes it no more than 67K mi. but more likely less than 40.
| djkeev wrote: |
There are other factors too such as excessive heat, moisture and oil saturation.
Coils also aren't generic, they have difference built in resistance values. In the "good ole' days" they had external ceramic resistors which would sometimes crack or burn out.
But alas, we don't run them.
Do make sure you have the correct coil.
Dave |
I will look at the rotor again now that you mention resistor cracking or burning out, as that seems to have happened on the '87 just 11 K mi ago.
I have been running the coil specifically for the '86-'91 Vanagon 2.1 WBX, from what I had assumed was a reliable source. I have now replaced it again with one that the local USA-chain FLAPS guarantees for life. I bought two, one will remain in the box, which is admittedly a silly thing... I guess I will have to 'test' it when I get the cover off in the next few nights. I will be taking the burned out unit to the FLAPS to see if they think it was the proper unit to have sold me some 20 months ago, when I spotted a sale on Vanagon Digifant parts and figured it would be a good thing to carry. That one lasted just 3 months and a few days. Put it in place on Aug 11th this year.
On to the topic of heat; Yes, that has been on my mind. I have a couple inkbird temp gauge kits that I can utilize to get some data points. The coil temp would be interesting to see. I've already run a handful of electrical cables to the dash from the engine compartment, so hooking one up would be a 20 minute job, I'd guess.
I don't know enough to answer your thoughts on Oil Saturation or Moisture. I can tell you that the coils themselves have been free of detritus, unlike much of the other engine compartment, since I live on a limestone gravel road, it is often covered in gravel dust --- I do go very slowly on the gravel, but it still accumulates and needs to be "dusted" a few times a year. Compressed air gets the majority of that off, when I have the engine cover off.
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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Glenn73
Samba Member
Joined: May 30, 2011
Posts: 1190
Location: West Jordan UT
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32592
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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elizer
Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2016
Posts: 1462
Location: Northern Virginia
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| Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:17 am Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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Finally got my yakima carrier on the roof. Took down the SKB box and replaced it. Might need to switch to some lower profile towers and crossbars from another brand in the future to make it sit a little lower. We will see.
Also picked it up from Deutschwurx in Elkridge, MD to chase down a leak on my tdi. Turned out being the oil filter housing.
Now just waiting on transporter werks for a set of custom bumpers.
_________________
91 syncro westy fas tdi |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7466
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:56 am Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| MsTaboo wrote: |
Received a box of new carpet today from Newton Commercial in the UK. Came early, they said to expect in January.
Nice stuff, looks to be well made. Good match, just a bit darker, slightly different texture. Same thickness, moulded, and with matching vinyl pressings.
I'll start an install thread when the time comes.
Here's a quick pic to show color. |
I'm looking forward to seeing finished picks an hearing install observations if you post them.
The Newton carpet seems to be the best carpet set available. I believe it has two fewer pieces compared to others. From OzzieJo's install:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9460396#9460396
One of many carpet threads:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9547369
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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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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Borg
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2012
Posts: 120
Location: Western Washington
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| Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:54 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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After a year or so of procrastination I finally got the new gas tank installed. Talk about a pain in the butt...But it also meant I could finally get her off the jack stands and onto her wheels (16" black steel from GoWesty)
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Steve |
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jlrftype7
Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2018
Posts: 3577
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2022 8:23 am Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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Changed the oil and filter. Looked for slow coolant leak since my overflow tank was getting drained. Loose Allen bolt at water pump pipe , tightened it and hopefully all will be well.
_________________
'68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto |
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MsTaboo
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 4087
Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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| Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2022 10:56 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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Started the big strip for this winter's project.
New carpet, LiFePO4 aux battery, new chargers, wires, etc.
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Help the fight against Truth Decay.
Defend democracy, support Ukraine. |
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leecat
Samba Member
Joined: September 13, 2012
Posts: 773
Location: Regina
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| Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2022 11:39 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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Takes some serious hunting to put all this stuff together these days. SUPER stoked (thanks to some really nice folks) to finally have a full matching blue Weekender bed setup for our newest blue tin-top, including all the hardware. Looking forward to using it come spring!
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TomInAlaska
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2007
Posts: 386
Location: Anchorage, Ak
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| Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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Since its almost above freezing, I tried to knock out a few projects that have been stacking up. I got the new steering column covers from GW installed (after a bit of trimming to fit the contour of the bottom of the dash):
Installed a new oil pan heater and, along with the inline coolant heater already in place, hooked it up to a new 110v plug fitted to the sheetmetal below the hatch. A previous owner had a round industrial junction box screwed there when I bought the van so I had to slightly enlarge the existing hole. to prevent the hole saw from walking all over the place and chewing up the paint (which it still did  ), I fastened a piece of plywood using the existing holes in the metal so the drill bit in the center of the hole saw would have something to guide it. I brushed a little primer over any bare metal to prevent rust and will go back and touch it up in the spring. Probably find some black screws, too.
I also changed the oil something better suited for Anchorage winter: Rotella 15w-40. After changing it, I cranked and ran the engine for about ten minutes to let everything get a little heat in it and circulate the fluids. Here's a little video I took of cold starting it after sitting for over a month in sub freezing temps:
Link
_________________
'73 Super Beetle (resto-mod/rally look, 1776)
'84 GL adventure van project (1.9L, 4speed) https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=755844&highlight= |
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4349
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 9:54 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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Got new triple peak/snowfake tires mounted on some Merc rims I've had waiting for their 'turn' in the mix. Made sure all 5 got drilled out to fit on Vansgon wheel mounting hardware. Then put 4 on the '87, and will swap out the spare tomorrow, I hope. Yesterday, when collecting the rims from storage, I took a bit of a steep bank down to the pavement, and banged the front of the clam pretty hard. I bent the bolt or threaded bolt hole a bit  I'll have to see it in daylight to get a better idea of what I need to do to remedy that. Pix when I get some daylight to work with.
So, these tires start their job at 339,276 miles on the odo.
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch
Last edited by bobbyblack on Wed Dec 07, 2022 7:29 am; edited 1 time in total |
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oasis
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2002
Posts: 2168
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| Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 11:42 pm Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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Ho Ho Ho.
_________________
Now: 2003 New Beetle Turbo S / 1990 Single Cab Transporter / 2014 Tiguan R-Line 4motion / 2013 Tiguan S / 2002 Golf GLS TDI
Past: 1974 Thing Acapulco / 2009 Eos Komfort / 1997 Jetta GT / 2002 Cabrio GLX / 2002 Passat GLS / 1971 Super Beetle / 1993 EuroVan MV Westfalia / 1981 Pickup LX / 1985 Vanagon / 1986 Jetta GLI |
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jlrftype7
Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2018
Posts: 3577
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 7:01 am Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| oasis wrote: |
Ho Ho Ho.
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Our Dalmatian, Rocket, approves of your display- two paws up! 
_________________
'68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto |
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jlrftype7
Samba Member
Joined: July 24, 2018
Posts: 3577
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 7:04 am Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| bobbyblack wrote: |
Got new triple peak/snowfake tires mounted on some Merc rims I've had waiting for their 'turn' in the mix. Made sure all 5 got drilled out to fit on Vansgon wheel mounting hardware. Then put 4 on the '87, and will swap out the spare tomorrow, I hope. Yesterday, when collecting the rims from storage, I took a bit of a steep bank down to the pavement, and banged the front of the clam pretty hard. I bent the bolt or threaded bolt hole a bit I'll have to see it in daylight to get a better idea of what I need to do to remedy that. Pix when I get some daylight to work with.
So, these tires start their job at 339,276 miles on the odo. |
on the rims... Sorry to hear about the small impact at your tire carrier.... 
_________________
'68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto |
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4349
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 7:43 am Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| jlrftype7 wrote: |
| on the rims... Sorry to hear about the small impact at your tire carrier.... |
Ya, thanks again for the assist on those rims!!
I've always backed up the little slope in that same spot, and use it regularly for bleeding the air out of the coolant system, as it provides a great angle with the nose down. I hadn't noticed before that the pavement is that close to the nose. Perhaps I had not backed up on it so far as to put the tires at the hill's edge. Or, I guess I could have been going a bit to fast, just wanting to get into the garage and get myself warmed up, it was a tad on the cold side, and the slider on ZoomBus fought me, so I had to struggle getting the rims out. Anyway, the descent was a wake-up. Good amount of "bang", and I knew I was about to see SOMETHING messed up. It is possible that the bolt is just bent, I have dropped the clam 2" to accommodate my 3 season tires at 215/60/r16. I doubt it though, I got the bolt from Fastenal, and it is a high grade, like 9+ Anyway, it makes clear how the Vanagon in Syncro model is not the best at angle of attack for off road stuff. Admittedly, I am stock height (less Westy load/lean).
I edited my post above to include this morning's picture. Wheels look just fine to me.
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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oasis
Samba Member
Joined: December 12, 2002
Posts: 2168
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| Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 8:26 am Post subject: Re: What did YOU do to your van today? |
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| jlrftype7 wrote: |
| Our Dalmatian, Rocket, approves of your display- two paws up! |
Tucker is pleased with Rocket's approval. 
_________________
Now: 2003 New Beetle Turbo S / 1990 Single Cab Transporter / 2014 Tiguan R-Line 4motion / 2013 Tiguan S / 2002 Golf GLS TDI
Past: 1974 Thing Acapulco / 2009 Eos Komfort / 1997 Jetta GT / 2002 Cabrio GLX / 2002 Passat GLS / 1971 Super Beetle / 1993 EuroVan MV Westfalia / 1981 Pickup LX / 1985 Vanagon / 1986 Jetta GLI |
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