How many more miles....

[Storminnorman]

can a "84 Vanagon engine last(if taken care of)I'm looking a nice one with 193K!!!!!!Engine is very clean and runs great.Just woried because i hear these water cooled engines have probs.???Thanks

[klucz]

If this van really has 193K then it was either very well maintained or has already been rebuilt. Not to mention lucky. These engines can go 200K, but do not tolerate abuse.

My 84 Vanagon has 86K and has recently developed some problems. I drove this van over 23,000 miles from Chicago to the Arctic Coast of Alaska, down to California, back to Chi and then to Colorado.

If the body is solid and you really want it, go for it. But you'll probably need some engine or tranny work sooner or later. So inspect the van very carefully.

[r39o]

Wive's tales!

If it has good warm oil pressure, good leak down and no leaks, you are golden. The 1.9L is an extra stout (but weak at only 82hp) motor.

What you have to worry about are all the bolt on items. Right now, I am on a replace all the hoses kick. I keep getting leakers every few months.

Stuff like water pumps, alternators, AFMs, etc wear out, just like on any other car.

Also, there is a list of standard Vanagon areas that need attention from time to time. Gas tank vent hoses, is a prime example. At approaching 200K you may need to rebuild the front end. Brakes are another wear area to be sure is OK. None of this should break your bank, but be warned.

Let me state this again: "These vans are not for people on budgets." You need to have a repair nest egg ready, because, face it, it is over 20 years old. Stuff wears out. Simple as that.

Best of luck,
Walt...
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

[psych-illogical]

I agree with r39o. These things aren't for people on a budget. When they need attention they need to be fixed right. I just don't see a Vanagon tolerating 'band-aid' fixes. Not quite like the old bugs that you could keep running with bailing wire, duct tape and a good pair of vice-grips.

As for longevity. I've read of several cases of these engines going over 200K miles. Keep up on the requisite maintenance and they'll go and go. I know someone personally who has 248K on his 1.9L motor. He did have to do the water jacket seals (head seals) at about 120K. Probably when they start leaking again it'll be time to go through the engine completely. It seems pretty weak to me now and I'm guessing the compression is not very good anymore but it's still a pretty amazing feat to me.
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83 1/2 Westy waterboxer
'57 Beetle-sold
Coupla '81 BMW motorcycles (R80G/S; R100RS)
'96 BMW R1100GS

[Storminnorman]

I'm starting to think a Vanagon isn't for me at this time.I know someone who has a CLEAN "91,With a NEW engine (done rite).I know he wanted like $3,500-.I think i'll wait and see if i can get that one.

[jdgomez69]

My 84 GL 1.9 has 197,000 miles! It runs GREAT!!!!!!!