Water crossing a Westfalia

[SWbySWesty]

Hi Guys,

So one of my upcoming trips will be the Mohave Road in California. At the end (if you run east to west) is a water crossing. It can get pretty deep sometimes.

How deep can a vanagon go? I don't want to have to punk out at the end of the trip or go back...but if I HAD to I would.

I found a few images of a westy making it through the river, but I really want to know the maximum depth for fording.

[SWbySWesty]

After searching Youtube and seeing what syncros and get through and knowing that the Mohave is not nearly as treacherous LOL, I don't see a problem going for it.

But I guess it still stands to ask what maximum depth would be?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WbcXSG5tgI&feature=related

[Alaric.H]

[dbcdad]

My son and I were there two weeks ago in his Jeep. It is shallower against the fence I was told.

Have fun, David C
1987 Wolfsburg Daily Driver
1987 Syncro Gl_Country Homes Top_Westfalia Interior_Custom Racks front and back
1986 Syncro Sunroof_Working On
1987 Syncro Westfalia_No Engine_Project
1987 Gl_Donor

[PDXWesty]

Syncros (I believe) have an intake snorkle that 2wd don't have that allows the intake to be higher. In either case, expect to get water in the van if it's at the door level. If you're worried put a bag over the intake and just have someone tow you across.
_________________
89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[syncroid]

I believe that there are also breathing holes for the transaxle and that syncros have tubes for these to prevent water from getting in but 2wd do not...

[ragnarhairybreeks]

VW's publicaion, 1984 "journeys under difficult condtions" has this to say (remember, was directed at aircooled as well as watercooled VW vans. Also make no mention of water getting into transmission, the breather hole on non syncro trans is on upper surface at front of trans)

"e - Fording

Before fording determine the depth of the water.

If the water is up to 30 cm deep drive through at a low speed; do not switch off the engine while in the water.

Water with depth of over 30 cm - depths of over 40 cm should be avoided for safety reasons.

The following precautions should be taken on the vehicle:

Allow engine to cool down

- Spray entire ignition system with contact spray

- Position air intake higher on water-cooled engines

- On air-cooled engines with vacuum-controlled Intake air pre-heating pull off the hoses for the regulator In the Intake air cleaner and seal with insulating tape.

- On vehicles with air-cooled engines seal the speedometer drive socket on the steering knuckle using kneadable sealing compound.

After fording the following work must be performed:

- Switch off engine, check oil level.
It can be concluded that water has entered the crankcase
if the oil level has risen. The water must then be drained
off immediately. To do this, carefully unscrew the drain
plug, but press it upwards against the opening so that the
water which has settled in the lower part of the sump drains
off.

Take care - oil can be hot!"


alistair
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

[IdahoDoug]

Remember too, that the advice VW is giving assumes things are in perfect shape, like wheel bearing seals (syncro owners take note), and CV boots. Get water in either of these spots and you'll know pretty quickly as the end comes quickly for the parts.

DougM
_________________
1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1993 Toyota LandCruiser, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[Jon_slider]

I hope you let us know if your carpets stayed dry after you do that crossing in a Westy..

I look forward to your photos..

> My son and I were there two weeks ago in his Jeep.

thanks for the great photo!

did the Jeep stay dry inside?

[SWbySWesty]

I went in April this year so I'm not too worried. Of course, that was with the Jeep I am now selling...

Might as well try it, right?

[img]http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=40573&stc=1&d=1272406759[/img] - why doesn't it show up? It shows up on my blog...

[dbcdad]

To my astonishment it did. Without the windows on it was clear to see that the water level was almost half way up the door. Water depth was around thirty inches (76 cm). The Jeep has stock suspension and 31'' tires.

Have fun, David C
1987 Wolfsburg Daily Driver
1987 Syncro Gl_Country Homes Top_Westfalia Interior_Custom Racks front and back
1986 Syncro Sunroof_Working On
1987 Syncro Westfalia_No Engine_Project
1987 Gl_Donor without the countryhomes top