new user: simple question about '90 Vanagon Carat

threeputtingfool

Pleased to meet you all. I am mulling over picking up a '90 Vanagon and checking it out I noticed something odd. It's an automatic tranny, and the RPM's seem awfully high (4k @ 65mph). This will be my first transporter so I don't know if there's a higher gear that it isn't finding or not. Its 2wd, 2.1liter engine with stock alloys. It runs great other than this, and I'l having it checked out by a mechanic in the next couple of days. Just wondering off-hand if there may be a serious tranny problem. Thanks for any advice you may have. This forum looks to be a gold mine of information and I look forward to spending a lot of time here.

Jeff

earthmuffin · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 2:53 pm Post subject:

I have never driven an auto vanagon before. The specs list the autos as being a 3 spd. As you accellerate, can you hear/feel it shift into 3rd? Does the tranny seem to slip at all? My 4 spd manual is at about 3500 at 65 so it wouldn't surprise me if the vanagon that you are looking at is normal.

threeputtingfool · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 5:08 pm Post subject:

thanks E.M. that makes me feel a little better. Because I haven't committed yet, the only book I have is the manual in the glovebox. It lists 90hp/117 ft lbs so it might make sense to gear them quite low. It drives wonderfully however. It sure isn't pretty to look at, but the body and underside is all solid. even if it looks to have been washed by brillo pads. There are a few oddities however that concern me. If you have time, I'd appreciate the benefit of the experience. There is an oil leak. Not much, maybe an inch or so spot on the drive in 24 hours. The engine has wet oil on the underside right in the center, but I can't tell from where it originates. I've read there is a head gasket issue with these engines. Expensive proposition? I should know more about it in the next few days. The other mechanical bump is VERY soft brakes. The pedal goes nearly to the floor before encountering any resistance, but the bus will finally stop. Windows down you can hear a "whooshhhhhh" type sound with the pedal depressed. The odometer quit, but the speedo still works. I know the guy who owns it now, and it didn't happen very many miles ago. I have also heard the odo going out on these is a very common problem and was wondering what most folks found the problem to be. The last is simply an annoyance. Can't figure out for the life of me how to get the fold-out table to come up. There is a sticker that says "press table" but no luck- I can't get it to release. I'm scared I might break the panel behind it and can find no access to any screws to remove the entire table and check out the problem. Actually my kids are after me to get the table going! I know its gonna take some work, but I can get it for a good price and it would be perfect for the family until I can afford our dream bus.

earthmuffin · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 5:29 pm Post subject:

For the heads, check out:
http://www.vanagon.com
Go to "problems". There is a whole wealth of info and links there that will explain the wheres and whys of head issues on wasserboxers. Oil leaks can be hard to track down. I could be just a valve cover gasket. Make sure you find the source before you commit because if you have to do a full head job it can be spendy.
The brake issue sounds like a bad booster or just a vacuum leak somewhere.
When I bought my van I had the same problem with the odometer. More than likely, if you take the cluster apart, you will either find a stripped gear on the odometer or if you are lucky ( I was ), the shaft that all the counters ride on, has slipped out of its lug and the worm gears are no longer meshing. This is an easy fix. New speedometers/odometers are pretty easy to come by if you can't fix it.
As for the table, I don't have one so I'm in the dark.
Definitely buy a Bentley Manual if you get van. They are worth their weight in gold. They can save tons of cash if you are willing to do a little work yourself. Good luck !!!!

threeputtingfool · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 6:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks again E.M. I'm gonna drop it off with the local guru tomorrow and leave it with him. He's serviced this particular van in the past so he's already familiar with it. Hopefully the cost to bring it up to speed won't be too much. I will mention your ideas on the possible problems and that should help. I'll let you know if I press or back out by the end of the week!

Jeff

j8 · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2003 10:29 am Post subject:

hope everything works out jeff.

sbclayton · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2003 12:24 pm Post subject:

Hi, Jeff!

Just caught up on the Forum mail.

4k rpm's @ 65 is WAY too high! I've had a '91 Carat for the last 13 years and that's the max rpm's in 2nd gear. It might be something as simple as a misadjusted shifter. It might also be okay to get your friend's permission to run some tranny flush through the unit to see if a stuck valve will free up. Lastly, is the fluid full up, is it Dexron II or equivalent, and is it RED?

Oil leaks. "Volkswagens NEVER leak - they just mark their spot! Cool

There's an oil galley freeze plug to the right of the pump, the oil plug itself (they strip easy), engine case halves, pushrod tubes, front and rear oil seals, and lots more areas for these things to leak. Use a heavy-duty cleaner and see where the oil appears first.

Heads. Yep - mine blew at 30k miles, 82k miles and just recently at 167k miles. Local stealer did the first two repairs - I did it right the third time. Heads about $495 each "new", or if the heads are good, a rebuild kit is a good option at around $120. It's easy to drop the engine out and stick it on a repair stand for work - it only weighs (my guess) around 150 pounds. I can easily pick mine up, let me put it like that.

Soft brakes. Most likely the master cylinder (loose vac line would make a HARD pedal). Cheap to replace. Might check out condition of rotors, calipers ($60 ea from VanAgain) and pads (use only organic pads!!!). Also, check to make sure the REAR brakes are adjusted - these are often overlooked.

Rear table. I take the heel of my fist and give mine a good poke. My wife kicks it. The latch will appear to jam when the sponge block behind the lower part of the table (when stowed) decomposes and fails to push the retracted table back out a little. Pull the lower lip of the table out and then push in. See if that doesn't free it up. If you buy the van, replace the sponge block with a new piece of closed-cell foam.

Jeff, these vans are terrific. I had a '91 Camper for 5 years and my '91 Carat since new. They move well, haul anything, climb like mountain goats, are a dream to drive (in light crosswinds! Very Happy

) and get admiring glances everywhere they go.

Plan to spend a modest amount of cash to repair/restore your intended purchase - and then drive it anywhere in the country with pride and confidence.

I'm in the Tampa Bay Area - when you buy your van, look me up. And be sure to email me directly if you have any more questions.

Steve
"The Best Ride On The Highway Of Life Is Made By Volkswagen"

crukab · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2003 7:14 am Post subject:

Hey Jeff congrats on the Vanagon. Is it a gl model ? Camper ?
They can be real sweet if you get a good one, and/or spend some ca$h on it. We have a 91 carat/wlfsbrg. , RED!, got it from a old couple w/ 45K !! on it, nice running mint body, mags, trim ect. It has the 2 rear facing seats and the rear bench/ bed , and the table. We have taken 2 trips to Colorado & back in it, camped with our 2 teenagers most of the way, great family rig. I do keep the 17$/Gallon VW anti feeze in it, so far so good,119K miles and she just purrs 70mph on the highways, cruise control is sweeeet !
They can get exspensive, heads go, coolant & oil leeks are something I deal with asap, my 91 sits in a garage bay, so its easy to see any problems every day as I walk past it, I just dropped 4000$ on motor for my 86 Vanagon Crewcab, but I know it will last as well as the one in my 91, ya just have to take care of them .
As far as the table goes, Steve had it right ,a good smack on the botton of the table should pop it free, my wife gives it the boot too, Smile

Good luck with your rig.
Tom
_________________
Tom

My Pops:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604100&highlight=
I know you will always be with me, rest in peace with no more pain. 8/13/14.....

In the yard right now:
'51 Dodge 5 window truck
'65 Bug
'66 Singlecab
'82 Rabbit Truck Diesel from CALI Smile

'86 Doublecab W/T
'91 Vanagon carat/wolfsbrg.Tiico
'88 Dodge Ram pickup
'11 Jetta Wagon

threeputtingfool · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2003 8:51 am Post subject:

OK I am stuck with a difficult decision now. Since my last post here I have been very busy this week. I took the '90 Carat down to my local mechanic to get his opinion. The guy wants $1700 for the van, 148K on a broken odo. and the interior is great, but the exterior looks like hell. Solid, but would need a new dogleg on the rt rear (fender) and a paint job. Here is a summary of the mechanical problems: New belts, cracked coolant pipe fitting, stripped drain plug need to be retapped and replaced, turn front rotors, new pads, auto trannt filter and gasket, new master cylinder and bleed system, all new headlight hardware (they're just held on at one weak point right now and flopping around). Just under $900 to get it going safely, added to the $1700 for the van. I have not decided yet. In the MEANTIME, I stumbled across a '91 Carat Wolfsburg with 197k, 2 owners, fresh red glossy paint, fantastic interior (same setup), same alloys, better tires, and it is being sold by a 6 time transporter owner who says he is only getting rid of it because he picked up an '02 EV weekender. The ONLY thing he is aware of needing fixed is the interior light doesn't come on when you raise the rear hatch. The odo works, and the engine has yet to be rebuilt. He says it's still tight, but I know it won't be long for a rebuild with that many miles on it. It is rust free, all original glass (except the windshield), and straight and true as can be on all body panels and seams. He wants $5200 but I think he'll take $3500. I don't know which would be a wiser choice. I will drive it and have my same guy check it out of course. But I could possibly be into a much better looking van for a total of $700 more (excluding the impending rebuild/engine conversion). And who know how long that will be. I know the true mileage, and I know it was owned by a lng time bus fan. What to do, what to do. I have to decide by Monday. Wish I had pics of the two so you could see the difference.
Jeff

bljones · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2003 11:00 am Post subject:

Personally, if i need a daily driver and not a project, i'd rather have a well-maintained higher mileage vehicle than one with unknown mileage and spotty maintenance. What do YOU want? if you don't have $3500-4000 now, and don't mind a vehicle that you will have to invest time and money into over the next few months to make it presentable/dependable, then the cheap one may be one route.. but the higher mileage higher dollar ride sounds like it may be a better proposition. have your mech take a look at the second one as well, and then go with your gut.
_________________
OG JHC
Author of Original Rant #1
"It stingd itself to dead... now that is control on you"

2%

sbclayton · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2003 5:15 pm Post subject:

Jeff,

That $900 sounds high for a guy like me who does his own wrenching. If you have average mechanical skills you could save a bundle just buying parts and doing the work yourself. 'Course, with all the problems the mechanic mentioned, you may well run into a few more that turn up when the ones you know about get fixed.

My opinion is if you can get that '91 reasonable, grab it!!!! Look at it this way - you're gonna spend that $3500 anyway - in repairs on the '90 or paying up front for the '91.

If the '91 has had good maintenance, I wouldn't let that 197K scare me for a minute! I'd be down to the bank for cash so fast the revolving door would go airborne! And once I got my paws on that thing, I'd make sure it got cared for so well that only death or an act of Congress pried it out of my hands! Very Happy

Now the only thing you absolutely have to do is, when you get your ride, we Vanagon aficionados want pictures! Lotsa pictures!

Steve
If I'm not driving a VW, I'd rather walk (but don't tell my Dodge diesel pickup I said that!)

threeputtingfool · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 7:34 am Post subject:

Well we decided to go with the '91. Brought it home yesterday. I am still amazed at the condition this thing is in. I weighed the options, and would be in the other one for nearly as much after the work was done and would still have a ways to go. I can find almost nothing wrong with this '91. I need to find curtains (or have my wife make them), mosquito screens, and the receiver end of the right rear seatbelt that bolts on the floor under the rear bench seat. That's it, seriously. I'm going outside to snap some pics right now, and if somebody could school me a bit I'll post them as soon as I figure out how. More to come, and thanks again for everyone's experience and input.
Jeff

sbclayton · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 9:03 am Post subject:

Congratulations, Jeff! Very Happy

I couldn't be more pleased if I had bought that critter myself! Good job!

I find Ken Wilford at Van-Again to give really excellent help, parts, prices and service. Highly recommended.

Parts Place might be a good starting point for curtains, net, seat belt anchor, etc. I have gotten parts from them before, but make sure you specify - directly - that everything must be super-well packed and padded - I've had parts arrive damaged. PP has some really good used and new Vanagon bits and pieces, along with some nice Camper bits, should you wish to convert your new toy for camping in future.

BTW, my brother lives in Quincy, FL and I'm up north every once in a while. Any questions, feel free to email me directly - [email protected].

Jeff, try to stop grinning - go ahead, just try! Laughing

Again, best wishes, and way to go!

Steve
Vanagons: Bigger than a bread box, smaller than a Mack truck, and cool as all get-out!

threeputtingfool · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 8:47 am Post subject: Pics are up!

Couldn't figure out how to get more than one pic on this page, so if you wanna see, do a search for '91 Vanagon in the gallery under '68 and up bus / other. Its the flaming red one with the gray interior.

Jeff
_________________
now:'03 Jetta TDI, '91 Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg
someday: '67 21 Deluxe, '06 New Microbus

j8 · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 11:24 am Post subject:

Jeff, that's a nice toy!

shortcut for others:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/122055.jpg

sbclayton · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 7:58 pm Post subject:

What a sweet looking ride! Very Happy

That beauty looks showroom-new!

Jeff, if I might venture a suggestion - I just put the 50 watt light bulbs in the rear of my '91. For 13 years, my wife and I have endured following drivers late-braking behind us. Gave us some pretty good scares!

I put the 50W 1156 bulbs in stoplight and backup light positions, then took the OEM 32cp bulb and put it into the taillight position, where the small 4cp bulb is supposed to go.

As if by magic, no more drivers panic braking behind us! And we can now see very well when backing up. Although not VW-OEM, these bulbs go a long way to upgrading the rear lighting of the Vanagon to current safety standards. A highly recommended modification.

I bought 4 bulbs at Advance Auto Parts for $2.98 each, and ran them out of stock. When they get more in, I will add two 50W to the rear turn signals, and am looking for a 50W 1157 bulb for the front markers/turn signals.

I'm happy for you, your family and the Vangon! You all get a great vehicle, and another of the vanishing Vanagon breed finds a caring owner.

Again, my best congratulations! Very Happy

Steve
- who just loves happy endings!

crukab · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 4:20 pm Post subject:

Hey Jeff, conrats on the 91, thats the same color & model we have, my Vanagoon buds call it the "Cadilac", nice to get one with all the toys/options!! I hope its a stick, not a auto. Let me know what you come up with for a mosquito netting for the rear hatch, I could use one.
=D> =D> =D> =D> :crazyeyes:
_________________
Tom

My Pops:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604100&highlight=
I know you will always be with me, rest in peace with no more pain. 8/13/14.....

In the yard right now:
'51 Dodge 5 window truck
'65 Bug
'66 Singlecab
'82 Rabbit Truck Diesel from CALI Smile

'86 Doublecab W/T
'91 Vanagon carat/wolfsbrg.Tiico
'88 Dodge Ram pickup
'11 Jetta Wagon

crukab · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 4:22 pm Post subject:

Umm thats conGrats on the 91!
_________________
Tom

My Pops:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604100&highlight=
I know you will always be with me, rest in peace with no more pain. 8/13/14.....

In the yard right now:
'51 Dodge 5 window truck
'65 Bug
'66 Singlecab
'82 Rabbit Truck Diesel from CALI Smile

'86 Doublecab W/T
'91 Vanagon carat/wolfsbrg.Tiico
'88 Dodge Ram pickup
'11 Jetta Wagon

threeputtingfool · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2003 6:18 pm Post subject:

found this:

http://store.cip1.com/Merchant2/merchant.php?Scree...Code=04-24

But I have no clue who they are or anything about the screen. Still looking.
Jeff
_________________
now:'03 Jetta TDI, '91 Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg
someday: '67 21 Deluxe, '06 New Microbus


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