New '86 Camper Purchase Needs Some Fixes (Advice?)

[Jonathan Healey]

My recent Vanagon Camper purchase finally arrived. I'm excited to say that it's here in Manhattan and running well. There are, however, some small issues I'd like to get opinions on before contacting a VW mechanic. I figure this the most appropriate place to post this, so if you have some time, please look over the list below and offer advice. I'd be much obliged:

1986 Water Cooled Vanagon Camper GL; 2.1L; 4-Speed Manual

• Oil Leak: It looks as though oil is dripping from a connection between the oil refill tube (behind the license plate) and where it connects to the engine. There are some connecting screws and the oil drips a tiny drop every 15 or 20-seconds

• AC Over-Idle: When I turn on the AC everything is fine. When I begin to turn the outer knob to the right the engine begins to idle up to 2.7 RPM. I have not attempted to turn the AC on while driving yet and I've noticed this when it's running and parked

• Refreidgerator: The open/close snap on the exterior just broke off. It was hard to open the fridge before and now the clasy has broken

• Driver Door Lock: I have to lock it from the outside only. I can push the knob up and down when the door is closed, but not when the door is open. It would be nice to be able to just push the knob down to lock the car rather than insert the key from outside.

• Sliding Passenger Door: My key does not work in this door at all. It must be opened and locked from the inside only

• Water Port Lock: Don't have a key for it

That's it off the top of my head. Not a lot of issues, but a few minor road bumps (pun intended) to deal with.

[earthmuffin]

Your drivers door lock is supposed to be that way. VW engineered it that way so you wouldn't lock your keys in the van.
I know, it seems kinda silly.
_________________
This thread SUCKS!!!

[WestyNoobie]

Congrats on your purchase....i recently bought an 85 and am waiting to get her on the road...In the next couple a weeks, i'll be removing the engine and replacing with a rebuilt..Maybe then i'll be more knowlegable on some of the questions you have...good luck
Mark
New Jersey

[hansh]

The lock thing bugs me too, but I've never locked my keys in THIS vehicle. I can't say the same for any other vehicle I've owned.

There is a thread in the Bay Window forum right now about the same oil leak you're having. Obviously not the same engine but they could be similar enough that it would help you get started.

I'd go ask an established locksmith about the slider lock. They can fix a lot of things for a nominal price. He'll probably be able to give you the best options for solving the problem and ending up with the same key for that door.

If your water port lock is the same as mine, the key is not unit specific. Mine is just a black plastic thing like those keys that you used to get with those fake kids handcuffs. Probably something that can be replaced.

Check around on sites like Go Westy or such and see if someone is offering a replacement clasp for the fridge.

Hans