1985 Westy Named George

[Jim Bear]

[Jim Bear]

Shameless bump.

Need to get the part ordered and need a confidence boost that getting the 1.9 aluminum tank is the right bet.
_________________
"You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus." ~kk
'85 Vanagon Westy - George In the Stable 2020-?/'74 Weekender - Ophelia In the Stable 2007- ?/'69 Beetle Convertible - SOLD 2017-2020/'67 Beetle - September SOLD 2013-2016 /'67 SO42 Westy - Sage SOLD 1996-2001 /'69 Transporter - Baby Blue SOLD 1995-1995/'72 Westy - Nelly - SOLD 1990-1995--STOP FRACKING

[Jake de Villiers]

[Jim Bear]

I am going to go with the 1.9 tank as the top tube seems bigger than the bottom in the pic and all other visuals on the coolant system seem to point to 1.9.

Regarding the two tubes from the H pipe to the tank--I'd like to replace them for peace of mind. Are these generic coolant lines or does someone sell these, maybe in silicone?

Also, which tube coming from the expansion tank is the inlet, and which is the outlet? Thanks in advance folks.
_________________
"You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus." ~kk
'85 Vanagon Westy - George In the Stable 2020-?/'74 Weekender - Ophelia In the Stable 2007- ?/'69 Beetle Convertible - SOLD 2017-2020/'67 Beetle - September SOLD 2013-2016 /'67 SO42 Westy - Sage SOLD 1996-2001 /'69 Transporter - Baby Blue SOLD 1995-1995/'72 Westy - Nelly - SOLD 1990-1995--STOP FRACKING

[Jim Bear]

Well, the first breakdown happened last night. As mentioned earlier I had been having an idle issue; the issue has gotten progressively worse and as of yesterday the van would most often idle between 1800 and 2000 rpm when driving and warm after coming to a stop. After taping the gas pedal it would hunt between 1200 and 1400. It would run fine when moving and cruising at 65 the rpm's would be just below 4000.

To the breakdown--I was running a quick errand last night and the van seemed fine for about 5 minutes, except for the idle issue. As I was almost at my destination and cruising in 3rd at about 30mph I noticed a slight hesitation and slight loss of power. I pulled into the parking space, did my errand, and when I went to start the van the engine struggled to stay running, and after about 15-20 seconds shut off. I started it again and gave it a little gas to keep it going and made for the 2-mile drive home. It was not a happy two miles; I did not make it out of 3rd and struggled to maintain 30mph. I pulled into my neighborhood and it shut itself down. Subsequent attempts to start yielded poor results; it would stay running for a second or two and then nada. Eventually, no catch at all, it would just turn over. It was dark, but I had my headlamp and I did not see anything glaring when looking at the engine--no loose wires or hoses. I got a tow/yank home from a neighbor and will get a chance to look at it tomorrow after work. My first thoughts are vac leak. My second thoughts are that it is related to the idle issue.

Side notes, 1) I have noticed that my temp light would blink for a few seconds after the engine starts. Just a few seconds and then it goes off and does not flash at all when driving. The coolant has not been leaking and the levels are where they need to be. 2) I have noticed since I got the van 6 or so weeks ago that when starting warm, 2/3 of the time, there is a loud clunk upon starting, just as it engages. 3) I have noticed in the past few days a quick whistle sound coming from somewhere up front when I tap the brake pedal. Was this the start of a (the) vac leak? Other than these things and the idle the van has been running fine.
_________________
"You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus." ~kk
'85 Vanagon Westy - George In the Stable 2020-?/'74 Weekender - Ophelia In the Stable 2007- ?/'69 Beetle Convertible - SOLD 2017-2020/'67 Beetle - September SOLD 2013-2016 /'67 SO42 Westy - Sage SOLD 1996-2001 /'69 Transporter - Baby Blue SOLD 1995-1995/'72 Westy - Nelly - SOLD 1990-1995--STOP FRACKING

[dobryan]

The whistling noise from up front could be the brake booster leaking. The booster uses vacuum off the engine which could be one cause of a vacuum leak.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[Jim Bear]

[mikemtnbike]

Coolant light flashing as described is normal.
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[Jim Bear]

[mikemtnbike]

For the loud clunk on start up I’d be checking the condition of my transmission mount bushing first and engine mounts second. Just what I’d do.
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[Jim Bear]

My first thought should have been to check the dumbass-o-meter. I ran the fucker out of gas! The gauge is not accurate and I have been going with what the PO said about his gas miledge, 20-21mpg. Well, that proved to be wrong. I have been negligent about keeping track of my miledge and will be getting on the ball now.
_________________
"You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus." ~kk
'85 Vanagon Westy - George In the Stable 2020-?/'74 Weekender - Ophelia In the Stable 2007- ?/'69 Beetle Convertible - SOLD 2017-2020/'67 Beetle - September SOLD 2013-2016 /'67 SO42 Westy - Sage SOLD 1996-2001 /'69 Transporter - Baby Blue SOLD 1995-1995/'72 Westy - Nelly - SOLD 1990-1995--STOP FRACKING

[Abscate]

+1000 points For coming clean. Glad it was easily fixed.

I miss the days when the gas station gave you the gallon to get to the station. Now the convenience store sells you an empty can for $29.99
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.ssS!

[clamay]

Don't beat yourself up too badly Jim Bear. BTDT- at least you didn't have to pay $200 to have it towed to a shop. Now, I always start to plan on gas after trip ODO hits 225 miles. Aren't life lessons fun!
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91 Carat, automatic, GW 2.2, GW EFI, Peloquin TBD

When you come to a fork in the road, take it. --Yogi Berra

[Abscate]

mass has a great gift for you on the Pike if you run out of fuel. After the tow and delivery of fuel , a summons for “ insufficient fuel”


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.ssS!

[Jim Bear]

So the idle issue is still there. Put a different Idle Stabilizer Unit on and it just changed how the problem manifests; generally a high idle upon stopping when the engine is warm. Sometimes it's around 1800 and other times around 1500. It is not hunting anymore like with the other ISU. However, now it occasionally idles at around 1000 (normal?) and sometime now dies immediately after starting. With a little goosing I can get out of that parking space and it will not die after I get going. This is not affecting overall drivability. I have yet to delve further into the issue. These changes indicate to me it is the ISU and that I should seek a known good one.

Only other issue had been a wonky cap on my stock expansion tank that was giving me fits and causing the temp gauge to blink far too frequently. More about that below...

Onto the fun stuff--Trip Report!!--I checked all systems and have been driving it around town and up to NC a few times. Installed a Blazecut and VanCafe aluminum expansion tank and then decided I was confident enough to take it to New York a few weeks ago! My daughter and I drove from Athens to Rochester, NY area on April 2nd-3rd, stayed thru the next Thursday and then headed home. Camped in my brother's driveway in Fairport, daily drove and did a few cruises around the east side of Roch and took a really fun cruise down between Canandaigua and Honeoye Lakes hitting seasonal dirt roads and other secret locations. 2300ish miles overall and George did not miss a beat. I had to downshift to 3rd once on a hill on 441 in NC on the way home. I have not figured the gas mileage yet. I am super impressed and proud of this Vanagon. It cruised so comfortably at 65 and wanted to go faster. I had to check myself when my attention would drift and I'd be doing 75 all of a sudden. I was passing folks when necessary and could get out of the way relatively effectively when needed. I had put it up for sale a while back because I am missing my Bay Window and want to get back to it, but now...not to sure. Other items of interest from the trip: 1) I saw NO other Vanagons or air cooled VW's on the road, a first in making this trip over the past 25 years. 2) I almost hit one deer on the way home in West Virginia. 3) The coolant light did not blink once while driving! 4) I did not have to add any oil at all in either direction. 5) Suffered a small chip in the center of the windshield.
_________________
"You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus." ~kk
'85 Vanagon Westy - George In the Stable 2020-?/'74 Weekender - Ophelia In the Stable 2007- ?/'69 Beetle Convertible - SOLD 2017-2020/'67 Beetle - September SOLD 2013-2016 /'67 SO42 Westy - Sage SOLD 1996-2001 /'69 Transporter - Baby Blue SOLD 1995-1995/'72 Westy - Nelly - SOLD 1990-1995--STOP FRACKING

[gmastin]

Hello Jim,

I have sent you a few messages about your 85' Vanagon. Is it still for sale?
I am very interested. Thank you. Greg
[email protected] or 231.675.8938
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1986 Syncro
1988 Westy

[Jim Bear]

Hey, all. Oil leak(s)! So, I am experiencing an oil leak(s) from the rear of the engine. It has progressively become worse over the last year and is making a mess on the driveway and the back of the van. I have not had the chance to really dig in, but upon a cursory inspection there is a lot of oil dripping off of the engine carrier bar after driving. When looking at the engine from the top, with the hatch off, I see no "wetness" on the topside. What are the various options for leakage from the rear of the engine. Oil cooler o-ring? Filler tube base gasket?

Note, I have had very few issues with the engine since purchase a few years back, so I am still a novice with the water boxers. As always, thanks in advance for any insight.
_________________
"You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus." ~kk
'85 Vanagon Westy - George In the Stable 2020-?/'74 Weekender - Ophelia In the Stable 2007- ?/'69 Beetle Convertible - SOLD 2017-2020/'67 Beetle - September SOLD 2013-2016 /'67 SO42 Westy - Sage SOLD 1996-2001 /'69 Transporter - Baby Blue SOLD 1995-1995/'72 Westy - Nelly - SOLD 1990-1995--STOP FRACKING

[E1]

It’s very common for the crankcase vent, aka oil breather tower, gasket to harden up and leak.

It’s also common for this or many seeps to harden quickly and not be an obvious, current leak.

It’s also somewhat common for the breather to clog up and seemingly over-pressurize the crankcase and force oil out any path of least resistance.

Find the leak.

That said, according to my Lost in Space documentary collection, it seems there’s more Aliens than ever these days.
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‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[brickster]

Engine leaks can be tricky to diagnose. If you're methodical about it, you can find any leak.

Start by cleaning all of the old grime and oil off. Start at home with a degreaser and rags to get the major stuff off. Next, bring along your degreaser and rags to a manual car wash with heated water. At your FLAPS, pick up a UV dye kit and add it to your oil.

Warm up fully and park out of the bright sunlight. Use the light from the kit to find where the new oil appears. I'd focus on the oil pressure relieve valve, filter, plug, dipstick tube and pushrod tubes.

If indicated, remove the pushrod tube covers. If they are the source of the leak, you can source spring-loaded, collapsible replacements to avoid removing the head(s). Spend the extra for good quality seals and thoroughly clean out the seal surfaces before installing.

[Jim Bear]

Thanks, folks!
_________________
"You're either on the bus, or you're off the bus." ~kk
'85 Vanagon Westy - George In the Stable 2020-?/'74 Weekender - Ophelia In the Stable 2007- ?/'69 Beetle Convertible - SOLD 2017-2020/'67 Beetle - September SOLD 2013-2016 /'67 SO42 Westy - Sage SOLD 1996-2001 /'69 Transporter - Baby Blue SOLD 1995-1995/'72 Westy - Nelly - SOLD 1990-1995--STOP FRACKING