Picture: How to differentiate a Syncro engine bay from a 2WD

[sanchius]

I like using little clues, like the position of the rear quarter marker lights, to be able to tell at a glance whether a van is a Syncro or a 2WD. Now I know how to tell from an engine bay picture whether it is a Syncro or 2WD.

AFAIK there's no differences between a Syncro and a 2WD engine itself. However, because a Syncro engine sits an inch or two lower (different mustache bars & transmission mounts), the Syncro air intake boot is taller than a 2WD intake boot. I didn't appreciate this until ajdenette pointed it out to me. I had mistakenly used the longer Syncro intake boot in my 2WD that was making my AMM sit higher and ajdenette noticed the waffle pattern imprint on top of my AMM where it was touching the bottom of the engine bay cover.

As I was installing the correct 2WD intake boot, I thought I'd put the two boots roughly next to each other and document the difference since I hadn't seen this here before.

Other Syncro/2WD engine differences I am aware of are that Syncro engine cases have a little bead of caulk where they mate to the trans to keep water out and the forward exhaust header has a different bend coming off cylinder #1.

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[4Gears4Tires]

Next time I remove either the motor or trans, it will get a bead of RTV. I had no idea about the side markers either, looks like the Syncro is centered in that back panel and the 2wd is a few inches forward. Thanks!

I found out I have my snorkel inside the D pillar, but I am missing the hose that connects it to the intake and the dust/dirt separator. I will keep an eye out on the classifieds.
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[MarkWard]

The thing about using RTV or any sealer is installing the transaxle is difficult enough without adding some goop. Also, today's sealers are also adhesives, making removing the transmission difficult. And if some water gets in there after it is sealed, the sealer may prevent if from draining. So, basically, the bellhousing needs to be completely water tight. Which is not easily accomplished. Certainly it can be sealed along with the engine case, starter etc.

Visual ques. The syncro has 2 metal coolant pipes that cross the engine in front of the intake boot and from behind, the muffler hangs below the valance enough that it looks like the van is wearing a dirty diaper.
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[D Clymer]

A few other differences for you:

1. The connection of the airbox to the snorkel uses a rubber coupler on the Syncro vs a ribbed plastic one in the standard vans.

2. There is a small bellhousing vent installed in the access hole on the back of the engine case with a vent hose attached to it that keeps the bellhousing area from becoming hydro locked.

3. There is a cyclone dust catcher element inline between the snorkel and the airbox.

[dhaavers]

Not as easy to determine visually, but it's also fun to guess if the thermostat cover
bolts are seized into a plastic or metal housing...



- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[sanchius]

Yes, indeed.

Also, the Syncro has a cool pre-filter vortex debris separator, which fits nicely into a 2WD system as shown here.

In this pic you can see the incorrect tall syncro intake boot installed and the resulting waffle pattern on top of my AMM.

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[MarkWard]

The Syncro boot is rare and could help another syncro owner out. Easy to place in the classifieds.
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[sanchius]

[syncrodoka]

On a syncro, the 2 metal cooling lines bolted to the crankcase up high are dead easy to spot.

[Deberius]

I don't know if already stated...

-) cooling pipe bridge across the trans mount
-) different thermostat housing and connections
-) different oil (stick) pipe length - stick is the same
-) one of the fuel lines are mounted different in the fire wall
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1990 Caravelle GL 2.1 MV syncro -> 1990 Multivan Syncro 2.3 MV

[Abscate]

Lim Delta —-> 0

(( syncro engine bay + Delta) -syncro engine bay)/ Delta

But you have to prove it exists , first
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[djkeev]

[Steve M.]

isn't the Oil Fill Tube longer to make up for the Syncro engine being lower, the plastic part is probably the same, but the metal tube?
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[davideric9]

The oil dip sticks are different. Syncro is longer and is identified with green plastic on the top 025115611B. 2WD has red plastic at the top. Which also means the dipstick tubes are different. syncro 025115629A, 2WD 025115609
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1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock (bought 1994)
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob (bought 2008)
1987 Westfalia (bought 2010)
1988 Wolfsburg GL (bought 2012)

[4Gears4Tires]

And if you don't have the Syncro dipstick and tube checking the oil in your Syncro is a bit irritating. Gotta get your whole hand in there!
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[Deberius]

[djkeev]

[Sodo]

[quote="djkeev"]

[djkeev]

The 2.1 dipstick is 15 1/4” long ........

Here is the part number stamped on the 2WD dipstick.......

Dave
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[SyncroHead]