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What to do first?
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JEL91Westy
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 5:59 pm    Post subject: What to do first? Reply with quote

If you planned to replace engine components to make your van as reliable as possible, what would a prioritized list look like?

At this point everyone is probably aware of fuel lines for the obvious reasons, but what’s next? Even if things seem to be working well, what will help prevent the extra adventure of a breakdown on a trip - Coil, fuel pump relay, temp sensors, etc?

Sorry if this has been addressed before, but my search efforts found nothing comprehensive on this topic, just individual component topics, not a sequence/ priority.

Looking forward to suggestions.
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Steve M.
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 6:13 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Closing the wallet seems to be a good way to get ready for it! 😁
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Ahwahnee
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 6:16 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Many may say all you need is a phone and a credit card... but they probably live & drive where there is cell service and big cities less than 200 miles away.

I carry a lot of spares with the focus on things that would leave me stranded (e.g. with an alternator fail you can drive 400 miles in daylight - close enoough to get my lifetime guarantee replacement at AutoZone). Likewise a failed starter is inconvenient but not disabling.

I carry spare ignition parts (dizzy, coil, ignition module, wires, plugs).

Spare belts, though you could get by w/o an AC belt I suppose.

Relays and a jumper to bypass one.

Spare fuel line and fuel filter are useful and have saved my bacon.

I also have on board the spare ECU, Throttle Body & AFM - mainly because I have spares and would feel like an idiot if they failed on a trip and the spare was at home.

Other things... ignition switch (common failure), accelerator cable (not unknown) and one injector.

I do not carry spare coolant hoses as that would be too bulky to have a full set - but I believe I could probably jury-rig a fix using super tape.

I'm sure there are things I have forgotten but hopefully this helps.
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Merian
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 6:24 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

BRAKES - do not get killed
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mikemtnbike
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 7:00 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Brakes, yes. A tune up kit. Timing. Do the pro training manual tests and if you find something, fix it. Chase your wiring harness around the motor and repair any breaks, chafing, whatever you find. Add a fuse to your fuel injection system. Add a ground to your starter and/or alternator.

That’s what I got off the top of my head.
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 7:26 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Agree on above. In addition to the safety items, I got a lot of peace of mind after replacing every cooling hose and plastic junction.

If everything is running well, I wouldn’t replace a bunch of sensors and stuff. Replacement parts are sometimes crap.
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 8:07 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

it really depends on the maintenance history. if there is no history and it does not seem cared for, there are many places to investigate;

brakes - even if they work, i'm sure the fluid should be changed

cooling system - old stuff under stress likes to ruin the weekend. replace all the rubber and examine the metal coolant lines on the engine and the long lines under the bus. flush the radiator and test the thermostat and radiator switch.

engine - plugs, dizzy cap & rotor, wires, check all air, temp, and oil pressure sensors and wiring, get the injectors cleaned. get on an oil change schedule. if the head gaskets aren't weeping, roll the dice for now if everything else engine related is well (compression and leakdown tests, oil pressure under load, mileage for 2.1 rod bolts)

steering - endlinks will be toast, bushings maybe too.

suspension - bushings, springs, shocks and ball joints. do all of them.

electrical - if you have a 5 pin relay, do the 4 pin mod, inspect all ECU wiring and replace corroded items. CLEAN YOUR GROUNDS.

this should be what any new to you with no history bus should expect. basically, 3-5k worth of love before you think about going any distance.

the goal is clean, safe, and fun. enjoy the ride.
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Vanagon Nut
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 8:21 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

mikemtnbike wrote:
Do the pro training manual tests and if you find something, fix it.


Keep the pro training manual (and Bentley) in the van.

I think it boils down to a "cost benefit" type thing as to what one carries. As Ahwahnee shows, I bring stuff to replace items that would cause a no start, along with other items already mentioned.

Some things can be buck sheed together using parts from an Ace Hardware well stocked NAPA. But, a lot of that comes down to experience and 'net searching skills. e.g. a blown heater hose doesn't have to mean the end of a trip.

Neil.
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 8:35 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

All the old rubber and plastic bits that keep it running and stopping: brakes, cooling, fuel, etc. Then on to the metal parts: cvs, transmission, etc.
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PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2021 10:58 pm    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Clean/replace all grounds, best/cheapest/easiest way to
make a difference.
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 2:34 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Merian wrote:
BRAKES - do not get killed


Brakes, steering. Do not get killed, do not kill others.

Fine to roll down your isolated country road at 30 mph to enjoy the thrill of a new purchase, but next stop means full evaluation of steering and stopping systems before that 60 mph roll.
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 3:47 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

OP isn't asking about what to carry for emergency Roadside repairs but rather a prioritized pre trip maintenance list.

In my humble opinion, think about what will stop you dead?

Fuel supply system failure
Fuel injection failure
Ignition failure
Wheel bearings front and rear
Belts
Cooling system
Tires

Tend to these items, buy the best quality parts available, you will make it home, if you don't?
It will be a catastrophic failure you couldn't prevent anyway.


Dave
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 4:55 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Yes, but a lot of these roadsides spares if bought and replaced would alleviate a lot of worries.
And this info is good for planning.

Of course, having a spare engine sitting on a pallet is a bit extreme, but I have an engine that I needed to store anyway. Might as well store it for worst case scenarios! 😁

Alot of the little parts like a spare voltage regulator, ignition switch are no brainers to carry.
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Corwyn Premium Member
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 7:23 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

This early in your ownership, after you replace the fuel lines, just drive it until something breaks, replace it and move on. Proactive preventive maintenance will bankrupt you.
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 7:25 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

I know you've been trying for years, but you've finally provided sig material. Thank you for your patience, your work here is done.

Abscate wrote:

Do not get killed, do not kill others.

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Abscate wrote:
Do not get killed, do not kill others.


Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.

Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 7:28 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Corwyn wrote:
This early in your ownership, after you replace the fuel lines, just drive it until something breaks, replace it and move on. Proactive preventive maintenance will bankrupt you.


An entirely reasonable approach if you have the skills, abilities, patience, spare parts on board and the right attitude. The first four are reasonably easy to come by, the final can take a lifetime to achieve.
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Abscate wrote:
Do not get killed, do not kill others.


Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.

Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro).
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Corwyn Premium Member
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 7:31 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

jimf909 wrote:
Corwyn wrote:
This early in your ownership, after you replace the fuel lines, just drive it until something breaks, replace it and move on. Proactive preventive maintenance will bankrupt you.


An entirely reasonable approach if you have the skills, abilities, patience, spare parts on board and the right attitude. The first four are reasonably easy to come by, the final can take a lifetime to achieve.


As a sailor says, "the difference between adventure and adversity is attitude"
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 8:02 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Quote:
As a sailor says, "the difference between adventure and adversity is attitude"


All depends if your adventure is at the side of the road or at your destination...
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 8:09 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Insurance definitely a good insurance for roadside assistance and towing for our 30+ year old cars.

Plus all of the above recomendations! Very Happy
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Ronzo_volvo_guy
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PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2021 8:09 am    Post subject: Re: What to do first? Reply with quote

Forum;

What I would recommend as on-board spares...the short version: Spare Cooling Sys hose, and Coolant. Tool set. Maybe a few specialized tools (from your experience). Assortment of nuts and bolts of typical sizes, hoseclamps, wire, sleeving, crimp assortment, crimp-tool, wire-ties.

My son just made it back home from his 6000 mile CT / CO / CT spring trip in his (for him) relatively new (owned it only two months!) Westy. Before taking the trip...not having a track record with the well restored '87Wasserboxer, obviously still gave me cause for some trepidation, so in addition to us doing a pre-trip check and maintenance which included a CVJ change, and cleaning all of the electrical connections we touched, and treating them preventatively with Anti-Corrosive Zinc Grease*, including a few other things learned here, we also had it critically gone over by a local Vanagon specialist shop, who among other things, bypassed the plastic bulkhead fuel feed-through).

Based on his trip experience, here is the long version:

He experienced two minor failures (floppy newly installed Windshield wiper, tightening the nut was the simple fix, and a vibrating luggage compartment causing strange vibration/flutter sound over cab, once cause was figured out, it was repaired with a piece of PVC tubing slipped under the edge of molding to change the preload and stop the vibration).

...and a semi-major failure (a burst Cooling System hose, which necessitated a tow to a motel in walking range of a parts place, luckily both only 10 miles away! ...I had sent him on the trip with spare hose-clamps, but not 1" ID hose. Thankfully, the failed 4" shorty hose was easily located just below the power steering pump, but it did require a 90 Deg bent flatblade screwdriver to get at, which needed to be bought also, so this was a half-day road delay), but he was able to handle the repair, plus the necessary subsequent CS multiple bleedings well.

He also took a rock to the Windshield, necessitating replacement, but that was done back in CT, and I don't consider that a trip failure...it could have happened at home too...luckily, CT auto insurance includes glass coverage.

After he returned, we took the van to a local, first of the year, getogether of the CTVW club (and with a brand new Windshield!), where an observant inspector of the engine compartment noticed the AC Comp top bolt missing (apparently these cars spend their lives trying to vibrate themselves into a pile of their constituent parts!?!)...I figure that probably happened during the 6000 miles and not the most recent 40... The observant inspector also pointed out a poor looking elec connection on a Pressure sensor (not a source of failure yet, but will be attended to next time the engine bay is open!

The leather hanging tool pouch we installed on the rearfacing, flat, unused surface next to the engine bay, was a source of many positive comments at the show...tools are handy right where they are most likely needed, and the curtain stowed to the left, covers them from view (no-see-em, no-steal-em!) If there is interest, I can see about posting a pic and source info.

Lesson learned (not much new really!)...do your maintenance at home, and prepare as best you can for trips (try to keep the weight of spares for the vehicle under weight of stuff for the passengers!)...but the last thing you worked on at home might fail on a trip (if you didn't repair it right in the first place!), but more likely, it will be something else...

OK, so I guess this was more of a trip report than a list of what to do first...

Happy VW Motoring!

* https://www.sw-em.com/anti_corrosive_paste.htm
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