Date:         Sun, 8 Aug 2004 07:10:33 -0400
Reply-To:     Barry Muller <ekab_muller@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Barry Muller <ekab_muller@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: 1991 Carat For Sale (NW Ohio)
In-Reply-To:  <4114F644.7040104@sbcglobal.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

In repsonse to someone who contacted me about this van, I realized I had
not updated my original posting  (from back in January of February) with
some important info.  Here it is:
=======
I just reread the posting to vanagon and there is a crucial bit of info
that you need to know - and I will send an update to the list too.
Since installing the rebuilt engine I've had two instances of popping
coolant lines.  The first time I was really lucky as I happened to see
it as it happened (was looking in the rearview mirror and saw all the
steam as, as I discovered shortly, a line popped of the coolant
distributor and the coolant subsequently poured over the hot exhaust).
The second time I was in a construction zone at night.  This time the
leak (at ajunction in the long lines leading under the van near the
spare tire) was not as catastrophic but I saw the temp gauge light start
blinking.  There was no place to stop for about a minute or two.  I
think I hear a knock now, but maybe I'm just getting paranoid.

I don't know the cause of the overpressurization of the coolant system.
I don't think it is blowby on the new engine as the coolant never looked
discolored.  Two options: At one point I had to replace the cap on the
pressure tank and people on this list have suggested that the cap is
defective.  May be, but all this happened about a year to 9 mos. ago and
I think the first failure occurred with the old cap.  I have also heard
that these preblems have occurred as a consquence to an old, plugged
radiator.  I have a new, in the box radiator in my garage, but no time
to install it.

So some issues.  If you've lost interest I apologize for not including
all this in the first message and wasting your time.  I was not being
sneaky, but I've got too many things going on these days and no time for
the vanagon and thought I included much of that in the first message.
=====
bem

Barry Muller wrote:

> Lets try this one more time.  $2,000 OBO - again don't be shy with an
> offer.  Fired it up for the first time a few weeks ago.  Ran, but
> getting a blinking oil light.  I'm moving soon - so as they say in the
> real estate business:  "a motivated seller".
>
> Barry Muller wrote:
>
>> With a heavy heart and light wallet I am selling my 1991 Carat (dark
>> blue); located in Toledo, Ohio.
>>
>> Truly, this VW is worth less than the sum of its parts and I have
>> priced it accordingly.  I purchased the vehicle two years ago with
>> the intention to R&R it to be the daily driver.  I have spent the
>> money, time, and sweat - but it has never met my expectations for
>> reliability.  I always feel I'm one one more repair to getting there
>> - but that hasn't been the case, yet.  Perhaps the next owner will
>> get this van for a good price, make that repair and drive her for
>> years trouble free.
>>
>> The bad:
>>
>> Right front speaker has never worked
>> Front heater blower motor bad (have new motor, but needs to be installed)
>> Motor has a helicoil in the oil drain that needs to be replaced
>> Minor seem rust in the usual place - behind driver's door
>> Two rust spots on nose - sanded and primed
>> Some rust in the driver and passenger foot wells
>> Rear Aux heater blower needs some attention
>> A/C does not work
>> Front right minor dent (not noticable with bra that comes with the van)
>> Front right fiberglass bumper cover gracked - sanded it down and
>> needs a little paint
>> Drivers-side mirror needs to be replaced - fogging, but still useable
>> Rear bumper good, but needs minor adjustment
>> Windshield has some chips - all other glass good
>>
>> The good:
>>
>> New rebuild (Boston Engine Exchange - Stage I) with less than 5,000 miles
>> All new coolant hoses in engine bay
>> Mostly brand-spanking new mounting hardware for nuts/bolats
>> associated with engine swap
>> New fuel injectors (4)
>> New fuel lines in engine bay
>> Two new small-diameter metal coolant pipes (left side)
>> New alternator
>> New exhaust (incuding SS Stebro muffler) (all except CAT)
>> New water pump
>> New power steering rack with all lines replaced
>> All vents and associated hardware on gas tank replaced
>> A/T serviced by VW within the last 4,000 miles
>> New driver side power window motor
>> New rear windshield wiper motor and assembly
>> Vredestein Transport Steel tires (load rated +, less than 20K miles
>> on them)
>> Bra comes with vehicle
>> Thule Towers (without load bars) come with the van
>> All manuals
>>
>> The interior is in decent shape for a vehicle of this age.  I have
>> steam-cleaned the carpet and seats at least twice since ownership -
>> but the carpet could use it again once the weather warms up (small
>> children - spills happen).
>>
>> I love driving this VW more than any other vehicle I've ever owned,
>> and I'd keep it if I were single.  But I have less and less time to
>> keep up with the "care and feeding" of the vanagon - so she's gotta
>> go.  I've kept up the oil changes with the proper weight oil.
>>
>> I'm asking $4,000 which is far less than what I've got into the van -
>> but I knew that risk when I started on this project.  Make me an
>> offer (don't be shy), drop me a line and I'll give you the whole story.
>>
>> Please contact me at this email (pix on request) or at my cell
>> 419.699.2232
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Barry
>