Date: Tue, 17 Sep 2024 08:32:50 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: '88 Westy Vacuum leak diagnosis input
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6kVfSjXnQrmDKp+HhF1H=VY9-xwB2ypqcT1i3MSY2wX2A@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Good reminder.
Not sure if Matt’s belts were new, but it will be good to get an update.
I replaced my belts on my 84. All was quiet. Then after some time I heard some screeching sound when first starting then moving the van. Usually this happened when turning. I didn’t think the sound was belt noise, but it was.
I tightened the belt and all is quiet again.
I thought the Alternator belt was good as it was quite, but a friend decided otherwise and it is now a bit tighter.
Vanagon mechanics, have told me to tightened the belts after several hundred miles or so and they were proven right on my 84 Westfalia.
At the end of the fall season it will be belt changing time for my 85.
Best,
Eric Caron
> On Sep 16, 2024, at 10:29 PM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> In the past I did have problems with the belts coming off (water pump, power steering)... and it happened after 2 or 3 months (2K/3K miles)after replacing the belt(s). I'd think the new belts stretched after some miles to the point they came off... And I didn't check them to prevent it.
>
> So ... if you put on new belt(s), I'd recommend checking them frequently.
>
> On Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 6:18 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
>> Hi matt,
>>
>> I was reading your message again and wondering where things are at for you and your van.
>>
>> Have you found the reason the belts came off or broke? And the reason for the coolant leak?
>>
>> Are you up and going again?
>>
>> Eric
>>
>>
>> > On Sep 9, 2024, at 12:23 AM, Matt Drew <t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM <mailto:t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM>> wrote:
>> >
>> > Howdy Eric-
>> > Thanks for asking.
>> > Unfortunately, though, this has now become just one more issue on an expanding list....
>> >
>> > Coming home today, I lost power steering just as the alternator warning and OXS warning lights came on.
>> > That feeling of dread instantly set in. Since I was only a couple blocks from the house, I decided just to get it home.
>> > As I feared, when I got out of the van I immediately smelled coolant, and found a puddle forming under the engine bay.
>> > And you guessed it, I also found a shredded V-belt and the two other belts thrown.
>> >
>> > Looks like another flatbed trip is in our future tomorrow . . .
>> >
>> > -Matt
>> >
>> > On Thu, Sep 5, 2024 at 3:52 PM Eric Caron <ecaron1@comcast.net <mailto:ecaron1@comcast.net> <mailto:ecaron1@comcast.net <mailto:ecaron1@comcast.net>>> wrote:
>> >> Hi matt,
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> I was wondering if you have any updates on your running issue.
>> >>
>> >> Hope you have found success.
>> >>
>> >> Eric Caron
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> > On Sep 3, 2024, at 12:12 PM, Matt Drew <t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM <mailto:t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM> <mailto:t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM <mailto:t3vanagon@GMAIL.COM>>> wrote:
>> >> >
>> >> > 2.1L WB
>> >> > I'm working with my mechanic on this one, but since he doesn't have a smoke
>> >> > machine, I'm trying to narrow down potential problem points.
>> >> >
>> >> > Noticed it was running rough a while back, initially thought it was a
>> >> > timing/misfire issue.
>> >> > New plugs, cap, rotor, ignition wires all needed to happen anyway, but
>> >> > didn't have an impact.
>> >> >
>> >> > A couple interesting points:
>> >> > - Noticing a sucking sound coming from the general area of the airflow
>> >> > sensor.
>> >> > - It runs rough every time I start up, but eventually smoothes out after
>> >> > idling for a few minutes.
>> >> > - The sucking/whistling sound seems to be related because it subsides
>> >> > (mostly) concurrent to the idle smoothing out.
>> >> >
>> >> > At first I thought it might be an intake hose crack, and that increased
>> >> > temp would cause a temporary expansion / seal, but that doesn't seem to be
>> >> > it since it happens on every startup, even after everything is warm.
>> >> >
>> >> > Anyone else experienced this before?
>> >> > Any tips on where to look?
>> >> >
>> >> > *Matt*
>> >> > Missoula, MT
>> >> > '88 Westy, *Ragnar LoafBrick*
>> >>
| 
