Date:         Thu, 26 Sep 2024 12:05:40 -0600
Reply-To:     mark@MARKMCCULLEY.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark McCulley <mark@MARKMCCULLEY.COM>
Subject:      unexpected ending to Vanagon adventure
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I've had my van, a 1987 Synco Westfaila since 1995 and have had many wonderful adventures. However, I've not had many such adventures for the past 10 or so years. One reason is that as I gained interest in motorcycle adventures I had less time and energy to put into using and maintaining the van. It was neglected to an extent but in the past few years I've put a lot of time and money into getting the van back into a condition where I could trust it to go on journeys of hundreds or even thousands of miles. Systems that have been overhauled include all fuel lines, all cooling hoses, water pump, radiator, front suspension bushings, CV boots, motor mounts, and more. I assembled some tools and a box of spare parts so that I could handle many of the more common issues while on the road if necessary. I added two cabin batteries, a solar panel, and the necessary charging systems. I felt like everything was in order and set out for Montana (from Seattle area) about 10 days ago. It took me a while to get used to driving with the underpowered motor, even started worrying a couple of times that something might be wrong, but gradually it came back to me what my expectations should be. I stayed off the Interstates and took the more scenic and enjoyable state and US highways. Driving through Eastern Washington was wonderful, one of my favorite landscapes, very little traffic. The first night was spent at an RV park on the Tucannon River near the tiny town of Starbuck WA. I was up at sunrise the next morning, crossed the Snake River and cruised up US12 to Lolo Pass, a great road, don't miss it if you ever in that part of Idaho. I ended the day at where I was to make my base camp, a cabin in Paradise Valley south of Livingston MT. The first two days were both 12 hour days, sunrise to sunset. It was perfect timing as I'd rather not be driving at night. 

From my base I explored various Forest Service roads where I hiked and fished. A longer side-adventure was to be a multiday sojourn through Yellowstone and along US14 to Cody WY, then perhaps up the Chief Joseph Highway and then up and over Beartooth Pass. The motor had performed flawlessly and the Vanistan oil cooler kept oil temperature at 200F or below. Everything seemed to be going to plan, but alas, the side-adventure was not to happen. On the same day that I purchased new tires more suitable for gravel and dirt (Falken Wildpeak ATs), I began to notice a droning noise from the drivetrain. The sound was noticeable only when the 4WD was engaged (via driveshaft decoupler). The sound seemed to be coming from the rear and not the front diff. It was a constant pitch that would go away when I took my foot off the accelerator (and thereby unloading the drivetrain). I thought this can't have anything to do with the new tires, that must just be a coincidence. I began driving the van only in 2WD but wasn't confident in getting out in the boonies or going on a long sojourn. I hoped I would be able to get back home 750 miles in 2WD. As a precaution I called AA Transaxle. They (Daryl) rebuilt this transmission 24 years and 106K miles ago. After speaking with them I was less sanguine about this idea, they advised against it. After a couple days of consternation I decided to rent a UHaul truck and trailer and haul the van back home. The prospect of further damaging an expensive syncro transmission and/or getting stuck by the side of the road is daunting. 

Tomorrow morning I will load the van on the trailer in Livingston MT and embark on a 2-day drive home. Driving a box truck with my 4300lb van on a trailer will be an adventure for sure, just not the one I planned on. If you happen to see me on I90 West, give a wave!

-Mark