Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 12:08:25 -0700
Reply-To: Tim King <tking_ms@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Tim King <tking_ms@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Minor tales of woe/new dead westy (long)
An update for all of you...
When we last talked, I told you about my newly purchased, syncro westy
that died on me at a fireworks stand in Wyoming. I flew home and had the van
hauled to me in Seattle. My biggest fear was a blown motor, but responses
from the list put a positive spin on my problems. Special mention goes to
Eric (EMZ)
and Jon Kanas that said the van wasn't running because the O2 sensor wasn't
getting any exhaust
to do it's stuff on.
Eric suggested I disconnect the O2 sensor then compression start it
and deal with the starter later. Jon went a bit farther
with his careful thoughts about the wiring between the starter and the
alternator and the brake warning circuit. I spent some time groping around
the starter and sure enough, the solenoid power connector wasn't attached.
After an hour of trying to cram my arm behind the starter, I connected the
wire and hoped...
Once in the driver seat, I turned the key. The brake light was no longer
glowing. BINGO! My westy started. Sure, it sounded like a tractor pull
contestant in the Kingdome, but it ran. I ordered the exhaust pipe and
gaskets from Bus Depot, installed that over the weekend, and now I'm in
business! Next step is the fun projects (fridge on propane, propane heat,
stereo, spare battery, etc...) and my gear oil leak (from the rear diff
lock).
I just want to say thanks again for all the advice and the kind words. Also
thanks again the Bob at Jolly Jack's Fireworks. If you ever find yourself in
Point of Rocks, Wy, stop in and buy some bottle rockets or sparklers or
something. Bob is a great guy and deserves a dose of good Vanagon list
karma.
Thanks,
Tim King
Seattle, WA
87 Syncro Westy
89 Audi 200tqw
----- Original Message -----
From: Tim King <tking_ms@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 1999 4:19 PM
Subject: Minor tales of woe/new dead westy (long)
> Hey All --
>
> A couple of weeks ago I bought a syncro westy in Colorado. I purchased the
> vehicle with an engine swap in mind, and considered transporting it to
> Seattle. Instead, I opted for adventure and attempted to drive it part way
> home to meet up with a friend, then I'd then have it hauled to Seattle.
<<Snipped for space>>>
> I come to rest at the friendly Jolly Jack's fireworks store (SALE! all
> fireworks 2-for1!) in lovely Point of Rocks, Wy. Bob at the fireworks
store
> was quite nice, letting me camp out in his lot for the evening, then
letting
> me keep my van there for a week while I arranged to have it shipped home.
If
> you are ever in Point of Rocks, stop in and see Bob. He's a good guy and
> besides, he's got tons of awesome fireworks.
>
> I spent a sleepless night in my comfortable new westy listening to train
> whistles and semi-trucks. In the morning, I surveyed the situation:
>
> 1. Van won't start. Starter won't even click. Battery seems to be holding
a
> charge (note: new starter in the past couple years).
> 2. Oil level and cleanliness fine.(I had changed to Mobil 1 15-50 and
> factory filter before I left).
> 3. No obvious exit holes in motor.
> 4. Crossover pipe is trashed (about 90 percent missing). Right side studs
> _fell_ out of head, didn't break (Note: VW dealer done heads within the
> last 7k miles)
> 5. gear oil (I think) is leaking from in between motor and tranny).
Further,
> at least one bolt that holds the two together is missing. Did this vibrate
> off? (side note: vehicle had a clutch within the last thousand miles).
> 6. right side head exhaust port looks very sooty.
> 7. Oil pressure light blinks when I turn key on (is this normal?)
> 8. Brake light was "on" when vehicle died.
>
<<<Snipped for Space>>>
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