'83 Vanagon - Any Tips ?

Mar 24, 2006 6 Replies

First reply

hayseed

Get a factory shop manual. Read and follow the directions for refilling the coolant system. This was VW's first attempt at a water boxer and it shows. Brought Vanagan new in 1984 and had to replace water pump, head gaskets and computer before 20K miles. After that, things…

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F

Just bought an '83 Vanagon - Gas, watercooled, 4-speed, 220 K miles, $1,200. Needs a waterpump ($80 plus 2-1/2 hrs) but aside from that, it appears to need only the normal nickel-and-dime items that one would expect on any 20+ year old vehicle.



I'm experienced with Golfs, Jettas, old Dashers and Rabbits, and various Audis but I'm TOTALLY new to Vanagons - Heck, I didn't even know they made watercooled gas ones, I thought they were aircooled. Is there anything I should pay PARTICULARLY close attention to on these ?



Thanks for any advice.



- FM -


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L

Only tip I got is sell it while it runs!

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H

Get a factory shop manual. Read and follow the directions for refilling the coolant system. This was VW's first attempt at a water boxer and it shows. Brought Vanagan new in 1984 and had to replace water pump, head gaskets and computer before 20K miles. After that, things settled down to a routine of replacing exhaust support struts every once in a while, crying over paying $8.00 for dash lamps, and enjoying the feeling that I would never get a speeding ticket.

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H

Get a factory shop manual. Read and follow the directions for refilling the coolant system. This was VW's first attempt at a water boxer and it shows. Brought Vanagan new in 1984 and had to replace water pump, head gaskets and computer before 20K miles. After that, things settled down to a routine of replacing exhaust support struts every once in a while, crying over paying $8.00 for dash lamps, and enjoying the feeling that I would never get a speeding ticket.

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S

Get a Check list from

formatting link
and go through your van..

Buy a Bentley Manual too..

Find a Parts shop close to your house!

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F

I don't yet have the Bentley manual - got one on order - but I found detailed instructions on the web for refilling the coolant. Found a local parts house that had the water pump in stock - Halsey Imports in Portland OR - I'm changing it today.

I've seen a lot said about the head gasket failures on these. I'm crossing my fingers that with 20+ years and 200+ K miles on this, it's already been addressed. A preliminary compression check looked okay but I haven't yet done a more accurate leakdown test or cooling system pressure test.

- FM -

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