'86 Vanagon Camper

[Big Blue's Driver]

A buddy of mine is looking at one for camping. Any advice I should give him about a water-cooled camper? Anything specific to that year to look out for?

[Craig Rockhold]

Have your friend read some of the general info articles in the GoWesty library:

http://gowesty.com/library.php

Recommendation:

Model Overview http://gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=54

Model Choice http://gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=98

Many of the technical articles are good reading as well. Just keep in mind that Lucas is trying to sell product - so some recommendations he gives help his bottom line.

[Big Blue's Driver]

Good stuff. Thanks!

[Big Blue's Driver]

Anyone in Eugene ever worked with Don Burkin's garage? Apparently, he rebuilt the engine...

[westywoman (Melissa)]

Boy, I hesitate to weigh in, so much to say, so little time. The key is maintenance. Rebuild & replace everything if it hasn't already been done. My history with Vanagons (3 of them, 2 water-cooled 1.9L, one air-cooled 2.0) finds that, averaged over the years, one may expect to invest about $2000/year in maintenance, unless you do your own work. Known issues such as Vanagon syndrome (there is a fix) and blown head gaskets are familiar. Then there are the weird things, like a short on a wire causing the oil light to come on, floppy mirror syndrome, temp sensors failing, etc. It must become a love affair or the relationship will not survive.

Get AAA-Plus for the 100-mile towing.

[Jeff Lincoln]

I agree with what the others have said - except maybe I've been a bit more lucky. I have yet to have any major head gasket issues - but it is common. I've also never had a water pump issue.

The cooling system in general is a pain in the but. Also, Vanagon syndrome can be a bugger to trace down (because it can have multiple causes) - My advice would be to make sure that you a) Get a Bentley manual and b) sign up for the Vanagon e-mail list at vanagon.com

Now having said that I will say that similar to what I've been told about older buses - Vanagon's are remarkably easy to work on - I had zero mechanical experience before owning a Vanagon and have found I've been able to do most jobs myself - with help and advice from others. Right up to a whole engie removal and replacement.

They are great wonderful beasts - but can be frustrating at times. Keep up the maintenance, replace those fuel lines, and replace anything that might be suspect (within reason of course).