Dormant Vanagon

Post by **newestyman** » 02 Nov 2006, 18:26

I have just inherited a Vanagon Westfalia camper, left outside the front of our new house by the previous owner. It was effectively part of the house sale and I have all the documentation and am now the registered owner.

Trouble is, I gather it hasn't moved in over a year, and although the engine will turn over, it doesn't start.

No great surprise there, but would some knowledgeable and generous clubber be kind enough to let me know what other sorts of problems I'm likely to encounter after it's stood still for so long, and what sort of money it's likely to cost to get put right ?

All contributions most gratefully received and many, many thanks in advance.

Post by **DiscoDave** » 02 Nov 2006, 18:36

welcome to the forums, have you got any pics and pics?? what enjin is it? and where are you? one of us may be able to come and have a look!!

what year is it?? chances are if it's only been left a year, change the oil and plugs and give it a good charge it might just fire up!! good luck

Post by **Gone-Westy** » 02 Nov 2006, 18:38

you could just leave where it is and call it "the annexe"

handy for when the outlaws come to stay for Xmas!

Post by **kevtherev** » 02 Nov 2006, 18:41

hello and welcome to the forum.

Firstly I would start with the battery (Charged up) then the spark (is there one?) then moving to the fuel delivery (any petrol in..is it pumping through... ).
for an engine that hasn't been started for so long I would expect some problems but not expensive ones.
when it does start (and it will) a better assessment can be made

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 02 Nov 2006, 19:47

where abouts are you?

Post by **bennwedge** » 03 Nov 2006, 00:16

please show us some piccys! would love to have a look

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 03 Nov 2006, 07:41

where abouts are you?

Post by **Mocki** » 03 Nov 2006, 08:04

details?
fillin your location in your profile, there are hundreds of us here, someone must be nearby?
unless your in the fens, where everyone is miles away!

Post by **mike the van** » 03 Nov 2006, 13:23

If its a petrol put new unleaded in the tank, it is a big help, as it seems to go off with standing. Not so good for a standby generator if you need to renew petrol to start it !!

Mike 1491

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 03 Nov 2006, 16:00

Petrol can "go off" in a month or two. I use fuel stabiliser when storing my m`bikes over winter, just add to the juice and run until it`s into the carbs, couple of minutes. Always start come spring with no hassle.
If you new `van has been stood, I`d at least drain the carb off, and then add 5 gals of fresh fuel to dilute the old stuff. Take plugs out and check/clean, also dizzy cap. check for spiders

Post by **newestyman** » 04 Nov 2006, 09:32

Wow, thanks all !

Have to be brief for now, but . . .

it's a 1989 hi-top California. petrol, 2.1i, 5 gears with about one million miles on the clock (fsh though!) and a knackered exhaust. It's got a 5th seat with a loo inside, and the original extenal domestic lpg tank has been removed and replaced with a conventional internal gas bottle.

I think the fuel-injectors may be a bit beyond me. Also, a slightly dodgy man who came to the door asking to buy it (apparently he'd been badgering the previous owner about it previously too,) said that the brakes would be seized by now. Does that sound right ?

We're in Twickenham, I don't own a digital camera but I'll try to borrow one and put up some pics soon.

Meantime, many many thanks for your interest.

Post by **guz** » 04 Nov 2006, 09:46

check all fuel lines are intact and
stick a new filter on too.

forget the brakes for now, just
sort out getting it started.

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 04 Nov 2006, 09:48

if you "got it with the house" you are a lucky fella. you may aswell have knocked £6k(in v/good nick) off the price of the house.