Very bad news

[Stimpy]

Hello - I'm seeking advice. The tail pipe was hanging off the exhaust of our van, so I booked it in to have a new pipe fitted at a local exhaust/tyre/battery place.

They've just rung up to say they can't do it as "the heat exchanger has gone". I'm hopelessly non-technical so have no idea what this means or entails, other than it being the cause of an MOT failure and apparently its insanely expensive to repair

Can anyone advise please? What should I do? I live in Hants - can anyone recommend a place locally that can sort this out? And has anyone got any experience of having this done before and if so, just how expensive was it?

*fed up*

Stimpy

[Hacksawbob]

Hi more of a technical question so I have moved this to the tech section.

Hi there, yes heat exchangers are an expensive doo, about £125 a side (2of) from memory

http://shop.justkampers.com/product_inf ... ts_id/2781

(I am assuming cos you have a heat exchanger that it is Aircooled) . Bassically the exhaust pipe at the hot engine end goes through a metal box on the way to the muffler and tail pipe. cold air is blown through this box on the 10 million mile journey up to the cab where it emerges luke warm to heat your tootsies. if the exhaust is holed in or near that box there is a possibility that carbon monoxide will enter the cab thereby giving you very cold tootsies. The tail pipe itself should be straight forward to replace, unless the muffler is a corroded mess and then that might need to come off... and that may basiccally mean the complete removal oth e corroded excuse for an exhaust system that you have, it is the proverbal can of worms and the garage may not want to take it on as it will end up costing more than the van (in there eyes) is worth. Certainly dont let the "local" tyre exhaust guys take it on for your sakes and theres. An alternative is to get rid of the crap heat exchangers and install Jtubes (no box) then have some auxilliary heat installed from an eberspacher diesel heater in the cab. Again not cheap but long term a much better option.
Sorry I cant help you with a Volksie mechanic down that way.

[Ye Olde Syncrospares]

this any good http://www.aircooledtechnic.co.uk/contact.htm cj.

[Stimpy]

Many thanks Bob and Sync Spares for your answers

Bob - you've given me a good clear explanation there and I'm really grateful for that. I know what to expect now.

S-Spares - I didn't know about the garage in north Hants, but will be calling them soon! Many thanks for the lead.

*sending virtual pints to both of you *

Cheers,

Stimpy

[ginge]

the heat xchangers are not part of the mot

[CovKid]

Exchangers no but since the exhaust pipe runs through them, they can still pick them up as unfit. Generally the pipes corrode long after the exchangers are gone but not always.

[The Reverend Pimp Daddy]

The heat exchangers on mine were shot when I got it, all I did was take all the tin ware bits of the heat exchangers off, checked the exhaust was ok it flew through the mot, but cold lol...But I have a Propex I'm getting sorted soon

[DaisyAirHead]

Hi Stimpy,

Give Andy a shout at The VW Centre Farnborough Hants GU14 6AY
01252 521152.

A top Guy who has looked after my 1981 T25 2litre a/c for many years.

He tells you straight what the best and most economic way to solve any problem and I have never had issue with any repair work he has done for me.

Mention "Daisy" and John

Hope you can sort it out as cheaply as possible

[DaisyAirHead]

Hi Stimpy,

Give Andy a shout at The VW Centre Farnborough Hants GU14 6AY
01252 521152.

A top Guy who has looked after my 1981 T25 2litre a/c for many years.

He tells you straight what the best and most economic way to solve any problem and I have never had issue with any repair work he has done for me.

Mention "Daisy" and John

Hope you can sort it out as cheaply as possible

[Willoughby]

get rid of the crap heat exchangers

Hi Stimpy

You will find a lot of people will dis. heat exchangers.
If they are fitted correctly they work a treat, more than adequate for the job.

For the doubters I will be at IOM & Pickering Aircooled not cold.

Hope its not an expensive fix.

Kev

[autohausdolby]

As Kev says, the heating system on Aircooled VWs is brilliant as long as it is exactly as it left the factory. Stick your head under the van and take us a couple of photos so we can see the damage. E-mail me if you like, I'm always happy to advise

[Stimpy]

Well, I got the van back. Two new heat exchangers, fitting an exhaust I supplied (i.e. cost of exhaust unit not included), new wipers* and a wee bit of welding came to £950. Then I realised the invoice had been added up incorrectly - it should have been £890 so they're going to send me a cheque for the overpayment sometime. Still, ouch.

The engine is leaking oil from various seals, so I need to decide if the van is worth keeping or not. Its got 12 months MOT on it now though.

Wish I was technically minded



* new wipers, yet the advice sheet re the MOT said the wiper blades were split! What the blithering heck?!?!

PS - the advice sheet also says that the wheel bearings need attention. Is this major work or straightforward?

[camper]

Ref the welding where was the problem only curious?.The front wheel bearings can be done your self .There is some adjustment which is possible for the outer bearing.But if the inner & outer bearings are worn the front brake discs need removing.If you do any work on the van jack up the front safely and use axle stands.I advice obtaining a haynes manual to read up .Dont sell the van becouse of lack of technical knowlege.

[DaisyAirHead]

Hi Stimpy,

What the hell as they say!!!
Heat exchangers are expensive and the exhaust can be awkward to fit but£900!!!!
Wheel bearings are not a major issue.

I would say get the van over to Andy at Farnborough VW centre and he will give it the once over and tell you what needs doing, What are the priorities and is the van worth keeping or selling on!!

However please remember these vehicles are old now and although labour rates are much cheaper than modern franchises,the costs of keeping these vans on the road is not what it was!!!

Good luck

[Steve P]

Stimpy I'm only 3/4 of an hour away from you (near Salisbury). I am sure that between us we could do the wheel bearings. I've just changed my front calipers - so I'm up for another challenge.

Good place in Paulsgrove, Portsmouth where you can get your bits from.

Steve