My Caravelle Syncro 14" '86

Syncro 4&4 Discussion and Q&A last answered over 2 years ago.
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Macflai
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Post by Macflai »

Hey there!

Don't know what "naff" means but I think is something like broken or so...

When I was with syncropaddy, last day, VC was not working, and I don't know if the VC starts to work at a minimum of revs. I have owned before 3 Land Rovers, a series 3 (m/y '77) and then 2 Defenders a 90 and a 110 both with a nice engine (200Tdi). My style of driving has been always very technical and slow always waiting for the grip of the tires in the ground and letting the suspension works. I have realized driving the van is something different because I have to wait for the VC works... (of course the suspension is far different from a LR one!! :lol: :lol: )

When I passed the MOT in Canary Islands, (known there as ITV), when the guy was testing the rear brakes he told me the brakes were on, so he thought I was pushing the brakes or so, and he asked me if the pads inside were working alone, something like... when the brakes are grip inside the drums... then I told him the van has a VC working so maybe was that, then he switched the machine to test the rear wheel one by one, I mean, separately, and then everything was fine again... That makes me think the VC at least works don't know if 100% but at least a bit...

What do you think about that?
Victor Diaz
'86 Syncro 14" Westfalia
Canary Islands
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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

Sort of understand you :oops:

I have heard (from the USA) that if climbing over rocks, steep climbing, some VCs can give that effect - having to lose grip a bit at the back to get traction to the front - which seems to be what you might be saying?

Many would say that's rubbish, and the VC smoothly transfers torque to the front as required, and certainly on the sort of slippy ground (grass, mud, etc) we find mainly over here, the VC either works superbly or is noticeably lacking in front drive (slips badly)..

From what the MOT man said, seems like you have a VC working to some extent...

Apart from following the tests (methodically and repeateably to determine if it seems to comply) given here:-

http://www.club80-90syncro.co.uk/Syncro ... es/vcs.htm

... the only other way is to have yours exchanged for a properly refurbed one (Syncro-Nutz in Scotland can supply), then you will know for sure it is working as designed.

I presume you have a front locking diff and it's working, when scrabbling over rocks.
Few find anything lacking in off-road ability when the VC is working properly, but they have a limited life, somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles at a guess, but very dependent on usage, not so much off-road when they've gone into lockup or not, but long term on the road where they can overheat for long periods if the tyres are mismatched or the vehicle is towed with a front end lift.

To emulate a locked centre diff, you would need a decoupler and then replace the VC with a solid shaft.

If you watch the Coney Farm threads coming up now, you should see some videos of Syncros climbing pretty steep hills without too much trouble... but where the surface is really bad, deep mud and ruts on an incline, crawling about slowly is NOT the best approach. A bit of momentum is needed, especially when she's run out of ground clearance and is riding on the skid plates underneath!
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syncropaddy
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Post by syncropaddy »

The whole thing is very simple. The rear wheels were spinning away to their hearts content with the rear diff locked up and the front wheels were doing nothing at all. Thats a duff VC if ever there was.
syncropaddy


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Macflai
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Post by Macflai »

Ok ok it's broken, today I have bought some hoses to change because original ones were really bad...

Andrew, please tell me if you know where, where I can clean the completely chassis and engine or just the engine. I have to check for some oil leaks and that is very important. Then I have to change oils and maybe that I can do it myself... Once I have finished with oils changing where can I put the old ones?? :roll:
Victor Diaz
'86 Syncro 14" Westfalia
Canary Islands
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syncropaddy
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Post by syncropaddy »

My power washer is broken and I will buy a new one in a week or two and you can use that when I actually get to buy it. Look for garages with Steam Jet car wash systems. They will do. Old oil?? Cant advise you there Im afraid. Check the recycling depot in Wicklow Town or in Bray. They might take it.
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Macflai
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Post by Macflai »

Hello again!

I have been driving around Wicklow Mtns and every day I see new and nice places! I have created an album with the Syncro photos so you all are invited to check them, is not the best thing in the world but at least I can update the album! :wink:

http://community.webshots.com/user/Macflai

Please Andrew tell me if you are going to get that high pressure water machine you told, I can cook a tortilla espaniola (spanish omelette) if you borrow me it! :lol: :lol:
Victor Diaz
'86 Syncro 14" Westfalia
Canary Islands
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Macflai
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Post by Macflai »

Macflai wrote:Hello again!

I have been driving around Wicklow Mtns and every day I see new and nice places! I have created an album with the Syncro photos so you all are invited to check them, is not the best thing in the world but at least I can update the album! :wink:

http://community.webshots.com/user/Macflai

Please Andrew tell me if you are going to get that high pressure water machine you told, I can cook a tortilla espaniola (spanish omelette) if you borrow me it! :lol: :lol:

Forgot to ask you Andrew where can I join Syncronutz... :roll:

Today I will go around Wicklow and your place looking for tracks or nice places for a picnic or enjoy a sandwich and a beer in a nice place... Mobile with me!
Victor Diaz
'86 Syncro 14" Westfalia
Canary Islands
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Cate
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Post by Cate »

Join Syncronutz? or do you mean Syncronauts?
Syncronutz is a company of lovely fellas in Scotland who do syncros.
Syncronauts is a group within 8090 who drive/want syncros. :D
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Macflai
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Post by Macflai »

I meant Syncronauts sorry hehhe :lol: Andrew told me to join and he told me how to do it in the website but...
Any help? :roll:
Victor Diaz
'86 Syncro 14" Westfalia
Canary Islands
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Cate
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Location: Here & there on the Isle of Wight. 80-90 1024, sync 22, Goon.

Post by Cate »

Sure, go to the top of the page, click on the Syncronauts logo, that will take you to our webpage, find the membership form and send it in. :D
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Post by Boltze »

Hi Victor,

nice pictures, your paints needs a polish :)
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Macflai
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Post by Macflai »

Boltze wrote:Hi Victor,

nice pictures, your paints needs a polish :)

With that crappy weather better forget it, I prefer be sure it will be sunny for a long time, and like that will be more or less impossible then I don't clean it!! :lol: :lol:
Victor Diaz
'86 Syncro 14" Westfalia
Canary Islands
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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

Once I have finished with oils changing where can I put the old ones??

Mac (fly)?

Put old oil in an old oil bottle and take it to your local tip, they have a big container for just this; take the top off, bung it on the grid and walk away, letting it drain down... most eco way of disposing fo this very nasty stuff (esp. gearbox oils)..

You'll feel much better afterwards, honest :)
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