Picking up first van question

[garry247]

Hi,

I am picking up a 1983 T25 camper 1.9dg.

The owner says there is a noise coming from one of the rear wheel sides. He thinks wheel bearings or sticky brakes. It's in Tamworth. I'm going up from London on Sat morning. Does anyone know of a garage that can fit this near by?


It also needs rear brake lines changed so If it's not a big job I would like to get that done as well.

Please help.

Thanks in advance.

G.

[kevtherev]

Might even be CV joints.

Might even be rusty drums...

any garage will fix that..it's just basic.

if it is CV's that's the only issue, you need a nearby GSF

[Ralf85]

This could be serious or minor. Does the owner of the van not know of a garage nearby? He could get it checked over or even fixed for you during this week and you could pay him for the work, when you get there on Saturday. If he's not prepared to drive it to a garage, your chances of driving the van home are probably slim. The chances of getting somebody to do the work on a Saturday are also slim at best.

[New Kentish Campers]

Apart from these problems, do yourself a favour and make sure the fuel tank is in good order as they are prone to leak I've read quite a few horror stories about leaking tanks on here before

My idea would be to agree the price, and ask the vendor to take you and the van to the nearest garage, fill the van up to the brim to see if it leaks. If all is well, add the cost of the fuel [which you will be ending up buying sooner or later] to the cost of the van, and drive home with at least one potential problem sorted.

[garry247]

Had it checked out and turns out it was collected break dust. just needed a clean out. Pads are also ok.

I do have one question about overheating. There is no loss of collent and there is no milky substance from oil, however the current owner has fitted a fan switch on the dashboard as the one on the radiator stopped working. He runs the fan while driving. He also says that after about 100 miles ot gets hot. There is good oil pressure as well.

1. I want to add a new fan switch.
2. Could it be either the Radiator or the Thermostat?

Please help,

picking up on Sat.

Garry

[kevtherev]

are you going to do this work yourself?
I don't mind helping you, but I won't help a mechanic

[garry247]

Hi kevtherev,

Yes im hoping to do it myself and im not a mechanic. Im picking the Van up on Saturday at Tamworth at 2pm and am taking a leap of faith after talking with the guy who is selling it. He sounds nice enough and has leveled with me about it getting warm after 100 miles or so. I hope its not the head gasket as i hear that is expensive (not that i would be able to tell any way)

If you free on Saturday to lend a hand that would be fantastic.

Garry

[Sir Brixalot]

I'd be very cautious about the overheating, it could be straightforward(then chances are the current owner would have done it) or a wild goose chase with mounting expenditure.

[kevtherev]

83' vans have the early cooling system, prone to overheat issues if not in tip top nick
VW changed it in '86.
I would be looking at a radiator change for the bigger type. A cooling system overhaul.
Fitting a working automatic, temperature controlled radiator fan switch that VW fitted....not a manual switch. new thermostat.

get to know VW Flat four water boxer engines, they are completely different to normal upright engines, and what you think you know about cooling systems.

[Euroboy]

Hi, just spent some time trying to fathom why my van was overheating, light flashing and needle moving dangerously to the right in traffic, seems the thermostat was not opening!! Cheap fix, now fans come on when they should and all seems to be cooling down when it should,

Worth checking the thermostat (genuine German one fom VW Heritage arrived next day)

Hope its of some help

Russ

[garry247]

Is the thermostat simple to fit?

Maybe i fit the thermostat and leave the rest till i get back to London.


Garry

[Sir Brixalot]

83' vans have the early cooling system, prone to overheat issues if not in tip top nick
VW changed it in '86.
I would be looking at a radiator change for the bigger type. A cooling system overhaul.
Fitting a working automatic, temperature controlled radiator fan switch that VW fitted....not a manual switch. new thermostat.

get to know VW Flat four water boxer engines, they are completely different to normal upright engines, and what you think you know about cooling systems.

Fitting thermostat is a pretty straightforward job. I have been told to drill a 3mm hole in it because that's how the originals came don't know if others have a view.

Kev I was looking at the bigger rad on Brickwerks last night. Is it a straight swap? I have a niggling overheating problem which only manifests in the summer.

[kevtherev]

83' vans have the early cooling system, prone to overheat issues if not in tip top nick
VW changed it in '86.
I would be looking at a radiator change for the bigger type. A cooling system overhaul.
Fitting a working automatic, temperature controlled radiator fan switch that VW fitted....not a manual switch. new thermostat.

get to know VW Flat four water boxer engines, they are completely different to normal upright engines, and what you think you know about cooling systems.

I was looking at the bigger rad on Brickwerks last night. Is it a straight swap? I have a niggling overheating problem which only manifests in the summer.

straight swap.

Thermostat changes on early systems can be problematic, mainly shearing bolts.

[Sir Brixalot]

Cheers Kev-will do that then. Garry - make sure you get RAC/AA cover, I've had two vans conk out on the way home from buying.

[garry247]

kevtherev,

Are you free on Sat?

And if yes what do you recommend?

Thanks,

Garry