Club 80-90 Forums

Please excuse my total lack of knowledge/ stupidity

Very new t25 owner here (my first car actually) Must say it was a slightly impulsive buy but I don't regret it. Seems now, after in depth reading that I may have bought a van with the worst engine (rabbit). She also has a multitude of issues (leaking water from roof in a number of places, ignition switch issues, blown head gasket - (which has been sorted), oil leaking from engine, more rust appearing by the minute,) to name a few. However, I am determined to get to grips with some of the mechanics and want to do all the work I can myself. I have found a local mechanic (who has an unblemished record of 36 five star reviews) and I'm going to ask if he will let me watch when he services the engine so I can at least get my head round what goes where.

After the service, which I know will not fix everything, I am planning on travelling to France. (This may be a completely mad idea) However, I was hoping that perhaps someone would be able to give me some general advice on how to work the fridge/ where to fit gas bottle. I can work out how to switch it from 240v to 12v but this doesn't seem to turn anything on. There also appears to be 2 leisure batteries (one under each of the front seats). I am aware that there is meant to be some kind of ignition under the fridge but I cant find this (I can find a chain attached to a pin of some sort) I have looked extensively on the wiki but unfortunately everything is a bit over my head and I really need an idiots guide!

The leaks appear to be coming in at the windows in the hightop due to perished rubber seals. Can I just replace these seals or do i need to take of the inner panels in the hightop to see the extent of the water damage before deciding on what to do?

Furthermore, (please don't laugh) there is a thing on the dashboard that is a bit like a pump, just to the right of the steering wheel (LHD) could someone explain what this is?

I would really appreciate if someone could give me some suggestions, or point me in the direction of information.

Cheers, Diane

If you haven't seen it yet take a look at this site for plenty of info on your van including instruction downloads for the van/ fridge etc . Also take a look at the Wiki here (link at top left).

Your leaking rooflights are most likely going to due to failure of the mastic seal between skylights and the surrounding roof see this thread and others for info on repairing.

I'm guessing the pump thing on your dashboard is probably the cold start - below and to the right of the steering column - pull it out to help start the engine then let it back in after a couple of minutes.

Oh, and welcome!

Hi,

Thanks so much for replying. I've spent a good couple of hours reAding manuals which have really helped me to understand a bit more about my van. Sorry if my questions were stupid. I read the link on roof leaks and rekon that I should be able to fix them. Still a bit confused about the fridge as mine appears to have less switches than the manuals but I will keep searching.

Thanks
From Diane

Can you see what make and model the fridge is, it may not be original.

"Sorry if my questions were stupid."

They're not stupid. You'll find loads of help and all you have to do is ask, as I have done numerous times. Always learning something here.

If you get stuck with anything there is a members help list with phone numbers mine is in the signature if you get stuck again

Two leisure batteries....
I think you'll find that one of those is your starter battery.

Welcome to the club.

You do need to put your van details plus the general area of the country that you live in over on the left hand side like I've done so that people can assist you better. There is bound to be somebody near you who could pop round and answer your questions and show you how things work.

As far as going overseas is concerned, if your trusted garage assures you that your vehicle is running well, you have some basic spares with you and you have a breakdown service that covers you for France, then why not go over there. Also you must let your insurance company know, when you are going and for how long you are going to be away, otherwise your insurance policy might not cover any accident you might have over there.