Club 80-90 Forums

Hi everyone,

I’d appreciate some advice on creating a sensible priority list for maintenance on my 1990 VW T3 (original 1.6 TD JX engine).

I’m trying to decide what jobs I should prioritize over the coming months to keep the van reliable and avoid expensive failures.

One thing I recently discovered is that the timing belt (cam belt / toothed belt) was last replaced in 1998, at around 109,000 km. The van has now done roughly 190,000 km.

Because of that, my current thinking is that replacing the timing belt is priority number one, simply because of both age and mileage. Does that seem like a sensible assessment to you?

Apart from that, I’d really appreciate help ranking other maintenance items that would be wise to address sooner rather than later.

Some current context:

- The van runs well overall and is used regularly
- Gear linkage renovated last summer
- I’ve had intermittent starting issues (click from starter solenoid but no crank), though after cleaning connections and reinstalling the starter it currently starts fine.
- Original engine (JX 1.6 TD).
- General goal is long-term reliability rather than restoration perfection.

If you were making a priority list for this van, what would your top 5 maintenance jobs be after the timing belt?

Thanks in advance!

I'd probably start with all new fluids - engine oil, coolant, gearbox oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and all new filters - air intake, oil, fuel and power steering reservoir. I'd also check brake pads / discs / etc, and I'd probably also consider changing the other belts - auxiliary (water pump and alternator) and power steering pump - the chances are that if the timing belt hasn't been changed since '98 then the other belts haven't been changed for some time.

It would also be worth reviewing tyre condition and age - they obviously check this in the MOT but it would be sensible for you to have an idea of their condition and how soon any might require replacement. I'd also probably consider replacing the fuel hoses, even if there are no visible signs of cracking. Check the engine bay, and the road under your new van, for signs of leaks that might point to other problems, and do a visual check of any wiring for fraying or similar. Given that it's a diesel I'd also suggest that you also get a small bottle of Marine16 diesel bug treatment and give your fuel system a one-off "kill shot".

Moving forward you might want to start looking at perishables like the suspension bushings and steering couplings, all of which will also help with handling, and maybe going over your fuel system including fully draining and cleaning your tank.

Ideally, you're looking to get all the main maintenance items back to zero so you know their provenance.

Cam belt first if it’s genuinely not been changed for 20 years , then all the normal car stuff brakes tyres suspension etc, check wiring , fuel lines don’t suffer on diesels like petrol but worth a check , most of the original fuel line is poly so no issues there

Timing belt first.
Renew brake flexi hoses and change brake fluid.
Inspect/renew wheel bearings and brake pads/discs/shoes/drums.
Engine oil and filter service.
Change coolant.