Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and new to the T25! I bet that this question has been answered a dozen times but it was a good reason for my first post .

I have just bought a 1989 2.1L Injection T25 Hightop that has done 91000 miles or so. First thing I always do when I get a new vehical is a mini service and so I have a few questions:

What is the best oil to put in her? Looking to get some real good stuff so what you do you chaps recommend to treat her right.

Can you confirm that I need to use G12+ Anti-freeze so as to help prevent head bolt problems?

How hard is it to access and change the oil fliter?

Is there anything else you recommend should be done?

Many thanks for your help.

turbodavies wrote:Hi all,
I am new to the forum and new to the T25! I bet that this question has been answered a dozen times but it was a good reason for my first post .

Welcome to here where you will find all you need to know ( and lots you don't )

turbodavies wrote: I have just bought a 1989 2.1L Injection T25 Hightop that has done 91000 miles or so. First thing I always do when I get a new vehical is a mini service and so I have a few questions:

Sounds good but we crave pictures (as always )

turbodavies wrote: What is the best oil to put in her? Looking to get some real good stuff so what you do you chaps recommend to treat her right.

Good quality 15W 40

turbodavies wrote: Can you confirm that I need to use G12+ Anti-freeze so as to help prevent head bolt problems?

Yes but I found Comma Xtreme Red ( http://www.commaoil.com/Product%20Pages ... redcon.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) is the same spec but much cheaper You need quite a lot at 50% (don't put more than 50% in thinking it is better, it is NOT) - Draining the system fully is a case of removing the lowest of the big thick pipes (and with "dalek" rad cap removed). IMPORTANT = read the "wiki" entry (link at the top of each page on here) regarding the correct bleeding procedure, it is important on these engines and not the usual yadda yadda.

turbodavies wrote: How hard is it to access and change the oil fliter?

Easy as long as you have an oil filter removal tool ( I find the chain type easiest as you can use a 1/2" socket drive on it ). Buy your filter from VW, they are cheap there (for a change) - use only "Mann" brand. These are O.E. and the best for our engines.

turbodavies wrote: Is there anything else you recommend should be done?

Yep,

Things to do =

Always ask on here before doing anything you are not sure about.
Changing exhaust parts for example !! - (NOT a job for Kwik Fit or even your favourite local garage !!)
Spend time reading our "wiki" - there is a TON of valuable info in there

Check the fuel lines VERY carefully - engine bay fires do happen if you ignore 25 year old fuel line issues.
If in doubt, replace them with best quality lines, secured CORRECTLY and using the correct rubber grommets etc.
Don't skimp on this.

Check the cooking gas pipes with the same care.
The rubber one from the bottle often weaken with time (esp the black type ones).
They are cheap, replace it !!

Come to some 80-90 casual camp overs

Get it converted to LPG by Gasure = 1/2" price motoring with no downside.

Most of all, get some Pot Noodles, all you need to make Tea or Coffee, a bar of Chocolate and go off and enjoy your camper !! ( Oh "get you home" breakdown insurance is gives you a nice safe sense of confidence )

Lastly get a web browser spell checker plugin
The good old Google toolbar has one that checks as you type (though funnily enough, as I type this, "Google" is underlined in red, as in not recognised

Hi,

Thanks for the warm welcome and answers.

I asume synthetic oil would be best?

Thanks for the advice on the anti-freeze, tracked down a local stockest so will get some (how many liters will I need?)

Thanks for the pointer to the wiki for the draining info.

I work 5min from the local VW dealer so will pop there at lunch time for the oil filter .

Photo's on the way, where is the best place to put them... The Grarage area?

Andrew.

turbodavies wrote:Hi all,

I have just bought a 1989 2.1L Injection T25 Hightop that has done 91000 miles or so. First thing I always do when I get a new vehical is a mini service and so I have a few questions:


Is there anything else you recommend should be done?

Many thanks for your help.

yep,
1. get on first name terms with your bank manager...
2. work out where your nearest GSF or TPS (Trade parts specialist for VW) is, programme their phone numbers into your moibile!
3. Register at vagcat.com (part listing for vw)
4. ENJOY YOUR BUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. and if you haven't already, join the club not just the forum, to get your 10% discount from GSF
6. Get to a meet and join in the fun!


Em
x

turbodavies wrote:
I asume synthetic oil would be best?

IMHO = NO - (but others may have different views as always)

turbodavies wrote: Thanks for the advice on the anti-freeze, tracked down a local stockest so will get some (how many liters will I need?)

8 Litres (note the spelling of "Litres" and "Stockist" - all in the best possible taste by the way ) !

turbodavies wrote:
Photo's on the way, where is the best place to put them... The Grarage area?

Andrew.

You could, or just add them to a post on here.
You will need a hosting service such as photobucket etc.
Post back if you need a hand with that.

ghost123uk wrote:
Yep,

Things to do =

Always ask on here before doing anything you are not sure about.
Changing exhaust parts for example !! - (NOT a job for Kwik Fit or even your favourite local garage !!)
Spend time reading our "wiki" - there is a TON of valuable info in there

Check the fuel lines VERY carefully - engine bay fires do happen if you ignore 25 year old fuel line issues.
If in doubt, replace them with best quality lines, secured CORRECTLY and using the correct rubber grommets etc.
Don't skimp on this.

Check the cooking gas pipes with the same care.
The rubber one from the bottle often weaken with time (esp the black type ones).
They are cheap, replace it !!

Come to some 80-90 casual camp overs

Get it converted to LPG by Gasure = 1/2" price motoring with no downside.

Most of all, get some Pot Noodles, all you need to make Tea or Coffee, a bar of Chocolate and go off and enjoy your camper !! ( Oh "get you home" breakdown insurance is gives you a nice safe sense of confidence )

Lastly get a web browser spell checker plugin
The good old Google toolbar has one that checks as you type (though funnily enough, as I type this, "Google" is underlined in red, as in not recognised

Thanks for all of that info, will check fuel and gas lines asap!

The van had a new exhaust and clutch last year, so hopefully they will last for a bit.

As to my spelling... The resemblance of my postings to any language, alive or dead is purely coincidental

As to our first trip out... well looking forward to it but a bit of work to do yet as I have to fit an extra seat in the buddy position, as there are 5 of us and only 4 seats in her right now! Will be asking for input on this question later!

ermie571 wrote:
1. get on first name terms with your bank manager...

Glup....so idea of cheaper hols was a silly one then

ermie571 wrote: 2. work out where your nearest GSF or TPS (Trade parts specialist for VW) is, programme their phone numbers into your moibile!

Anybody have any recommedations in Yorkshire? I will go hunting on the web.

ermie571 wrote: 3. Register at vagcat.com (part listing for vw)

Will go check that out...

ermie571 wrote: 4. ENJOY YOUR BUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. and if you haven't already, join the club not just the forum, to get your 10% discount from GSF
6. Get to a meet and join in the fun!

Have joined the club and hope to really enjoy being a member... and the bus .

Been a while but we used to keep a small troop of Mini's (they had to go when the kids came along ) and we really enjoyed that time and I am sure that T25 owners will be just as much fun!

turbodavies wrote:
Anybody have any recommedations in Yorkshire? I will go hunting on the web.

Brickwerks ( http://www.brickwerks.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) in Holmfirth is the best VW parts supplier and repair shop in the country


.

ghost123uk wrote: Sounds good but we crave pictures (as always )

You can now see her at http://www.oVerDUB.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Only two small pics right now but lots more to follow!

Also photos at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1 ... 896d4dd4ad" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hi and welcome

By now you are probably feeling like there is so much info you dont know what to do next?

Put kettle on, chill and read. Copy and paste info you find and like into a word document and save it. When you get your head around things, you can filter it and retain the info you want and print it to keep in van (tyre pressures, what oil, etc).

Also, for some very reliable info, check out

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/home/home.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Which is the info site that is operated by Brickworks (see Ghost above). Mr Baxters info is 100% reliable, its his job and he has the experience.

Your best bet is to get out with "the chaps" for a weekend camping, then you will find your feet rather quickly, and be able to make informed decisions.

Have a great time, enjoy, and dont be afraid to ask.

Best wishes, Myk.

If it ain't broke don't try and fix it! Over tinkering could get you unstuck in my experience. Also, your knuckels will appreciate a good set of ratchet spanners.

Welcome to the club!

Oh, I use Halfords 20W50 in green tins and usually do a Wynns engine flush before each change (every 2000 miles or so)

chuckle-bus-tom wrote: I use Halfords 20W50 in green tins and usually do a Wynns engine flush before each change (every 2000 miles or so)

Oil change AND flush every 2000 miles
Flip, your van must love you