Glen
Not to offend, but perhaps I missed it, but the first thing needed is to give the year of your EV, as well as what actual maintenance you have done and how long ago. ?I am not referring to oil changes, brakes, tires, spark plugs, fuel filter, N-80, (use a NAPA #3002 in line gas filter-fits nicely on the vacuum line to filter out charcoal debris before the N80]air filter, suspension parts, (ball joints, tie rods, shocks, etc.). ?A vehicle needs maintenance throughout it¡¯s life, not at 200 k. Also, what is your philosophy on repairs- preventative maintenance, or you don¡¯t mind emergency repairs. There is a laundry list of things not given more info. ?How many years and what milage are you trying for? ?How has the record for your van been? ?Frequency of oil changes and type oil- Dino or full synthetic? ?Keep in mind, the newest of these is 2003 -so at built at least 18-19 years ago.
1, all coolant hoses replaced, as well as heater coil, thermostat and housing (I went to a metal one like Grueven)?o-rings on all sensors that have them, crack pipe and o-rings on it, (I recommend a Grueven metal one),?
2. brake fluid, and coolant, all plastic coolant hose connectors, flush the power steering fluid
3. Tensioner bearing
4. serpentine belt
5. Rust issues
6. Check engine compression - not a necessity, especially if plugs seem similar when replaced and engine is still well powered- hints at viability?
7. Check Auxiliary air pump, secondary coolant pump, fans checked, fan resistors,?
8. Pre AXK engines need coil, hall sensors plug wires- get good ones
9. If you learn to work on your vehicle you will get to know it better
10. always have an emergency kit and tools including a water pump- their life is between 20kmi and 120 kmi typically, and can go unexpectedly- a major critical weak link in VWs. Also keep a 3/4 x 3/4 elbow for a bypass of the heater coil- a lifesaver when it goes- my last only went 120 kmi.
11. Always keep a scanguage- mine is in the lower left corner of the dash/windshield/A-pillar intersection- easy to glance at while driving
12. replace your door jamb wires with spliced in 18g fine stranded silicone insulated wires - easy access if you pull the dash for heater coil/ and foam?
13. ?Replace all vacuum lines with 3 mm silicone lines ( size may depend on year)
14. ?Keep sensor/vacuum line in rear of horseshoe intake manifold clean - great care since expensive and not available (AXK)
15. ?Clean the MAF and throttle control?
16. ?Make sure you are on tires 6 or less years old, including the spare.
17. buy OEM when you can, and as to the oil sensor- get one from the dealer-notorious for problematic false readings and failure-
18. change the trans fluid and filter regularly and add the dipstick-I find Valvoline Maxlife just fine and cheaper, IMHO, I also recommend using a external cooler-much controversy, but I believe overheating is the worst problem the trans have.
19. Change the engine mounts and timing chain-often ignored.
Enjoy the ride
That¡¯s all I can think of for now but there¡¯s more I¡¯m sure.
Phil B. ?2003 EV WE AXK 286kmi
