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Re: Repair hints - engine mount

 

Here is a reprint of the engine mount repair hints I've collected from this
group.

Note #1
Mine was built in 9/92 and yes, my motor mounts were in bad shape when I
replaced them. The rubber in the center one (to which you refer) had
countless cracks and the rubber was very hard. After replacement the EV feels
much better and does not vibrate and shake anymore. If you decide to change
the mounts yourself I can tell you how to do it. I paid $115 for the large
one in the middle and $ 60 for the one on the driver's side. After 88,000
miles that was a good investment.

Check
Both parts are original VW, made in Germany. The boxes must have been on the
shelf since 93 since there was a thick layer of dust on the box and in the
box.

__________________________________________________________

Note #2
A few months ago I replaces my transmission and I also did the mounts. The
Bentley was not much help. This is how I did it: (This procedure is for a
9/92 EV with the "new" mount (Bentley H 37-35 picture V37-1119) The procedure
is different if you have a pre 8/92 EV. There you have to measure
an air gap and make the necessary adjustments (Bentley H 37-39
I jacked up the EV on very good (6ton) Snap On stands and lifted it as high
as possible. I used a 6 ton floor jack. My friend is a mechanic and has
lots of neat tools. There are 3 engine/transmission mounts. on the driver's
side right next to / under the battery and one on the opposite side. The one
in the middle is the offending mount because it carries a lot of weight. I
put a floor jack under the transmission to support it. Then I loosened the
bolts on the mount. An extension came in handy. If I remember correctly
there are two bolts on the passenger side and two that you have to access
from the rear. You need good tools because the bolts are very tight. I had
to use my legs and a long handle to get them off. One is really hard to
reach. You need a (I think 15mm) open wrench which can not be too long. But
then you don't have the leverage you need and it is not easy to get the bolt
off. I used a hammer and brute strength and it came off. There is not much
room to move or turn a wrench. Once all the bolts are out you might be able
to get the old mount out. Since I was doing the tranny at the same time I
disconnected the other mount on the driver's side and the exhaust. This move
enabled me to "swing" the engine forward (supported by a jack, of course).
That gave me enough room to remove the old mount and insert the new one.
(This is only possible if the drive shafts are removed--which I had to do
anyway.) I used Locktite and then torqued the bolts as much as I could.

I would recommend you put the car on ramps, or jack it up (safely)
and take a good look at the mount. According to Bentley there are 4 bolts
on the mount and the big long one that goes through the mount. I think if
you unbolt the mount on the driver's side (if necessary) you might be able
to push the engine/transmission assembly forward enough to get the mount
out. It sure makes a difference to have new mounts. I don't know if it is
necessary to replace any other ones. I did but the other two mounts seemed
in perfect condition. Next I will get my injectors cleaned and I hope that
the old EV will be as vibration-free as it used to be, a long time ago.
_________________________________________________________

That's it. I haven't tried any of this myself but I plan to soon.

John Coleman
93 EVMV Weekender
Boulder, CO


Attachments to messages (was Eurovan Cartoon)

 

In a message dated 02/11/2000 4:43:03 PM Eastern Standard Time,
LTVess@... writes:

Personally, I don't have a problem with attachments. If I don't want to
download them because the file is too big or it's not of interest to me, I
simply delete the message after reading it.
I agree. An attached file is available to download if it is of interest,
otherwise it does not impact the retrieval time of my e-mail from my ISP to
my PC. I have found that requesting a graphic file from a member who has
offered to send it to only those interested has been less than 100% effective.

As to the referenced attachment for a bike rack, I had been ignoring the
sender's exuberance about the (unknown to me) Fiamma racks until I opened
that particular attachment. I was quite impressed with the approach and may
take that product into consideration now. Thanks, Thomas!

It would be helpful to continue to include a brief description of the
contents of an attachment with the posting to help the reader's decision to
download. On several occasions attachments on this list have made no
reference to an attachment within the text of the posting. In most cases
there is meaningful data in the attachment, but recently I have received
attachments that contain only advertisement banners from commercial web
pages. I can only guess that this is some consequence of reading/writing
mail directly from the EV_Update eGroups web site. In this age of virus
attacks, I am somewhat apprehensive about downloading an attachment of
unknown origin.

Bill Armstrong, EVC Speculator
Endwell, NY
'71 Econoline (home brew camper)
'93 Tracer Wagon


Sourcing for repair hints

Kit Samson
 

Group,
This has to do with a used '93 EV automatic that I purchased last
December. I will sincerely appreciate any help in "pointing my nose" on
the following problems.

1. HEADLIGHT ASSY MOISTURE - The front headlights accumulate moisture
inside the assembly after rain. It originally had moisture when I
picked it up from the previous owner. I took the headlights off and
placed them over my wife's oven after she had baked to purge the
condensate. Now after the recent rains in So. California there's
moisture inside again. These assemblies do not use the H4 bulb as
discussed in Robert Bentley. They use 9004s. I have my RTV sealant
ready, but was there a recall or anything related to this moisture
problem that anyone knows?

2. ENGINE VIBRATION - When stopped with gear in Drive, engine exhibits
a high level of vibration (literally enough to drop your earwax). Move
selector in Neutral and it's gone. Was this model always like this
since new? Which of the 3 mount do I need to replace to cure the
problem?

3. WHISTLING IN AIR INTAKE - I don't think this noise comes from a
tensioner or pulley with already marginal life as the former owner
suggested. He mistook it for a slipping multi-V belt (and it sounds
like it), had it replaced but the problem did not disappear. For one,
the pitch does not change and it only happens when after the engine is
started from dead cold. Rev the engine to 3000 rpm thereafter and it
generates what sounds like air being throttled through an orifice.
Pretty loud too. Once engine is warm, noise is pretty much gone except
for isolated instances when it suddenly reappears at around 3000 rpm.
Does anybody out there remember experiencing this?

Thanks in advance.


Kit


Re: 2000 EVC

Steve and Pat Mecham
 

John,

We test drove a 2000 a couple of weeks ago in Colorado.
It definitely had a few changes from the `99, including the
sticker. Yep, they're out there!

- Steve


Re: Gas

Kit
 

Larry,

I've seen all over that the VR6 motor using a MOTRONIC Engine Management
System (your powerplant) will run on 87 octane. However, I also know
that the VR6 has a 10:1 compression ratio so MOTRONIC will surely always
retard ignition timing to prevent pinging. Basically it's a compromise
that runs a high compression motor on cheap gas. You never really bring
out the full potential of the engine. If you travel unladen most of the
time, I guess 87 shouldn't be a problem. Of course running retarded
increases engine heat and works up your cooling system but it shouldn't
be a problem if you're in a cold region. (Are you?)

So here's my $0.02 worth.

1. If a motor uses knock sensor (like your), it is most probably high
compression. (NOTE: The older 5 cyl. EV motors had two version. The 93
later ones had knock sensors because they were high compression. The
original motor used when EV first came out was low compression, no knock
sesnors. Since VW "hints" at NOT using 87 octane on the 5-cyl high
compression motors, it does not make sense to me why they suggest it's
use on the VR6 regardless of what kind of engine management system they
put in.)

2. Personally if I had your '99 EV, I'd use 89 or even 91. I'd stay
away from 87 unless it was the "only gas available for the next 100
miles".

3. Note too that the BOSCH W8DTC spark plugs are important. These plugs
have 3 negative electrodes and the engine will only properly work with
them. There was a gas station mechanic that undermined this "hign
fangled 3-electrode plug" only to bring no power, rough idle & misfirng
problems to a 5-cyl. low compression EV that he serviced for a client in
the past on a regular basis. Since the owner was not any knowledgeable,
he eventually resorted to 91 octane just to get some kind of decent
performance. After considerable misery, he just bought a '99 EV. I
ended up buying the 5-cyl and put evenything back to specs. Now it runs
fine on 87 octane, but here I prefer using 89 because the engine runs
cooler and gives a smoother idle. (I'm in So California.)

Regards.

Kit Samson


Lary Saltzman wrote:


What octane gas can be used in the 99evc. The manual says 87 and up.
What are the pros and cons of 87-89-91???

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Re: Trailer Question

Kit
 

Jim,

It might interest you to know that in the Microsoft CarPoint site, the
Overview write-up for a 2000 VW EuroVan (using basically the same
powerplant as a '99) states the following:

Towing Capacity (UNbraked trailer) - 1500 lbs.
Towing Capacity (braked trailer) - 4500 lbs.
Hitch Tongue Weight Limit - 440 lbs.
Payload Capacity - 990 lbs.

... and that "The total weight of trailer & loaded vehicle is not to
exceed 10,000 lbs.".

I do not use my '93 MV to tow but based on these specs, if your 3200 Lb.
trailer is a "braked trailer" it would appear to be well within limit.

Regards.

Kit



Louwsma@... wrote:


I currently own 5 VW's, and over the years have owned 3 different VW vans and
just bought my first EVC--a brand new 1999. I love it! One reason I bought
it was to tow a 3200lb. trailer, which should work given the 9200lb. GCWR and
5900lb. EVC GVWR. After reading the towing disclaimers in the EV manual, I am
concerned about the EVC's ability to tow that weight for long trips. Does
anyone have any experience towing that kind of weight with their EVC? This
conference has been a real help to me--both in the shopping experience and
now in the application. Thanks, Jim

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Re: Eurovan, 1999, Test Drive

William Killian - Zen and the Art of Ferrets
 

On Mon, 14 Feb 2000, Nakamura, Roy M wrote:

As far as the
Online Test Drive write-up is concerned... IT'S TRUE!! IT'S ALL TRUE!
No its not.

First... we need to get past the anger and denial mode and realize that if
we were going to recommend a "great people carrying, reliable, comfortable
and economical to operate" minivan to our own Mom... it would NOT be the EV.
Absolutely. But I wouldn't wish a minivan on anyone. I hate minivans.
THey are just tall station wagons.

The EV is not a mini-van (nor were any earlier VW buses) as Chrysler
defined it. A taller box on a car platform. Now as far as a van smaller
than a full sized van - yeah VW was there first. Well they were basically
'first' with a van that isn't what amounts to what is now called an SUV
that was meant for cargo instead of people.

My choice... the Honda Odyssey. My ex-wife drives a 2000 Odyssey... and
that thing puts the EV to shame. After I remove my middle seats out of my
EVC... my next task is to take 1200MG of Motrin and stay off my feet. The
extra seat in the Honda "effortlessly" disappears under the floor.
The EVC is not as versatile for cargo as the othe EVs. Ist a trade off
camping versus ease for cargo. All vehicle designs make certain choices
as to what is the primary and waht are useful secondary roles. The EVC
makes less sense as a cargo hauler than the EV MV or EV CL/GL/GLS. No
motrin needed from seat manipulation in the EV MV. Though the rear seats
are harder than just folding them down and removing a large potential
amount of cargo space. - Another compromise there. The Honda is a joke
as a cargo hauler compared to the EV with seat removed. THose seasta aer
still there and taking up space in the Honda. And there is less space to
start with so its even more painful.

I don't want to belabor the point... but I shuttle my kids and their soccer
friends all over town.. and most of their mom's have Mopar and Honda Vans...
but whenever new kids try to open the door.... I ALWAYS have to show them
where the latch is. They think that big black bumper thing is the handle...
terrible design... terrible.
I dosagree. The EV Latch is not traditional but better than many
others.

For haouling around a number of kids sure the tall station wagons are
okay. Just don't want to be in an accident in a Mopar box (and I'm a
mopar fan) as they seem to tend to just blow apart. Almost disintegrate.
I lost my MV to an accident that would have been fatal in any "minivan".
My wife and I just walked out of the van. The cops coming to investigate
were sure it was a fatal accident but there we were with no serious
injuries at all.

I'm short... 5';6"... and yes the front wheel well gets in the way too.
I'm 5'6.75" and have not found a more comfortable car to drive than an EV
except a fairly high doloar sports luxury car. PLain old stock '93 EV MV.

Just the way I'm built I guess.

Price... $32,000. ... well, if the EV had all the features that are
available on a $28,000 Honda... the EV would cost over $38,000!.
If the Honda had all the features of the EV it would cost far far more
than it does.

When my co-worker find out how much the EVC cost... they look shocked...
almost dumb founded (some even break a smile and start to snicker). I
remember crossing the border to Mexico in my EVC.. and the Insurance Agent
asked me what the replacement cost of the EVC was. I told him $35,000...
and then he looked at me like I didn't understand the question... now here's
a guy who appraises vehicles for a living! He didn't believe me... so he
referred to the Kelly's Blue Book... then shook his head in disbelief.
So am I surprised that some folks are ignorant? Nope. Even pros.

If Honda made an Odyssey Camper... I might "consider" it.
Until you tried one. Too damned small. It would make a horrendous
camper. As do ALL minivan sized rigs. The old air cooled Westys are
rommier than any "minivan" camper could be.

For the time
being... VW is the only game in town for "mini-van Campers".
Uh. I disagree. Never seena Sharan camper. The EV is a "mid-sized" van.
The LT is the "full sized" by American standards that is.

As a loyal VW
owner... I find myself also questioning why anyone would pay so much for an
EV GLS or MV since there are soooooo many alternatives. Oh Well so that's
my .02.
No problem. There is no other van I would consider. None. BNone have
the features *I* want.

I guess how "I" justify paying so much for the EVC is that I remember
selling my 84 Westy after five years of ownership back to the dealer for
close to what I paid for it. I've also looked for used EVC and they seem to
hold their high resale... I also like to "wave" at other EV/EVC drivers as
we pass.... since they usually wave back. I guess we EV/EVC owners are a
unique and quirky breed.
I grew up with a '69 then '72 Westy. Don't happen to want an EVC - much
prefer the MV. Its just got the features I want. Got vehicles ranging
from Things, a Horizon, Jeepsters, pickups, Suburbans, Conquests, a
Lebaron, and a Willys Tow truck. Have had several others. The EV MV is
by far the most verstile of the whole lot. Only the Suburban comes close.
No doubt in my mind. (And yes I am a redneck in the shadow of West
Virginia - but nothing is up on blocks)

--
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets

mailto:killian@...


EVC outa here!

Gary Clendening
 

Hi to all,

We're leaving to FL tomorrow early in AM. Snow and ice all around but we
have a two day window to escape the tornado line at the Georgia
border...looks like another super storm brewing in the west too. Thanks to
all for invites but we're anxious to see those silly beaches in St. Pete.
Travelling with no upper bunk in roof so there is plenty of storage for
flat clothes.

Gary from Maine


Re: awnings

Larry Schellhase
 

I bought and installed this awning last summer. I do
not consider myself to be mechanically inclined and
the installation took some effort and caused some
fustration, but I am pleased with the outcome.

The awning sets up easily (the only problem I have is
remembering which poles go in which holes).

When it is very windy the Shady Boy could be a
problem. It needs to be well staked to prevent the
wind from blowing it over the top of the van.

On balance I like the fact that it is so compact and
that setup and take-down require just a few minutes.

--- Lary Saltzman <saltzman@...>
wrote:

Does anyone have any experience with the Shady Boy
awning. It does not
use poles-- it uses fiberglass rods that hold the
awning up and out
without touching the ground.


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Re: Sliding Door Handle (was Eurovan, 1999, Test Drive)

Rick Gordon
 


Then, later, I'd buy something else (a Bavaria, an Audi 5000) and, surprise!
-- the same thing happened. At first, I thought it was just stupid, then it
would grow on me. Is that just a simple matter of becoming acclimated to
idiosyncracies? Maybe. Maybe a "better design" would be more immediately
sensible, and wouldn't have to "grow on you". But, in truth I think there
is something else going on. I think there is something about German design
that is not *immediately* intuitive, but *eventually* intuitive.

After all, where is it written that the design-of-everyday-things is correct
only if it immediately makes sense? Not too many things in life that are
worthwhile are worthwhile at first glance. Certainly a lifejacket or an
emergency switch should be IMMEDIATELY ergonomically obvious, but your car?
Your beloved car? I think not.
I tend to think there is something about VW's ergonomic design which is non-intuitive.
I don't know if you ever tried to figure out the heater controls in a Vanagon for
example. I needed the manual to figure it out. I think the 76 Rabbit we had for awhile
was similar.
By contrast, I have a 1984 Volvo 240 - every control in there is simple and intuitive - basic
knobs/levers/switches with clear labels.
there are no blind spots either.


sheepskin seatcovers

 

Can anyone recommend a source for sheepskins that will fit my 97
EVC-and not cost more than I paid for my first Ghia? Thanks, Elden


Re: sheepskin seatcovers

Bill Segesser
 

we got ours at Costco.

-----Original Message-----
From: eapling@... [mailto:eapling@...]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2000 4:43 PM
To: ev_update@...
Subject: [ev_update] sheepskin seatcovers


Can anyone recommend a source for sheepskins that will fit my 97
EVC-and not cost more than I paid for my first Ghia? Thanks, Elden


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Re: March VW Trends -bus 50th birthday

Leif
 

I just picked one up last night at the local grocery store (Albertson's) on
the cover it says they are on newsstands until
2-21-00. Barnes and Noble should have them too. You can order single
copies at 1-800-800-4875. it is the March 2000 issue.

Leif
'86 Syncro GL
'93 EV MV

-----Original Message-----
From: Louwsma@... [mailto:Louwsma@...]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2000 5:02 PM
To: ev_update@...
Subject: [ev_update] Re: March VW Trends -bus 50th birthday


Where do you buy "VW Trends"? Jim

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Re: Eurovan, 1999, Test Drive

 

In a message dated 2/14/00 7:38:34 PM, Roy.Nakamura@... writes:

<< Okay EV/EVC owners... Please don't "Flame Me..." >>

No flames but could you say that in 25 words or less next time? ;-) (just
having fun)
Ron


Re: Fortune City Review of the EuroVan

 

Jeff,
Concerning your question about the number of people who wrote you, your
article was mentioned on our EuroVan list. Of course we are all EuroVan
enthusiasts so as you can imagine your comments got our ire up. Glad to see
that we can disagree and still respect each other. Feel free to use my
comments.
Ron Biegel
Neshanic Station, N.J.


Re: Blower Motor Replacement

 

Thanks for the very practical blower motor replacement instructions. I've
printed them for my future reference file. Somehow I've been able to postpone
this job on my '93 MV by spraying liberal amounts of penetrating oil into the
blower cage. The smell dissipated fairly quickly. I know this is not really
supposed to work but somehow it did quiet the squeal for me so far.
Ron


Re: I am receiving duplicate emails

Donald Newman
 

Thank you Steve.

Don. '99 Weekender

Sklashley@... wrote:

donald,
if you are setup to receive copies of your own messages, and someone replies to "all" on one of the messages you've sent, you will receive 2 copies of that reply.

I am only replying to the list, so you should only receive one copy.

Steve

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Re: I am receiving duplicate emails

Christopher Low
 

My problem solved . Thanks Charles.
Thanks for the advise Christopher Low


Re: Sliding Door Handle (was Eurovan, 1999, Test Drive)

Michael G. McCarthy
 

There's an excellent book called "The Design of Everyday Things", by Don
Norman, which discusses this kind of problem in detail, giving lots of
examples of designs and analyzing how hard or easy it is to figure them
out at first glance, and why.
I agree that this design-of-everyday-things is a fascinating concept, and
well worth thinking about. It's part ergonomics, part safety, and part --
dare I say -- culture.

I remember the first time I drove a water-cooled VW. It might have been 76
Rabbit. I thought is was pretty stupid, I didn't like the dash, the seats
weren't right, etc etc. Eventually, years later, when I bought and owned
one for a while, the wisdom of the design slowly grew on me until I just
loved it.

Then, later, I'd buy something else (a Bavaria, an Audi 5000) and, surprise!
-- the same thing happened. At first, I thought it was just stupid, then it
would grow on me. Is that just a simple matter of becoming acclimated to
idiosyncracies? Maybe. Maybe a "better design" would be more immediately
sensible, and wouldn't have to "grow on you". But, in truth I think there
is something else going on. I think there is something about German design
that is not *immediately* intuitive, but *eventually* intuitive.

After all, where is it written that the design-of-everyday-things is correct
only if it immediately makes sense? Not too many things in life that are
worthwhile are worthwhile at first glance. Certainly a lifejacket or an
emergency switch should be IMMEDIATELY ergonomically obvious, but your car?
Your beloved car? I think not.

If the best things in life were immediately obvious I'd be married (and long
divorced) from Holly Towner YEARS ago (but that ain't exactly a car story.)


Mike


Re: Companion Seat for EVC

Zaborenko, Alex, NNAD
 

James,

Did you buy the seat on the right in the picture? How stable have you found
it using only 2 bolts to fasten to the body?

Alex

-----Original Message-----
From: James A. Marks [mailto:jamarks@...]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2000 4:03 PM
To: ev_update@...
Subject: [ev_update] Re: Companion Seat for EVC


If any of you are interested in the 2000 model single companion seat (new
fabric pattern) - you can e-mail Michael Kolar -
His E-mail address is - <kbear@...>

You can find a picture of the seat at the following address (it's the one on
the left) -

<>

-James Marks

From: Russ Bishop <russ@...>
Organization: Russ Bishop Photography
Reply-To: ev_update@...
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2000 08:49:43 -0800
To: "'ev_update@...'" <ev_update@...>
Subject: [ev_update] Re: Companion Seat for EVC

If any of you out there have a late 1999 or 2000 model EVC (with new
fabric pattern) equipped for the either the double bench or companion
seat...This guy still has one for sale.
James,

I'd be very interested. I've been contemplating the bench seat, but it
does sound like the single is a lot more versatile. Ours is a late 1999
EVC and has the four (widely spaced) holes. I assume that's the same as
yours and that the single seat will fit in either pair.

Russ Bishop
Ventura, CA

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