

| Subject: | Vanagon Winter Storage and or annual inspection |
| From: | Jack R. |
| Date: | Fri, 8 Oct 2010 14:16:37 -0400 |
Found this on Samba... added a few things to the list. Any other suggestions on things to look for before a big trip or winter storage? Engine Mechanical ___ _____ Any Abnormal noises ___ _____ Check for engine fluid leaks (Oil, Fuel) ___ _____ Compression test: (disconnect coil, remove ALL plugs) ___ _____ 1. Dry: 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________ ___ _____ 2. Oiled: 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________ ___ _____ Plug condition? (OK? Burnt? Oily? Sooty?) ___ _____ 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________ ___ _____ Oil Pressure: idle_______ 4000 RPM_______ ___ _____ P/S, Alt, & A/C Belts not cracked, not frayed, deflection correct ___ _____ Check water pump for leak at weep hole, pump noise/wine ___ _____ Visual check of fuel lines from pump-firewall-injectors!! If original lines REPLACE!!! ___ _____ Fuel Pressure: _______ ___ _____ Visual check of Vacuum hoses/lines stiff? Patched? Capped? Missing? Cracks on ends? ___ _____ Visual check air intake system, AFM, check electrical connections? ___ _____ Vacuum Idle: _______ 4000 rpm: _______ ___ _____ Tune up parts Cap, Rotor, Plugs, Air Filter, distributor, coil etc ___ _____ Oil level/color ___ _____ Power steering fluid level/color Electrical Systems ___ _____ Battery voltage ____________ volts, load test ___ _____ Alt/Chg Volts/Amps: idle____________ 4000 RPM____________ ___ _____ Engine compartment wiring harness not loose, not frayed, oxidized ___ _____ Engine compartment relays in the black box, check fuses for corrosion and proper contact ___ _____ Starter motor/ wiring from battery/alternator ___ _____ Battery cables, ground points (Battery case, Cyl head, tranny, dash star) ___ _____ Spark plugs (NGK - B6ES)/coil wires cracked, water spray test check for sparks jumping ? ___ _____ Check lights, bulb contact points, add di-electric grease where needed ___ _____ Visually inspect exposed wires, chassis grounds - clean and reattach, O2 sensor wires, etc. Cooling System 1. Flush and Fill Cooling System - use http://yhst-1918367471896.stores.yahoo.net/peliang12.html also add http://www.redlineoil.com/Products.aspx?pcid=10 (do this every 5 years with this coolant, every 2 years with other phosphate free coolants) ___ _____ Cooling system pressure test & check for external leaks, pressure cap ___ _____ Cooling Hoses no bulges or soft ___ _____ Check reservoir/expansion tank for cracks ___ _____ Check Rad Fan Motor on Hi-Low speed, Relay ___ _____ Check PH condition of coolant (Acidity/Phosphate) - or replace if due ___ _____ Coolant level/color Braking System ___ _____ Brake disks/drums grooved? LF_____, RF______, LR______, RR______ ___ _____ Measure % Discs/Drums & Linings/Pads LF_____, RF______, LR______, RR______ ___ _____ Visual check of rubber brake lines, cables for leaks, brittle, cracked ? ___ _____ Master/Wheel cylinders Inspect for leaks from, brake pedal test ___ _____ Brake fluid level/color (Use Castrol LMA dot 3/4 fluid) Suspension/Steering ___ _____ Steering wheel play ___ _____ Tie rods inner & outer straight? Tie rod end boots intact? ___ _____ Ball joints upper & lower boots intact ___ _____ Control arm upper & lower bushings ___ _____ Engine and transmission mounts ___ _____ Front & Rear Suspension: Springs, Spring mount and Shocks ___ _____ Check shock absorber action (bounce test) and component leaks ___ _____ Check CV joints, 2 tight 360' turns each way. Any noise, cv boots intact? ___ _____ Check power steering for leaks and noise, steering rack boots intact ___ _____ Check front & rear wheel toe in/toe out ___ _____ Wheel bearings move wheel on hoist check wear/play, Axle bolts torque, cotter pin in ? ___ _____ check Tires wear LT / "C" Tread? Bulges? Cracks? ___ _____ check Rims Bent? Rusted? Cracks? Wheel bolts up to torque ? Auto Transmission ___ _____ check for slippage ___ _____ Check for leaks from all components ___ _____ Check for leak in tranny cooler aluminum heat exchanger ___ _____ Gear oil level/fluid color ___ _____ Transmission fluid level/color Road Test ___ _____ Automatic transmission shift points? ___ _____ Any noises/vibrations when accelerating, coasting, decelerating, braking? Any Other general comment recommendations Prior to Winter Storage: 2. Fill fuel tank and add 1 can of Seafoam to stabilize fuel 3. Change/Replace Fuel Filter - Every 5 years or 30k miles. Bosch PN: 0-450-905-030 4. Change Oil and Mann Filter (use TOTAL Quartz Racing (ELF) 10W-50 5L Synthetic Motor Oil from S&G 5. Clean K&N Filter and re-oil, or install K&N Air Filter Part E-2475 6. Treat all rubber with protecting conditioner (including weather stripping) 7. Drain water storage tank 8. Hook up battery float charger
Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »