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Posted by: krk Dec 17 2003, 11:50 PM

Folks,

Brad and I did the run down to Bakersfield and picked up The Van today. Shot a few pics which I'll attach. It was pretty uneventful -- which is of course what you want. I'll let brad cover the driving impressions.

It was a smooth pickup -- give them money, oggle the new porsche turbo, think about measuring the cayanne v8 (lol) and take off.

There are a couple of issues. Some of the guages don't work. Temp guage, gas guage and so forth. They came on a couple of times during the drive (apparently) but there's clearly a bug in the wiring somewhere. (we checked the fuses -- from what we could see, they were fine) The fact that they came on a couple of times seems to indicate that they work but have a ground problem or some other gremlin.

But stage one is complete!

kim.


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Posted by: krk Dec 17 2003, 11:51 PM

qwer


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Posted by: krk Dec 17 2003, 11:52 PM

ijmuhk


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Posted by: krk Dec 17 2003, 11:52 PM

'ipo


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Posted by: redshift Dec 17 2003, 11:52 PM

I'm glad to know you guys, it's a real privledge.



M

Posted by: krk Dec 17 2003, 11:53 PM

tasdfasdf


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Posted by: krk Dec 17 2003, 11:54 PM

asdf


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Posted by: krk Dec 17 2003, 11:55 PM

I should have explained the guage pics -- the van is running. No temp. No gas.

kim.

Posted by: GWN7 Dec 17 2003, 11:58 PM

If I guess right what do I win?

I'm guessing a red van made by VW?

It should be decorated with some green ribbon in the festive spirit.

Posted by: campbellcj Dec 18 2003, 12:01 AM

Kewl....some good news to cap off the day. You guys are awesome.

Bummer about the guages, but it sounds like a glitch that can be fixed up in Dave's neck of the woods. Keep us posted as the road trip continues.

Posted by: ChrisReale Dec 18 2003, 12:01 AM

This could be a problem when it gets driven up to Seattle

Posted by: krk Dec 18 2003, 12:02 AM

decorated -- hm, I like that idea! Got's some think'n to do. Tomorrow, I'll have a look inside -- it was a little grubby on the quick inspection but we just wanted to get back on the road.

kim.

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 18 2003, 12:05 AM

Wonderful news Kim.

Posted by: ChrisReale Dec 18 2003, 12:05 AM

Or some strings of stinky marijuana buds for Dave

Posted by: krk Dec 18 2003, 12:05 AM

You might be right. I'm not sure what B's plans are -- and since he drove it up from Bakersfield, I'm guessing he'll have some opinions on what the right plan is. It's certainly not good to have the gauges not operating correctly -- you could cook the motor without any idea that it is happening -- and of course, you could run out of gas too.

kim.

Posted by: GWN7 Dec 18 2003, 12:06 AM

I didn't say what the green ribbon should be made of.

Posted by: Korijo Dec 18 2003, 12:27 AM

SWEET !! ThankyouThankyouThankyou

Looks GREAT ! Cant wait to ride in it.

Sucks about the gauges... Didnt someone say a regulator/relay is notorious for failing ? I'll search...

Thanks again, Kim & Brad

Posted by: VegasRacer Dec 18 2003, 12:53 AM

At 914World.com we put YOU in the drivers seat.


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Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 18 2003, 12:55 AM

It wont be driven to Seattle. I need to speak with Craig about putting it on the transport truck on Monday or so.

I also need to contact a local VW dealer and see if these vans are supposed to be gutless pieces of shit.

I swear you have to kick it in the ass to get it to move.. It turns 3750RPM at 75mph and feels like it runs out of umph at 4k.

Call me crazy, but I think the cam timing is off or something. I have never driven anything that wouldnt get out of its own way.

Oh.. heat doesnt work very well either.

Joy.


B

Posted by: Bleyseng Dec 18 2003, 01:03 AM

Brad, you are too much!

I have to second that opinion on the Dealer......

Maybe a turbo would help......Wait, you can't turbo a VW Van!


Geoff

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 18 2003, 01:36 AM

I'm pissed. Can you tell ?? Does it show ??


B

Posted by: Eric Taylor Dec 18 2003, 01:47 AM

God dam that's good to see! It's now just little crap. Can't wait to see dave driving it around. Hopefully it will get more power with and adjustment, who know's, dave doesn't need to drive fast anyway . Oh yeah, how does the lift look/ work on it?
Eric

Posted by: Korijo Dec 18 2003, 01:49 AM

Gutless, huh... I've been telling my wife to stop driving so "offensively" or agressively, to aid in the transfer of vans. Ours is a V6 3.8 Chevy. Guess she'll be losing the "V", 1 cyl, and 1.3L.

Wonder how 300 lbs. of wheelchair will affect it ?

man o man...

Very funny, Vegas... very funny

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 18 2003, 01:50 AM

I didnt test it.. but it is the nicest thing on the whole vehicle. It does have a rattle to it (the lift) when you hit a decent bump.

I dont know anything about these vans.. it just doesnt want to accelerate. It rquires 3/4 throttle to get it to move (not exaggerating)

It could be normal...


B

Posted by: Korijo Dec 18 2003, 01:58 AM

Pissed, or disappointed ? I feel I've let everyone down by letting my guard down AND placing trust where I shouldnt have.

I'm more disappointed (at myself) than pissed off.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 18 2003, 02:09 AM

I'll get over it. I'm pissed because it feels gutless. I figured it would at least be pretty quick. The lift isnt that big. Maybe 180lbs.. which shouldnt slow the van down. It has a hitch on it (Draw Tite) but I see NO F-ing way that the van could tow anything.


B

Posted by: krk Dec 18 2003, 02:21 AM

Yo Dave,

It's way too late to mess with feelings of disappointment. We are where we are. And in fact, since it's now in the neighborhood where more eyes/hands can be applied to it if necessary, things are looking up. Tomorrow when the light is better, I'll rummage a bit and shoot more pics.

I've no clue on how to operate the lift -- but I'll poke a bit and see if a newbie to this stuff can do it without screwing it up. (feel free to clue me in)

I'll try to make sure a 914 is in the pic -- lol.

kim.

Posted by: VegasRacer Dec 18 2003, 02:33 AM

How much would a paint job cost?
Yellow Vans are Faster.


Hey Dave, I hope you still have the same address.
I sent you something in the mail on monday.

Posted by: Kevin@ojai.net Dec 18 2003, 03:18 AM

A quick google search of "vw eurovan performance" reveals typical 0-60 times of ~12 seconds (gata love google)! Looking at the specs it doesn't look like the van should feel "gutless" at all, and it should still be packing a punch at 4,000rpm...

-Kevin

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 18 2003, 03:34 AM

I consider myself to be pretty good with engines.. it seriously feels like the timing is off. It feels like full advance is in by 1200rpm (which is not good).

I'll call New Dimensions and ask them. They do a lot of EuroVan work up here in the bay area.


B

Posted by: DuckRyder Dec 18 2003, 06:05 AM

Nice.

Once we fix the guages can we buy some hubcaps for it?

I always thought those things were cool..................

Posted by: Jeroen Dec 18 2003, 07:12 AM

Hmmm... mixed feelings about what I'm reading here
Hope things will turn out OK...

cheers,

Jeroen

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 18 2003, 07:38 AM

The van is in our control now. I'm sincerly relieved. Once it gets up to Dave he may have to sort a few things out. That not your fault Dave. If some POS dealer chose to take advantage of you in an auction, how can you control that? Things are well documented. It will work out in the end.

Posted by: ejm Dec 18 2003, 09:21 AM

Good memory Dave....
There's a voltage regulator in the instrument cluster, it's the solder joints to the circuit board that crack over time. Easy 30 minute fix for someone with electronics repair experience. If someone wants to tackle it, I can fax a diagram and my phone # to talk you through it. I would not drive the van until this is repaired, far too easy to overheat it without knowing something was wrong. I can't believe the dealer let the van go without telling you the gauge was inop and giving the option of repair. (Prolly new cluster, big $$$)

Posted by: Bleyseng Dec 18 2003, 09:22 AM

It would be best if the van was sorted out effin before Dave gets the van, guys. Remember, he can't turn a wrench anymore.
So Brad, if you could take a few minutes to check out the little problems that exist I am sure Dave would really appreciate it.
We are soooo close to the finish line.


Thanks guys!!!

Geoff

Posted by: Gint Dec 18 2003, 11:13 AM

Wow! The van actually exists!


Giant leap forward anyway. Good work guys.

Posted by: Malmz Dec 18 2003, 11:29 AM

NOW is it ok to rip on the POS dealer?

sm

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 18 2003, 11:31 AM

I'll work with Ed on fixing the gauge cluster. It was very very cool running up hwy 5 so I wasnt too concerned with over heating it. The gauge did flick on towards the end when I was climbing the hills back into the bay area. I made sure the electric fan was working prior to leaving. The dealership really amazes me. They didnt even wash the damn thing or make any attempt to clean it up. From the mileage on the work order and the mileage we shot a pic of... they didnt even test drive it. I put the some odd 10 miles on it before I decided we should snap some pics of the gauges not working and document eveything.


Oh.. yes. The dealership was TOLD to look at the gauge cluster.


B

Posted by: boxstr Dec 18 2003, 11:38 AM

Easy for me to say, but you should have left it after your test drive. Told them of your concerns. And said, "don't call me until they are rectified." Just a thought.
CCLINVANVILLE

Posted by: seanery Dec 18 2003, 11:38 AM

bitches!

I hate fuckin' dealers! slimeballs of the earth! I'd trust a drug dealer before a dealer.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 18 2003, 11:42 AM

Craig, I almost turned it around.. then I recalled TWO people taking 10 hours out of their day to go get the van. I can only ask so much of other people. I would rather it be up here closer to me and others to have it looked it. This is the third time I have been down there.. I wasnt going back.

B

Posted by: Bleyseng Dec 18 2003, 06:51 PM

You did the right thing Brad, now we ( the collective WE) can fix it right (the gauges).

Hopefully, the cam isn't fucked up.....

Geoff

Posted by: LS6/914 Dec 18 2003, 09:26 PM

Dave van crew, If you need help with the gauge wiring, resetting the cam index or concerns with the lift give me a jingle. I work at a dealership in south Seattle & commute on the Fauntleroy ferry. (not a vw dealership) & (not all of us dealership techs are scum of the earth if thats whats being implied) I also have experience in the lift section (buddy has a son who survived a auto accident & requires a lift van that we service) I would really like to see thhis van reliable, not on the side of the road.

Posted by: Bleyseng Dec 18 2003, 09:33 PM

Sounds like it will be driven on the right side of the road while everyone in Seattle passes it! Haha, maybe that turbo idea will come in handy afterall......



Geoff

Just kidding! Hopefully, it a small problem compared to the blown motor.

Posted by: Steve Dec 18 2003, 11:38 PM

The van looks really nice.
Can't we just start another donation fund get a KEP adapter and put a 3.2 with DME in it?

regards,

Steve

Posted by: Steve Dec 18 2003, 11:44 PM

OOOOOPs that was dumb it looks like its front engined.
Nevermind.

Steve

Posted by: fiid Dec 18 2003, 11:58 PM

They're just VDO guages right?

I'll donate a split temp and gas guage I made for my 914.



Glad we have the van. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help it on the rest of it's journey.

Fiid.

Posted by: Korijo Dec 22 2003, 10:42 PM

Brad,

Could the gutless-ness be the auto tranny beginning to croak ??

I'm sure the 4200+ pound Van™ with a whopping 109HP and 145 ft/lbs. of tourque isnt the ONLY problem...

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 23 2003, 03:24 AM

Dave,

Honestly it could be going bad.. but it has firm upshifts. The only real issue is the shift into overdrive. It "hits" hard. Much harder than I think it should.

I plan to take it to a VW Audi friend Early next week. If it would run/drive normal.. I would come up for your gathering in it.


B

Posted by: Korijo Dec 23 2003, 03:33 AM

My birthday ?? I DELETED the post because it quickly went OT...

Would be a GREAT b-day, even if YOU showed up

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 23 2003, 03:40 AM

Give me a few days with the van. I want it to be perfect for you and your family. I'll have it at my shop by Thursday morning (Christmas) and be able to spend some time going over everything on Friday.

Almost there.



B

Posted by: Scott Carlberg Dec 23 2003, 04:17 AM

Hey Brad Roberts,

for an ASShole, you're a nice guy. (ice tea)

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 23 2003, 07:00 AM

is that the 220-HP 2,8 liter VR6 or the 120 HP inline 5 numbers you're looking at ?

i'm driving a VR6 auto Eurovan just now and it's right peppy. the 5-cyl auto's were never 'quick' tho ...

Posted by: mikester Dec 23 2003, 08:29 AM

vw dealers are known for their poor customer service...

The local dealer here charged me ~$30 to replace a light bulb that was behind the dash. One I would never be able to get to...thus should have been under warranty.

On the upside, I've known many an honest mechanic...no...not all of them are scum.

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 23 2003, 11:39 AM

okay - so i'm a little late to this party - i haven't been following the thread ...

sorry to hear that there are still van issues. i just talked with Ross-Tech's owner Uwe Ross and the Marketing Director Andy Smith, and we're Fed-Ex'ing Next Day a VAG-COM diagnostic interface and adapter cable for Brad's immediate use, with the understanding that it continue on to Korijo/Dave for continued support.

so let me mention here that VAG-COM diagnostic software for VW and Audi (and SEAT and Skoda, for our overseas members ...) is available through the http://www.Ross-Tech.com.

hope it helps.

[rich -at- Ross-Tech -dot- com]

Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 23 2003, 11:45 AM

this deal is incredible!!! nice to have POSITIVE news for a change. thumbs up to Ross-Tech.

kevin

Posted by: boxstr Dec 23 2003, 11:45 AM

WOW ,Merry Xmas the Van.
Thanks Rich.
CCLINCAMP914-8

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 23 2003, 11:55 AM

I have the tracking number for shipping. Should arrive any day.

Thanks again Rich


B

Posted by: Bleyseng Dec 23 2003, 12:28 PM

Cool software! Now if I just had a car to use it on I would be set.

Geoff

Posted by: Korijo Dec 23 2003, 12:42 PM

What does this software do ? Hook it up for diagostic analysis ??

Thanks Rich

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 23 2003, 01:07 PM

yes. lots of dealer technicians prefer VAG-COM to the factory tools.

plugs into the diagnostic connector ("OBD-II port") and communicates with all the vehicle computers. (the early Eurovan doesn't have an OBD-II port, so we've included the adapter connector that adapts the ports you do have to the diagnistic interface connector on the VAG-COM interface.

check out the tutorial stuff on http://www.Ross-Tech.com to get an idea of how it works.

it can read (and reset) all the fault codes in all the diagnostic-capable modules and check real-time data from the modules that support it. "for best results" it's used in conjunction with the Bentley "manuals on CD" service manuals, but i noticed that one EuroVan CD is on indefinite backorder (the one you'd need, i think ...) and the other is a special order...

the days of diagnosing (new) cars with a voltmeter are long gone. there are -so- many computer modules in new cars that it's just about impossible to fix anything without the right diagnostic equipment.

914Club Chris Campbell is a VAG-COM customer - uses it on his S4.

check out the website - just about everything there is to know (including all the help and operating instructions) is there... since we're sneding you a HEX-COM the registration / activation is built-in, so all you have to do is go to the web site and download the software and you'll be good to go. you will need a computer with a serial interface - USB convertors -don't- work with the timing-critical protocols used in the onboard systems...

Posted by: r_towle Dec 23 2003, 04:31 PM

Brad, relax....
Its a VW van.
It looks like a 93 which means a 2.5 liter inline Audi Motor...

I have that one, drive it like a standard (if its an auto)
Wind it out in every gear...gotta do it.

The Guages....Its a common problem with the instrument cluster, we all had to fix it, its cheap and just takes time, there is another thread covering it.

Cool part is the van can hold a TON...2200 lbs...Its the german pickup so its built like a truck....very solid.

If you are driving around alot, figure 300 miles per tank...thats a safe bet...I have made it 370 on a great highway only run, but 300 is a safe bet so you dont run out of gas..

I have a spare instrument cluster if needed, It will need the fix (involves soldering a few connections that were not soldered correctly in the first place) and then it should be good to go.

Check the right side of the engine where the coolant goes in to the head..there is a rinky dinky piece of plastic that break/leaks..

timing is non adjustable...
the eat Catalytic convertors (no idea why, those early years just do)

Ahhh heat....If you have rear heat, you need to use it or all the front heat goes into the back...
The rear heat only works if the front heater selection is on floor vent AND you have to turn on the rear heat and set the temp...kinda goofy and it took my a while to figure that one out...Mine brings me to a t-shirt very quickly here in 20 degree weather...
Rear heater vent is right behind passenger front seat...There is a relay for it if you cannot get it to work...
Just try the front heat vent position before you go to crazy...


Nice part about it is that it will go the same speed empty or full, low HP but plenty of Torque...

Great job and good luck with the final journey.
If someone want to give me a cheapo flight, I will drive it up for you.

rich

Posted by: rick 918-S Dec 23 2003, 06:56 PM

Very generious, marry christmas!

Posted by: Korijo Dec 23 2003, 07:02 PM

Yea, that is very generous and thoughtful

I've been reading all about the nifty gizmo. Searching for the Bentley CD...

Posted by: krk Dec 24 2003, 01:07 PM

It's moving up to Novato -- on xmas I believe. < sniff > I'll miss that large red object in my driveway.

kim.


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Posted by: Britain Smith Dec 24 2003, 01:35 PM

Yep...thats me driving away from Kim place to its next destination. It is sitting in my driveway right now and I will be delivering it to Brad tomorrow when we meet for Christmas dinner.

I must say, it was a very interesting vehicle to drive. I put a little gas in it and off it goes getting closer to Dave each leg of the way.

-Britain

Posted by: krk Dec 24 2003, 01:52 PM

Gak! Britain, I should have ID'd you! The other pics came out great -- just slightly over the size limit for the board.

kim.

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 29 2003, 11:26 AM

FedEx tells me the VAG-COM was delivered, so i'm curious to know if it's being helpful in diagnosing van issues ?

i think the last i read in the thread was that there's a well-known and easy if tedious procedure for re-soldering instrument cluster connections that -should- address the gauge questions.

any fault codes ? any word on the power question ?

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 29 2003, 11:29 AM

Havent touched it. I started getting sick last Friday and pretty much havent left the house.

It will get used today.. although I'm being told this is OBD1 and the Ross might not work.


B

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 29 2003, 11:34 AM

VAG-COM is -not- OBD-II software. there are other products for that, so no worries. VAG-COM duplicates the functionality of the factory scan tools - not just the OBD-II subset.

the 2x2 adapter was included because the early cars do not use the OBD-II connector.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 29 2003, 11:35 AM

Then we should be good. If I can keep the snot in my head for more than 10 minutes.. we will wade thru the rain and plug it up.

B

Posted by: Korijo Dec 29 2003, 05:06 PM

Snot FINALLY stopped running out of mine. Stay in bed. Get better.

Gotta have a good New Year !!!

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 29 2003, 07:55 PM

good advice for both of you.

get better. take care of yourselves (first).

you are no good to anyone else if you jeopardise your health.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 30 2003, 05:36 AM

So.. its 3:42am.. and I'm worse now than I was all weekend (cant sleep/breath) Chest hurts.. feels like a knarly cold.

Anyway.. I opened the package and found two cables. Is this what I was supposed to receive ??

I got home at 3am from running around all day and doing some computer work in southbay so the van has to wait until I get up move/around tomorrow.

B

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 30 2003, 06:51 AM

bingo. you got a $279 HEX-COM (our best interface) and a $50 2x2 adapter.

for the software you go to the http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/download/ and get the self-extracting program file.

you can ignore the "if you have a dumb interface" stuff - the HEX-COM is fully registered and activated when you plug it in.

you can preview the functionality on the http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/tour/main_screen.html page. i'd go ahead and start with the Auto-Scan to find and display fault codes from every diagnostic-capable module in the vehicle.

get your rest, take care of yourself - this all makes much more sense when you're not fighting health issues ...

Posted by: Korijo Dec 30 2003, 09:41 PM

Will this manual help with the code deciphering ??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=34234&item=2449795093

Only 1 hour left...

Posted by: Brad Roberts Dec 31 2003, 04:45 AM

Each day I drive the van it gets a little better. I just think it needs some mileage on it (although it wont climb any kid of grade without struggling). I hope to be better tomorrow. Still cant sleep while coughing. Sounded like crap all day today and had a nice light headed feeling all day.

B

Posted by: ArtechnikA Dec 31 2003, 06:08 AM

sorry i didn't get back to you in time ... you're 3 hrs different from PA and i'd already faded... i just don't know about the book - i've never seen it, don't know what it covers. don't know if it's got the same data the Bentley CD's have or not. seems like it'd be a valuable resource to have if another one comes by. i can't address its fair market value tho.

Posted by: ejm Dec 31 2003, 09:57 AM

Dave - PM me your address and I'll put a set of factory manuals in the mail to you.

Posted by: Korijo Dec 31 2003, 02:32 PM

WOW !! Thanks Ed