# \#vanagon **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/tag/vanagon/254.md [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) --- ## [Ever Had a Road Trip from Hell?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ever-had-a-road-trip-from-hell/33178)
**Author:** [@Tom\_and\_Ray](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tom_and_Ray)\ **Replies:** 531\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2026, 1:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ever-had-a-road-trip-from-hell/33178 "2026-03-22T13:10:24Z")
If so, we want to hear about it! (If you can bear to recount the sordid details, that is.) For the next few weeks, we'll be gathering your favorite or, rather, least-favorite tales of road trips gone by. Stories of 2,0… --- ## [I need guy advice about my mechanic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-need-guy-advice-about-my-mechanic/179639)
**Author:** [@cat00x](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cat00x)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 4:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-need-guy-advice-about-my-mechanic/179639 "2021-10-09T16:27:51Z")
I am an older woman driving a 1984 VW Vanagon Westfalia. Obviously I spend some time at various mechanics while on the road. I recently decided to switch mechanics here in the Bay Area and found one who had good reviews … --- ## [84 Vanagon stutters and dies on freeway](https://community.cartalk.com/t/84-vanagon-stutters-and-dies-on-freeway/179019)
**Author:** [@cat00x](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cat00x)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2021, 10:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/84-vanagon-stutters-and-dies-on-freeway/179019 "2021-08-30T22:50:03Z")
I took a two-month road trip from Calif. to Indians and back in the fall of 2019. When we got not Utah I started having the problem where the van stuttered, lost power and eventually died. If I waited anywhere from 10 mi… --- ## [Vanagon Don't Gon No Mo](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vanagon-dont-gon-no-mo/70098)
**Author:** [@VanGogh44](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VanGogh44)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2011, 7:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vanagon-dont-gon-no-mo/70098 "2011-12-24T07:36:50Z")
1991 Vanagon GL-Ok, first off my gas gauge was inoperable so we traced it down to the sending unit. Disconnected the battery, drained the tank, dropped the tank and replaced the sending unit and all the fuel lines, seals… --- ## [1988 Vanagon Coolant Temperature](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1988-vanagon-coolant-temperature/32884)
**Author:** [@SFHLK48](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SFHLK48)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2011, 8:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1988-vanagon-coolant-temperature/32884 "2011-08-01T20:13:13Z")
I have a 1988 Vanagon and I have had a problem with the engine coolant temperature. The temperature gauge goes up about 1/4 of the gauge below the top line and often the warning light starts to flash. I had the gaskets r… --- ## [Fuel injection vs. carburator in a '79 Westfalia](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-injection-vs-carburator-in-a-79-westfalia/63040)
**Author:** [@Gabovespa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Gabovespa)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2011, 9:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-injection-vs-carburator-in-a-79-westfalia/63040 "2011-03-27T21:45:58Z")
Hello, I just got a ?79 Westfalia. It doesn?t work yet. I has some gas problems. My friend recommended me to remove the fuel injection and replace it with a carburetor. He says that is much simpler than the fuel injectio… --- ## [Vanagans that won't start](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vanagans-that-wont-start/61795)
**Author:** [@Asleeper](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Asleeper)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2011, 4:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vanagans-that-wont-start/61795 "2011-02-24T16:18:02Z")
I had this problem with my Vanagan. I tried replacing the battery, the starter even the alternator then I stopped listing to my mechanic. I put a trouble light on the input on the solenoid and wired it up to the cab so t… --- ## [Westfalia Camper Did Not Start When Hot](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westfalia-camper-did-not-start-when-hot/61537)
**Author:** [@PandoraBoxe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PandoraBoxe)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2011, 3:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westfalia-camper-did-not-start-when-hot/61537 "2011-02-19T15:37:45Z")
Your comment to the woman with the '85 Westfalia camper was not complete. Assuming the starter motor is in good shape, have her mechanic check to make sure the ground to the starter motor is clean and tight. This should … --- ## [Engine misfiring](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-misfiring/60998)
**Author:** [@CaptainBob2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CaptainBob2010)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2011, 1:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-misfiring/60998 "2011-02-10T01:15:38Z")
This isn't exactly a car question but it could be. My Lycoming horizontally opposed engine (sort of like a Volkswagen's) has two magnetos; each has points and condenser just like a regular distributor. In flight the engi… --- ## [Volkswagon Headlights from #1052](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volkswagon-headlights-from-1052/59376)
**Author:** [@bspisak](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bspisak)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2011, 2:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volkswagon-headlights-from-1052/59376 "2011-01-06T02:36:02Z")
A caller had a problem with a Volkswagon after installing stronger headlights requiring her to hot-wire the lights which then caused her tail light to stop working. The problem with older Volkswagons (I have a 1987 … --- ## [Sympathy for Sue](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sympathy-for-sue/56336)
**Author:** [@lsitongia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lsitongia)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2010, 6:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sympathy-for-sue/56336 "2010-10-20T18:15:23Z")
Just listened to a podcast of last weekend's show. Poor Sue, the wayward (rear end of the car in front of her) driver! Did Tommy get into any trouble for haranguing? Wow, Tommy was HOT! ==Leonard --- ## [VW doesn't like the rain](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-doesnt-like-the-rain/56126)
**Author:** [@lauraemarie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lauraemarie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2010, 2:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-doesnt-like-the-rain/56126 "2010-10-09T14:38:17Z")
Oh, how do I explain this? Well, my 1991 VW Vanagon runs beautifully all the time except when it's raining. If it's raining and I go out and start 'er up, she'll go, but only for about 10 minutes or so. Apparently th… --- ## [Sins done to my syncro](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sins-done-to-my-syncro/55272)
**Author:** [@phil\_from\_girdwood\_a](https://community.cartalk.com/u/phil_from_girdwood_a)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2010, 10:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sins-done-to-my-syncro/55272 "2010-09-19T10:49:17Z")
so I got an issue with my newly acquired vanagon syncro, 1986 a fine year I think I was five. Well this van has 235k on the odometer and seemed to be doing fine with a rebuilt engine just about 27k miles ago. Well the … --- ## [1976 VW Westfalia](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1976-vw-westfalia/50453)
**Author:** [@destefanox713](https://community.cartalk.com/u/destefanox713)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2010, 10:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1976-vw-westfalia/50453 "2010-09-11T10:00:44Z")
Hello all- so I just purchaced a 1976 VW camper and this is all new to me. I bought it more as a hobby because I have a lot of crappy things going on right now in my life and wanted a pick me up and something to occupy … --- ## [16 year old son wants a westfalia](https://community.cartalk.com/t/16-year-old-son-wants-a-westfalia/54654)
**Author:** [@markvierram](https://community.cartalk.com/u/markvierram)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2010, 2:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/16-year-old-son-wants-a-westfalia/54654 "2010-09-06T14:46:34Z")
My 16 year old son wants a Westfalia, preferably a '60s-'70s model. He argues that he needs the room to carry musical instruments, etc., and there is some truth to this. He also has aspirations about retrofitting to run… --- ## [1984 VW Vanago: battery light won't come on](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1984-vw-vanago-battery-light-wont-come-on/52069)
**Author:** [@dudenose](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dudenose)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2010, 11:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1984-vw-vanago-battery-light-wont-come-on/52069 "2010-07-18T23:56:58Z")
I've got a 1984 VW Westfalia, 1.9L FI WC. I recently put in a new blower motor switch (I removed the instrument cluster to get at it), and now the Oxygen Sensor and battery (alternator) warning lights do not come on when… --- ## [Calves](https://community.cartalk.com/t/calves/51249)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 2:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/calves/51249 "2010-07-05T14:20:05Z")
Please explain Dave "Calves of Belleville" Green. --- ## [Inspecting a used car - Carchex or local mechanic?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/inspecting-a-used-car-carchex-or-local-mechanic/35237)
**Author:** [@passable](https://community.cartalk.com/u/passable)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2010, 1:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/inspecting-a-used-car-carchex-or-local-mechanic/35237 "2010-06-19T13:37:40Z")
I'm buying a car 1200 miles away and need it inspected first. Carchex offers a service where they send someone out for a 151 point inspection and a full report for - in this case $160. A local mechanic told me he'd charg… --- ## [81 VW Van Need to Run](https://community.cartalk.com/t/81-vw-van-need-to-run/49225)
**Author:** [@jlwhaley](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jlwhaley)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2010, 3:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/81-vw-van-need-to-run/49225 "2010-05-23T15:05:46Z")
Need to get 81 VW Van running. New battery, coil, fuel filter & fuel pump. Pulled alternator out and had Auto Zone test - said "within specs." When battery full charge (after on charger) the van starts and first run arou… --- ## [87 westfalia upgrade discussions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/87-westfalia-upgrade-discussions/45891)
**Author:** [@bigdanallan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bigdanallan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2010, 7:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/87-westfalia-upgrade-discussions/45891 "2010-05-04T19:49:57Z")
i am getting ready to get to work on my camper. you know something breaks everytime you get in the thing. does anyone have any input or wisdom re: #1-replacing heater fan project #2-replacing bad lifter surgically. … --- ## [Vanagon fuel problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vanagon-fuel-problem/46238)
**Author:** [@stony1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stony1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2010, 12:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vanagon-fuel-problem/46238 "2010-03-18T00:57:55Z")
Have a '86 vanagon camper. I parked it next to my garage about 2 years ago and now it won't start. I put 10 gallons of gas in it, it didn't leak out. the gas gauge doesn't register either. It runs when I shoot ether i… --- ## ['89 vanagon transmission](https://community.cartalk.com/t/89-vanagon-transmission/45087)
**Author:** [@Pamelaorser](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Pamelaorser)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2010, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/89-vanagon-transmission/45087 "2010-02-25T16:45:45Z")
My '89 vanagon needs a transmission. Reverse works ok. my mechanic said that there has been a problem with the "kit" that is used to build these. he said if we could find a built one or used one, her would put it in. my … --- ## [87 VW Vanagon engine problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/87-vw-vanagon-engine-problem/42851)
**Author:** [@tencars](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tencars)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/87-vw-vanagon-engine-problem/42851 "2010-01-19T21:15:13Z")
Hi, I just replaced the cylinder gaskets on the 2.1 L water boxer engine (MV, digifant). I adjusted the valve lifters as recommended in the Bentley manual. However, the engine runs very roughly and turns off eventua… --- ## [Camper Vans](https://community.cartalk.com/t/camper-vans/37204)
**Author:** [@gringarlow](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gringarlow)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2009, 12:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/camper-vans/37204 "2009-09-27T00:24:39Z")
Whenever In flush the eco-toilet in my camper van, my neighbors garage door opens and closes twice, but only on Odd numbered Thursdays. Can you help me with this ? --- ## [Gasoline leak](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline-leak/36350)
**Author:** [@Velokraut](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Velokraut)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2009, 12:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline-leak/36350 "2009-09-09T12:41:14Z")
So a gas leak is discovered in a van at a MA rest area. The owner calls AAA to have it towed, informing them of the gasoline odor and visible leak under the motor. AAA certified towing company arrives, is likewise shown … --- ## [Would you date a guy who lived in a van?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/would-you-date-a-guy-who-lived-in-a-van/20039)
**Author:** [@Tom\_and\_Ray](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tom_and_Ray)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2009, 2:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/would-you-date-a-guy-who-lived-in-a-van/20039 "2009-07-05T14:29:38Z")
This week on Car Talk, is van dwelling a reason NOT to date a guy who otherwise appears sweet and reasonably hygienic? That's the automotive-relationship conundrum that our caller Tara from Fremont, California was faci… --- ## [VW incontinence problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-incontinence-problem/22436)
**Author:** [@serendipity](https://community.cartalk.com/u/serendipity)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 9:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-incontinence-problem/22436 "2008-11-23T21:11:08Z")
My 1988 Automatic VW Vanagon very recently sprung a significant spillage problem. Has driven beautifully for a few months. When getting a CV joint replaced, the mechanic mentioned a slight leak on the tranny case. A few … --- ## [1990 VW Vanagon reverse light problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1990-vw-vanagon-reverse-light-problem/21336)
**Author:** [@dash451](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dash451)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2008, 2:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1990-vw-vanagon-reverse-light-problem/21336 "2008-10-28T14:32:07Z")
I have a 1990 VW Vanagon manual trans. 180,000 miles with a reverse light problem. The lights work intermittently when the transmission is shifted into reverse. When the shift lever is pushed fully into reverse the light… --- ## [Problem with VW Vanagon engine swap. Please help](https://community.cartalk.com/t/problem-with-vw-vanagon-engine-swap-please-help/16795)
**Author:** [@calrock3](https://community.cartalk.com/u/calrock3)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2008, 9:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/problem-with-vw-vanagon-engine-swap-please-help/16795 "2008-07-16T21:15:24Z")
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help. I recently had a 2.1 L put in my 87' VW Vanagon. The old motor had a knock so I bought a used motor from a National supplier and had it put in at the local shop by a guy who owns… --- ## [86 Vanagon loss of power](https://community.cartalk.com/t/86-vanagon-loss-of-power/10441)
**Author:** [@ErnestB](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ErnestB)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2008, 12:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/86-vanagon-loss-of-power/10441 "2008-02-10T00:15:43Z")
Our Volkswagon van occassionally loses power and dies. Generally this only happens after driving for more than 2 hours. It seems to be more likely to happen on twisty, hilly roads where you are speeding up and slowing … [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/tag/vanagon/254.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=vanagon)