Adelaide - Tony Ricketts needs help

21

Hi Mark,

 

Sounds like a great adventure. As Gary said, some sort of ongoing web report of the trip would be great.

 

Do you have an Australian itinerary yet? I hope you don’t plan to drive right around the country in 6 weeks. “(then ship to Darwin , (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks and finally leave for home from Brisbane .)”

‘Doing a lap’ as we say here is more an undertaking for 6 months at least. You could do it in 6 weeks if you drove like rally drivers, and only stopped overnight to sleep. I did it in 8 weeks in a beetle nearly 40 years ago, and it was pretty much like that.

 

I’ll throw out some suggestions. Landing in Darwin , I’d expect you’d want to see the Kakadu area (provided the wet season hasn’t really hit by then;- unlikely), then travel south to the Alice Springs and Uluru/Ayres Rock area. Allow about 2 weeks for this. From there you could head to South Australia , and the Flinders ranges. Then to Adelaide , and on the Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road (said to be one of the great road trips of the world). You could do this in another 2 weeks if you move along pretty quickly. From Melbourne , I’d head straight (inland) for Sydney . (Nice as the south east coast is, you’d need another week to do it justice. A week in Tasmania would be worthwhile as well. Better add another month to your Australian plans). You could have a day in the national capital ( Canberra ) on the way to Sydney , but most of us think it’s a bit boring (it’s just the political capitol, really). You’ll probably want a day or two around Sydney (Harbour bridge/Opera house etc) which will leave you a week or more to explore the East coast between Sydney and Brisbane, which has some of the nicest areas of the country. On this plan, you’ve missed all of Western Australia (nearly half the continent), and most of Queensland , but you could never include them in 6 weeks.

 

Others might have some other suggestions, or specific areas to see, depending on their regional biases, of course.

 

Apart from my Syncro affiliations, I am Vice-President of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria ( http://www.vwclub.com.au/ ), based in Melbourne . If you do travel to Melbourne and your visit coincides with a meeting date (general meetings are 4th Tuesday of month, for other events, see website), we would love to hear first hand of some of your adventures. The VWCV also holds probably the biggest VW gathering in the country (Day of the VW, Melbourne) in mid November, but it sounds like you may just miss that (unless you extend that extra month, of course). Even if the dates don’t suit, let me know when you’re here. No doubt some sort of get together can be organized.

 

You may also want to be in touch with the Kombi Club ( http://forums.kombiclub.com/ ). While you’ve only got one ‘kombi’ in your group, they are pretty helpful to VW travelers, and may even be able to ignore a Landrover. This Syncro group, of course, remains your best resource for Syncro specific issues, and probably for watercooled engine issues as well. Other more technically minded members will probably respond regarding spares to carry, but remember, weight is your enemy on a trip like this.

 

Good luck, and happy travels.

 

 

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mark Thornley
Sent: Tuesday, 31 March 2009 5:31 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Syncro Trip

 


Hello All

I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and
after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro,
now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still
living in England ) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on
3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.

I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8
people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as
possible. The country list reads as follows:-

England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro,
Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China,
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then
ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks
and finally leave for home from Brisbane.

I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a
Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more
comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over
the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an
older Westafalia Joker interior into.

There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas,
carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly
difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but
I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems
I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I
should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or
two of you in late Sept/Oct.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

22
Mark,
Do the Land rover owners have contacts in Australia?

As a former Range Rover owner I may be able to get contacts.

Phill



> Brian Reed <breed@bigpond.net.au> wrote:
>
> Hi Mark,
>
>
>
> Sounds like a great adventure. As Gary said, some sort of ongoing web
> report
> of the trip would be great.
>
>
>
> Do you have an Australian itinerary yet? I hope you don't plan to drive
> right around the country in 6 weeks. "(then ship to Darwin, (hopefully)
> drive around Australia for around 6 weeks and finally leave for home
> from
> Brisbane.)"
>
> 'Doing a lap' as we say here is more an undertaking for 6 months at
> least.
> You could do it in 6 weeks if you drove like rally drivers, and only
> stopped
> overnight to sleep. I did it in 8 weeks in a beetle nearly 40 years ago,
> and
> it was pretty much like that.
>
>
>
> I'll throw out some suggestions. Landing in Darwin, I'd expect you'd
> want to
> see the Kakadu area (provided the wet season hasn't really hit by then;-
> unlikely), then travel south to the Alice Springs and Uluru/Ayres Rock
> area.
> Allow about 2 weeks for this. From there you could head to South
> Australia,
> and the Flinders ranges. Then to Adelaide, and on the Melbourne via the
> Great Ocean Road (said to be one of the great road trips of the world).
> You
> could do this in another 2 weeks if you move along pretty quickly. From
> Melbourne, I'd head straight (inland) for Sydney. (Nice as the south
> east
> coast is, you'd need another week to do it justice. A week in Tasmania
> would
> be worthwhile as well. Better add another month to your Australian
> plans).
> You could have a day in the national capital (Canberra) on the way to
> Sydney, but most of us think it's a bit boring (it's just the political
> capitol, really). You'll probably want a day or two around Sydney
> (Harbour
> bridge/Opera house etc) which will leave you a week or more to explore
> the
> East coast between Sydney and Brisbane, which has some of the nicest
> areas
> of the country. On this plan, you've missed all of Western Australia
> (nearly
> half the continent), and most of Queensland, but you could never include
> them in 6 weeks.
>
>
>
> Others might have some other suggestions, or specific areas to see,
> depending on their regional biases, of course.
>
>
>
> Apart from my Syncro affiliations, I am Vice-President of the Volkswagen
> Club of Victoria ( http://www.vwclub.com.au/ ), based in Melbourne. If
> you
> do travel to Melbourne and your visit coincides with a meeting date
> (general
> meetings are 4th Tuesday of month, for other events, see website), we
> would
> love to hear first hand of some of your adventures. The VWCV also holds
> probably the biggest VW gathering in the country (Day of the VW,
> Melbourne)
> in mid November, but it sounds like you may just miss that (unless you
> extend that extra month, of course). Even if the dates don't suit, let
> me
> know when you're here. No doubt some sort of get together can be
> organized.
>
>
>
> You may also want to be in touch with the Kombi Club (
> http://forums.kombiclub.com/ ). While you've only got one 'kombi' in
> your
> group, they are pretty helpful to VW travelers, and may even be able to
> ignore a Landrover. This Syncro group, of course, remains your best
> resource
> for Syncro specific issues, and probably for watercooled engine issues
> as
> well. Other more technically minded members will probably respond
> regarding
> spares to carry, but remember, weight is your enemy on a trip like this.
>
>
>
> Good luck, and happy travels.
>
>
>
>
>
> BRIAN REED
>
> FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES
>
> 185 Wingrove St
>
> Fairfield, Vic. 3078
>
> 03 9481 5673 0407 319 521
>
> _____
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mark Thornley
> Sent: Tuesday, 31 March 2009 5:31 AM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Syncro Trip
>
>
>
>
> Hello All
>
> I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and
> after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro,
> now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still
> living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on
> 3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.
>
> I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8
> people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as
> possible. The country list reads as follows:-
>
> England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro,
> Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China,
>
> Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then
>
> ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks
> and finally leave for home from Brisbane.
>
> I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a
>
> Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more
> comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over
> the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an
> older Westafalia Joker interior into.
>
> There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas,
> carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly
> difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but
> I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems
>
> I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I
> should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or
> two of you in late Sept/Oct.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Mark
23
Hello Mark
Sounds like a great trip.

As Phill said the vehicles have to be VERY clean to come here. Even then no matter how clean they will probably find something and want to wash it. Another charge of course. Watch them as they may steal stuff from the cars. Happened to a friend of mine from Germany in Brisbane. No meats, vegetables, honey and all that sort of stuff either is allowed into Australia.

I guess you have looked at the best of all web-sites http://www.africa-overland.net/

along with syncro nutz as already mentioned. Busman has a Dutch pair in a dual cab on his pages



Pity the last two are only in Dutch

Have a wonderful trip.

Bruce



On 31/03/2009, at 4:30 AM, Mark Thornley wrote:


Hello All

I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and
after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro,
now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still
living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on
3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.

I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8
people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as
possible. The country list reads as follows:-

England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro,
Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China,
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then
ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks
and finally leave for home from Brisbane.

I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a
Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more
comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over
the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an
older Westafalia Joker interior into.

There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas,
carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly
difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but
I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems
I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I
should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or
two of you in late Sept/Oct.

Thanks in advance.

Mark


24
 
Thanks for all your replies.
 
I think Gary has been looking at my provisional spares list when he says "gearbox, cv joints and 2 of everything else". I was hoping to be able to reduce it a little (but if that 's what you think I'll need!)  I am aware that keeping the weight down is a good way to avoid problems and it's easy to take too much.
Phill - Can I take you up on the offer of pdf of workshop manual and parts diagrams.  I have "Bentley" and also ETOS (I think this must be somethnig like the EKTA I have seen you talking about - looks a bit like the one VW parts dealers use).  Thanks also for the link to your syncro page - I'm off to the VW parts shop to take up some of your suggestions.
 
Thanks Brian for the suggestions on what to do in our (brief) 6 weeks in Australia.  The current plan is to land at Darwin , and drive south until we reach water again, then turn left around the coast to Brisbane.  Would love to meet you when we're in the Melbourne area, especially as there will be 3 VWs out of the 4 of us.  Beth and I would like to go across to Tasmania as Beth's mums' cousin lives there and we met him for the first time late last year.  Lots to see and so little time.
 
Thanks for the links to other sites - some I have seen, but there are a couple of ones I hadn't seen.  There's so much information around today compared to the pre-internet days.
 
Gary - Not sure whether the Land Rover owners have any Australian contacts.  They are British, currently living in Germany and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of this trip - and we haven't actually met them yet.  Not sure they have much mechanical knowledge as I got an e:mail from them 10 days ago saying it took him 2 hours to work out where the drain plug was to drain the engine oil.  I'll relay your offer to them.
 
We've planned for 5 days to clean the vehicles before shipping to Darwin, but I take note of people saying they will probably still not be clean enough.  And thanks for the warning of things disappearing during the extra cleaning at the port.
 
A couple of our fellow travellers have to be home 2 weeks before we do, 2 others are emigrating to NZ, another is a New Zealander heading home, and the remaining one is American.  She has the dubious pleasure of having to fly over Iran as they won't give her a visa!
 
Mark

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt.net.au> wrote:
From: Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt.net.au>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 12:54 PM

Hello Mark
                  Sounds like a great trip.

As Phill said the vehicles have to be VERY clean to come here. Even then no matter how clean they will probably find  something and want to wash it. Another charge of course. Watch them as they may steal stuff from the cars. Happened to a friend of mine from Germany in Brisbane. No meats, vegetables, honey and all that sort of stuff either is allowed into Australia.

I guess you have looked at the best of all web-sites   http://www.africa- overland. net/  

along with syncro nutz as already mentioned. Busman has a Dutch pair in a dual cab on his pages



Pity the last two are only in Dutch

Have a wonderful trip.

Bruce



On 31/03/2009, at 4:30 AM, Mark Thornley wrote:


Hello All

I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and 
after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro, 
now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still 
living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on 
3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.

I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8 
people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as 
possible. The country list reads as follows:-

England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro, 
Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, 
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then 
ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks 
and finally leave for home from Brisbane.

I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a 
Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more 
comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over 
the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an 
older Westafalia Joker interior into.

There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas, 
carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly 
difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but 
I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems 
I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I 
should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or 
two of you in late Sept/Oct.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

25
Mark

I was only joking about the parts list but as everyone else has said weight will be your enemy as the Syncro is a heavy beast before you start. 

If you don't know the history of your gearbox though I suggest you have it overhauled by Aidan Talbot who seems to be the guru in the UK. If it fails on the trip it is likely to be the end of your trip as the number of specialists who can handle it or even get the parts is down to a handful worldwide. The UK seems to have lots of Syncro specialists so better to sort it there.

From everything i've read it is much cheaper to have it stripped down and have the crown and pinion bearings renewed rather than risk a failure which then destroys the C&P which is very hard to get and expensive. 

CV joints are much easier to get and at least start making a noise before failing.

Brian is right, 6 weeks just isn't enough, there is a lot to see!

Gary


[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyone.net
www.twentytwentyone.net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782

On 01/04/2009, at 1:27 AM, mark thornley wrote:


 
Thanks for all your replies.
 
I think Gary has been looking at my provisional spares list when he says "gearbox, cv joints and 2 of everything else". I was hoping to be able to reduce it a little (but if that 's what you think I'll need!)  I am aware that keeping the weight down is a good way to avoid problems and it's easy to take too much.
Phill - Can I take you up on the offer of pdf of workshop manual and parts diagrams.  I have "Bentley" and also ETOS (I think this must be somethnig like the EKTA I have seen you talking about - looks a bit like the one VW parts dealers use).  Thanks also for the link to your syncro page - I'm off to the VW parts shop to take up some of your suggestions.
 
Thanks Brian for the suggestions on what to do in our (brief) 6 weeks in Australia.  The current plan is to land at Darwin , and drive south until we reach water again, then turn left around the coast to Brisbane.  Would love to meet you when we're in the Melbourne area, especially as there will be 3 VWs out of the 4 of us.  Beth and I would like to go across to Tasmania as Beth's mums' cousin lives there and we met him for the first time late last year.  Lots to see and so little time.
 
Thanks for the links to other sites - some I have seen, but there are a couple of ones I hadn't seen.  There's so much information around today compared to the pre-internet days.
 
Gary - Not sure whether the Land Rover owners have any Australian contacts.  They are British, currently living in Germany and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of this trip - and we haven't actually met them yet.  Not sure they have much mechanical knowledge as I got an e:mail from them 10 days ago saying it took him 2 hours to work out where the drain plug was to drain the engine oil.  I'll relay your offer to them.
 
We've planned for 5 days to clean the vehicles before shipping to Darwin, but I take note of people saying they will probably still not be clean enough.  And thanks for the warning of things disappearing during the extra cleaning at the port.
 
A couple of our fellow travellers have to be home 2 weeks before we do, 2 others are emigrating to NZ, another is a New Zealander heading home, and the remaining one is American.  She has the dubious pleasure of having to fly over Iran as they won't give her a visa!
 
Mark

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au> wrote:
From: Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 12:54 PM

Hello Mark
                  Sounds like a great trip.

As Phill said the vehicles have to be VERY clean to come here. Even then no matter how clean they will probably find  something and want to wash it. Another charge of course. Watch them as they may steal stuff from the cars. Happened to a friend of mine from Germany in Brisbane. No meats, vegetables, honey and all that sort of stuff either is allowed into Australia.

I guess you have looked at the best of all web-sites   http://www.africa- overland. net/  

along with syncro nutz as already mentioned. Busman has a Dutch pair in a dual cab on his pages



Pity the last two are only in Dutch

Have a wonderful trip.

Bruce



On 31/03/2009, at 4:30 AM, Mark Thornley wrote:


Hello All

I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and 
after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro, 
now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still 
living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on 
3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.

I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8 
people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as 
possible. The country list reads as follows:-

England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro, 
Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, 
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then 
ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks 
and finally leave for home from Brisbane.

I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a 
Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more 
comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over 
the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an 
older Westafalia Joker interior into.

There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas, 
carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly 
difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but 
I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems 
I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I 
should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or 
two of you in late Sept/Oct.

Thanks in advance.

Mark



26
Mark,
 
Looks like you will be in Melbourne at some stage.  When you can generate some dates, let me know and I will try to get some local Syncro people together to meet you.
 
Les
 
27
 
Gary
 
As you suggest, I will be justifying each spare part that I take on the basis of:-
 
1) how heavy is it?
2)howmuch does it

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyone.net> wrote:
From: Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyone.net>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 11:25 PM

Mark

I was only joking about the parts list but as everyone else has said weight will be your enemy as the Syncro is a heavy beast before you start. 

If you don't know the history of your gearbox though I suggest you have it overhauled by Aidan Talbot who seems to be the guru in the UK. If it fails on the trip it is likely to be the end of your trip as the number of specialists who can handle it or even get the parts is down to a handful worldwide. The UK seems to have lots of Syncro specialists so better to sort it there.

From everything i've read it is much cheaper to have it stripped down and have the crown and pinion bearings renewed rather than risk a failure which then destroys the C&P which is very hard to get and expensive. 

CV joints are much easier to get and at least start making a noise before failing.

Brian is right, 6 weeks just isn't enough, there is a lot to see!

Gary


[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyon e.net
www.twentytwentyone .net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782

On 01/04/2009, at 1:27 AM, mark thornley wrote:


 
Thanks for all your replies.
 
I think Gary has been looking at my provisional spares list when he says "gearbox, cv joints and 2 of everything else". I was hoping to be able to reduce it a little (but if that 's what you think I'll need!)  I am aware that keeping the weight down is a good way to avoid problems and it's easy to take too much.
Phill - Can I take you up on the offer of pdf of workshop manual and parts diagrams.  I have "Bentley" and also ETOS (I think this must be somethnig like the EKTA I have seen you talking about - looks a bit like the one VW parts dealers use).  Thanks also for the link to your syncro page - I'm off to the VW parts shop to take up some of your suggestions.
 
Thanks Brian for the suggestions on what to do in our (brief) 6 weeks in Australia.  The current plan is to land at Darwin , and drive south until we reach water again, then turn left around the coast to Brisbane.  Would love to meet you when we're in the Melbourne area, especially as there will be 3 VWs out of the 4 of us.  Beth and I would like to go across to Tasmania as Beth's mums' cousin lives there and we met him for the first time late last year.  Lots to see and so little time.
 
Thanks for the links to other sites - some I have seen, but there are a couple of ones I hadn't seen.  There's so much information around today compared to the pre-internet days.
 
Gary - Not sure whether the Land Rover owners have any Australian contacts.  They are British, currently living in Germany and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of this trip - and we haven't actually met them yet.  Not sure they have much mechanical knowledge as I got an e:mail from them 10 days ago saying it took him 2 hours to work out where the drain plug was to drain the engine oil.  I'll relay your offer to them.
 
We've planned for 5 days to clean the vehicles before shipping to Darwin, but I take note of people saying they will probably still not be clean enough.  And thanks for the warning of things disappearing during the extra cleaning at the port.
 
A couple of our fellow travellers have to be home 2 weeks before we do, 2 others are emigrating to NZ, another is a New Zealander heading home, and the remaining one is American.  She has the dubious pleasure of having to fly over Iran as they won't give her a visa!
 
Mark

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au> wrote:
From: Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 12:54 PM

Hello Mark
                  Sounds like a great trip.

As Phill said the vehicles have to be VERY clean to come here. Even then no matter how clean they will probably find  something and want to wash it. Another charge of course. Watch them as they may steal stuff from the cars. Happened to a friend of mine from Germany in Brisbane. No meats, vegetables, honey and all that sort of stuff either is allowed into Australia.

I guess you have looked at the best of all web-sites   http://www.africa- overland. net/  

along with syncro nutz as already mentioned. Busman has a Dutch pair in a dual cab on his pages



Pity the last two are only in Dutch

Have a wonderful trip.

Bruce



On 31/03/2009, at 4:30 AM, Mark Thornley wrote:


Hello All

I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and 
after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro, 
now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still 
living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on 
3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.

I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8 
people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as 
possible. The country list reads as follows:-

England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro, 
Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, 
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then 
ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks 
and finally leave for home from Brisbane.

I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a 
Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more 
comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over 
the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an 
older Westafalia Joker interior into.

There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas, 
carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly 
difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but 
I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems 
I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I 
should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or 
two of you in late Sept/Oct.

Thanks in advance.

Mark



28
 
Gary
 
As you suggest, I will be justifying each spare part that I take on the basis of:-
 
1) how heavy is it?
2)howmuch

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyone.net> wrote:
From: Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyone.net>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 11:25 PM

Mark

I was only joking about the parts list but as everyone else has said weight will be your enemy as the Syncro is a heavy beast before you start. 

If you don't know the history of your gearbox though I suggest you have it overhauled by Aidan Talbot who seems to be the guru in the UK. If it fails on the trip it is likely to be the end of your trip as the number of specialists who can handle it or even get the parts is down to a handful worldwide. The UK seems to have lots of Syncro specialists so better to sort it there.

From everything i've read it is much cheaper to have it stripped down and have the crown and pinion bearings renewed rather than risk a failure which then destroys the C&P which is very hard to get and expensive. 

CV joints are much easier to get and at least start making a noise before failing.

Brian is right, 6 weeks just isn't enough, there is a lot to see!

Gary


[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyon e.net
www.twentytwentyone .net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782

On 01/04/2009, at 1:27 AM, mark thornley wrote:


 
Thanks for all your replies.
 
I think Gary has been looking at my provisional spares list when he says "gearbox, cv joints and 2 of everything else". I was hoping to be able to reduce it a little (but if that 's what you think I'll need!)  I am aware that keeping the weight down is a good way to avoid problems and it's easy to take too much.
Phill - Can I take you up on the offer of pdf of workshop manual and parts diagrams.  I have "Bentley" and also ETOS (I think this must be somethnig like the EKTA I have seen you talking about - looks a bit like the one VW parts dealers use).  Thanks also for the link to your syncro page - I'm off to the VW parts shop to take up some of your suggestions.
 
Thanks Brian for the suggestions on what to do in our (brief) 6 weeks in Australia.  The current plan is to land at Darwin , and drive south until we reach water again, then turn left around the coast to Brisbane.  Would love to meet you when we're in the Melbourne area, especially as there will be 3 VWs out of the 4 of us.  Beth and I would like to go across to Tasmania as Beth's mums' cousin lives there and we met him for the first time late last year.  Lots to see and so little time.
 
Thanks for the links to other sites - some I have seen, but there are a couple of ones I hadn't seen.  There's so much information around today compared to the pre-internet days.
 
Gary - Not sure whether the Land Rover owners have any Australian contacts.  They are British, currently living in Germany and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of this trip - and we haven't actually met them yet.  Not sure they have much mechanical knowledge as I got an e:mail from them 10 days ago saying it took him 2 hours to work out where the drain plug was to drain the engine oil.  I'll relay your offer to them.
 
We've planned for 5 days to clean the vehicles before shipping to Darwin, but I take note of people saying they will probably still not be clean enough.  And thanks for the warning of things disappearing during the extra cleaning at the port.
 
A couple of our fellow travellers have to be home 2 weeks before we do, 2 others are emigrating to NZ, another is a New Zealander heading home, and the remaining one is American.  She has the dubious pleasure of having to fly over Iran as they won't give her a visa!
 
Mark

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au> wrote:
From: Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 12:54 PM

Hello Mark
                  Sounds like a great trip.

As Phill said the vehicles have to be VERY clean to come here. Even then no matter how clean they will probably find  something and want to wash it. Another charge of course. Watch them as they may steal stuff from the cars. Happened to a friend of mine from Germany in Brisbane. No meats, vegetables, honey and all that sort of stuff either is allowed into Australia.

I guess you have looked at the best of all web-sites   http://www.africa- overland. net/  

along with syncro nutz as already mentioned. Busman has a Dutch pair in a dual cab on his pages



Pity the last two are only in Dutch

Have a wonderful trip.

Bruce



On 31/03/2009, at 4:30 AM, Mark Thornley wrote:


Hello All

I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and 
after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro, 
now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still 
living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on 
3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.

I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8 
people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as 
possible. The country list reads as follows:-

England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro, 
Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, 
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then 
ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks 
and finally leave for home from Brisbane.

I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a 
Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more 
comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over 
the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an 
older Westafalia Joker interior into.

There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas, 
carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly 
difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but 
I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems 
I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I 
should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or 
two of you in late Sept/Oct.

Thanks in advance.

Mark



29
 
Gary
 
Sorry about the two partial replies - I think there are some gremlins in my PC. What I was about to say was: Thanks for the reply.  I agree I will need to justify each spare that I take on the basis of:-
 
1) how much does it cost
2) how heavy is it
3) what are the implications if it breaks on route
4) how easily available is it likely to be on route
 
Things like cv joints and wheel bearings fall into the "take" category, but something like a starter motor may be a "leave" - you can tow start if necessary until you can get a repair/replacement.
 
I hadn't considered the gearbox work - I don't know it's history but am not aware of any issues with it at present.  Would I spot anything at this stage that might suggest a failure in the next 30,000km?  I am intending to do oil changes on everything before leaving - is there a recommended oil for each gearbox (I have seen Redline MT discussed favourably)?
 
I am also considering what to do with wheels/tyres - currently fitted with the standard 14" rims and some almost new Kumho 185/75 14 M+S tyres which are a very road biased pattern.  Again, I hear favourable reviews of BFG tyres but realise this means a rim change to 15" to get the required weight rating.  A/T look a better fit than M/T for my journey.  I am intending to take 2 spares on rims, plus several tubes.  One spare will be in the carrier under the front (assuming ti will fit?)- should I invest in a rear carrier for the other, or does that put too much weight to the rear?
 
If I go ahead with the suggested gearbox work, should I spend more and at least get a rear difflock fitted - non currently fitted?
 
Once we get a bit closer to departure date and have a clearer route plan, I'll let you all know, and hope to meet up with several of you if we pass nearby.
 
Many thanks again
 
Mark
 


--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyone.net> wrote:
From: Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyone.net>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 11:25 PM

Mark

I was only joking about the parts list but as everyone else has said weight will be your enemy as the Syncro is a heavy beast before you start. 

If you don't know the history of your gearbox though I suggest you have it overhauled by Aidan Talbot who seems to be the guru in the UK. If it fails on the trip it is likely to be the end of your trip as the number of specialists who can handle it or even get the parts is down to a handful worldwide. The UK seems to have lots of Syncro specialists so better to sort it there.

From everything i've read it is much cheaper to have it stripped down and have the crown and pinion bearings renewed rather than risk a failure which then destroys the C&P which is very hard to get and expensive. 

CV joints are much easier to get and at least start making a noise before failing.

Brian is right, 6 weeks just isn't enough, there is a lot to see!

Gary


[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyon e.net
www.twentytwentyone .net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782

On 01/04/2009, at 1:27 AM, mark thornley wrote:


 
Thanks for all your replies.
 
I think Gary has been looking at my provisional spares list when he says "gearbox, cv joints and 2 of everything else". I was hoping to be able to reduce it a little (but if that 's what you think I'll need!)  I am aware that keeping the weight down is a good way to avoid problems and it's easy to take too much.
Phill - Can I take you up on the offer of pdf of workshop manual and parts diagrams.  I have "Bentley" and also ETOS (I think this must be somethnig like the EKTA I have seen you talking about - looks a bit like the one VW parts dealers use).  Thanks also for the link to your syncro page - I'm off to the VW parts shop to take up some of your suggestions.
 
Thanks Brian for the suggestions on what to do in our (brief) 6 weeks in Australia.  The current plan is to land at Darwin , and drive south until we reach water again, then turn left around the coast to Brisbane.  Would love to meet you when we're in the Melbourne area, especially as there will be 3 VWs out of the 4 of us.  Beth and I would like to go across to Tasmania as Beth's mums' cousin lives there and we met him for the first time late last year.  Lots to see and so little time.
 
Thanks for the links to other sites - some I have seen, but there are a couple of ones I hadn't seen.  There's so much information around today compared to the pre-internet days.
 
Gary - Not sure whether the Land Rover owners have any Australian contacts.  They are British, currently living in Germany and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of this trip - and we haven't actually met them yet.  Not sure they have much mechanical knowledge as I got an e:mail from them 10 days ago saying it took him 2 hours to work out where the drain plug was to drain the engine oil.  I'll relay your offer to them.
 
We've planned for 5 days to clean the vehicles before shipping to Darwin, but I take note of people saying they will probably still not be clean enough.  And thanks for the warning of things disappearing during the extra cleaning at the port.
 
A couple of our fellow travellers have to be home 2 weeks before we do, 2 others are emigrating to NZ, another is a New Zealander heading home, and the remaining one is American.  She has the dubious pleasure of having to fly over Iran as they won't give her a visa!
 
Mark

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au> wrote:
From: Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 12:54 PM

Hello Mark
                  Sounds like a great trip.

As Phill said the vehicles have to be VERY clean to come here. Even then no matter how clean they will probably find  something and want to wash it. Another charge of course. Watch them as they may steal stuff from the cars. Happened to a friend of mine from Germany in Brisbane. No meats, vegetables, honey and all that sort of stuff either is allowed into Australia.

I guess you have looked at the best of all web-sites   http://www.africa- overland. net/  

along with syncro nutz as already mentioned. Busman has a Dutch pair in a dual cab on his pages



Pity the last two are only in Dutch

Have a wonderful trip.

Bruce



On 31/03/2009, at 4:30 AM, Mark Thornley wrote:


Hello All

I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and 
after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro, 
now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still 
living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on 
3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.

I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8 
people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as 
possible. The country list reads as follows:-

England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro, 
Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, 
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then 
ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks 
and finally leave for home from Brisbane.

I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a 
Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more 
comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over 
the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an 
older Westafalia Joker interior into.

There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas, 
carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly 
difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but 
I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems 
I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I 
should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or 
two of you in late Sept/Oct.

Thanks in advance.

Mark



30
�
> Things like cv joints and wheel bearings fall into the "take" category,

Get a complete front axle. The inner CVs will fit the rears.
Carry a spare outer front CV boot and cable ties as well.

Spare distributor + a lead.

(You can sell your spares in Australia)




�
> I hadn't considered the gearbox work - I don't know it's history but am
> not aware of any issues with it at present.� Would I spot anything at
> this stage that might suggest a failure in the next 30,000km?� I am
> intending to do oil changes on everything before leaving - is there a
> recommended oil for each gearbox (I have seen Redline MT discussed
> favourably)?
> �

Get a decoupler. If you have a VC go hard, you can still drive. If you damage a tyre and cannot get the same size, you can still drive.







> I am also considering what to do with wheels/tyres - currently fitted
> with the standard 14" rims and some almost new Kumho 185/75 14 M+S tyres
> which are a very road biased pattern.� Again, I hear favourable reviews
> of BFG tyres but realise this means a rim change to 15" to get the
> required weight rating.� A/T look a better fit than M/T for my journey.�
> I am intending to take 2 spares on rims, plus several tubes.� One spare
> will be in the carrier under the front (assuming ti will fit?)- should I
> invest in a rear carrier for the other, or does that put too much weight
> to the rear?
> �

They originally came with the spare on the rear. If you have a full size spare on the rear and a decoupler, you can keep a 14" for emergencies under the front.


Email me your postal address and I will send a disk
plander@optusnet.com.au

Phill
31
Hi Mark

Phil's advice re the complete front axle sounds like a good one. I'd be changing all the rubber boots on your current ones if you don't know their age, if they split you'll be ruining a good cv pretty quickly.

Sounds like you are likely to encounter a lot of dirt roads so stone guards for the front cvs would be good if you don't have them already. Have a look on Busman.be and Brickwerks.

Wheels and tyres are a constant battle for the Syncro. There is a massive amount of info on the club80-90 site which will be good for you because of your location. You might even pick up a set of wheels. Go for 15" as the range of tyres is much greater and something all terrain. Remember you need to have all of them exactly the same size and regularly rotate them to keep them wearing evenly and avoid damage to your Viscous Coupling. A 15" will fit in the carrier at the front with some minor mods or by deflating the tyre. Again a google or a read through some earlier posts on this site will get you more info.

Mercedes car wheels fit from the e or c class but a set of South African VW 15s might come up or even some genuine VW 16s.


If I were you I'd be giving Aidan Talbot a call and telling him your plans and see what he suggests re the transmission.


If you don't know the history of the trans or the VC i think a major overhaul would be in order. Nothing like a fully loaded vehicle and some long hours on the road to give it all a workout.

I'm pretty sure the guys at syncronutz would be happy to give you some advice too and they've prepped vehicles and driven them through Africa.

Have a look at the gold hitop they built here

Can you tell I spend long hours in front of a computer?

Cheers
Gary

[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyone.net
www.twentytwentyone.net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782

On 02/04/2009, at 12:03 AM, mark thornley wrote:


 
Gary
 
Sorry about the two partial replies - I think there are some gremlins in my PC. What I was about to say was: Thanks for the reply.  I agree I will need to justify each spare that I take on the basis of:-
 
1) how much does it cost
2) how heavy is it
3) what are the implications if it breaks on route
4) how easily available is it likely to be on route
 
Things like cv joints and wheel bearings fall into the "take" category, but something like a starter motor may be a "leave" - you can tow start if necessary until you can get a repair/replacement.
 
I hadn't considered the gearbox work - I don't know it's history but am not aware of any issues with it at present.  Would I spot anything at this stage that might suggest a failure in the next 30,000km?  I am intending to do oil changes on everything before leaving - is there a recommended oil for each gearbox (I have seen Redline MT discussed favourably)?
 
I am also considering what to do with wheels/tyres - currently fitted with the standard 14" rims and some almost new Kumho 185/75 14 M+S tyres which are a very road biased pattern.  Again, I hear favourable reviews of BFG tyres but realise this means a rim change to 15" to get the required weight rating.  A/T look a better fit than M/T for my journey.  I am intending to take 2 spares on rims, plus several tubes.  One spare will be in the carrier under the front (assuming ti will fit?)- should I invest in a rear carrier for the other, or does that put too much weight to the rear?
 
If I go ahead with the suggested gearbox work, should I spend more and at least get a rear difflock fitted - non currently fitted?
 
Once we get a bit closer to departure date and have a clearer route plan, I'll let you all know, and hope to meet up with several of you if we pass nearby.
 
Many thanks again
 
Mark
 


--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyon e.net> wrote:
From: Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyon e.net>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 11:25 PM

Mark

I was only joking about the parts list but as everyone else has said weight will be your enemy as the Syncro is a heavy beast before you start. 

If you don't know the history of your gearbox though I suggest you have it overhauled by Aidan Talbot who seems to be the guru in the UK. If it fails on the trip it is likely to be the end of your trip as the number of specialists who can handle it or even get the parts is down to a handful worldwide. The UK seems to have lots of Syncro specialists so better to sort it there.

From everything i've read it is much cheaper to have it stripped down and have the crown and pinion bearings renewed rather than risk a failure which then destroys the C&P which is very hard to get and expensive. 

CV joints are much easier to get and at least start making a noise before failing.

Brian is right, 6 weeks just isn't enough, there is a lot to see!

Gary


[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyon e.net
www.twentytwentyone .net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782

On 01/04/2009, at 1:27 AM, mark thornley wrote:


 
Thanks for all your replies.
 
I think Gary has been looking at my provisional spares list when he says "gearbox, cv joints and 2 of everything else". I was hoping to be able to reduce it a little (but if that 's what you think I'll need!)  I am aware that keeping the weight down is a good way to avoid problems and it's easy to take too much.
Phill - Can I take you up on the offer of pdf of workshop manual and parts diagrams.  I have "Bentley" and also ETOS (I think this must be somethnig like the EKTA I have seen you talking about - looks a bit like the one VW parts dealers use).  Thanks also for the link to your syncro page - I'm off to the VW parts shop to take up some of your suggestions.
 
Thanks Brian for the suggestions on what to do in our (brief) 6 weeks in Australia.  The current plan is to land at Darwin , and drive south until we reach water again, then turn left around the coast to Brisbane.  Would love to meet you when we're in the Melbourne area, especially as there will be 3 VWs out of the 4 of us.  Beth and I would like to go across to Tasmania as Beth's mums' cousin lives there and we met him for the first time late last year.  Lots to see and so little time.
 
Thanks for the links to other sites - some I have seen, but there are a couple of ones I hadn't seen.  There's so much information around today compared to the pre-internet days.
 
Gary - Not sure whether the Land Rover owners have any Australian contacts.  They are British, currently living in Germany and emigrating to New Zealand at the end of this trip - and we haven't actually met them yet.  Not sure they have much mechanical knowledge as I got an e:mail from them 10 days ago saying it took him 2 hours to work out where the drain plug was to drain the engine oil.  I'll relay your offer to them.
 
We've planned for 5 days to clean the vehicles before shipping to Darwin, but I take note of people saying they will probably still not be clean enough.  And thanks for the warning of things disappearing during the extra cleaning at the port.
 
A couple of our fellow travellers have to be home 2 weeks before we do, 2 others are emigrating to NZ, another is a New Zealander heading home, and the remaining one is American.  She has the dubious pleasure of having to fly over Iran as they won't give her a visa!
 
Mark

--- On Tue, 31/3/09, Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au> wrote:
From: Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt. net.au>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 12:54 PM

Hello Mark
                  Sounds like a great trip.

As Phill said the vehicles have to be VERY clean to come here. Even then no matter how clean they will probably find  something and want to wash it. Another charge of course. Watch them as they may steal stuff from the cars. Happened to a friend of mine from Germany in Brisbane. No meats, vegetables, honey and all that sort of stuff either is allowed into Australia.

I guess you have looked at the best of all web-sites   http://www.africa- overland. net/  

along with syncro nutz as already mentioned. Busman has a Dutch pair in a dual cab on his pages



Pity the last two are only in Dutch

Have a wonderful trip.

Bruce



On 31/03/2009, at 4:30 AM, Mark Thornley wrote:


Hello All

I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and 
after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro, 
now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still 
living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on 
3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.

I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8 
people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as 
possible. The country list reads as follows:-

England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro, 
Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, 
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, then 
ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks 
and finally leave for home from Brisbane.

I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been a 
Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more 
comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over 
the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an 
older Westafalia Joker interior into.

There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas, 
carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly 
difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but 
I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle problems 
I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I 
should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or 
two of you in late Sept/Oct.

Thanks in advance.

Mark





32
Just a quick tip.

The air filter elements that I have seen on UK & German syncros are the round types. These are not suitable for Australias dusty conditions. The Australian syncros came with the heavy duty oval shaped element.



> mark thornley <mark.thornley@btinternet.com> wrote:
>
> �
> Thanks for all your replies.
> �
> I think Gary has been looking at my provisional spares list when he says
> "gearbox, cv joints and 2 of everything else". I was hoping to be able
> to reduce it a little (but if that 's what you think I'll need!)� I am
> aware that keeping the weight down is a good way to avoid problems and
> it's easy to take too much.
>
> Phill - Can I take you up on the offer of pdf of workshop manual and
> parts diagrams.� I have "Bentley" and also ETOS (I think this must be
> somethnig like the EKTA I have seen you talking about - looks a bit like
> the one VW parts dealers use).� Thanks also for the link to your syncro
> page - I'm off to the VW parts shop to take up some of your suggestions.
> �
> Thanks Brian for the suggestions on what to do in our (brief) 6 weeks in
> Australia.� The current plan is to land at Darwin , and drive south
> until we reach water again, then turn left around the coast to
> Brisbane.� Would love to meet you when we're in the Melbourne area,
> especially as there will be 3 VWs out of the 4 of us.� Beth and I would
> like to go across to Tasmania as Beth's mums' cousin lives there and we
> met him for the first time late last year.� Lots to see and so little
> time.
> �
> Thanks for the links to other sites - some I have seen, but there are a
> couple of ones I hadn't seen.� There's so much information around today
> compared to the pre-internet days.
> �
> Gary - Not sure whether the Land Rover owners have any Australian
> contacts.� They are British, currently living in Germany and emigrating
> to New Zealand at the end of this trip - and we haven't actually met
> them yet.� Not sure they have much mechanical knowledge as I got an
> e:mail from them 10 days ago saying it took him 2 hours to work out
> where the drain plug was to drain the engine oil.� I'll relay your offer
> to them.
> �
> We've�planned for�5 days to clean the vehicles before shipping to
> Darwin, but I take note of people saying they will probably still not be
> clean enough.� And thanks for the warning of things disappearing during
> the extra cleaning at the port.
> �
> A couple of our fellow travellers have to be home 2 weeks before we do,
> 2 others are emigrating to NZ, another is a New Zealander heading home,
> and the remaining one is American.� She has the dubious pleasure of
> having to fly over Iran as they won't give her a visa!
> �
> Mark
>
> --- On Tue, 31/3/09, Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt.net.au> wrote:
>
> From: Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt.net.au>
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Syncro Trip
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Tuesday, 31 March, 2009, 12:54 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello Mark
> �� � � � � � � � �Sounds like a great trip.
>
>
> As Phill said the vehicles have to be VERY clean to come here. Even then
> no matter how clean they will probably�find� something and want to wash
> it. Another charge of course. Watch them as they may steal stuff from
> the cars. Happened to a friend of mine from Germany in Brisbane. No
> meats, vegetables, honey and all that sort of stuff either is allowed
> into Australia.
>
>
> I guess you have looked at the best of all web-sites
> ��http://www.africa- overland. net/��
>
>
> busman.be
> along with syncro nutz as already mentioned. Busman has a Dutch pair in
> a dual cab on his pages
>
>
> www.whereisthebus. nl
>
>
> And �http://www.gijsenji ldou.web- log.nl/ �
>
>
> Pity the last two are only in Dutch
>
>
> Have a wonderful trip.
>
>
> Bruce
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 31/03/2009, at 4:30 AM, Mark Thornley wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hello All
>
> I've been a member of this group just a few weeks now (thanks Les) and�
> after reading Tony Ricketts "interesting" journey with his new Syncro,�
> now seems the ideal time to introduce myself. I am English (still�
> living in England) and the reason I asked to join the group is that on�
> 3rd July this year I will leave to drive to Australia in my Syncro.
>
> I am traveling with a small group (2 VW Beetles and a Land Rover - 8�
> people in all) and we plan to do as much of the route overland as�
> possible. The country list reads as follows:-
>
> England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro,�
> Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal,
> China,�
> Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor,
> then�
> ship to Darwin, (hopefully) drive around Australia for around 6 weeks�
> and finally leave for home from Brisbane.
>
> I bought the Syncro specifically for the trip - previously I have been
> a�
> Land Rovers fan, but my other half wanted something a little more�
> comfortable. It's not my first VW (I've had 5 Golfs and a Beetle over�
> the years). It's a LHD 2.1 MV Multivan, which I am currently fitting an�
> older Westafalia Joker interior into.
>
> There is lots of preparation going on at present - obtaining visas,�
> carnets, return shipping, arranging travel through China (particularly�
> difficult), watching advice on the situation in Pakistan etc. etc., but�
> I'm hoping you experts will be able to guide me in what vehicle
> problems�
> I might encounter, what spares to take and any specific preparation I�
> should be doing. And hopefully I might get the chance to meet one or�
> two of you in late Sept/Oct.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Mark
33
 
Thanks Phill
 
I'll have a look around for the oval air filter - haven't noticed them for sale here.  Do they fit in the same housing?  I'd bought a K&N round filter and have oil/cleaner to take.  Was hoping this would be sufficient (along with a couple of spare paper filters)
 
Been in contact with Aidan Talbot regarding the gearbox and front diff.  I will do an oil change on both, looking carefully at what comes out and anything attached to the drain plugs before deciding whether to have them checked internally.
 
Mark

--- On Fri, 3/4/09, plander@optusnet.com.au <plander@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
From: plander@optusnet.com.au <plander@optusnet.com.au>
Subject: Re: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Syncro Trip
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, 3 April, 2009, 7:04 AM

Just a quick tip.

The air filter elements that I have seen on UK & German syncros are the
round types. These are not suitable for Australias dusty conditions. The
Australian syncros came with the heavy duty oval shaped element.
34
> I'll have a look around for the oval air filter - haven't noticed them
> for sale here.� Do they�fit in the same housing?�

Yes, they fit in the same housing.
Ask at a dealers.
35
Syncro forum members,

I am thinking of putting together a list on a web page of spares to carry on extended trips. Any suggestions are welcome.





Mark,
DVD posted Monday.
Let me know when it arrives.



> Phill - Can I take you up on the offer of pdf of workshop manual and
> parts diagrams.� I have "Bentley" and also ETOS (I think this must be
> somethnig like the EKTA I have seen you talking about - looks a bit like
> the one VW parts dealers use).� Thanks also for the link to your syncro
> page - I'm off to the VW parts shop to take up some of your suggestions.
> �
36
NRMA plus and a mobile phone. Essential spares for syncro owners. Bill.
37
--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "tonyricketts99" <ricketts.tony@...> wrote:
>Hi Ken and Les RE: FREE 20F3 RECALL !

Further to the post below from Ken I can confirm that the engine number of Werners Syncro is MV071575 and the VIN No WV2ZZZ25ZLGO62096
is it possible to tell from this info if the van is eligible for the free recall now that I have purchased the add on wiring harness ?
The van already has a sticker on it which says "Recall Code 20R3"
"Date Completed 5/7/95" "Dealer No DO56" but as the add on wiring harness was not on the van I assume that this sticker refers to some other recall problem !
Any advice would be appreciated
Tony


> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@>
> wrote:
> >This is Trevor Tonys son, dad has broken down in Iron Knob and is awaiting delivery of afm mod.wire harness which should arrive thur am by post if he s lucky.. what an adventure he is having.. :)
> >
> > Gday Les,
> >
> > I tend to think that whereas the symptoms described below are fairly
> > typical when a fault occurs somewhere in the Digifant ECU management
> > system, the cause of those similar symptoms in each affected vehicle can
> > be many and varied, hence the need to work ones way through the list of
> > digifant system components etc as per Peter Kestels contributions list
> > in the files section, starting with the easier ones first. After nearly
> > 20 years, things are going to fail sooner than later.
> >
> > My recent syncro symptoms were very much the same, yet what was the
> > greatest help in my case was the addition of the AFM "vanagon syndrome"
> > add-on wiring harness that deals with correcting abherrant
> > "palpitations" of the air flow flap in the AFM.
> >
> > If in Tonys case there is identified an injector seal problem, I'd very
> > quickly establish one way or the other whether or not that syncro is
> > eligible for the free VAG 20F3 recall involving the replacement of all
> > injectors and fuel lines and associated connectors in the engine bay.
> > That is worth quite a tidy sum of money, done for gratis. This recall is
> > for vehicles manufactured 1990-1992 and provided they are the original
> > motors still in place. A check of VIN (and possibly engine numbers if
> > they are diligant), establishes eligibility.
> >
> > If this vehicle is of 1990-1992 manufacture, then I for one have the VIN
> > eligibility list. Or probably Phill has it anyway.
> >
> > Cheers.
> >
> > Ken
> >
> >
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris"
> > <leslieharris@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Sunday 1PM Melbourne time.
> > >
> > > Tony Ricketts has just called from a place about 20 km north of
> > Adelaide.
> > >
> > > He came to Melbourne and bought the late Werner Tritt's Syncro. He had
> > two problems on the spot - fuel pump and 02 sensor, both replaced by
> > Lloyd Davis at Volkwerke.
> > >
> > > He now has a fading problem. It runs OK for 10 or so km, then begins
> > to miss. Stop for 10 minutes and it is fine for about the same amount of
> > running, then begins to miss again.
> > >
> > > This could be an AFM problem. Any other suggestions?
> > >
> > > Alf Ando, are you online and can you help.
> > >
> > > Tony's mobile is 0427 828 652.
> > >
> > > Les
> > >
> >
>
38
> >Hi Ken and Les RE: FREE 20F3 RECALL !
>

The 20F3 recall was for the fuel injector replacement.

The harness to fix Vanagon syndrome was never a recall and was only fitted free under warranty.
39
Gday Tony,

Sorry for this belated reply as I have been away for some time,
returning home only today after driving 2260 klms and the syncro didn't
miss a beat, despite my concerns prior to leaving and similar troubles
you were experiencing at the time.

The VIN no. you nominated was/is indeed eligible for the 20F3 recall.
However I suspect the recall sticker you refer to as marked "20R3", you
can assume is really the "2oF3" we are speaking of. Usually they simply
inscribe on the sticker in their own handwriting using a normal biro, so
it's either a badly written "F" or the inscriber has made a handwritten
incorrect notation.

So no additional recall assistance is available to you. Still, if you
still want to pursue this matter to satisfy yourself, VAG keeps a record
of all completed recalls so they won't do the recall again if they find
a recall already done with that same VIN number. As the injectors were
replaced some 14 years ago under that recall, enough time has passed
since such that injector problems could well re-occur (in your case, the
seals).

Sadly, travelling some 16 days through western and north-western NSW, I
failed to see any syncros at all. Hopefully they were there, simply
garaged and being mollycoddled by besotted syncronauts.

Cheers.

Ken




--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "tonyricketts99"
<ricketts.tony@...> wrote:
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "tonyricketts99"
ricketts.tony@ wrote:
> >Hi Ken and Les RE: FREE 20F3 RECALL !
>
> Further to the post below from Ken I can confirm that the engine
number of Werners Syncro is MV071575 and the VIN No WV2ZZZ25ZLGO62096
> is it possible to tell from this info if the van is eligible for the
free recall now that I have purchased the add on wiring harness ?
> The van already has a sticker on it which says "Recall Code 20R3"
> "Date Completed 5/7/95" "Dealer No DO56" but as the add on wiring
harness was not on the van I assume that this sticker refers to some
other recall problem !
> Any advice would be appreciated
> Tony
>
>
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@>
> > wrote:
> > >This is Trevor Tonys son, dad has broken down in Iron Knob and is
awaiting delivery of afm mod.wire harness which should arrive thur am by
post if he s lucky.. what an adventure he is having.. :)
> > >
> > > Gday Les,
> > >
> > > I tend to think that whereas the symptoms described below are
fairly
> > > typical when a fault occurs somewhere in the Digifant ECU
management
> > > system, the cause of those similar symptoms in each affected
vehicle can
> > > be many and varied, hence the need to work ones way through the
list of
> > > digifant system components etc as per Peter Kestels contributions
list
> > > in the files section, starting with the easier ones first. After
nearly
> > > 20 years, things are going to fail sooner than later.
> > >
> > > My recent syncro symptoms were very much the same, yet what was
the
> > > greatest help in my case was the addition of the AFM "vanagon
syndrome"
> > > add-on wiring harness that deals with correcting abherrant
> > > "palpitations" of the air flow flap in the AFM.
> > >
> > > If in Tonys case there is identified an injector seal problem, I'd
very
> > > quickly establish one way or the other whether or not that syncro
is
> > > eligible for the free VAG 20F3 recall involving the replacement of
all
> > > injectors and fuel lines and associated connectors in the engine
bay.
> > > That is worth quite a tidy sum of money, done for gratis. This
recall is
> > > for vehicles manufactured 1990-1992 and provided they are the
original
> > > motors still in place. A check of VIN (and possibly engine numbers
if
> > > they are diligant), establishes eligibility.
> > >
> > > If this vehicle is of 1990-1992 manufacture, then I for one have
the VIN
> > > eligibility list. Or probably Phill has it anyway.
> > >
> > > Cheers.
> > >
> > > Ken
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris"
> > > <leslieharris@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Sunday 1PM Melbourne time.
> > > >
> > > > Tony Ricketts has just called from a place about 20 km north of
> > > Adelaide.
> > > >
> > > > He came to Melbourne and bought the late Werner Tritt's Syncro.
He had
> > > two problems on the spot - fuel pump and 02 sensor, both replaced
by
> > > Lloyd Davis at Volkwerke.
> > > >
> > > > He now has a fading problem. It runs OK for 10 or so km, then
begins
> > > to miss. Stop for 10 minutes and it is fine for about the same
amount of
> > > running, then begins to miss again.
> > > >
> > > > This could be an AFM problem. Any other suggestions?
> > > >
> > > > Alf Ando, are you online and can you help.
> > > >
> > > > Tony's mobile is 0427 828 652.
> > > >
> > > > Les
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
40
--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
>
> Gday Tony,
>
> Sorry for this belated reply as I have been away for some time,
> returning home only today after driving 2260 klms and the syncro didn't
> miss a beat, despite my concerns prior to leaving and similar troubles
> you were experiencing at the time.
>
> The VIN no. you nominated was/is indeed eligible for the 20F3 recall.
> However I suspect the recall sticker you refer to as marked "20R3", you
> can assume is really the "2oF3" we are speaking of. Usually they simply
> inscribe on the sticker in their own handwriting using a normal biro, so
> it's either a badly written "F" or the inscriber has made a handwritten
> incorrect notation.
>
> So no additional recall assistance is available to you. Still, if you
> still want to pursue this matter to satisfy yourself, VAG keeps a record
> of all completed recalls so they won't do the recall again if they find
> a recall already done with that same VIN number. As the injectors were
> replaced some 14 years ago under that recall, enough time has passed
> since such that injector problems could well re-occur (in your case, the
> seals).
>
> Sadly, travelling some 16 days through western and north-western NSW, I
> failed to see any syncros at all. Hopefully they were there, simply
> garaged and being mollycoddled by besotted syncronauts.
>
> Cheers.
>
> Ken
>
>
>
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "tonyricketts99"
> <ricketts.tony@> wrote:
> >
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "tonyricketts99"
> ricketts.tony@ wrote:
> > >Hi Ken and Les RE: FREE 20F3 RECALL !
> >
> > Further to the post below from Ken I can confirm that the engine
> number of Werners Syncro is MV071575 and the VIN No WV2ZZZ25ZLGO62096
> > is it possible to tell from this info if the van is eligible for the
> free recall now that I have purchased the add on wiring harness ?
> > The van already has a sticker on it which says "Recall Code 20R3"
> > "Date Completed 5/7/95" "Dealer No DO56" but as the add on wiring
> harness was not on the van I assume that this sticker refers to some
> other recall problem !
> > Any advice would be appreciated
> > Tony
> >
> >
> > > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken" <unclekenz@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >This is Trevor Tonys son, dad has broken down in Iron Knob and is
> awaiting delivery of afm mod.wire harness which should arrive thur am by
> post if he s lucky.. what an adventure he is having.. :)
> > > >
> > > > Gday Les,
> > > >
> > > > I tend to think that whereas the symptoms described below are
> fairly
> > > > typical when a fault occurs somewhere in the Digifant ECU
> management
> > > > system, the cause of those similar symptoms in each affected
> vehicle can
> > > > be many and varied, hence the need to work ones way through the
> list of
> > > > digifant system components etc as per Peter Kestels contributions
> list
> > > > in the files section, starting with the easier ones first. After
> nearly
> > > > 20 years, things are going to fail sooner than later.
> > > >
> > > > My recent syncro symptoms were very much the same, yet what was
> the
> > > > greatest help in my case was the addition of the AFM "vanagon
> syndrome"
> > > > add-on wiring harness that deals with correcting abherrant
> > > > "palpitations" of the air flow flap in the AFM.
> > > >
> > > > If in Tonys case there is identified an injector seal problem, I'd
> very
> > > > quickly establish one way or the other whether or not that syncro
> is
> > > > eligible for the free VAG 20F3 recall involving the replacement of
> all
> > > > injectors and fuel lines and associated connectors in the engine
> bay.
> > > > That is worth quite a tidy sum of money, done for gratis. This
> recall is
> > > > for vehicles manufactured 1990-1992 and provided they are the
> original
> > > > motors still in place. A check of VIN (and possibly engine numbers
> if
> > > > they are diligant), establishes eligibility.
> > > >
> > > > If this vehicle is of 1990-1992 manufacture, then I for one have
> the VIN
> > > > eligibility list. Or probably Phill has it anyway.
> > > >
> > > > Cheers.
> > > >
> > > > Ken
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris"
> > > > <leslieharris@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Sunday 1PM Melbourne time.
> > > > >
> > > > > Tony Ricketts has just called from a place about 20 km north of
> > > > Adelaide.
> > > > >
> > > > > He came to Melbourne and bought the late Werner Tritt's Syncro.
> He had
> > > > two problems on the spot - fuel pump and 02 sensor, both replaced
> by
> > > > Lloyd Davis at Volkwerke.
> > > > >
> > > > > He now has a fading problem. It runs OK for 10 or so km, then
> begins
> > > > to miss. Stop for 10 minutes and it is fine for about the same
> amount of
> > > > running, then begins to miss again.
> > > > >
> > > > > This could be an AFM problem. Any other suggestions?
> > > > >
> > > > > Alf Ando, are you online and can you help.
> > > > >
> > > > > Tony's mobile is 0427 828 652.
> > > > >
> > > > > Les
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
Gday Ken,

Glad to hear your long trip was uneventful and your Syncro dident miss a beat, as indeed nor did mine after Whyella where the new wiring harness was fitted ! Yes the sticker does state 20F3 so that must mean that the warranty issue is now closed.
Now that Ive made it home I too can start to mollycoddle mine !
Cheers
Tony