Australia Trip

21
See you on Sunday at Old Bar Hart.

Best of luck Theo & Hart with the repair works.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 9:59 AM, Hartmut Kiehn hartis@live.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:
Yes, leaving Friday early home Saturday lunch time.
Hartmut

Sent from my WalkingStick!

On 01/10/2014, at 9:02 AM, "Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hartmut,

Are you still in Narromine?

Theo

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 16:52
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Australia Trip

Hi Theo, if you passing Narromine airfield , drive in you find me easily you can stay at the campgrounds and we can look at the problem

Hartmut


Sent from my WalkingStick!


On 29/09/2014, at 4:47 PM, "Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hi All,

Thanks for all the good wishes, unfortunately this is already my first SOS.

35K before Dubbo the cooling water is boiling - red light comes on.

The overflow container is full, also the fan has not come on for a few days.

Fan fuse is ok.

The LPG system plays up - running on petrol for now.

Any suggestion?

We hopefully we can limp to Dubbo

Cheers - not too happy!

Theo & Christine

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 27 September 2014 07:56
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Australia Trip

I wish you both well.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 27 September 2014 07:34
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Australia Trip

Hi All,

Something different to “ladders & water tanks”. By the way Scott, you are doing a great job at good prices.

I got my water tank done locally and not any cheaper.

We are finally off on our Australian trip and we hope we never have to send an SOS on this forum.

Our first major stop will be Redcliffe Qld. So we will still be in familiar territory.

The fun will start after Christine meets up with her siblings.

Cheers,

Theo & Christine


22
Dubbo where I did my clutch 2 years ago, spooky!

Sent from my iPad

On 29 Sep 2014, at 12:58 pm, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Theo, there is definitely some syncro voodoo going on in the Dubbo area! Harts ya man if you can get there. Can you give us more details? Is it just blowing the coolant out the res? Eddie had this on his fresh engine and he retorqued the heads. Greg
 
From: "Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, 29 September 2014, 16:47
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Australia Trip

 
Hi All,
Thanks for all the good wishes, unfortunately this is already my first SOS.
35K before Dubbo the cooling water is boiling - red light comes on.
The overflow container is full, also the fan has not come on for a few days.
Fan fuse is ok.
The LPG system plays up - running on petrol for now.
Any suggestion?
We hopefully we can limp to Dubbo
Cheers - not too happy!
Theo & Christine
 


From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 27 September 2014 07:56
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Australia Trip
 
 
I wish you both well.
Les
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 27 September 2014 07:34
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Australia Trip
Hi All,
Something different to “ladders & water tanks”. By the way  Scott, you are doing a great job at good prices.
I got my water tank done locally and not any cheaper.
We are finally off on our Australian trip and we hope we never have to send an SOS on this forum.
Our first major stop will be Redcliffe Qld. So we will  still be in familiar territory.
The fun will start after Christine meets up with her siblings.
Cheers,
Theo & Christine


23
Hello Theo
Hope the trip is going well for you now you are past Dubbo.

If you are coming up the Qld coast and are going through Rockhampton you are welcome to camp in our backyard. I live at Gracemere just out of Rocky. Send an email blackba3@gmail.com or give me a ring on 0427046683 just to make sure I will be around. Been going to Brisbane a bit lately.

I'm not set up like Harts very friendly place but we have plenty of room.

Bruce CQ
24
Hi Bruce , been a while since you visited with your daughters T3. Is she still enjoying it or has it been replaced with something a bit less flashy??
Thanks for the info on the T6 TriStar . But No not in the market for one. Tray too small, only 2doors ? Ground clearance ? Will stick with the original.
Hope to see you sometime somewhere....
Hart

Sent from my iPad

On 14 Oct 2014, at 9:51 am, "'Alison & Bruce Black' blackba3@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hello Theo
                  Hope the trip is going well for you now you are past Dubbo.

 If you are coming up the Qld coast and are going through Rockhampton you are welcome to camp in our backyard. I live at Gracemere just out of Rocky. Send an email    blackba3@gmail.com    or give me a ring on   0427046683   just to make sure I will be around. Been going to Brisbane a bit lately.

I'm not set up like Harts very friendly place but we have plenty of room.

Bruce CQ

25
Hello Hart
Has been a while since I visited, unfortunately I couldn't get to Valla this year.

My daughter still has her T3 but it hasn't had much use in the last 11 months as she has been dealing with her 5 year old son who has a brain tumor. Although the weekend before last she had an overnight away in it by herself.

So no T6 for you Hart, well I guess it is confession time for me...... I've bought a new T5 4Motion, took delivery in July. Drives very nicely but no ground clearance or under body protection like the syncro. Had a pop-top fitted and am in the process of doing a basic camping conversion.

Regards

Bruce CQ


On Tue, Oct 14, 2014 at 8:48 PM, Hartmut Kiehn hartis@live.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hi Bruce , been a while since you visited with your daughters T3. Is she still enjoying it or has it been replaced with something a bit less flashy??
Thanks for the info on the T6 TriStar . But No not in the market for one. Tray too small, only 2doors ? Ground clearance ? Will stick with the original.
Hope to see you sometime somewhere....
Hart

Sent from my iPad


26

Hi All,

 

Our first off road drive, up a steep hill near Gympie, & from Rainbow Beach to Noosa along the beach.

The van went ok, however I wasn’t impressed with the engine performance.

So I took the opportunity to talk to – AM Auto Services – in Noosaville  about a Subaru engine conversion.

Now they do the whole job with a 1999-2003  2.5 EJ engine for about $12,000.

How many on this Forum have done an engine conversion & did it work out ok?

 

Cheers,

Theo & Christine

 

27
I have an EJ22 in one of my Syncros, towed a 2WD van back from Townsville to Mackay with it about a month back. Cruised on about 90kph while running on 215/65R16 tyres(Tiguan), plenty of power but did drink a bit of fuel towing 2t. 

Topped the van out at 132kph(not while towing of course), sure it would go quicker but what is the point. Went to the EJ22 as the WBX needed work and I consider them to be a money pit of poor design. Fixed up a Unicap adapter plate I had and used the Smallcar sump/engine mount/header and other bits.

Did the loom conversion myself. Cost a hell of a lot less than $12 000 but the later EJ25s do cost more.
28
Theo. Is there any way you can jettison some weight? The difference in performance between my old telstra syncro with just a mattress in the back at 1800kg and my fully loaded camper at 2300kg is enormous. When touring i'm guilty of keeping the water tanks full, both fuel tanks full, more spares and tools than i need. Beer fridge full, enough food to last for months. Way too much really. I do notice the difference in performance towards the end of a trip when supplies are low, water low tank low. Long range tank empty, beer running out. Anybody got ideas to save weight? Heres a few.
Remove old steel bullbar.
remove tow bar if not needed.
Only fill long range tank in remote areas.
Half fill water tank if not remote.
carefully select tools and spares.
Buy supplies for just a few days if not remote.
leave kids with grandparents unless we are the grandparents. Bill
29
I like the last one Bill, especially because I am not a grandparent.
From: "marg_bill@westnet.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, 1 December 2014, 17:09
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Australia Trip

 
Theo. Is there any way you can jettison some weight? The difference in performance between my old telstra syncro with just a mattress in the back at 1800kg and my fully loaded camper at 2300kg is enormous. When touring i'm guilty of keeping the water tanks full, both fuel tanks full, more spares and tools than i need. Beer fridge full, enough food to last for months. Way too much really. I do notice the difference in performance towards the end of a trip when supplies are low, water low tank low. Long range tank empty, beer running out. Anybody got ideas to save weight? Heres a few.
Remove old steel bullbar.
remove tow bar if not needed.
Only fill long range tank in remote areas.
Half fill water tank if not remote.
carefully select tools and spares.
Buy supplies for just a few days if not remote.
leave kids with grandparents unless we are the grandparents. Bill


30

Does a Telstra van weight 1.8T?? My Caravelle is 1.9T (weigh bridge at local dump), that is with me in it and ~1/2 tank fuel. I would have guessed a van is more than 100kg lighter?

The first question is the current motor producing factory spec power? I know you have had some recent issues, and recent work done, but a run on a dyno might be cheap confirmation of condition of the current setup.


I know where your coming from Brent, but the original motor has it's advantages also :)

Richard


31
Hi manx, the money pit and poor design are a tad harsh? The design was for some 70 years in production and so superior that these engines spread their wings in some 10 000 aircraft world wide including mine. ( type one engine 2 lt 80 hp). Subaroo continues with this design adding a cam belt scenario which adds substantially to their money pit.
I guess it boils down to the expected performance of your setup, for someone like me it works fine,
Recently towed my JD tractor ( 1.6 t ) plus implements ,bucket, forks etc on the back of the 
DOKA . One way 120 km, my only worry was the non existence of brakes, lights, and a number plate from a box trailer. 
All in all I do think that the originals are good power plants giving good service live at very reasonable performance. Although sometimes confusing , the Bentleys Manuel still is is a worthwhile investment. Of great help to me are the original Workshop Manual Volkswagen Transporter 1980 onwards Edition 1992 , as well as the Ateco fault finding book.
Hart

Sent from my iPad

On 1 Dec 2014, at 11:57 am, "manxdune@yahoo.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

I have an EJ22 in one of my Syncros, towed a 2WD van back from Townsville to Mackay with it about a month back. Cruised on about 90kph while running on 215/65R16 tyres(Tiguan), plenty of power but did drink a bit of fuel towing 2t. 


Topped the van out at 132kph(not while towing of course), sure it would go quicker but what is the point. Went to the EJ22 as the WBX needed work and I consider them to be a money pit of poor design. Fixed up a Unicap adapter plate I had and used the Smallcar sump/engine mount/header and other bits.

Did the loom conversion myself. Cost a hell of a lot less than $12 000 but the later EJ25s do cost more.

32

Bill,

Easier said than done. If you go on a long trip including remote areas, you have to take extras.

Can’t skim on water, fuel & spares.

Yesterday I went on a weigh bridge and I got a bit of a shock.

Cheers,

Theo & Christine

 

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 01 December 2014 17:10
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Australia Trip

 

 

Theo. Is there any way you can jettison some weight? The difference in performance between my old telstra syncro with just a mattress in the back at 1800kg and my fully loaded camper at 2300kg is enormous. When touring i'm guilty of keeping the water tanks full, both fuel tanks full, more spares and tools than i need. Beer fridge full, enough food to last for months. Way too much really. I do notice the difference in performance towards the end of a trip when supplies are low, water low tank low. Long range tank empty, beer running out. Anybody got ideas to save weight? Heres a few.
Remove old steel bullbar.
remove tow bar if not needed.
Only fill long range tank in remote areas.
Half fill water tank if not remote.
carefully select tools and spares.
Buy supplies for just a few days if not remote.
leave kids with grandparents unless we are the grandparents. Bill

33
Hey Theo and guys saw this one of 3 parts re syncro gearbox dismantle shows you what that extra power drives through, this will finish then part 2 will appear in the video space etc.etc.
food for thought re box strength in fourth ? and look after that reverse syncro

On Tue, Dec 2, 2014 at 1:51 PM, Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Bill,

Easier said than done. If you go on a long trip including remote areas, you have to take extras.

Can’t skim on water, fuel & spares.

Yesterday I went on a weigh bridge and I got a bit of a shock.

Cheers,

Theo & Christine

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 01 December 2014 17:10
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Australia Trip

Theo. Is there any way you can jettison some weight? The difference in performance between my old telstra syncro with just a mattress in the back at 1800kg and my fully loaded camper at 2300kg is enormous. When touring i'm guilty of keeping the water tanks full, both fuel tanks full, more spares and tools than i need. Beer fridge full, enough food to last for months. Way too much really. I do notice the difference in performance towards the end of a trip when supplies are low, water low tank low. Long range tank empty, beer running out. Anybody got ideas to save weight? Heres a few.
Remove old steel bullbar.
remove tow bar if not needed.
Only fill long range tank in remote areas.
Half fill water tank if not remote.
carefully select tools and spares.
Buy supplies for just a few days if not remote.
leave kids with grandparents unless we are the grandparents. Bill


34
The idle enrichment switch is a common source of problems in poorly-maintained vehicles. Checking it is very simple, and takes less than five minutes. Adjusting it is easy, and takes only a minute with an Allen Key.

They are just a simple electrical switch. If they are faulty they can be carefully dismantled and can often be repaired.

Manually operating the throttle linkage will not replicate real-world conditions - slack in the accelerator cable, lack of lubrication, and sloppy accelerator pedal linkages can contribute to faulty operation. Have someone floor the throttle just to double-check the operation of the switch.

While you're at it, check the accelerator cable, which can fray. Replace it at home at leisure, rather than waiting for it to break half way up Big Red, in the middle of a snow-drift in a blizzard, or half-way across a busy intersection.

Give the linkage a good squirt of lube and make sure the cable is correctly adjusted. Return springs have been known to break. Carry a spare cable and spring.

New accelerator pedal linkages are available, or repair the old linkage by welding on a washer if the holes are ovalled-out.

As for the availability of parts, there are very few parts that are not still available for a Syncro - which makes it one of the very best classic cars to own and maintain.

In fact, parts are easier to get than many new cars. Try and get parts for an old Holden!

There are good sources in Australia for parts without going to the expense of importing them from overseas.

By the way, (and on a different tangent), the accelerator pedal inevitably breaks at the hinge. I carry a spare gate hinge in the toolbox, along with an assortment of nuts, bolts, screws and rivets. Bush repairs can be carried out with an old 12 volt rechargeable drill. Just toss away the battery and rig up a connection to the car battery and you can run the drill and all its accessories.

happy pottering!

Cheers, Roger 'Beetle' Bayley.
35
With regards to the recent discussions on alternative engine replacements, stumbled across this company in the UK that provide parts for Subaru conversion:


May have been around for a while but new to me.


On 03/12/2014, at 1:22 AM, Peter Wilson peterw1000@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hey Theo and guys saw this one of 3 parts re syncro gearbox dismantle shows you what that extra power drives through, this will finish then part 2 will appear in the video space etc.etc.
food for thought re box strength in fourth ? and look after that reverse syncro

On Tue, Dec 2, 2014 at 1:51 PM, Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

Bill,

Easier said than done. If you go on a long trip including remote areas, you have to take extras.

Can’t skim on water, fuel & spares.

Yesterday I went on a weigh bridge and I got a bit of a shock.

Cheers,

Theo & Christine

 

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 01 December 2014 17:10
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Australia Trip

 

 

Theo. Is there any way you can jettison some weight? The difference in performance between my old telstra syncro with just a mattress in the back at 1800kg and my fully loaded camper at 2300kg is enormous. When touring i'm guilty of keeping the water tanks full, both fuel tanks full, more spares and tools than i need. Beer fridge full, enough food to last for months. Way too much really. I do notice the difference in performance towards the end of a trip when supplies are low, water low tank low. Long range tank empty, beer running out. Anybody got ideas to save weight? Heres a few.
Remove old steel bullbar.
remove tow bar if not needed.
Only fill long range tank in remote areas.
Half fill water tank if not remote.
carefully select tools and spares.
Buy supplies for just a few days if not remote.
leave kids with grandparents unless we are the grandparents. Bill






36
Their bellhousing gets good reviews on the Subi forum as it uses the original VW slave cylinder and seems to have had fewer problems than internal slave setups. More expensive however. I went for the internal slave with fingers crossed as they've made improvements along the way.

Clutch feel is more like Subaru than VW, easy to get used to.

Mark
37

Hi Hartmut,

 

We are on our way up to Qld. again however I would like to make some changes to my shelving.

Would it be convenient to you and Elke to drop by?

 

Cheers

Theo & Christine

38
His Theo & Chris

Would really love to c u but leaving now to travel into bush & mountains and Elke is helping Stef with moving to Brisssi we are back on deck Monday.
You are most welcome next week any time 
Hartmut

Sent from my WalkingStick!

On 09/05/2015, at 11:08 AM, "Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Hartmut,

 

We are on our way up to Qld. again however I would like to make some changes to my shelving.

Would it be convenient to you and Elke to drop by?

 

Cheers

Theo & Christine

39

Hart,

OK. See you soon. Something new to show you.

 

Theo & Christine

 

 

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 09 May 2015 11:15
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Australia Trip

 

 

His Theo & Chris

 

Would really love to c u but leaving now to travel into bush & mountains and Elke is helping Stef with moving to Brisssi we are back on deck Monday.

You are most welcome next week any time 

Hartmut

Sent from my WalkingStick!


On 09/05/2015, at 11:08 AM, "Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Hartmut,

 

We are on our way up to Qld. again however I would like to make some changes to my shelving.

Would it be convenient to you and Elke to drop by?

 

Cheers

Theo & Christine

40
Just arrived back from the bush helping Rolf (Swiss guy) with the install of a  late 2lt Golf diesel into his de luxe Syncro ex England . Beautiful place 1000+- ac National Parks on 3 sides.....
Some people.....
Can't wait to see what you wanna show me ...Fox shockers ?? Well, wait and see
Hartmut

Sent from my iPad

On 9 May 2015, at 11:35 am, "Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hart,

OK. See you soon. Something new to show you.

 

Theo & Christine

 

 

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 09 May 2015 11:15
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Australia Trip

 

 

His Theo & Chris

 

Would really love to c u but leaving now to travel into bush & mountains and Elke is helping Stef with moving to Brisssi we are back on deck Monday.

You are most welcome next week any time 

Hartmut

Sent from my WalkingStick!


On 09/05/2015, at 11:08 AM, "Theo Weiss teows@melbpc.org.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Hartmut,

 

We are on our way up to Qld. again however I would like to make some changes to my shelving.

Would it be convenient to you and Elke to drop by?

 

Cheers

Theo & Christine