Need to buy a viscous coupling

1
Hi all, Just joined the group.
I have just bought a 1990 Hightop Camper in very good condition with
220,000 kms on the clock.
I'am looking at buying a VC, mine is dead. I have check the internet
and it looks like they only last for about 100,000 km anyway.
I have done the check, where you jack up the back wheels to see if it
engages, zipp nothing.
Where can I get one from?

Steve
2
Hello Steve, welcome to the Australian Syncronauts. What part of
Australia are in? One possible source of a new VC is Volkspower in
Melbourne, 03 9808 6777, speak to Dean Coutts, who also owns a Syncro.

Les Harris
Australian Syncronauts

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "stephencriddle"
<criddle@w...> wrote:
>
> Hi all, Just joined the group.
> I have just bought a 1990 Hightop Camper in very good condition with
> 220,000 kms on the clock.
> I'am looking at buying a VC, mine is dead. I have check the internet
> and it looks like they only last for about 100,000 km anyway.
> I have done the check, where you jack up the back wheels to see if
it
> engages, zipp nothing.
> Where can I get one from?
>
> Steve
3
Hi Leslie,
I'am from Geraldton WA, about 400kms north of Perth.
Thanks for that. I will give him a call this week and check the price.

Steve

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Leslie C E Harris"
<leslieharris@o...> wrote:
>
> Hello Steve, welcome to the Australian Syncronauts. What part of
> Australia are in? One possible source of a new VC is Volkspower in
> Melbourne, 03 9808 6777, speak to Dean Coutts, who also owns a
Syncro.
>
> Les Harris
> Australian Syncronauts
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "stephencriddle"
> <criddle@w...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all, Just joined the group.
> > I have just bought a 1990 Hightop Camper in very good condition
with
> > 220,000 kms on the clock.
> > I'am looking at buying a VC, mine is dead. I have check the
internet
> > and it looks like they only last for about 100,000 km anyway.
> > I have done the check, where you jack up the back wheels to see
if
> it
> > engages, zipp nothing.
> > Where can I get one from?
> >
> > Steve
4

Hi Steve…and welcome.  Have you looked into the option of a Decoupler??  ..you can get these sent to you for around the AUS $2000 mark ..and in my opinion they are worth every cent.  Do you have a Diff Lock with your VW??  Its just a bit easier to install the Decoupler if you do!!  ..but not impossible if you don’t…

Feel free to email/Phone  me direct if you would like more info on the Decoupler’s..What part of the Country are you in??

I'm sure we would all like to see some Photos of your Camper…

Regards..

Ken Tyler

-----Original Message-----
From: stephencriddle [mailto:criddle@wn.com.au]
Sent: Monday, 11 April 2005 5:27 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Need to buy a viscous coupling

 


Hi all, Just joined the group.
I have just bought a 1990 Hightop Camper in very good condition with
220,000 kms on the clock.
I'am looking at buying a VC, mine is dead. I have check the internet
and it looks like they only last for about 100,000 km anyway.
I have done the check, where you jack up the back wheels to see if it
engages, zipp nothing.
Where can I get one from?

Steve




5
Hi Ken,
I was thinking if a Decoupler would be a better option, if there
around the same price. Just reading about them on the net last night.

I'am in Geraldton about 400km north of Perth
I will send some photos through of the Syncro.

Steve.

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken Tyler" <kct@i...>
wrote:
> Hi Steve.and welcome. Have you looked into the option of a
Decoupler??
> ..you can get these sent to you for around the AUS $2000 mark ..and
in
> my opinion they are worth every cent. Do you have a Diff Lock with
your
> VW?? Its just a bit easier to install the Decoupler if you
do!! ..but
> not impossible if you don't.
> Feel free to email/Phone me direct if you would like more info on
the
> Decoupler's..What part of the Country are you in??
> I'm sure we would all like to see some Photos of your Camper.
> Regards..
> Ken Tyler
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stephencriddle [mailto:criddle@w...]
> Sent: Monday, 11 April 2005 5:27 PM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Need to buy a viscous coupling
>
>
> Hi all, Just joined the group.
> I have just bought a 1990 Hightop Camper in very good condition
with
> 220,000 kms on the clock.
> I'am looking at buying a VC, mine is dead. I have check the
internet
> and it looks like they only last for about 100,000 km anyway.
> I have done the check, where you jack up the back wheels to see if
it
> engages, zipp nothing.
> Where can I get one from?
>
> Steve
>
>
>
>
>
> _____
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> * To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/
>
> * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Syncro_T3_Australia-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?
subject=Unsubscr
> ibe>
>
> * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms
of
> Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .
6
Hi Steve,
 
There is a bit of divided opinion about decouplers.  I'm of the view that I want my 'all wheel drive' available at all times (it having saved my bacon at least twice on bitumen roads, at times when I would never have had a chance to 'switch in' a decoupler), so I wouldn't fit a decoupler even if it was given to me.
 
But you need to do something about your VC even if you fit a decoupler, since it sounds like it has failed in the 'open' mode (ie not connecting drive to the front axle sufficiently or at all).  Thus even with a decoupler you still have only 2wd, until you replace the VC with either a solid shaft or a welded or 'closed failure' (ie too stiff) VC. As it happens I have one of these in my shed, having replaced it with a new VC I obtained from Derek Drew in the States. It's available for sale at about 10% of new price if you decide to go the decoupler route. (heavy to ship though).
 
Reading the American list, about the only firm advantage of the solid connection & decoupler set-up, against a properly working VC, would seem to be in soft sand (which may apply to you), although even this is disputed by some who say the real key to sand driving is sufficient 'airing down'.
 
Check out VC prices from Derek, or Berndt Jaeger in Germany, and factor in a solid shaft, or stiff VC to add to your decoupler, to compare the total cost.  If I recall, it cost me about $2200 including duty and GST to land my VC from Derek, but the $AUD is a lot stronger against the $US than it was then. Installation of the VC is relatively quick & simple, and should be less than a decoupler.
 
good luck,
 
Brian Reed
Melbourne
 
 
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 5:18 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Need to buy a viscous coupling


Hi Ken,
I was thinking if a Decoupler would be a better option, if there
around the same price. Just reading about them on the net last night.

I'am in Geraldton about 400km north of Perth
I will send some photos through of the Syncro.

Steve.

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken Tyler" <kct@i...>
wrote:
> Hi Steve.and welcome.  Have you looked into the option of a
Decoupler??
> ..you can get these sent to you for around the AUS $2000 mark ..and
in
> my opinion they are worth every cent.  Do you have a Diff Lock with
your
> VW??  Its just a bit easier to install the Decoupler if you
do!!  ..but
> not impossible if you don't.
> Feel free to email/Phone  me direct if you would like more info on
the
> Decoupler's..What part of the Country are you in??
> I'm sure we would all like to see some Photos of your Camper.
> Regards..
> Ken Tyler
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stephencriddle [mailto:criddle@w...]
> Sent: Monday, 11 April 2005 5:27 PM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Need to buy a viscous coupling
> 
>
> Hi all, Just joined the group.
> I have just bought a 1990 Hightop Camper in very good condition
with
> 220,000 kms on the clock.
> I'am looking at buying a VC, mine is dead. I have check the
internet
> and it looks like they only last for about 100,000 km anyway.
> I have done the check, where you jack up the back wheels to see if
it
> engages, zipp nothing.
> Where can I get one from?
>
> Steve
>
>
>
>
>
>   _____ 
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> *         To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/
>  
> *         To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Syncro_T3_Australia-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?
subject=Unsubscr
> ibe>
>  
> *         Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms
of
> Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .



7
hi all,
 
as some of you know, we used a vc while travelling oz.
since one week we've been having the decoupler and solid shaft instead of the vc.
our gearbox (with 190 000 km on it) had completely gone.
 
the pro's and con's for both systems have been discussed heavily in other newsgroups, so we don't want to raise the discussion again. we only want to express that we're absolutely happy with the decoupler because
 
-> we know driving and steering is a lot easier without awd
-> fuel consumption has dropped by 1,5 liters (!) in 100 km (new gearbox can come into
    play as well)
-> we hope a decoupler and a shaft don't need to be replaced anymore
-> we hope the gearboxes and drive shaft will need servicing a lot less
-> we don't think we really need an awd on dry or wet bitumen. on gravel the vc is
    probably best. but in sand, even with air pressure let down and both diff locks
    engaged we got stuck - which we believe wouldn't have happened with the solid shaft.
 
that's all not technical knowledge - just experiences through travelling.
 
regards to all
 
joachim and jasmin
 
 


Steve,

I concur with Brian's opinions.  A VC operating in its specified
range of torque transfer is an extremely good drive system which
works well on dry bitumen, wet bitumen, good gravel and atrociuos
surfaces.  An aggressive/stiff VC is the next best but a non-
functioning VC is nothing at all.

The only time that an "aggressive" VC is a liability is tight turns
on dry bitumen, as in parking manoeuvres.  I am running
an "aggresive" VC and I am about to fit a decoupler.  It is probable
that I will leave the drive engaged for general driving and switch
it out only for tight msnoeuvres.  I have yet to decide whether I
would switch it out on long freeway or highway driving.

There is considerable security in running the AWD system as it was
originally designed but, as Brian says, you will have to sum up the
cost factor as well.  My preference is first a normal to stiff VC,
second a VC with decoupler, and a very distant third is solid drive.

Les
Hi Steve,
 
There is a bit of divided opinion about decouplers.  I'm of the view that I want my 'all wheel drive' available at all times (it having saved my bacon at least twice on bitumen roads, at times when I would never have had a chance to 'switch in' a decoupler), so I wouldn't fit a decoupler even if it was given to me.
 
But you need to do something about your VC even if you fit a decoupler, since it sounds like it has failed in the 'open' mode (ie not connecting drive to the front axle sufficiently or at all).  Thus even with a decoupler you still have only 2wd, until you replace the VC with either a solid shaft or a welded or 'closed failure' (ie too stiff) VC. As it happens I have one of these in my shed, having replaced it with a new VC I obtained from Derek Drew in the States. It's available for sale at about 10% of new price if you decide to go the decoupler route. (heavy to ship though).
 
Reading the American list, about the only firm advantage of the solid connection & decoupler set-up, against a properly working VC, would seem to be in soft sand (which may apply to you), although even this is disputed by some who say the real key to sand driving is sufficient 'airing down'.
 
Check out VC prices from Derek, or Berndt Jaeger in Germany, and factor in a solid shaft, or stiff VC to add to your decoupler, to compare the total cost.  If I recall, it cost me about $2200 including duty and GST to land my VC from Derek, but the $AUD is a lot stronger against the $US than it was then. Installation of the VC is relatively quick & simple, and should be less than a decoupler.
 
good luck,
 
Brian Reed
Melbourne
 
 
8
Joachim and Jasmin,
Thanks for that. As I do a lot of gravel road driving, I was thinking
the VC was the best option. If the decoupler was engaged all the time
while driving on gravel roads, it would put a lot more strain on the
drive train than a VC.

Steve

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, uluru2002@a... wrote:
>
> hi all,
>
> as some of you know, we used a vc while travelling oz.
> since one week we've been having the decoupler and solid shaft
instead of
> the vc.
> our gearbox (with 190 000 km on it) had completely gone.
>
> the pro's and con's for both systems have been discussed heavily
in other
> newsgroups, so we don't want to raise the discussion again. we
only want to
> express that we're absolutely happy with the decoupler because
>
> -> we know driving and steering is a lot easier without awd
> -> fuel consumption has dropped by 1,5 liters (!) in 100 km (new
gearbox can
> come into
> play as well)
> -> we hope a decoupler and a shaft don't need to be replaced
anymore
> -> we hope the gearboxes and drive shaft will need servicing a lot
less
> -> we don't think we really need an awd on dry or wet bitumen. on
gravel the
> vc is
> probably best. but in sand, even with air pressure let down
and both
> diff locks
> engaged we got stuck - which we believe wouldn't have happened
with the
> solid shaft.
>
> that's all not technical knowledge - just experiences through
travelling.
>
> regards to all
>
> joachim and jasmin
>
>
>
>
> Steve,
>
> I concur with Brian's opinions. A VC operating in its specified
> range of torque transfer is an extremely good drive system which
> works well on dry bitumen, wet bitumen, good gravel and atrociuos
> surfaces. An aggressive/stiff VC is the next best but a non-
> functioning VC is nothing at all.
>
> The only time that an "aggressive" VC is a liability is tight
turns
> on dry bitumen, as in parking manoeuvres. I am running
> an "aggresive" VC and I am about to fit a decoupler. It is
probable
> that I will leave the drive engaged for general driving and switch
> it out only for tight msnoeuvres. I have yet to decide whether I
> would switch it out on long freeway or highway driving.
>
> There is considerable security in running the AWD system as it was
> originally designed but, as Brian says, you will have to sum up
the
> cost factor as well. My preference is first a normal to stiff VC,
> second a VC with decoupler, and a very distant third is solid
drive.
>
> Les
>
> Hi Steve,
>
> There is a bit of divided opinion about decouplers. I'm of the
view that I
> want my 'all wheel drive' available at all times (it having saved
my bacon at
> least twice on bitumen roads, at times when I would never have had
a chance
> to 'switch in' a decoupler), so I wouldn't fit a decoupler even if
it was
> given to me.
>
> But you need to do something about your VC even if you fit a
decoupler,
> since it sounds like it has failed in the 'open' mode (ie not
connecting drive to
> the front axle sufficiently or at all). Thus even with a
decoupler you
> still have only 2wd, until you replace the VC with either a solid
shaft or a
> welded or 'closed failure' (ie too stiff) VC. As it happens I have
one of these
> in my shed, having replaced it with a new VC I obtained from Derek
Drew in the
> States. It's available for sale at about 10% of new price if you
decide to
> go the decoupler route. (heavy to ship though).
>
> Reading the American list, about the only firm advantage of the
solid
> connection & decoupler set-up, against a properly working VC,
would seem to be in
> soft sand (which may apply to you), although even this is disputed
by some who
> say the real key to sand driving is sufficient 'airing down'.
>
> Check out VC prices from Derek, or Berndt Jaeger in Germany, and
factor in a
> solid shaft, or stiff VC to add to your decoupler, to compare the
total
> cost. If I recall, it cost me about $2200 including duty and GST
to land my VC
> from Derek, but the $AUD is a lot stronger against the $US than it
was then.
> Installation of the VC is relatively quick & simple, and should be
less than a
> decoupler.
>
> good luck,
>
> Brian Reed
> Melbourne
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Steve,
>
> There is a bit of divided opinion about decouplers. I'm of the
view that I want my 'all wheel drive' available at all times (it
having saved my bacon at least twice on bitumen roads, at times when
I would never have had a chance to 'switch in' a decoupler), so I
wouldn't fit a decoupler even if it was given to me.
>
> But you need to do something about your VC even if you fit a
decoupler, since it sounds like it has failed in the 'open' mode (ie
not connecting drive to the front axle sufficiently or at all). Thus
even with a decoupler you still have only 2wd, until you replace the
VC with either a solid shaft or a welded or 'closed failure' (ie too
stiff) VC. As it happens I have one of these in my shed, having
replaced it with a new VC I obtained from Derek Drew in the States.
It's available for sale at about 10% of new price if you decide to go
the decoupler route. (heavy to ship though).
>
> Reading the American list, about the only firm advantage of the
solid connection & decoupler set-up, against a properly working VC,
would seem to be in soft sand (which may apply to you), although even
this is disputed by some who say the real key to sand driving is
sufficient 'airing down'.
>
> Check out VC prices from Derek, or Berndt Jaeger in Germany, and
factor in a solid shaft, or stiff VC to add to your decoupler, to
compare the total cost. If I recall, it cost me about $2200
including duty and GST to land my VC from Derek, but the $AUD is a
lot stronger against the $US than it was then. Installation of the VC
is relatively quick & simple, and should be less than a decoupler.
>
> good luck,
>
> Brian Reed
> Melbourne
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: stephencriddle
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 5:18 PM
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Need to buy a viscous coupling
>
>
>
> Hi Ken,
> I was thinking if a Decoupler would be a better option, if there
> around the same price. Just reading about them on the net last
night.
>
> I'am in Geraldton about 400km north of Perth
> I will send some photos through of the Syncro.
>
> Steve.
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Ken Tyler"
<kct@i...>
> wrote:
> > Hi Steve.and welcome. Have you looked into the option of a
> Decoupler??
> > ..you can get these sent to you for around the AUS $2000
mark ..and
> in
> > my opinion they are worth every cent. Do you have a Diff Lock
with
> your
> > VW?? Its just a bit easier to install the Decoupler if you
> do!! ..but
> > not impossible if you don't.
> > Feel free to email/Phone me direct if you would like more info
on
> the
> > Decoupler's..What part of the Country are you in??
> > I'm sure we would all like to see some Photos of your Camper.
> > Regards..
> > Ken Tyler
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: stephencriddle [mailto:criddle@w...]
> > Sent: Monday, 11 April 2005 5:27 PM
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Need to buy a viscous coupling
> >
> >
> > Hi all, Just joined the group.
> > I have just bought a 1990 Hightop Camper in very good condition
> with
> > 220,000 kms on the clock.
> > I'am looking at buying a VC, mine is dead. I have check the
> internet
> > and it looks like they only last for about 100,000 km anyway.
> > I have done the check, where you jack up the back wheels to see
if
> it
> > engages, zipp nothing.
> > Where can I get one from?
> >
> > Steve
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _____
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > * To visit your group on the web, go to:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/
> >
> > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > Syncro_T3_Australia-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > <mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?
> subject=Unsubscr
> > ibe>
> >
> > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
Terms
> of
> > Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Syncro_T3_Australia-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.