Puch badges

41
Thanks Les. Yes, seen the Telstra ones and definitely too agricultural for my needs.
[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 17/11/2009, at 12:49 PM, Les Harris wrote:


Gary,

See my reply to Everard.  They look quite reasonable (full dip galvanized) but lean towards the industrial rather than the cosmetic.  A pic or two would help.

Les

 

42

Gary,

There is a bit more to the hoon story that is worth passing on.  Just occasionally, hoons get what they deserve.

I live on a corner and have a hoon living in the side street.  He was given to coming out of the side street sideways on a regular basis, usually in an unregistered vehicle.  On this occasion, he lost it and slammed into the back of the Syncro.  He immediately backed off and disappeared down the main street in a cloud of tyre smoke.

I picked up my phone and rang the local police as I walked out to assess the damage.  The reception I got from the police wasn’t encouraging.  It was along the lines of “we’ll keep an eye on him”.  Given that they didn’t have the hoons name or exact address and that he was driving an unregistered vehicle, the “keep an eye on him” was rather hollow.

While I was still outside and still had the police on the phone, Mr Hoon reappeared and stopped beside me.  His head lolled out of the driver’s window and, in very slurred and disjointed speech, conveyed to me that he was sorry, that he was ‘off his face’, that he would pay for the damage – and proceeded to give me his name and street address.

The attitude of the policewoman on the other end of the phone changed instantly.  “Right”, she said, “we’ll deal with this!”  And deal with it they did.  Perhaps the name was already known to them because the outcome was FOUR carloads of police arrived at his place and were there for nearly an hour before they led him off in handcuffs.  I do wonder what they found in the house because I haven’t seen him around for quite some time!

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Gary Cookson
Sent: 17 November 2009 12:01
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rear bumpers

 

 

That is a pretty impressive story Les, seems like your Syncro is not having the best of luck lately. No way the stock bumpers would have offered that protection.

 



 

                                                                 

 

43
That is a classic, i love the fact he ended up confessing directly to the police via your phone!

[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 17/11/2009, at 1:07 PM, Les Harris wrote:


Gary,

There is a bit more to the hoon story that is worth passing on.  Just occasionally, hoons get what they deserve.

I live on a corner and have a hoon living in the side street.  He was given to coming out of the side street sideways on a regular basis, usually in an unregistered vehicle.  On this occasion, he lost it and slammed into the back of the Syncro.  He immediately backed off and disappeared down the main street in a cloud of tyre smoke.

I picked up my phone and rang the local police as I walked out to assess the damage.  The reception I got from the police wasn’t encouraging.  It was along the lines of “we’ll keep an eye on him”.  Given that they didn’t have the hoons name or exact address and that he was driving an unregistered vehicle, the “keep an eye on him” was rather hollow.

While I was still outside and still had the police on the phone, Mr Hoon reappeared and stopped beside me.  His head lolled out of the driver’s window and, in very slurred and disjointed speech, conveyed to me that he was sorry, that he was ‘off his face’, that he would pay for the damage – and proceeded to give me his name and street address.

The attitude of the policewoman on the other end of the phone changed instantly.  “Right”, she said, “we’ll deal with this!”  And deal with it they did.  Perhaps the name was already known to them because the outcome was FOUR carloads of police arrived at his place and were there for nearly an hour before they led him off in handcuffs.  I do wonder what they found in the house because I haven’t seen him around for quite some time!

Les

 

From:  Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com ] On Behalf Of Gary Cookson
Sent: 17 November 2009 12:01
To:  Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rear bumpers

 

 

That is a pretty impressive story Les, seems like your Syncro is not having the best of luck lately. No way the stock bumpers would have offered that protection.

 



 

                                                                 

 



44
Hi Guys,
              Thinking of adding a spare wheel carrier to my telstra rear bar has anyone tried this mod or spotted one. The bar is certainly strong enough and the size would allow easy fitting of pivot and locking .
                                                                     Regards Pete
FREE Animations for your email - by IncrediMail! Click Here!
45

Pete,

I would advise against this because it would place a substantial vertical load on the bumper mounting brackets that were designed foe horizontal loads only.

The body mounted swing-out wheel carrier is the better design and, of those, only the one that has a substantial load distributing footing is worth considering.  Phill Lander has pics of the very well designed Gary Lee carrier on his website.  That is the only type that I would consider using.

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Anette Mortensen
Sent: 17 November 2009 13:16
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rear bumpers

 

 

Hi Guys,

              Thinking of adding a spare wheel carrier to my telstra rear bar has anyone tried this mod or spotted one. The bar is certainly strong enough and the size would allow easy fitting of pivot and locking .

                                                                     Regards Pete

 

 

 

46
I'm sure you could adapt a second hand 4wd one but it would be lot of fabrication, depends if you can do it yourself.

I've researched all of the aftermarket wheel carriers and they are not cheap but you get what you pay for. I've recently bought a secondhand carrier from a 1980s nissan after reading this thread that Roger unearthed.
 

It will need a lot of work to get it to fit but the main issue is weight (again). This thing must weigh 40kilos. I'm going to start by cutting off a lot of the extra metal before weighing it and then probably scrapping it and buying a proper one...

My van doesn't have the under the front wheel carrier or i'd carry the spare there even if i had to keep the tyre deflated.

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 17/11/2009, at 1:16 PM, Anette Mortensen wrote:


Hi Guys,
              Thinking of adding a spare wheel carrier to my telstra rear bar has anyone tried this mod or spotted one. The bar is certainly strong enough and the size would allow easy fitting of pivot and locking .
                                                                     Regards Pete
<imstp_animation_butterflies_en_020908.gif>


47
The newer Gary Lee carriers have been improved since mine.

Phill


> Les Harris <leslieharris@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
>
> Pete,
>
> I would advise against this because it would place a substantial
> vertical
> load on the bumper mounting brackets that were designed foe horizontal
> loads
> only.
>
> The body mounted swing-out wheel carrier is the better design and, of
> those,
> only the one that has a substantial load distributing footing is worth
> considering. Phill Lander has pics of the very well designed Gary Lee
> carrier on his website. That is the only type that I would consider
> using.
>
> Les
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anette
> Mortensen
> Sent: 17 November 2009 13:16
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rear bumpers
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> Thinking of adding a spare wheel carrier to my telstra
> rear
> bar has anyone tried this mod or spotted one. The bar is certainly
> strong
> enough and the size would allow easy fitting of pivot and locking .
>
>
> Regards
> Pete
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
48
Thanks Les,
                      I hear you Les,
 
 However The bar is fixed by 4 bolts that appear to be over 1\2 inch probably high tensile along with a load bearing plate fixed to the bar extension that sits in the bottom of the chassis rail.
 
Considering it is also has a tow bar fitted that would take a considerable ball weight??? I know there are legal limitations to tow bar mods!! The ball mount can easily unbolt turning it into just a bumper bar.
 
 I still believe those of us with these rear bars fitted are ideally suited to develop a great rear carrier?
                                                 Kind Regards Pete
FREE Animations for your email - by IncrediMail! Click Here!
49
Mark,
 
Same thing happened to me going up to Dorrigo (waterfall Way) earlier this year - again loose bolts in the outer RHS CV which 4 fell out and the remaining 3mm of the remaining 2 bolts snapped off on a tight turn. Again removed the CV and drove back to Sawtell and back to Terrigal (Central Coast NSW) in 3wd.
 
A lesson for everyone - check your CV bolts - they do come loose and you cant hear anything till they snap(well I couldn't).
 
Cheers,
 
Scott
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Day of the Volkswagen 09 + Tribulations

 

Les

I commiserate!

Hart and I made it back to Camden last night. I had a few troubles again with loose bolts in the Right rear driveshaft - came right out! Driving just off 1 wheel / front wheels).

We managed to find a hoist in Yass and fix it and got going again, so not as bad as your problem which required towing.

Thanks again for all of the organisational effort you and Brian put into it.

Hart is on his way to Port Macquarie this morning.

Here is a link to the video we made of our trip on the way down

http://www.youtube. com/markkofahl# p/a/u/0/QkQVLQi3 1LY

Regards
Mark.

On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 8:59 AM, Les Harris <leslieharris@ optusnet. com.au> wrote:
 

Pete,

 

This problem got progressively worse over a few days.  In fact, it might be worth listing how it developed because it might ring a bell with someone.

 

Friday

  • Drove to Bunnings, about 10 k. 
  • Stopped in car park, idling very fast. 
  • Switched off engine. 
  • Came out about 15 minutes later, tried to start engine 
  • Very high cranking speed but would not fire
  • After about 40 minutes, engine fired up, very rough but then smoothed out
  • Drove home 10 k, ran properly but high idle when I reached home.

 

Saturday

  • Found that the idle valve screw had no clearance, readjusted to .003”
  • Cold start was normal, idle was normal. 
  • Left Seabrook for Carrum Downs (where a group of Syncro owners was staying at a caravan park overnight.)
  • Drove down south east freeway, engine got lumpy when traffic slowed for road works
  • Stalled at gate of the caravan park and had to be pushed in!

 

Sunday

  • Cold start was normal, idle was a bit lumpy.
  • Drove to Cranbourne Racecourse (Day of the Volkswagen)
  • Stalled as I was parking, would not restart.
  • Tried restarting through the day when the engine was cold but it would not fire.
  • Tried restarting at the end of the day but the engine would not fire.
  • Got a tow to get me out of the racecourse and the engine started under tow.
  • Drove to a servo in Cranbourne to get petrol
  • Engine would start under tow but would not continue to run.

 

This might be Vanagon Syndrome and I do not know if mine has been fitted with the modified harness that was released to cure this problem.

 

Initially, I could get a restart when the engine was cold but even that had gone by the end of the day on Sunday.  Had this happened near home, I would have pulled everything apart and progressively measured all values but the towing bill from Cranbourne to Point Cook would have been $240 before I even started, so I took the far cheaper option of sending it to Volkspower, which was only one quarter of the distance.

 

Of related interest: a Syncro owner in the US developed an analysis tool some years ago that plugs into the ECU and provides a digital display of the values of all the functions that are read by the ECU.  It comes with a long ribbon connector that allows the display to be mounted on the dash so that all values can be checked while the vehicle is being driven.  I found it on the Internet five or more years ago and Michael Roberts saw it when he visited Van Café on his recent US trip.  If I can scrape a few dollars together, I will get one so that I have a fighting chance of pinpointing a problem before it develops to the point that mine reached.

 

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Anette Mortensen
Sent: 17 November 2009 01:35


To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Day of the Volkswagen 09 + Tribulations

 

 

Hi Les.....I have had a similar problem with other makes not my syncro.

 

 It was if I remember correctly the starter boosts the ignition circuit to 12 volts.... but when ignition returns to the run or on position it is supplied to the distributor at approximate 6volts through another circuit.

 

My bush fix was to hot wire the coil which allowed the car to get home ok. I think on another occasion opposite problem would  start but not run with key to on position.... .. it turned out to be a weak coil that would not supply enough spark at the lower voltage run or on position. Possibly not this time Les but thought you might find this interesting ?

         

                                              Kind Regards Pete

 

 

 

 


50
Mine is fantastic - newer than Phill's and slightly more advanced but similar concept. They are very light weight for their strength and  do not create any clearance (i.e. departure angle problems that the bumper mounted carriers would cause).
 
I would definitely recommend them and having Phill help you install it - thanks again Phill.
 
Cheers,
 
Scott
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 1:38 PM
Subject: Re: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rear bumpers

 


The newer Gary Lee carriers have been improved since mine.

Phill

> Les Harris <leslieharris@ optusnet. com.au> wrote:
>
> Pete,
>
> I would advise against this because it would place a substantial
> vertical
> load on the bumper mounting brackets that were designed foe horizontal
> loads
> only.
>
> The body mounted swing-out wheel carrier is the better design and, of
> those,
> only the one that has a substantial load distributing footing is worth
> considering. Phill Lander has pics of the very well designed Gary Lee
> carrier on his website. That is the only type that I would consider
> using.
>
> Les
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Anette
> Mortensen
> Sent: 17 November 2009 13:16
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rear bumpers
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> Thinking of adding a spare wheel carrier to my telstra
> rear
> bar has anyone tried this mod or spotted one. The bar is certainly
> strong
> enough and the size would allow easy fitting of pivot and locking .
>
>
> Regards
> Pete
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

51

Scott,

Is this the latest Gary Lee carrier you are referring to?

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mr Scott Pitcher
Sent: 17 November 2009 15:23
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rear bumpers

 

 

Mine is fantastic - newer than Phill's and slightly more advanced but similar concept. They are very light weight for their strength and  do not create any clearance (i.e. departure angle problems that the bumper mounted carriers would cause).

 

I would definitely recommend them and having Phill help you install it - thanks again Phill.

 

Cheers,

 

Scott

 

52
Hi Gary,
Just letting you know that the bumper is certainly not a Telstra type bumber.This one has definitely been custom built to protect the rear end from caving in incase of a rear hit.It is quite heavy however i cannot give you any specific weight as i cannot weigh it.It certainly is much heavier than a standard type chrome/Black standard bumper.Just taking a rough guess perhaps about 20 lbs.I'll try and post a couple of photos.Cheers,Everard

--- On Tue, 17/11/09, Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyone.net> wrote:

From: Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyone.net>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rear bumpers
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Received: Tuesday, 17 November, 2009, 1:44 AM

 
Hi Everard, sounds interesting, could you take a pic or two? Any idea of weight?

I like the idea of aluminium as my camper is very heavy but definitely interested assuming it looks tidy!

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 17/11/2009, at 12:36 PM, Everard Hoffman wrote:


Hi Gary,
I happen to have a solid rear bumper which seems to have been custom made .It is made of steel with checker plate top.It is a one piece bumper and has the stock brackets welded to it.Fits in with the standard bolts to tighten up.Does not need the screws at the end caps to fit onto the rear of the body.If interested you can have it for 100 bucks.
Cheers,
Everard.

--- On Tue, 17/11/09, Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyon e.net> wrote:

From: Gary Cookson <gary@twentytwentyon e.net>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rear bumpers
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Received: Tuesday, 17 November, 2009, 1:00 AM

 
That is a pretty impressive story Les, seems like your Syncro is not having the best of luck lately. No way the stock bumpers would have offered that protection.

I think the complexity of them (and being aluminium) would make them prohibitively expensive to get made but i'm happy to try and get a quote or two if you can make drawings.

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 17/11/2009, at 11:45 AM, Les Harris wrote:


Gary,

At some stage, I will make up drawings of the Trakka front and rear bumpers so that copies could be made.  Perhaps we might be able to find a tame welder in the future who could make them for us. They wouldn’t be cheap unless you have a brother who is a good aluminium welder but they do offer good protection. 

I got cleaned up by a hoon recently.  He delivered a hefty smack to the right rear corner of my Syncro while it was parked outside my house.  He demolished the left front corner of his vehicle and just left his paint on my rear bumper.  I did not expect that level of protection.

Les

                                                                 

From:  Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com ] On Behalf Of Gary Cookson
Sent: 17 November 2009 09:59
To:  Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rear bumpers

 
 
Hi all

My rear bumper has a few dings and i'd like to replace it, preferably 
with something non standard.

The chances of finding an aluminium trakka one are fairly slim so i'm 
wondering if anyone has adapted one from another vehicle or fabricated 
one from steel/aluminium?

I've got an alloy front bullbar which came from some sort of 4wd and 
it is quite good because it weighs about 15kilos rather than the 
35kilos my original steel one weighed.

One of these would be nice if money were no object but until then i 
will have to get the angle grinder out.

http://www.rockymou ntainwesty. com/VanagonBumpe rsandSkidplates. htm

I like the little step and the hitch built in.

Gary



Win 1 of 4 Sony home entertainment packs thanks to Yahoo!7. Enter now.



Win 1 of 4 Sony home entertainment packs thanks to Yahoo!7. Enter now.
53
Thanks Everard, sounds like it could be just the job, yes i'd expect it to be a fair bit heavier than the tinfoil standard ones!

Send them to me off list gary@twentytwentyone.net rather than posting them to the list if that is easier

Gary


54
These towbars only use 4 bolts and a short plate inside the chassis, where the factory towbar extends twice the distance inside the chassis and uses 6 bolts.



> Anette Mortensen <amortensen@westnet.com.au> wrote:
>
> Thanks Les,
> I hear you Les,
>
> However The bar is fixed by 4 bolts that appear to be over 1\2 inch
> probably high tensile along with a load bearing plate fixed to the bar
> extension that sits in the bottom of the chassis rail.
>
> Considering it is also has a tow bar fitted that would take a
> considerable
> ball weight??? I know there are legal limitations to tow bar mods!! The
> ball
> mount can easily unbolt turning it into just a bumper bar.
>
> I still believe those of us with these rear bars fitted are ideally
> suited
> to develop a great rear carrier?
> Kind Regards Pete
55
Les,
 
Mine is now 2yrs old and Gary Lee is constantly improving his product - no doubt the new ones are even better than mine.
 
Scott
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Les Harris
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 3:28 PM
Subject: RE: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rear bumpers

 

Scott,

Is this the latest Gary Lee carrier you are referring to?

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com ] On Behalf Of Mr Scott Pitcher
Sent: 17 November 2009 15:23
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rear bumpers

 

Mine is fantastic - newer than Phill's and slightly more advanced but similar concept. They are very light weight for their strength and  do not create any clearance (i.e. departure angle problems that the bumper mounted carriers would cause).

I would definitely recommend them and having Phill help you install it - thanks again Phill.

Cheers,

Scott

56
Wow - seems I am not the only one.

I was thinking - is it really 3wd? If RHS rear is spinning freely (like having the wheel in the air on a tricky off-road track) then if the diff lock is no engaged then surely no drive on the rear at all? The viscous would get a work out driving the front wheels yes?

I had some warning - it felt and particularly sounded increasingly unbalanced.

Mark.
On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 3:14 PM, Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@bigpond.com> wrote:

Mark,
Same thing happened to me going up to Dorrigo (waterfall Way) earlier this year - again loose bolts in the outer RHS CV which 4 fell out and the remaining 3mm of the remaining 2 bolts snapped off on a tight turn. Again removed the CV and drove back to Sawtell and back to Terrigal (Central Coast NSW) in 3wd.
A lesson for everyone - check your CV bolts - they do come loose and you cant hear anything till they snap(well I couldn't).
Cheers,
Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Kofahl
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Day of the Volkswagen 09 + Tribulations

Les

I commiserate!

Hart and I made it back to Camden last night. I had a few troubles again with loose bolts in the Right rear driveshaft - came right out! Driving just off 1 wheel / front wheels).

We managed to find a hoist in Yass and fix it and got going again, so not as bad as your problem which required towing.

Thanks again for all of the organisational effort you and Brian put into it.

Hart is on his way to Port Macquarie this morning.

Here is a link to the video we made of our trip on the way down

http://www.youtube.com/markkofahl#p/a/u/0/QkQVLQi31LY

Regards
Mark.

On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 8:59 AM, Les Harris <leslieharris@optusnet.com.au> wrote:

Pete,

This problem got progressively worse over a few days. In fact, it might be worth listing how it developed because it might ring a bell with someone.

Friday

  • Drove to Bunnings, about 10 k.
  • Stopped in car park, idling very fast.
  • Switched off engine.
  • Came out about 15 minutes later, tried to start engine
  • Very high cranking speed but would not fire
  • After about 40 minutes, engine fired up, very rough but then smoothed out
  • Drove home 10 k, ran properly but high idle when I reached home.

Saturday

  • Found that the idle valve screw had no clearance, readjusted to .003”
  • Cold start was normal, idle was normal.
  • Left Seabrook for Carrum Downs (where a group of Syncro owners was staying at a caravan park overnight.)
  • Drove down south east freeway, engine got lumpy when traffic slowed for road works
  • Stalled at gate of the caravan park and had to be pushed in!

Sunday

  • Cold start was normal, idle was a bit lumpy.
  • Drove to Cranbourne Racecourse (Day of the Volkswagen)
  • Stalled as I was parking, would not restart.
  • Tried restarting through the day when the engine was cold but it would not fire.
  • Tried restarting at the end of the day but the engine would not fire.
  • Got a tow to get me out of the racecourse and the engine started under tow.
  • Drove to a servo in Cranbourne to get petrol
  • Engine would start under tow but would not continue to run.

This might be Vanagon Syndrome and I do not know if mine has been fitted with the modified harness that was released to cure this problem.

Initially, I could get a restart when the engine was cold but even that had gone by the end of the day on Sunday. Had this happened near home, I would have pulled everything apart and progressively measured all values but the towing bill from Cranbourne to Point Cook would have been $240 before I even started, so I took the far cheaper option of sending it to Volkspower, which was only one quarter of the distance.

Of related interest: a Syncro owner in the US developed an analysis tool some years ago that plugs into the ECU and provides a digital display of the values of all the functions that are read by the ECU. It comes with a long ribbon connector that allows the display to be mounted on the dash so that all values can be checked while the vehicle is being driven. I found it on the Internet five or more years ago and Michael Roberts saw it when he visited Van Café on his recent US trip. If I can scrape a few dollars together, I will get one so that I have a fighting chance of pinpointing a problem before it develops to the point that mine reached.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anette Mortensen
Sent: 17 November 2009 01:35

Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Day of the Volkswagen 09 + Tribulations

Hi Les.....I have had a similar problem with other makes not my syncro.

It was if I remember correctly the starter boosts the ignition circuit to 12 volts.... but when ignition returns to the run or on position it is supplied to the distributor at approximate 6volts through another circuit.

My bush fix was to hot wire the coil which allowed the car to get home ok. I think on another occasion opposite problem would start but not run with key to on position...... it turned out to be a weak coil that would not supply enough spark at the lower voltage run or on position. Possibly not this time Les but thought you might find this interesting ?

Kind Regards Pete



57

Mark,

Yes, it would get a workout but it is physically strong enough to cope with it.  There are many reports on the world Syncro sites about people getting home with both rear half shafts removed and over some considerable distances.

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Mark Kofahl
Sent: 17 November 2009 21:13
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Day of the Volkswagen 09 + Tribulations

 

 

Wow - seems I am not the only one.

I was thinking - is it really 3wd? If RHS rear is spinning freely (like having the wheel in the air on a tricky off-road track) then if the diff lock is no engaged then surely no drive on the rear at all? 

The viscous would get a work out driving the front wheels yes?

I had some warning - it felt and particularly sounded  increasingly unbalanced.

Mark.

 

58
I would suggest that with the good rear wheel on the ground and drive through the central shaft that it would act similarly to the rear diff and keep drive to that wheel.
 
This was noticeable in the way my syncro pulled to the right when driving (my RHS CV was dead) as I assumed the left wheel driving at the rear only was trying to turn the vehicle.
 
It definitely drove differently to when it had both rear shafts connected.
 
Yet it still had the same power and drove a good 500kms with one side of the rear axle not operational.
 
I did have it fixed immediately (well as soon as I got home). Only cost $200.00 including an new CV (mine got destroyed), boot and labour.
 
Drove normally as soon as the new CV was refitted.
 
Scott
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Day of the Volkswagen 09 + Tribulations

 

Wow - seems I am not the only one.

I was thinking - is it really 3wd? If RHS rear is spinning freely (like having the wheel in the air on a tricky off-road track) then if the diff lock is no engaged then surely no drive on the rear at all?  The viscous would get a work out driving the front wheels yes?

I had some warning - it felt and particularly sounded  increasingly unbalanced.

Mark.

On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 3:14 PM, Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@ bigpond.com> wrote:
 

Mark,
 
Same thing happened to me going up to Dorrigo (waterfall Way) earlier this year - again loose bolts in the outer RHS CV which 4 fell out and the remaining 3mm of the remaining 2 bolts snapped off on a tight turn. Again removed the CV and drove back to Sawtell and back to Terrigal (Central Coast NSW) in 3wd.
 
A lesson for everyone - check your CV bolts - they do come loose and you cant hear anything till they snap(well I couldn't).
 
Cheers,
 
Scott
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Day of the Volkswagen 09 + Tribulations

 

Les

I commiserate!

Hart and I made it back to Camden last night. I had a few troubles again with loose bolts in the Right rear driveshaft - came right out! Driving just off 1 wheel / front wheels).

We managed to find a hoist in Yass and fix it and got going again, so not as bad as your problem which required towing.

Thanks again for all of the organisational effort you and Brian put into it.

Hart is on his way to Port Macquarie this morning.

Here is a link to the video we made of our trip on the way down

http://www.youtube. com/markkofahl# p/a/u/0/QkQVLQi3 1LY

Regards
Mark.

On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 8:59 AM, Les Harris <leslieharris@ optusnet. com.au> wrote:
 

Pete,

 

This problem got progressively worse over a few days.  In fact, it might be worth listing how it developed because it might ring a bell with someone.

 

Friday

  • Drove to Bunnings, about 10 k. 
  • Stopped in car park, idling very fast. 
  • Switched off engine. 
  • Came out about 15 minutes later, tried to start engine 
  • Very high cranking speed but would not fire
  • After about 40 minutes, engine fired up, very rough but then smoothed out
  • Drove home 10 k, ran properly but high idle when I reached home.

 

Saturday

  • Found that the idle valve screw had no clearance, readjusted to .003”
  • Cold start was normal, idle was normal. 
  • Left Seabrook for Carrum Downs (where a group of Syncro owners was staying at a caravan park overnight.)
  • Drove down south east freeway, engine got lumpy when traffic slowed for road works
  • Stalled at gate of the caravan park and had to be pushed in!

 

Sunday

  • Cold start was normal, idle was a bit lumpy.
  • Drove to Cranbourne Racecourse (Day of the Volkswagen)
  • Stalled as I was parking, would not restart.
  • Tried restarting through the day when the engine was cold but it would not fire.
  • Tried restarting at the end of the day but the engine would not fire.
  • Got a tow to get me out of the racecourse and the engine started under tow.
  • Drove to a servo in Cranbourne to get petrol
  • Engine would start under tow but would not continue to run.

 

This might be Vanagon Syndrome and I do not know if mine has been fitted with the modified harness that was released to cure this problem.

 

Initially, I could get a restart when the engine was cold but even that had gone by the end of the day on Sunday.  Had this happened near home, I would have pulled everything apart and progressively measured all values but the towing bill from Cranbourne to Point Cook would have been $240 before I even started, so I took the far cheaper option of sending it to Volkspower, which was only one quarter of the distance.

 

Of related interest: a Syncro owner in the US developed an analysis tool some years ago that plugs into the ECU and provides a digital display of the values of all the functions that are read by the ECU.  It comes with a long ribbon connector that allows the display to be mounted on the dash so that all values can be checked while the vehicle is being driven.  I found it on the Internet five or more years ago and Michael Roberts saw it when he visited Van Café on his recent US trip.  If I can scrape a few dollars together, I will get one so that I have a fighting chance of pinpointing a problem before it develops to the point that mine reached.

 

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Anette Mortensen
Sent: 17 November 2009 01:35

Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Day of the Volkswagen 09 + Tribulations

 

 

Hi Les.....I have had a similar problem with other makes not my syncro.

 

 It was if I remember correctly the starter boosts the ignition circuit to 12 volts.... but when ignition returns to the run or on position it is supplied to the distributor at approximate 6volts through another circuit.

 

My bush fix was to hot wire the coil which allowed the car to get home ok. I think on another occasion opposite problem would  start but not run with key to on position.... .. it turned out to be a weak coil that would not supply enough spark at the lower voltage run or on position. Possibly not this time Les but thought you might find this interesting ?

         

                                              Kind Regards Pete

 

 

 

 



59

Amongst the new members who appeared on the day, I forgot to mention John Gallacher, who is looking for a Syncro to buy. 

Sorry, John, but it gets a bit hard to remember when there are so many people around. 

Les

 

 

 

60

Ah, the dreaded brain fade!!  I had mentioned John, which probably means that I have forgotten someone else.  And we are still waiting for Greg’s account of getting his newly purchased Syncro back for FNQ, which is something worth waiting for.

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Les Harris
Sent: 18 November 2009 09:23
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Day of the Volkswagen 09

 

 

Amongst the new members who appeared on the day, I forgot to mention John Gallacher, who is looking for a Syncro to buy. 

Sorry, John, but it gets a bit hard to remember when there are so many people around. 

Les