31

Westfalia / Re: Yakima roof tracks on a Westfalia top.

« on: August 20, 2015, 09:37:05 am »

I had a few questions about my rack rig via PM and ok'd with asker to post here in case others may benefit.

1) could you please help me by pointing out exactly which kits you purchased from yakima? bar lengths etc.

I went with 60"" tracks with 'capnuts.'  https://www.yakima.com/60-tracks-w-capnut-hardware. 

Two things to consider, hardware and track length.  Yakima offers 'capnuts' and 'plusnuts.'   Use capnuts with fiberglass tops like our Westy's.  The plus nuts are expanding hardware used when you can not access the bolt from underside - they are very similar in concept to 'rivnuts' and work if you are mounting into a sheet metal roof as I did on my Pathfinder back in the 90s.

Yakima offers 42", 54" and 60" track lengths.  I went with two 60" kits but you could probably save some money by ordering a shorter size based on overall length - I think I'm close to 8' all in.

Bar length on my set up is 78".  https://www.yakima.com/78-crossbar-pair-2-crossbars  Yakima 48" 58" & 66" lengths as well - depending on your needs.  They also have an 86" length but these are about twice the price and mass as the 78".  I've had my 78" loaded up with a couple hundred lbs of boats on washboard with no bending so good enough for my needs.

2) what did you choose as your span 48" ?

I went with a wide a foot print as our tops allow - didn't measure this but you need to ensure hardware doesn't encroach on edges of top where you might not have space to fasten capnuts.

3) when you say miter...did you do a 45deg so it overlaps? or on diagonal as you look down on it?

I mitered at 45 degrees with front track overlapping top of bottom track - makes for a tight seam!

4) I can see about how far you went forward with bars..as I se forward through bolts for top...how far from back? was this a good choice? no interference with lift hatch?

No interference with hatch - I am as far back as possible - make careful note not to exceed your access from underside of pop top.  Similar to laying out the width, the underside is both shorter and more narrow than what you see from the top (talking about our pop top as it's constructed in multiple layers.)

32

Show off your projects here! / Re: Building "Dylan", Bob's 2003 Eurovan Weekender.

« on: June 28, 2015, 07:26:32 am »

Fun stuff!  I'll be interested to see how you do with those small paint divots / scratches.  I've got a several spots on my EV that are similar and on my list for attention.

I've been thinking about a new rear emblem too - can't seem to get all of the IA road dust off and back to dark black but going to take a cut and paint before replacement.  You can get them here :  http://europarts-sd.com/emblem-rearchromevw.asp

33

Westfalia / Re: Yakima roof tracks on a Westfalia top.

« on: June 26, 2015, 11:56:12 am »

I did read post from the UK T4 forum -- whereby some Fiamma rear rack users upgraded the rear door struts to adjust for the extra weight. So its doable to find a fix that makes that easier to open when loaded.

Thanks for the direction - I used it to track down what I'm pretty sure will in fact work.  Definitely adds some $$$ to the back rack spend but since I've finally found a beefy strut it will be nice to not need to fiddle with my newly built (and maybe still useful if the rack is super loaded up and it brrrrrrrrrr) home made strut locker

UK forum had a link to a parts place with part #7D0829331G as T4 H/D Tail Gate Lifter Gas Struts with exhaust rated at 910 Newton.  Google says 910 Newton is 204 lbf so about 20bf more than stock.

Google also says I can order these from Jim Ellis VW - just up the road.  Spec on page also shows 910 Newton.  Gotta love their 'you save 25%!)

GoWesty oem strut replacement part 7D0829331F which is also available from Jim Ellis with a spec of 830 Newtons or 186lbf.

I've got silly time and money chasing this - guess I should have dug harder in VW parts catalog to start 

34

Show off your projects here! / Re: Auxiliary Battery

« on: June 26, 2015, 06:14:38 am »

Here is an 'aux' battery to consider - if your power needs aren't too large.  http://antigravitybatteries.com/microstart/  I bought mine from Amazon.

I have a house battery already (Weekender) but cary this as a third source of 12v.  I use it to power various USB items and it is a viable jump start tool if need be.  It lives in the van but came in handy yesterday when the grid failed and I needed to power wireless hotspot for several hours while wfh.  It can be charged either a/c or d/c so you could use Cole's link to rig it for in van charging if desired.

I agree with Cole's post on 'too much spend' for most house electrics.  I'm going to be building out a Sprinter sometime in the next 12-36 months and have no plans for a/c.  USB 3.0 will make getting most of what I need even simpler.

The only large appliance the Sprinter will have is a fridge so I'll need some juice for it but I'm using a Yeti Tundra 50 in the EV.  The Yeti lives up to its marketing claims and does a great job of keeping ice - which is also readily available in copious amounts for reasonable $ in the southeast.

35

Interior! / Re: Temp gauge

« on: June 25, 2015, 06:30:00 pm »

I am no expert so have that in mind when you read this 

I'm recently getting acquainted with temp sensors as my AXK threw a MIL P0118 - Engine Coolant Temp Sensor High Voltage.  You can read more in my post - http://www.cavevan.com/forum/index.php?topic=89.0

It does seem there are two temp sensors one for ECM and the other for fan.  I live in Hotlanta and can tell you into the humid high 90s my gauge never goes above mid point.

Here is a post with pics of the two gauges.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4765057-Eurovan-coolant-temp-sensor-replacement

36

Westfalia / Re: Yakima roof tracks on a Westfalia top.

« on: June 24, 2015, 01:41:13 pm »

Once the tracks are on, what towers do you like?

And what length crossbars? I don't like the look of too-wide cross bars, but I'm thinking I want a basket up top and a Road Shower. I'm probably going to need a wide setup.

I used Yakima 'Control Towers' with 'Landing Pad 1' for towers.  The baskets are rectangular and can be installed 'length' wise if you are looking for narrower cross bars.  The next size down is 66" and then 58" and finally 48"

My 78" are close to width of van at the side mirrors.

37

VR6 Engine tech / Re: OBD Error Codes - Whatcha Got, Whatcha Know?

« on: June 20, 2015, 06:06:10 am »

I did a fly and buy last August - Des Moines to Atlanta for my EV with a planned camp in Land Between the Lakes KY.  I had been EV hunting for quite a time and this one had only 40k miles as it was a '3rd car.'  Nearing my overnight stay after 550 trouble-free miles the MIL illuminated.   

The code was P0441 - Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow.  I cleared it and passed emissions to get the EV registered in GA.  P0441 continued to intermittently trip for the next several months (sometimes I'd go a several weeks without) before I decided to chase it down.

I found a 2011 post on the Bentley T4 Tech Discussion forum and it proved accurate.  http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?threadID=43647

There is a micro filter in front of the N80 valve that you might check as preventative next time you are under the hood - it's super easy access.  Mine was filled with very fine carbon powder and clearly inhibiting the purge flow.  No P0441 since.

38

Westfalia / Re: Yakima roof tracks on a Westfalia top.

« on: June 19, 2015, 10:02:40 am »

Thought I'd make a case for the 78" cross bars.  The longest of the Yakima cross bars found their way onto my trucks and vans as a natural off shoot of 'running shuttle' - the mechanics of loading as many as six or even eight kayaks are more straight forward with this wide platform.

There are additional benefits too.  I load bikes on top by 'hanging' them temporarily on the bars, climbing up the ladder then lift and secure fork mount / rear tire.  At 5'9" I need a ladder otherwise.  I do have conceptual plans for a 'low boy' mount per previous post but it will be on the driver's side rear to avoid sliding door interference.

Not shown is the convenience of hanging clothes, hydration packs, outdoor showers etc.

39

VR6 Engine tech / Re: OBD Error Codes - Whatcha Got, Whatcha Know?

« on: June 16, 2015, 08:47:47 am »

Great article - thanks for that link!  Explains starting behavior this morning.  Will order up some parts - I think I've got it pinned down on Europarts but am going to wait until they open to be sure.  Bentley's says always replace ECT Sensor G62 with ECT Sensor G2 (not sure if dropping the '6' is intentional there or not.)

Here's a link to sensor swap on an AKX, do not forget to order O ring and plastic retainer clip for another $2.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4765057-Eurovan-coolant-temp-sensor-replacement

I'll post up the PO441 solution I used later this week.

http://europarts-sd.com/sensor-coolanttemperature1999-2003.asp

Afternoon update -

I hooked the battery back up and EV cranks and stays running - no MIL.  Didn't drive it around, heading out on a work trip in renta-rig.  Did order up parts for swap.  Also noted the detail write up link was for 12V not 24V so expect there may be a few deltas in procedure but great advice and with parts bill of $17 pretty low risk spend.

Following fix update -

So it's been 500k (EV originated in CAN) since the dreaded 'black plastic' temp sensor has been swapped out with new an improved 'green plastic' temp sensor and no MIL.  I'm feeling pretty good that the old piece was junk.  I tried for a dissection of the retired but pretty much just busted to pieces as I brought no grace and only force to the process.

40

VR6 Engine tech / OBD Error Codes - Whatcha Got, Whatcha Know?

« on: June 16, 2015, 06:54:33 am »

I'll start this out with a code thrown at me yesterday PO118 - it was 95 degrees here in ATL and the AXK EV ran great.  Did about 30mins highway, a few hours in the gym and when leaving started motor and immediately got MIL.  Ran fine, 30mins home.  Coolant temp gauge functioning as normal and in normal range.  Did scan this morning and cleared code.  Motor starts but will not stay running - cuts out after a second or two.  Error code is not reactivating in the brief time motor is running.

I'm rebooting the ECM now, disconnected battery.  Going to try to start again in an hour or two.  Anyone have experience with this? 

Good write up here:  http://www.obd-codes.com/p0118

41

Westfalia / Re: Seat covers for driver and front passenger seats for 2003 EV WE

« on: June 16, 2015, 06:35:48 am »

One of the great things about the sheepskin (addition to looks I like) is range of comfort.  Great in both winter and summer - keep you both warmer and cooler than many other options. 

It's like putting on a jacket in the winter - cozy warm fur.  They do not have a big detrimental on heat transfer if your seats have that option.  In the summer, the layer of air / breathability is awesome - don't get baking hot (it was 95 here in the ATL yesterday) sitting in the sun and circulation keeps bottom of legs from steamy situations.

One negative on them is the amount of charge they build when sliding out of the seat in cold / dry.  I maintain contact with a ground to discharge slowly or you can get quite a shock.   

42

Interior! / Re: Lighting options

« on: June 12, 2015, 01:13:02 pm »

Those look pretty cool - I like the multi color versions for enhancing the mood in camp.  I've got a string of led globes that change colors but run off AAs and don't function with efficiency of a lantern.

43

Interior! / Re: Show us your stereo!

« on: June 12, 2015, 01:04:12 pm »

Mine is the Blaupunkt Toronto 420 BT.  I like it well enough - seemed pretty reasonable at $160 shipped.

I like that the install took 5 minutes - pop out / pop in.  Sounds good.  BT phone calls work well.  USB works ok (sometimes shits itself trying to read iPhone and unit must power cycle.)  Tactical nav on map apps is nice versus Garmin/ipod set up in my 4Runner (can't hear the Garmin if enjoying music at volume.) iPhone is always charged.  Especially like the remote control that came with it - keep it in the back and can adjust volume if needed. 

I wish that streaming BT music had more signal, looses too much for my liking.  I'd rather have my dedicated 160gb 6th gen iPod cradled permanently but the head unit takes over the interface of the iPod and creates a horrible user experience.  If I could do this, I'd put the iPod in center console and wire to back of head unit.  Also - and I think this is more of an EV thing - I have to power it up each time I start the van - doesn't seem to remember it was on.

I really, really like the look of that Alpine Apple Carplay unit - that's the shit.

btw - iPhone mount is from 'ProClip' works well.

44

Westfalia / Re: Yakima roof tracks on a Westfalia top.

« on: June 12, 2015, 12:16:47 pm »

Glad you guys like the rack rig - it is super functional.

Man I tried and tried to upgrade those rear door struts but no luck just fails.  I bought a couple of 250lbf (180lbf is stock) thinking I'd mount one and maybe both but they were about 1/2" long and I couldn't get them on.  I'd post a pic of my home made strut compression rig (two pieces of angle iron with bolts for compression) but then my welding 'skills' would be on the web for all to ridicule.  I'd still give strut upgrade a shot if someone knows a direct fit.

I did motivate at lunch and cut up tube for homemade locking strut.  The tube was scrap - came off my adventure skiff as it was tiller extension that failed on high speed run of an Atlantic marsh - thank you kill switch!  Dimensions on the tube: OD 7/8" ID 13/16" cut to length was about 9 3/4".  I made a jig out of MDF and with the tube a bit longer than need be pinned it in via screw.  Then 2 passes on the table saw for the slot, and cut to length.

The ID is perfect snap fit for bottom mount on strut as you can see in pic two.  This seems like it will work pretty well but it won't get regular use until November.


fwiw - the blade in pic was used for mdf jig, I swapped a non ferrous version in the table saw for tube ripping.



Nice fit - could even be another 1/4" in length:

45

Westfalia / Re: Seat covers for driver and front passenger seats for 2003 EV WE

« on: June 12, 2015, 06:43:05 am »

A bit more than the Wet Okles but I really like my sheepskins from http://www.avrilscarwash.com/sheep02.html (I posted this in another seat covers thread somewhere on here!)