How to check the oil and water on your T3, Vanagon, T25

[@heyyitssabii]

I have a T25 (1985) and basically using your videos as a crash course in typical maintenance, thanks! 🎉

[@paulwhent1370]

You have just helped me massively as just got a t25 and didnt realise was hidden behind the plate lol

[@ruhowe7811]

So helpful. Thank you for covering the basics.

[@wendystegemann7174]

I've had my coolant at 3/4 full. Thanks for telling us

[@darren_k8401]

Nice one mate you don't know how helpful these videos are. I so need these!!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

You're more than welcome. Any suggestions for the next one?

[@vdubpollygrey7094]

Great vidio can wait to see to rest as I've just started my own T25 project

[@nobbyteixeira4392]

Looking forward to the rest of this series. Cheers guys

[@markarmenta1919]

Awesome! I didn’t know about the oil filler telescoping

[@tonvanderreijken4380]

Great to watch your videos ! keep recording more....

[@stephenparker4735]

Excellent information, thanks. What coolant should be added?

[@garrettbates6018]

I just bought a 90 gr or gt I think it’s called??? I’m doing a lot of engine work and my book is thicker than 4 bibles. It’s nice to go directly to what your working on and need

[@colinvanful]

you would not belive how many t25 owners never knew they did not need a funnel to top the oil up , i have 25 years exp on thease busses give me a job i can do that ! [in my sleep ]

[@chuckhelms5248]

Great vid. I just got a new to me 85 Westy, It sat for four years, as the owner passed away but was well maintained prior to that. What things should I be doing before I drive it down the road? thanks chuck

[@darcyharris7507]

So for the coolant I just fill the overflow to the full and I’m good?

[@my_name_is_betty283]

What about the other coolant tank? You just don’t have to check it?

[@jameshill1839]

What coolant do you recommend, T25 1986 2.1 PETROL.

[@stephenhornigold3993]

Will you be making a video about header tank ( blue cap )

[@stephenhornigold3993]

How many how T3 how to videos are there’s?

[@rextilian]

Should the engine be run before or during these checks? thanks.

[@TheGavinM40]

Ive been advised to bleed and change my water and coolant. A-how on earth do i do that? B-what coolant do i get?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Is this on a t25?

[@paulwaddington2615]

My header tank overflows when opened even when flat cold... Dalek cap is new and works. Any ideas

[@rmqumri]

what is the recommended oil viscosity ?? I currently use 20W50 castrol edge and i see my vanagon spitting out oil from the exhaust pipe

[@rushymoto]

OK. How about the T3 Diesel? I just looked at one with the dip stick under the engine lid. The tube had an orange plastic end but the dipstick had a red plastic finger ring? was it the wrong dip stick? What oil capacity should the diesel have? Looks like a golf type diesel tilted more on its side. Also it had a coolant expansion tank where the coolant should be checked from. The bottle behind the number plate is just the over flow catcher bottle so not an indication of actual coolant level. The apparent PCV valve on the cam cover was leaking a bit of oil so may be in indication of to much oil being put in due to overfilling with the wrong dip stick. Could you advise on correct fill volume on the diesel and if you have a dip stick with orange end could you measure the length of the metal whip part total and how far up from the end the full and low marks are please. Van already left Dover for Scotland so I would like to send the infirmation on if possible. Thanks

[@jodieculley6687]

Hi, I've just brought a T25 1.7 diesel 1989. Want to drop the coolant and replace but unsure of where the best place to do it is? Can't find any videos on this :)

[@hayleytaylor7030]

My boot wont open. On my t25 caravelle. Key turns and lock pushes in but it wont open. Could you advice?

[@diegolusares326]

Hi there, thank you for sharing these videos. Ive got a question.. What about the other expansion tank? i've been told that we never should check that one , is that right?? Thank you.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

If it is known to be empty or low in coolant because of a significant leak, or a modification to the cooling system, the expansion tank In the engine is where you refill the coolant system.

[@colinvanful]

no it is exactly the oposite always check the level in the main tank but never do it with a hot engine also there is a thing with t 25's where the system does not blead properly due to the header tank being below the the radiator bleed valve . which means you have to lift the back of the motor up above the radiator bleed valve to get rid of the air traped in the system . simply topping the expansion bottle up will not cure any over heating problem . never take your t25 to a vw dealerhip they will kill it they know nothing about old school shite !

[@Aircooledbliss]

Thanks, How much oil can one fill if the level is on the bottom line until it comes to the top line? I just got an air cooled 1600ct vanagon

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Keep adding a little at a time, and check between each top up, until you are happy that the top line has been reached.

[@joecaine7269]

I recently purchased a VW T25 autosleeper and noticed the temp light flashing and the gauge goes to high immediately on turning the engine over. The water reservoir was empty and I filled it to the required amount. A few days later I turned the engine and nothing changed. Red light flashing and the gauge automatically goes to high. Is this because the water has not reached the engine from the reservoir yet or is it a faulty water pump? Any ideas please.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Sounds like the system need filling and bleeding. Look on Club 80-90 forum. Search on their wiki pages for bleeding the cooling system ;)

[@davidronconi]

Thanks! Where did you get the wheels on that westy at 27 seconds? Are the 14” or 15”? They look incredible.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

They are standard 14" steel wheels

[@JackAcid]

Right. Now then. The coolant thing. This BAFFLES me. I have a 1.9 1984 dg. I use the blue coolant that Just Kampers recommend. But my expansion tank only has fluid in it after I've been driving. When the engine cools it empties. I don't fill this tank because if I fill it, AND drive the van, it'll literally burst with the amount of liquid in it. It'll easily exceed the MAX level. What am I doing wrong? 🙄😁

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Jack, thanks for your comments. Can I suggest taking a good look over the club 80-90 forum, and in particular the wiki pages. They are a huge wealth of information, especially about filling and bleeding your cooling system. Grab a brew, reserve a couple of hours and digest all the information. Itll be way more info than I van fit in here dude.

[@tcniel]

As my "86 T-3 ages it can overheat and whatever I do it just remains a problem, can I upgrade the radiator or change the hoses, and of course the sensors go crazy.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Tom, it could be one of a number of problems I'm afraid. Worn water pump, blocked radiator, cooling system not bled correctly... we could help you source the problem if you wish.

[@gordonblues843]

Why does my T3 have a water tank just with water in it and another tank for coolant at the back of the engine bay?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Both should be full of coolant

[@gordonblues843]

@@CombeValleyCampers ok. What's weird is I've discovered is that both tanks should be connected by a hose but nine aren't. What's going on here!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Yup, the large tank should have a pressure relief lid, and the hose from that should run to the bottle behind the inspection hatch

[@gordonblues843]

@@CombeValleyCampers OK, blimey. I wonder if this has anything to do with the coolant loss problem I experience and the overheating and the engine losing power at times. *Scratches head* It's made it all the way to Turkey and back like this! Thanks for replying on bank holiday!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

@@gordonblues843 my absolute pleasure. If you have any further problems, be sure to email [e-mail]

[@imyourhuckleberry8009]

What happens if you overfill your oil on a vanagon?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Your dipstick will read over! In all seriousness, your only option is to drain the oil, and refill to the correct level. Leigh

[@colinvanful]

look dude your freaking english it's a t25 here sir

[@CombeValleyCampers]

I'm also a t3 fanatoc so am completely aware of what they are called ;)