My Turbo Diesel Vanagon Engine Disaster

[@sietse9920]

Oh man! What a set back… I admire your perseverance. I know how much work it all is, especially when you’re raving mad about what happened (at least: that’s how it goes with me when something bad as this happens) I agree on your cost-estimation. Therefore I went searching for a complete new engine. Luckily that one turned out to be good (after installing a new crankshaft….😡). Just want to say: hang in there, and search for the light IN the tunnel 💪🏻)

[@itsastevething.]

Thank you so very much! :-) I'm trying my best to remain calm. It certainly is difficult with these circumstances, but I'm keeping focused.

[@stirlinghartley5275]

Such a shame I'd be devastated all that damage for such a small part failing, i recently replaced my turbo with a rebuilt one, keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck with the project 👍

[@itsastevething.]

I certainly was, but I new if I didn't keep pushing through it would just cause more stress. Thank you very much for the support!!

[@gearhead-quarters30]

I feel your pain, I've had my own engine disaster. Killed my 1Z in Idaho and ended up landing a 98 jetta for free from a friend to yank the engine out of. 2 months of my summer wasted last year and a whole lot of stress, but it's back on the road and about to take me to my first photo gig of the season down in NC.

[@itsastevething.]

Enjoy your hard work!!!

[@gearhead-quarters30]

@@itsastevething. And much more hard work ahead of me!

[@itsastevething.]

@Gear Head-Quarters It's a labor of love, or madness. Maybe a touch of both ;-)

[@AwesomeCameras]

great videos man! wish you lived in CA, I need a diesel vanagon buddy to help me get my van back on the road!

[@itsastevething.]

Thanks! If you need pointers I can certainly try to help.

[@dale436]

I put a EJ25 in mine (5 speed reversed trans) and am very pleased. It's quiet, has great power, and with the cost of diesel I should be comparable on the cost per mile.

[@itsastevething.]

I have an EJ25 and Reversed 5-speed in my tintop 85 Vanagon. They get in the 14-22mpg range depending on driving habits and idle time. An AHU consistently makes 19-28 mpg in a Vanagon depending on habits, van load, and gearing. The Subaru certainly fitsbetter, is very smooth, and quiet (with the right exhaust parts). Congrats on your conversion! An excellent choice and fit for a Vanagon. Parts certainly are easier to order abd source locally.

[@dw4956]

Those use twice the around of fuel and its a low torque gasoline engine. Its comparing apples and oranges.

[@mfitzsimpica]

Really sorry to hear what happened. I installed an AAZ only to discover that I had a bad head and gasket. What kind of air filter are you using?

[@itsastevething.]

I have a Donaldson G065433 and Don't use the blue filter. It is ok for regular driving but somewhat restrictive under full boost in the higher rpm. It came with my conversion (though mounted differently), so I use it. I have looked at many aur cleaners and size is the deciding factor. I plan to have a 1993-1997 Ford F150 or Mustang unit eventually but they don't fit in front of the taillight. Be careful with CFM ratings. Some units state lower while some higher.

[@gregorthomas2236]

hey man, where is your outlet on the breather routed to? We've purchased a T25 that's venting to atmosphere atm which you can imagine is not very pleasant, especially as it's leaking into the cabin. We really want to get it sorted as it's kind of making it undrivable atm due to being so leaky.

[@itsastevething.]

The oil breather? Into a separator, then into the turbo inlet pipe.

[@gregorthomas2236]

@ItsASteveThing I thought it might have something to do with the turbo! Thank you, really appreciate it!

[@itsastevething.]

@Gregor Thomas no worries. It can be vented to atmosphere if an oil seperator with a breather filter is used, but I recommend OE routing back into the turno inlet, but add a sealed oil seperator. A BMW like this part number - 11151705237

[@gregorthomas2236]

@@itsastevething. you're making my life a whole lot easier, really appreciate it, man!

[@itsastevething.]

@@gregorthomas2236 No worries, I'm here to help!

[@paulcottam128]

what did you decide to do full rebuild? rebore etc?

[@itsastevething.]

Cylinders were honed, new pistons installed, new bearings as well. And of course all new seals.

[@elrisivan]

hi man, where did you find the coolant hose?

[@itsastevething.]

The silicone coolant hoses came frome Brickwerks in the UK

[@Maximoootom]

Where did you get your turbo from?

[@itsastevething.]

The rebuilder brand was Melett

[@boguesession]

Liked the video for the algorithm juice. Strong dislike on the situation though. What a bummer.

[@itsastevething.]

Thank you for the support! Thankful the failure happened close to home so I was able to walk back and get help pulling it back.