I'll kick off with structural bolts.
They should never be greased or lubricated, they should be fitted dry and if the mating threads are greasy then clean them out. If you grease threads then not only are you applying much more bolt stress for the same torque but the loosening force required is much less meaning they can come loose more easily.
Grease is probably why peoples wheels fall off VW even fitted a sticker but put it in a stupid place so some people have never read it.
Goes without saying that you should always use a torque wrench.
Tip or reminder of the day..
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- 937carrera
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Re: Tip or reminder of the day..
Are you going to treat us to one every day
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine
- itchyfeet
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Re: Tip or reminder of the day..
No, I was hoping to learn a thing or two myself so feel free to contribute.937carrera wrote:Are you going to treat us to one every day
- clift_d
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Re: Tip or reminder of the day..
Regarding wheel bolts, etc, if people are concerned about avoiding corrosion then apparently the use of a weak strength (Loctite 222 - purple) or medium strength (Loctite 242 / 243 - blue) threadlocker will prevent corrosion without altering the torque characteristics of the fixing.
1988 LHD T25 1.6TD Westfalia Club Joker Hightop syncro
- Titus A Duxass
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Re: Tip or reminder of the day..
Wheel nuts - check them after driving 30 miles.
VW T3 GTi Camper 2,0l
- ajsimmo
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Re: Tip or reminder of the day..
Is your van right on the change? If it's 84-86 check Brickwerks really useful page to identify early or late bits from your VIN.
https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/t3selector" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/t3selector" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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The Campershack - (website paused)
WBX Rebuilds & Upgrades from the beautiful Isle of Arran
WBX Rebuilds & Upgrades from the beautiful Isle of Arran
- T25Convert
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Re: Tip or reminder of the day..
My tip would be always have fire extinguishing equipment to hand when working on the fuel system.
I had previously thought for the last 20 years or so of working on old cars that this was over the top H&S gone mad type thinking, until recently I had a small fire after an incident involving spilled fuel and an errant spark. Its amazing how long it takes with fumbling panicky hands to find what you need and extinguish a fire, and surprising how quick it goes up!
So I'd have an extinguisher/hosepipe/fire blanket/burly fireman with a a big hose standing by as you see fit.
Might even start doing the whole disconnecting the battery thing as well!
I had previously thought for the last 20 years or so of working on old cars that this was over the top H&S gone mad type thinking, until recently I had a small fire after an incident involving spilled fuel and an errant spark. Its amazing how long it takes with fumbling panicky hands to find what you need and extinguish a fire, and surprising how quick it goes up!
So I'd have an extinguisher/hosepipe/fire blanket/burly fireman with a a big hose standing by as you see fit.
Might even start doing the whole disconnecting the battery thing as well!
RIP - George - 1.9DG '85 AutoSleeper Trident - rusted away
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle