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Ok so the story goes.
Just purchased a 2004 T4 Transporter Diesel Auto Campervan. 220k on the clock.
The car has in the last 6 months had a Transmission Recondition 6k repair bill
Now the car arrived today from interstate where my ex went and checked the car out with her step dad and drove it back from NSW. So I drove the car this after afternoon and I am surprised at a few things and I would like to know if this is normal.
1. Van felt quite like a truck and noisey as a diesel. (A lot more noise than the Iveco we tested)
2. I thought the take off from lights was sluggish and gear changes not as smooth as I expected. A little clunky for my liking.
3. Apart from the above 2 the van drove well and braked well. Cruised nicely at 80-100
Now upon purchasing the vehicle I have since been informed of the known history of the transmission failures.
In hearing this I found this forum (here) which confirmed my fears with others stories but also made mention to a solution being the Trans Oil Cooler.
So as a prevention as I dont believe I have a problem unless someone tells me otherwise after reading the above points.
I called around today to several mechanics and was quite surprised at the response and unwillingness to help. Especially from so called recommended VW mechanics in Melbourne.
Not only do they not know of this history but were unwilling to quote or be involved in the fitting of an external after market oil cooler as has been recommended by others.
However I have heard back from 2 mechanics
One said that as the Transmission has had a reconditioned one done then he believes the oil cooler will not only be replaced but the updated one would have be installed. Also commented that this model cant be fit with an external oil cooler as it has a top mounted one and only a upgraded top mounted one would be the best option. In his opinion he did say that he thought I was wasting my money as the transmission is reconditioned. He also said that the problem with the original oil coolers was that they corroded and therefore became ineffective, hence why transmissions broke down.
The second one called and said that he could fit an external one but would need the vehicle and once the transmission cooler was off he could then by the adapter fittings to get the job done. He recommended that an external oil cooler was a good idea and to proceed.
2 Different stories from 2 different mechanics.
I read the job list from the actual reconditioned transmission the previous owner had and I cant see anywhere that says a oil cooler was replaced. This is a concern.
So I ask?
Going by the description above of my drive test is this normal for this vehicle?
And if it is not normal can a external oil cooler be fitted and what can I expect to pay for the supply and fitting of one. Also a recommendation for a trustworthy, not a smiling one hand in my back pocket mechanic to do the job would be greatly appreciated.
Any thoughts??
Just purchased a 2004 T4 Transporter Diesel Auto Campervan. 220k on the clock.
The car has in the last 6 months had a Transmission Recondition 6k repair bill
Now the car arrived today from interstate where my ex went and checked the car out with her step dad and drove it back from NSW. So I drove the car this after afternoon and I am surprised at a few things and I would like to know if this is normal.
1. Van felt quite like a truck and noisey as a diesel. (A lot more noise than the Iveco we tested)
2. I thought the take off from lights was sluggish and gear changes not as smooth as I expected. A little clunky for my liking.
3. Apart from the above 2 the van drove well and braked well. Cruised nicely at 80-100
Now upon purchasing the vehicle I have since been informed of the known history of the transmission failures.
In hearing this I found this forum (here) which confirmed my fears with others stories but also made mention to a solution being the Trans Oil Cooler.
So as a prevention as I dont believe I have a problem unless someone tells me otherwise after reading the above points.
I called around today to several mechanics and was quite surprised at the response and unwillingness to help. Especially from so called recommended VW mechanics in Melbourne.
Not only do they not know of this history but were unwilling to quote or be involved in the fitting of an external after market oil cooler as has been recommended by others.
However I have heard back from 2 mechanics
One said that as the Transmission has had a reconditioned one done then he believes the oil cooler will not only be replaced but the updated one would have be installed. Also commented that this model cant be fit with an external oil cooler as it has a top mounted one and only a upgraded top mounted one would be the best option. In his opinion he did say that he thought I was wasting my money as the transmission is reconditioned. He also said that the problem with the original oil coolers was that they corroded and therefore became ineffective, hence why transmissions broke down.
The second one called and said that he could fit an external one but would need the vehicle and once the transmission cooler was off he could then by the adapter fittings to get the job done. He recommended that an external oil cooler was a good idea and to proceed.
2 Different stories from 2 different mechanics.
I read the job list from the actual reconditioned transmission the previous owner had and I cant see anywhere that says a oil cooler was replaced. This is a concern.
So I ask?
Going by the description above of my drive test is this normal for this vehicle?
And if it is not normal can a external oil cooler be fitted and what can I expect to pay for the supply and fitting of one. Also a recommendation for a trustworthy, not a smiling one hand in my back pocket mechanic to do the job would be greatly appreciated.
Any thoughts??
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