Ask Ken
25 articles in this category
YouTube Videos
A few years ago, I started making videos and posting them on YouTube to help folks keep their vans on the road. We started a Youtube channel and that contains all of our videos at the moment. You should be able to find it here:
Drain Plug Thread Repair on a Waterboxer engine
Drain Plug Thread Repair on a Waterboxer engine: I occasionally get someone calling me asking for a new Vanagon waterboxer oil pan. This is kind of like in the old days when people would tease others by asking them to go to the l
How-to Remove and Replace Eurovan Shocks
I just did this yesterday so I thought I would write it up while I have it fresh in my mind. The front shocks are the worst. You will need some odd sized sockets. Have 16mm, 18mm, and 20mm sockets and wrenches ready. I mention this becau
How to Replace your Vanagon Antenna
How to remove an old antenna and install a new one on a Vanagon. Real easy. Buy a new antenna. I have VW ones for $45 (fully retractable). Remove your grille and driver’s side headlight assembly. Remo
How to Install a "Wet" Oil Pressure Gauge on a Vanagon
I bought a generic oil pressure gauge from FLAPS and then I went to Napa to get 20′ of plastic oil line (I used at least 15 feet!). I set up a “T” using a 2 1/2″ piece of threaded pipe and a “T” fittin
How to Stop your Oil Light from Flickering at idle
How to stop that Flickering oil light. You just bought your Vanagon after test driving it and being pleased with how it drove and everything seems great. Then you take the first trip over 30 mins and come to a stop sign. The red l
How to Troubleshoot your Vanagon for "Bucking" or Loss of Power Syndrome
Why does my Vanagon Buck or Miss and lose power? Many Vanagons experience a similar problem of bucking, rich running and power loss. This page is to help troubleshoot this problem and determine it’s cause so that it may be c
How to Replace your ignition switch (all year and model Vanagons)
How-to Replace the ignition switch on a Vanagon: I sell the ignition switch for the Vanagon here . Here is how to remove and replace the switch. <ol
How to Troubleshoot your Radiator Fan System (83.5-91 non-diesel Vanagons)
How-to, very simply, trouble shoot the Radiator Fan system on 83.5-91 watercooled (non-diesel) Vanagons. Remove lower grille Unplug the radiator fan temp switch plug on the front of the radiator Make a shor
How to Change Front Brake Pads ('86-91 Vanagon)
How To Change Front Brake Pads (’86-91 Vanagon) A quick how-to on changing brake pads on Vanagons with Girling Calipers (’86-91 including Syncro). Place van on level, hard surface Chock the rear wheels or
How to inspect the rear brakes on a Vanagon
Getting ready to inspect rear brakes: Anything having to do with the brake system is very dirty. You will at least want some latex gloves, brake cleaner and a pair of overalls to cover your clothes. You will get dirty. The first
How to troubleshoot a Vanagon that won't start
Help my 2.1l Vanagon has fallen on it’s face and it can’t get up! A Vanagon Stalls and Won’t Start. I have had people email me with this problem about a million times so I finally decided to do a web page