New Member, 1988 Van Wagon, seeking parts and advice

[shellfritsch]

Hello!

I'm happy to announce that I recently picked up an '88 wagon in great condition from the original owner. Only 113k miles. Looks to be very well maintained, came with shop manuals too. One problem is the overdrive isn't working. I haven't checked the relay yet, but I'm starting to look around for an OD solenoid just in case I confirm it's busted. Seems to be very hard to find one. Anyone have any leads?

-Sean, in California

[shellfritsch]

Here are some pictures.

[EricE]

Nice wheels, not familiar with the model but in Delicas there are a few lockouts on the overdrive . Common issues are the overdrive switch on the steering column not working and there is a temp sensor that won't allow the OD to engage until the engine is warm , if this sensor fails or there is a bad connection no OD , simply ground the connector to see if it's an issue . Try these for a start

[shellfritsch]

Well it looks like the head gasket is shot. I've been advised by a couple mechanics to sell & cut my losses since these vans are so uncommon here and parts can be expensive.

If anyone sees this and has time time / energy / expertise to do the engine work on an otherwise very clean & well maintained van, please PM me. The van is in Berkeley.

Really sad to see it go so quickly!

[teamtestbot]

I got all the parts for mine through Rock Auto - it's actually quite cheap for most things, because they are just obscure and old enough that neither high trade volume nor rarity causes price inflation.

The problem for you would clearly be time and labor - I haven't taken apart my engine past the timing belts and that was a daunting 6 hour adventure (though now that I know how to do it, it would take less time). Looking on Rock, head gaskets only seem to be around $20-25, and all gaskets seem to come in $50-70 kits.