[T3] Old Type IIIs

[Jim Adney]

On 22 Feb 2011 at 23:45, J. Jonik wrote:

> How to know which parts, incl wires, connectors, other components, MUST be
> replaced after X number of years to be reliable? 

Wires and connectors don't age. They will outlast you and me unless they are 
abused. Treat them well and they will treat you well. OTOH, you can't control 
how your parts were treated before you owned the car. Efforts to clean up 
tarnished connectors are almost always misguided and counterproductive, but 
injector connectors sometimes have to be tightened up because Bosch made 
replacement injectors with slightly thinner pins.

Parts that WILL wear out are rare. The overflow hose is one example I can think 
of, along with spark plugs and points. Exhaust valves are another. Pistons and 
cylinders will wear, and cases will get their main bearing webs pushed out of 
shape with over-revving. 

Don't let yourself get into the mode of thinking that you ought to just replace 
a bunch of stuff because the original stuff is old. This usually results in 
good original parts being replaced by junk.

The bearings in the front axle beam will last forever, IF you keep ALL FOUR 
lubricated and service the sway bar quickly if it comes loose.

Rust is the main demon. Clogged water drain lines will cause rust from the 
inside out when the airboxes overflow. Salt works on everything from the 
outside in. 

-- 
Jim Adney
jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, WI USA