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VW T4 transporter workshop manual

Introduced in 1990, the T4 had been the initial Volkswagen van to have a front-mounted, water-cooled motor. Part of the success of the T4 had been its versatility.Wheelbase Two standard wheelbases had been available; "short" and "long".System types Van Panel

Introduced in 1990, the T4 had been the initial Volkswagen van to have a front-mounted, water-cooled motor. Caused by the success of comparable moves with regards to passenger cars, Volkswagen had toyed when you look at the belated 1970s using concept of changing their particular air-cooled, rear-engined T2 vans with a front-engined, water-cooled build. The reasons for determining in 1980 to alternatively introduce an innovative new rear-engined T3 are uncertain. Thus, the introduction of a front-engined layout was delayed before the arrival for the T4. After a run of nearly 14 years, T4 manufacturing stopped in 2003, which makes it 2nd simply to the T1 for length of production in its market.

Part of the success of the T4 had been its versatility. It was available in numerous kinds and sizes as standard and created the cornerstone of numerous expert motors, from buses to campervans to ambulances.
Wheelbase

Two standard wheelbases had been available; "short" and "long".
System types
Van

Panel Van - with no house windows behind the b-pillar; single row of chairs
Kombi or Half-Panel - with extra house windows amongst the b and c-pillars; 2 rows of seats
Caravelle or Multivan - with house windows at all times; 3 rows of seating

Pickup

Solitary taxi - considering a SWB chassis
Dual cab - according to a LWB chassis

Roofs

Panel vans were available with two different roof heights; standard and high-top. High-tops had been only made from the LWB framework, although campervan conversion rates frequently have pop-top or high-tops added to both SWB and LWB chassis.
Doors

Vans need either just one, roof-hinged "tailgate" or two "barn" doorways at rear and either a single or double sliding doors.
Longer and short-nose

There was one major renovation into the T4, in 1996, when a re-shaped, much longer front end was introduced. This was necessary to compliment the six-cylinder VR6 engine to the T4's engine bay. Initially, just Caravelles and Multivans had been available using extended nose, since these are really the only versions readily available because of the VR6 system.

The commercial variants continued to be created utilizing the reduced nose until 1999. However, campers along with other specialist motors created between 1994 and 1999 could have often the short or even the long nose, dependent on which model ended up being used since the base automobile. Consistent with the sort 2's naming convention, the quick and long-nose models are informally referred to as T4a and T4b, correspondingly.
Four Wheel Drive

The T4 has also been available with a permanent 4WD program that makes use of a Viscous coupling product as a centre differential to modify the distribution of torque to your back axle. These versions are known as "syncro" and are readily available using the 2.4D, 2.5Tdi and 2.5 petrol engines on all human body sort and both wheelbases. Some syncro versions have a mechanically locking rear differential. Considering that the back differential precludes the keeping the spare wheel in the usual put under the human body, syncro vans either store it in the body or on an external, hinged bracket.
Campervans

The T4 are a really well-known base for creating a small to medium-sized camper and day-vans, both as self-build projects and for professional conversions. Volkswagen themselves furthermore marketed campervan variations associated with T4, made by and known as after their specialist, Westfalia-Werke.

The Transporter T4 is shipped to the united states from 1992 until 2003 under the moniker Eurovan.

In america, the brief wheelbase Eurovan 5-cylinder passenger versions are best sold for design 12 months 1993. Smaller than a typical American shipments van, but larger than an US or Japanese passenger minivan, Volkswagen played up their size using the motto, "EuroVan: there is nothing mini about it". VW just imported all of them towards people for example year because product sales in america are disappointing, but sales proceeded in Canada and Mexico. VW reintroduced the Eurovan traveler models in america for model year 1999 with a VR6 engine as standard, and discontinued they again with global T4s after 2003. The manual transmission was not offered in the united states with the VR6 engine.

VW brought in the quick wheelbase Eurovan 5-cylinder petrol motor passenger brands to Canada from 1991 to 1996. The 77 hp 2,4L diesel system had been optional in Canada between 1993 and 1996. The long wheelbase version has also been on offer in 1992 only as a 10 seaters CL or GL design trim. Combi and crewcab pick-up versions are additionally for sale in 1992. A panel version was marketed from 1993 to 1997.

The Eurovan Camper by Winnebago had been introduced in america and Canada in 1995 because of the five-cylinder engine, and had been enhanced into the VR6 when it comes to 1997-2003 versions. These were only on the longer 3,320 mm wheelbase T4. These small pop top camper vans were special in North America and have created a cult following.

Winnebago in addition built three little course C motorhomes with all the forward taxi regarding the T4/Eurovan called the Rialta, Vista, and Sunstar. The Rialta had been for sale in 1995-1996 using the five-cylinder engine, in 1997-2001 using AES version of the VR6, plus 2002-2005 with all the AXK system. The Vista and Sunstar were only stated in 2002-2004, all using the AXK motor.

When you look at the U.S., the designs are:

the seven-seat Eurovan CL,GL, and GLS
the Eurovan MV, where the 2nd line of seating deal with the rear and removable, the third line converts into a sleep, a folding dining table when you look at the passenger room, window curtains, and a fluorescent lamp above table.
the Eurovan MV Weekender, an MV plus a Westfalia transformation that adds a pop-top roof, a second expense sleep, bug displays for side microsoft windows and back hatch, full group of curtains, additional battery pack, fluorescent inside lighting and under chair thermoelectric cooler.
the Eurovan Camper, the lengthy wheelbase commercial van transformed by Winnebago companies to add a pop-top roofing, two two-person bedrooms, sitting for four, a single cubic base ice box that runs on propane, DC, or AC, a propane furnace, a cabinet, cabinets, sink with cold-water and a grey water tank, a two-burner propane stove, two two-person dinette tables, mentor power, home lighting effects, as well as the two front bucket seating meant to swivel around to handle the dinette/kitchen region. The 2000 EVC was 17 foot long.
When production of the Volkswagen T4 were only available in August 1990, also known as a Eurovan in the USA, it had been a giant leap of faith the lovers of rear engined Transporters would take it. After a slow start the T4 has grown to become a rather well-known design with VW fans, tradesmen with them as a works van, motorhome proprietors and folks shopping for a multipurpose leisure car.

T4 was a completely new model using modern-day tips, most obtained from the tennis and Passat range. Becoming forward engined, front-wheel drive and having a monocoque construction, smashed nearly all its hyperlinks to 50 years of heritage.
T4 model alternatives

Built in the specific Transporter factory in Hanover, Germany, it had been available in SWB or LWB. The range is comprised of:
● Panel Van
● Eurovan
● Kombi
● Caravelle
● Solitary Taxi Pickup
● Double Cab Pickup
● Syncro
Camper and commercial sales

Once more, as with its predecessors, it became a strong preferred aided by the car transformation firms. It was made as refrigerated motors, authorities and ambulances, taxis, disability cars with wheel chair ramps etc. It even became the somewhat special Razor Back, which was built as a brewery delivery automobile with reducing floor to load/unload barrels of alcohol.

Increasingly VW T4 vans are being changed into campers and day vans. You will find progressively more garages speciliaisng in T4 camper conversion rates, like Vanworx, but some holders would rather choose a DIY transformation system.
Manufacturing background and technical modifications

1990 to 1995 Few design changes. The number was provided with a range of petrol and diesel engines.

1996 significant model revamp. Adjustment integrate back disc brakes, one-piece rear bumper additionally the 2.5 litre TDi motor.

The Caravelle VR6 ended up being introduced necessitating an extended nose to accommodate the newest engine. The longer nostrils had been applied to the Caravelles thereafter, additionally the brief nostrils T4 was employed for the smaller models.

2003 summer time spotted the end of T4 manufacturing in Hanover, to make way for it’s newer bro, the T5.

VW T4 campervans remain a premier preferred for a number of utilizes, from light commercial to minibuses and camping. Production of the T4, which sported a revolutionary front-mounted water-cooled engine, started in 1990 and continued for 13 ages until 2003.

Volkswagen have been toying because of the concept of front-engined campervans since the ‘70s while they have enjoyed triumph due to their passenger cars, however the van was delayed until the establish of VW T4 campervans.

It is in reality this type of campervan that officially launched the ‘Transporter’ name as its predecessors are merely colloquially known as Transporter campervans; the VW T4 could be the original vehicle to make use of the name.

VW T4 campervans stayed fairly comparable into the whole 13 many years of production, with just one significant improvement in 1994 if the forward end had been re-shaped. The move ended up being needed so that you can fit the bigger six-cylinder VR6 system in to the bay.

Both different variations of VW T4 campervans become generally T4a and T4b by super- followers, maintaining in old-fashioned utilizing the Type 2.

You will find a massive wide range of engines to select from because the re-model: the T4a can be run on four engines in a choice of petrol or diesel, nevertheless the T4b in addition spotted the five-cylinder TDI engine.
The final styling answer gained endorsement by VW’s board and had been put before a customer center in which it realized an 80 percent endorsement rating. The largest enhancement on the means 25, it was verified, was at regards to practicality.

Remarkably, deciding on its British-designed seat claimed a build Council award, those mixed up in client research spotted best a limited improvement in motorist benefits over the old automobile. Though if you’ve previously driven a late ’80’s / early ’90’s water-cooled kind 25 your’ll see they do feel amazingly sumptious and civilised for a rear-engined VW.

The first manufacturing T4 eventually broke cover in January 1990. Sure, it absolutely was a large deviation from means 25, which the VW purists struggled to cope with, nonetheless it soon founded it self a reputation if you are a hardcore, reliable and user-friendly workhorse.

Built at VW’s dedicated Transporter factory in Hanover, it comes in SWB or LWB structure plus numerous different roofing levels, with all the range including a Panel Van, Eurovan, Kombi, Caravelle, Single and Double taxi Pick-Up and Syncro. You may get one that’s already been converted into a Camper, the Westfalia Ca becoming the name that gains continuing kudos in VW circles.

a facelift in 1996 introduced a lengthier, re-shaped nostrils to allow for the recommended VR6 lump. When this occurs ‘short noses’ had been generally T4a, ‘long noses’ as T4b.

The T4 had been replaced in 2003 by the T5, though most still believe the fourth generation Transporter become the greater solution.
Buying a T4: Drivetrain
Motors and ’boxes

Petrol motor choices included a 1.8, 2.0, 2.5 five cylinder and 2.8 VR6, that has been also obtainable in 201bhp 24-valve guise from 2000. The latter is lovely, but thirsty, until you see the one that’s had a well performed LPG conversion. Are you aware that diesels, there clearly was a 1.9D, 1.9TD in addition to 2.4D, along with range-topping 2.5 five-cylinder devices that initially created 88bhp, increasing to 102bhp from 1995 and a stonking 151bhp from 1998, but only on German Vans.

image: https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2015/05/engine.jpg
Buying a T4 TransporterIt goes without saying it’s the diesels that are most abundant and, of those, the 2.5TDi is one of desirable, supplying a great amount of overall performance and up to 42mpg. It’s relatively simple to convert the 88bhp product to 102bhp by suitable a top-mount intercooler, as well as 150bhp is go with a decent exhaust program, ECU re-map and well-considered uprated diesel injector nozzles. Regarding downside, it’s more complex additionally the engine’s monitored by an ECU, therefore it’s additional pricey to repair if it will establish problematic.

The 68bhp 1.9TD can also be a good bet. Awarded, it’s not fast in standard type, but it’s reasonably tuneable and doesn’t demand as large an amount given that 2.5. The non-turbo diesels become slow and, even though you would the believe the 2.4 five-cylinder would-be pretty quick, rest assured it’s perhaps not.

Being Volkswagens, all devices become dependable – supplied they've been taken care of – even though 2.4D features a bit of a reputation for busting head gaskets, therefore watch out for oils / water contamination and signs and symptoms of overheating.

Because the TDi’s time buckle drives water pump besides, if pump fails it takes out the gear at precisely the same time. One of the keys proper buying would be to making changing the cambelt and liquids pump 1st work you are doing in order to prevent the prospect of curved valves and a snapped camshaft if they lets go. Always check for a legitimate and reliable service background to see when these things had been last changed.

Gearboxes were robust, but check for any that jump out of equipment or posses dodgy synchromesh, that could be a problem on large milers. Due to the fact T4 has a hydraulic clutch, look for liquid leaks round the pedal field. And while your’re down truth be told there with all the torch, check there aren't any splits into the pedal container itself where in fact the clutch master cylinder mounts as this is yet another T4 foible.
Buying a T4: Corrosion watch
Bodywork

Fortunately, T4 rust proofing had been far more effective than on any of the earlier models, therefore really serious corrosion shouldn’t feel an important issue, and problems improved more nonetheless after the 1996 facelift. However, as older workhorses may be as much as 25 years old now, it’s worth inspecting very carefully the most popular rust places, such as the region at base of the windscreen, the wheelarches, lower sills, the base of the sliding door inside and out together with area across the gasoline filler. Though not one are way too hard to fix, having the necessary panels welded in and coated using work to an expert body store can quickly start to consume up cash.

While really serious architectural rot try unlikely, there’s no harm inspecting the inner wings, framework and floorpan. Rust can also simply take hold across the rear crossmember, simply above where in fact the back springs find.

Always check all the home seals become sound and watertight, especially all over base of this tailgate. The sliding process when it comes to side door should always be smooth as well as. If top rail try worn, the door can drop-out, therefore raise the doorway along to test regarding enjoy. It must furthermore remain flush whenever closed but, if it doesn’t, there's some modification to have it installing properly.

image: https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2015/05/Transporter_T4_Camper_001_2.jpg
Purchasing a T4 Transporter

Between the perfect of all of the T4s could be the factory-sanctioned Westfalia California Camper. Create a 2.5TDi therefore’re into stronger cash for a good’un


There’s no genuine problems to avoid regarding T4 anchors, therefore simply do-all the normal braking system inspections such as eyeballing the hydraulic pipes / hoses and making certain there’s no judder resulting from warped disks. If a Van brings to one side-on a test drive, it can be among back calipers has actually seized. Replacements aren’t high priced. Neither, thankfully, were provider items like disks and shields.

Make sure the handbrake is beneficial. The cable can stick with its external sleeve if a Van has-been remaining standing for a time.

image: https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2015/05/IMG_3009-300x450.jpg
Purchasing a T4 Transporter

The strain area in a T4 had been 1,415mm high with 1,220mm between the arches. With 2,405mm from bulkhead to tailgate, it had been almost 8 x 4ft ply able when vacant

Whenever viewing any Van for sale, spend some time ensuring anything works as it should, because attempting to identify electrical niggles may be time consuming and extremely pretty irritating. Westy tank levels sensors are susceptible to failure and expensive to restore, while T4 instrument groups has a voltage regulator that may perform up and bring erratic temp / gasoline readings, though later on brands appear to sustain less using this. Additionally check out the wiring in to the driver’s home, that could chafe and fail, and therefore the main securing screen regulators are all behaving on their own.

View too for faulty brake light switches and duff ignition switches.


If you place uneven tyre wear, it’s probably because tired suspension system bushes or a Van that includes have its geometry put-out by a prang. Meanwhile, knocks or clunks on harsh road areas will often show worn bottom balljoints, fall links or anti-roll club bushes. Nasty noises from the back are usually the trailing arm shrubs, or anti-social guests.

Power steering was a choice in the beginning, although later on Vans must have it. In which case, tune in for groans or grinds while you turn from lock to secure and check the reservoir to ensure there’s been no leakages.

Keep in mind, what you pick during this period may be used as a negotiating means and, considering all the bits can be found inexpensively from the likes of VW traditions, you could effortlessly end up upon the deal if you don’t head getting from the spanners.


At the end end, around £3,000 will get you driving of an early on 2.4D or 1.9TD Panel Van, while £5,000 could be the starting price for a half-decent 2.5TDi. Camper conversions from the loves of Autosleeper began at £10,000, while really nice conversions from Reimo or Westfalia with a 2.5TDi can make around £12-£15k.

As always, the most effective T4s were ones which haven’t already been fiddled with. Which means you’re shopping for a self-employed plumber or electrician’s vehicle that’s been cleaned to their drive at weekends and dropped in at an area VW specialist or primary dealer for regular servicing bang on when the service booklet needs. Prevent the ratty, rotten ones that have already been lowered and generally tinkered with until you discover it’s been performed correcly with high quality areas.

Of course, everybody else wishes the eager 2.5TDi, but there will be reduced to pay for and, due to the additional complexity, if items get wrong it will be higher priced to correct. Understanding that, the 1.9TD is perhaps a significantly better bet, using the additional added bonus it's also operate on veg / bio gas, which could become an option.

Purchase sensibly and enjoy the T4 skills fully. Whichever you select, your’ll be joining a big clan of other people that have done that and also haven’t looked right back since

Find out more at http://www.vwtmag.com/tech-guides/buying-a-t4-vw-transporter-1219#mykXi9T05pqyo2Yq.99

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