1.9 petrol VW T4 - What would you overhaul?

Hi, I have recently purchased a 1.9 petrol VW trident 1993 and it has 110,000 miles on. I intend next year to do some longer road trips so just wondered if I could change a few things to try and prevent unwanted breakdowns, I have a mechanic who says these are good engines if looked after but if you go in the T4 forum on Facebook it seems like all they do is breakdown!! What is recommended to renew to try and extend life? Thanks everyone!

HI there

welcome to the forum...

We had a VW T4 petrol based camper previously, when I bought it it was about 24 years old  but fairly low miles at about 65000.
I was in a similar situation and keen to carry out as much preventative maintenance as possible to reduce breakdowns.


Briefly here`s what I did.....

Full service, good engine oil, filter, air filter fuel filter (there is a filter hidden by the fuel tank and it often gets overlooked)
Spark plugs (don't scrimp on quality) plug leads, distributor cap. 
Cam belt and tensioner. alternator drive belt.
New water pump, alternator, and starter motor
Cooling system flush with flushing agent, replaced radiator (was crumbling) new proper VW approved  G12 coolant.
Replace small rubber drive bent that drives the second cooling fan (often missed) 
Definitely replace the nylon bushes on the gear linkage (they break and fall off).

It may sound like a lot, and you could work through in items of urgency, but most of the parts are quite cheap.
The petrol engine has a lot of room around it in the engine bay so pretty easy to work on. The cost of replacing those parts probably  less than the hassle of being relayed home.

We would take off in that camper most weekends with bikes loaded etc, even did a 1000 mile trip through the Scottish highlands, never missed a beat.

Hi, that's a fantastic insight, thankyou very much, I have screen shot your list and will work through it, I'd absolutely rather spend money now to prevent any issues later on! Thanks again my friend.

hi NCB,
I know nothing of the VW autosleepers but have just read your detailed overhaul list in answer to nicks initial questions and his search for advise and help.
sums up what this forum should be all about.
good for you.
Ian