Just got a German Subaru Libero !!

[franck2cv]

Hi folks,

My quest for a left hand drive micro van has paid of!
I'm finally the proud owner of a Subaru Libero! Great hey?
There's a catch.... Aware of the rarity, I jumped on this opportunity even though it's not 15 years old yet. It was delivered to my parents in France (yesterday) where it will be stored untill it reaches the legal age (21 months to wait !!!).
The oportunity was to good. A friend of mine happened to be in Berlin and was about to drive back to France with an empty trailer..... So the shipping cost is very minimal) He also dealt with all the paper work and transaction for me (he does that on a daily basis!). Can't wait to receive pictures now from my father!! I shall post them with yet more info.....

[erixun]

That's awesome! Too bad you have to wait 21 months:eek:, that is a looooong wait, how much do you think it will cost to get it across the pond? Glad to hear you atleast got what you wanted! And ofcourse pictures are in order when you get them!

[Stuff99]

glad to hear! 21 months will at first take forever but then they will be here before you know it.

[franck2cv]

Thanks :-)
i know it's a long wait but I looked daily on German website and they are very few Libero for sale, take the rusty one out..... three or four left, mostly form the later years (1998 and 1999), and a couple overpriced with special specs that I don't need or want. So I thought, let's grab this one: No rust, reasonable mileage (106000 kms), faitly priced (3500 Euros). My consolation.... I'll import a 15 years old car with 13.5 years of usage!!!
As per shipping cost: Last Citroen shipped cost $1500.... but it may vary in 20 months! we'll see. Over all, it shouldn't cost me more than what I see coming from the usual Japanese route. Less than 9k for sure! ... and that include some cash to splash on it.
Pictures next week.... or sooner If i'm lucky. (come on Dad!!!)

[franck2cv]

glad to hear! 21 months will at first take forever but then they will be here before you know it.

Agree. I've got loads of exciting projects ahead and in between. One up side is that I'll have plenty of time to seek specific parts or accessories.

[Acerguy]

Awesome! Just don't go away for the next 21 months! We expect regular updates. :D :pop:

[franck2cv]

Awesome! Just don't go away for the next 21 months! We expect regular updates. :D :pop:

Oh you will :-) I'll try to gather as much as info as possible in order to know the Libero inside out before I get a chance to touch it!
By the way.... any Domingo / Libero driver out there?? Helloooo :-)

[MiniBrutes]

Good Score! That is fantastic! I will buy your headlights off you and replace them with Japanese ones ;)

There are some Domingos around, although not many. Pretty much a Sambar van with different engine and bigger bumpers. (Amongst other things)

What engine is in that Libero? 1.3? 4WD?

[franck2cv]

Good Score! That is fantastic! I will buy your headlights off you and replace them with Japanese ones ;)

There are some Domingos around, although not many. Pretty much a Sambar van with different engine and bigger bumpers. (Amongst other things)

What engine is in that Libero? 1.3? 4WD?

Hmmm I think I'll keep my headlights!! :eek:
Bigger wheels as well (13"), can accomodate 6 (thin) people.... I've noticed some cosmetic differences such as seat fabric, lights, mirrors between the three brothers (Sambar, Domingo, Libero). The German Liberos have the smaller mirrors from the Sambars for instance.
The engine is the EF12 from the Justy (1.2 - 3 cyl - no turbo), Manual, AWD on demand only.
My friend Vincent who dealt with it all has just called me and promised me some pictures very soon. He's a bit tired after 2000 kms mostly on the french hectic roads (well, drivers... the roads are ok as long as you know where to go and turn!!!)

[anthill]

Hey Franck, congratulations on the new (ahem) van. Since you're now a Domingo/Libero expert: Do you know if they have any more driver legroom than the Sambars?

[franck2cv]

Hey Franck, congratulations on the new (ahem) van. Since you're now a Domingo/Libero expert: Do you know if they have any more driver legroom than the Sambars?

Hmmmm a remote expert!! As far as I know, it's exactly the same. Being Left Hand drive, the gas pedal is not stuck on the A-post (unlike LHD) which helps.
Still hoping to receive some pictures soon..... My Dad must have a French Camera..... on Strike!!! :frustration:

F.

[Stuff99]

need updates!!!

[franck2cv]

need updates!!!

As soon as I get pictures!! :-)
F.

[anthill]

Hey franck, another question for you: Are the rear bench seats removable, or just foldable?

[franck2cv]

Hey franck, another question for you: Are the rear bench seats removable, or just foldable?

Just foldable I think. Of course they may be dismantled but not removed in a 'clip in' clip out' modern minivan fashion.
F.

[anthill]

Thanks Franck, I went out and saw a Domingo for myself today... I like it! Maybe it was just better maintained than the kei vans I've seen so far, but it drove much smoother with the bigger engine. Had a few looks underneath, it's pretty clever some of the things they've done on the van. Drawing the intake air from the front of the van through the frame, for example.

Seats were a bit finicky to work with, and I never got the middle seat to fold down like the Silverboys did (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFHTYeD0QTc#t=2m48s). However, the middle seat can be slid forward or unbolted, and the back seat folds forward easily. The Domingo could have a reasonable cargo hold with the back seat folded forward and laid flat.

Good news for you (I think) is that the E12 Subaru engine has a small cult following due to the Justy's rally-ableness. Dusty's Justys (http://www.dustysjustys.com/) carries aftermarket parts and maintenance diagrams for a lot of stuff... I wonder how many parts the USA Justy and Libero/Domingo share in common? They mention a few maintenance weak points (http://www.dustysjustys.com/performance.htm) of the E12 engine - cracked oil sump covers and leaking water pumps being the top two.

Looking forward to photos as well. :)

[Acerguy]

Awesome post, Anthill! Some fun stuff in those links. :)

[franck2cv]

Hi there,

First, I'm very pleased to hear form someone who's interested in this micro van.
I felt very lonely on this topic!! Where are you located?

As you pointed out, the Libero/Domingo for me is the cleverest of them all. The fact that the engine is a known mecanic in Canada is a big asset. I've read all the stuff published by DustyJusty as well some time ago which conforted me in my choice. Justy drivers have very few issues whith its 3 cylinders.

Seats: According to my Dad, it's not very intuitive and mechanisme seem to be stiff as if they were very sparsely used. I suppose once you know the 'how's' and all the hinges have been worked in, it should be fine. Having said that, my Dad didn't figure out yet how to tip the driver seat to access the battery... I told him to keep on trying!!!

No photos yet!!!... and I can't really nag my parents. Storing my Libero is a big favor. I shall remain patient :o:rolleyes:

Franck

[franck2cv]

Well.... at long last I received a picture from my father! :)
and guess what....? Can't wait for more!!!

[Acerguy]

Wow. That is so cool. And left hand drive to boot.

[franck2cv]

My parents seemed to have had fun photo shooting my Left Hand Drive Libero (Domingo) !!! I'm not disapointed, it looks in good condition. Here is the link to the album:
http://gallery.me.com/franck2cv#100089

[anthill]

So franck, you have a libero, you live in quebec so you have snow... question is do you have anyone to hold the camera? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gROkdjTpEww)

[franck2cv]

Geeee.... I've seen video before! The driver looks like he knows what he's doing!
I'd have to train hard to do just that safely!! Did you hear the passenger giggling?
No way my girlfriend would..... Her screams would cover up any engine and road noises!! lol

[Sambarmon92]

hi Franck2cv

Congrats on your find.:D She's a beauty. It will be worth the wait.

[fupabox]

looks very nice..congrats:)

[franck2cv]

Thanks! :-)
I too think it is worth the wait considering the very few option I was left with living in Quebec. I must be lucky too since getting a German licensed vehicle in good condition was an impossible task according to some... but as all rule require exceptions.......
Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing from another Domingo/Libero owner on this forum. So far, it looks like I'm on my own!

Franck

[anthill]

Alone no more: I'm now another Subaru Domingo (http://www.minitrucktalk.com/showthread.php?t=6176) owner on this forum! :D

I want your LHD headlights, now... :)

[franck2cv]

Are they mandatory? Or can you make do with those headlamp beam converter British drivers put on their headlights whilst they drive on continental Europe?
Are you ready to hit the road now or are you still pending lisence, insurance bla bla bla.....?

Franck

[anthill]

Am plated and have already driven it a little way - it's 401-capable, but not by much. On the side highways it does just fine, except for getting the RHD headlights aimed so as to light up the road shoulder but not blind oncoming traffic. Headlight conversions aren't mandatory in Ontario, but if I end up wanting to sell the van in BC they'll need to be done.

With the 14" Nissan Sentra rims the van looks much better although I can't say it handles any different.

Oh - and I finally figured out how to flatten the middle passenger seats! :p

[Stuff99]

looks good!

[franck2cv]

Am plated and have already driven it a little way - it's 401-capable, but not by much. On the side highways it does just fine, except for getting the RHD headlights aimed so as to light up the road shoulder but not blind oncoming traffic. Headlight conversions aren't mandatory in Ontario, but if I end up wanting to sell the van in BC they'll need to be done.

With the 14" Nissan Sentra rims the van looks much better although I can't say it handles any different.

Oh - and I finally figured out how to flatten the middle passenger seats! :p


Motorway driving: 'not by much' .... do you mean Max speed, handling?
The max speed should be 134km/h according to my German spec. So I assumed cruising at 110 should feel ok?

Headlights: Is it something that can be imported by Mini truck people in Canada?

Rims: Nice looking wheels indeed. How did you figure out the Nissan Sentra had same patern, offset ect.....

It looks brilliant, so cute! I can see a few differences with my Libero. It will be funny one day to have them side by side :D

[anthill]

Handling is more the highway limitation... the van is tall, narrow, and light so the turbulence from an 18 wheeler is enough to push you around. Also while the engine may push the van to 134km/h on the flats, it can work pretty hard to pull it up a hill at highway speeds.

I assume headlamps could be brought over, but it would probably be cheaper to watch for junkyard pulls to turn up on ebay.de or whatever the european equivalent of car-part.com is.

As for the rims, there's a ton of knowledge on this forum... I just searched for 'sambar rims' and went from there. My choices were limited, since Nissan is the only car maker that sold cars with a 59.1mm centerbore and a 4x100 bolt pattern. Machine shops can widen centerbores, but at a cost and safety penalty. These chunky 13" Nissan rims (http://www.theautochannel.com/autoparts/wheelbestnissan/200sx-1998-oem_alloy_wheel_rims-aly62359u10.html) would look even better, but I couldn't find a pair.

It sure will be fun to have two of these vans in Eastern Canada... the Domingo is so much more drivable than the Sambars I've tried. Wish they were more popular.

[olddatsunfan]

Nice I like the Domingo!

[franck2cv]

Handling is more the highway limitation... the van is tall, narrow, and light so the turbulence from an 18 wheeler is enough to push you around. Also while the engine may push the van to 134km/h on the flats, it can work pretty hard to pull it up a hill at highway speeds.

It sure will be fun to have two of these vans in Eastern Canada... the Domingo is so much more drivable than the Sambars I've tried. Wish they were more popular.

Well that's forseable and being used to driving my Citroen 2cv (602cc - 29bhp) flat out, It shouldn't be a problem for me. (The vanagon is also very wind sensitive)

Wheels: The Nissan is common enough so a set of wheels should be easy to track. I'd go for 14" steel rims as I want to fit Moon disk on my Libero! :-)

Franck

[tasos]

Hi, from greece. new owner also of a libero.What a brilliant car?:)
Hi there,

First, I'm very pleased to hear form someone who's interested in this micro van.
I felt very lonely on this topic!! Where are you located?

As you pointed out, the Libero/Domingo for me is the cleverest of them all. The fact that the engine is a known mecanic in Canada is a big asset. I've read all the stuff published by DustyJusty as well some time ago which conforted me in my choice. Justy drivers have very few issues whith its 3 cylinders.

Seats: According to my Dad, it's not very intuitive and mechanisme seem to be stiff as if they were very sparsely used. I suppose once you know the 'how's' and all the hinges have been worked in, it should be fine. Having said that, my Dad didn't figure out yet how to tip the driver seat to access the battery... I told him to keep on trying!!!

No photos yet!!!... and I can't really nag my parents. Storing my Libero is a big favor. I shall remain patient :o:rolleyes:

Franck

[franck2cv]

Hi, from greece. new owner also of a libero.What a brilliant car?:)

Welcome!! So that's what?..... Three Domingo/Libero on this forum? Woaaaa!
We want more!.... come one people, buy them and register!!

Any pictures yet? :-)

Franck

[anthill]

Just replaced the accessory belt, plus the air and fuel filters (belt came from Canadian Tire, filters from a JDM non-site-sponsor)

Van seems to idle better, though it's hard to tell. Despite the records the van came with, I can't tell how long it's been since the air and fuel filters were changed. For example, the air filter had some black patches as well as a light coating of oil drops on the dirty side. Is that normal?

Next up: spark plugs, cables, and cleaning the distributor.

[franck2cv]

Just replaced the accessory belt, plus the air and fuel filters (belt came from Canadian Tire, filters from a JDM non-site-sponsor)

Van seems to idle better, though it's hard to tell. Despite the records the van came with, I can't tell how long it's been since the air and fuel filters were changed. For example, the air filter had some black patches as well as a light coating of oil drops on the dirty side. Is that normal?

Next up: spark plugs, cables, and cleaning the distributor.

No idea about the oily filter !!??.... How about accesibility and ease to work on?
Good news about the servicing parts being available in main street shops.

Look what I found for you....
http://www.autochoc.fr/fr/catalogue/marque-1-subaru/id-22775-optique-avg-subaru-vanille-08-86-02-00

[anthill]

Hey Franck, great find! I sent a question asking if they have both left & right sides. Unfortunately they only ship within France...

As for the mechanic-ing, not too bad. Access to work on the van doesn't require too much suffering:

Oil filter - Remove right rear wheel, easy as can be
Accessory belt - open hatch, remove one bolt supporting sump dipstick, no sweat.
Air filter - open hatch, loosen hose clamps on top half of filter box, wiggle a bit. Slight bother.
Fuel filter - remove left rear wheel, easy access but pulling fuel hoses off is always a bit of a pain.


Unfortunately I couldn't take my wheels off since I got my new rims mounted at OK tire by impact-wrench junkies. I ended up standing on my 12" socket wrench to break them loose, without success... that's over 180 ft-lb of torque.

I'm not looking forward to working on the plugs - the fuel injectors block access a bit (and I really don't want to ding those), plus there's some funny rubber engine cover around the plugs. Not sure what's under there.

[franck2cv]

Hey Franck, great find! I sent a question asking if they have both left & right sides. Unfortunately they only ship within France...

As for the mechanic-ing, not too bad. Access to work on the van doesn't require too much suffering:

Oil filter - Remove right rear wheel, easy as can be
Accessory belt - open hatch, remove one bolt supporting sump dipstick, no sweat.
Air filter - open hatch, loosen hose clamps on top half of filter box, wiggle a bit. Slight bother.
Fuel filter - remove left rear wheel, easy access but pulling fuel hoses off is always a bit of a pain.


I'm not looking forward to working on the plugs - the fuel injectors block access a bit (and I really don't want to ding those), plus there's some funny rubber engine cover around the plugs. Not sure what's under there.

Hmmm okay, not too bad overall for such a compact vehicle I suppose..
For the headlights, we have people coming over to visit us from France this Christmas. If you feel comfortable with that, there's always a way. And it's not actually heavy.

[franck2cv]

I missed the part about the tight wheels..... Stupid gits!! :frustration:
Why so tight anyway, is there any wheels out there that require to be tighten at 180???

[anthill]

Just figured out why the filter was so oily (http://www.minitrucktalk.com/album.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1067)... it looks like the Domingo doesn't have a PCV valve (to vent oily crankcase gas to the intake manifold). All the crankcase gases are sent out a 3/4" hose on the top of the valve cover (http://www.minitrucktalk.com/album.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1059), and directly into the air filter box (http://www.minitrucktalk.com/album.php?albumid=210&pictureid=1064) (dirty side).

Weird. I asked (http://subarujusty.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=engine&thread=3541) over on the Subaru Justy forum, maybe they'll know what's up.

[Stuff99]

my toyota is like that but vents into intake

[anthill]

Hm, thanks Stuff99... maybe that was the style at the time.

Franck, it turns out Auto-choc only has the front left headlight (avant gauche = AVG (http://www.autochoc.fr/fr/catalogue/marque-1-subaru/id-22775-optique-avg-subaru-vanille-08-86-02-00)). :( Thanks for the find, but I'd rather wait to buy a matching set.

[franck2cv]

Hm, thanks Stuff99... maybe that was the style at the time.

Franck, it turns out Auto-choc only has the front left headlight (avant gauche = AVG (http://www.autochoc.fr/fr/catalogue/marque-1-subaru/id-22775-optique-avg-subaru-vanille-08-86-02-00)). :( Thanks for the find, but I'd rather wait to buy a matching set.

I understand. It would make things easy. A used set of R and L headlight is likely to be even rarer though. We never know, I keep my eyes open....

[Sirus]

Welcome!! So that's what?..... Three Domingo/Libero on this forum? Woaaaa!
We want more!.... come one people, buy them and register!!

Any pictures yet? :-)

Franck

Hey guys.
Well...
I'm Australian and living in Germany.
Just bought a 96 Libero, and it's running fine...a few problems with the earthing, a bit of rust underneath so my starter motor only receives about 6 volts which makes it a bit tricky to start but she's a great little bus!
Has anyone even heard of a workshop manual for these?!?
Lovin it!

(and yes, Sirus IS my real name and Harry Damn Potter did not not exist when my mum named me!)
...ahem.

[franck2cv]

Welcome to this Forum Sirus!
Any picture of your Libero to share?
So far, no workshop manual has been found! I'll try to approach Subaru Switzerland soon. I've heard they can be pretty good with customer service...
Oh and whilst I'm here... 11 months left before shipping mine across!!

Franck

[franck2cv]

At long last, my Libero has reach the Canadian shore but..... Just got the bad news: the three cars that were in the container weren't anchored properly and they're suffered cosmetically. (there was two Citroen 2cv and my Libero).
I will soon be seeking a body panels supplier to help whoever is going to do the job (covered by insurance). If any of you can share good addresses, it would be great. Of course, we need first the report from an expert to assess the damage and dress a list of parts. I did not get any pictures yet but I already know that both bumpers suffered.

Franck :(

[Sambarmon92]

Sorry to hear that Frank. :eek: I've got a feeling the 2CV MAFIA was responsible. :sly: :p Hopefully the damage is minimal and limited to bumpers only. Keep us posted

[franck2cv]

Sorry to hear that Frank. :eek: I've got a feeling the 2CV MAFIA was responsible. :sly: :p Hopefully the damage is minimal and limited to bumpers only. Keep us posted

Thanks! Just got a phone call and Bumpers only have suffered but that's just a visual assessment. 2cv can't be suspected!! They suffered a lot more than the Libero (each one have the four fenders, bumpers, hood, grill, tail lights, rear valence ...)
Japanoid got back to me saying they're very likely to have what my Libero needs. I passed on their URL to the relevant person..... More soon!

[Sambarmon92]

Your replacement front bumper will most likely be from a Domingo. Make sure you keep your old front bumper. Unlike the Domingo, the Libero bumpers came with headlight washers, it's a nice feature, I'm sure you'd want to keep. (I know I would) :cool: If your Libero bumper can't be fixed make them retrofit the washers into the Domingo bumper, it shouldn't be difficult.

Sorry to hear about the poor 2CV's :( , I love those little buggers. :o (Always had a soft spot for Citroens) I'm sure their owner/owners are fuming !!!:mad::mad::mad:

[franck2cv]

Your replacement front bumper will most likely be from a Domingo. Make sure you keep your old front bumper. Unlike the Domingo, the Libero bumpers came with headlight washers, it's a nice feature, I'm sure you'd want to keep. (I know I would) :cool: If your Libero bumper can't be fixed make them retrofit the washers into the Domingo bumper, it shouldn't be difficult.

Sorry to hear about the poor 2CV's :( , I love those little buggers. :o (Always had a soft spot for Citroens) I'm sure their owner/owners are fuming !!!:mad::mad::mad:

Good point about the washers! Thank you. I'll address it to whoever is going to do the job. As per the Citroen.... I'm the owner of one and the friend who managed the shipping owns the second one! He's been doing car (expensive ones) import/export for the past 25 years and such thing never ever happened. The occasional ding and scratch maybe but not cars crashing into each other for days!!!.... so yes, we're fuming indeed but we will make sure we'll end up with better cars under the insurance cost.....as a consolation.

[anthill]

I've said it by email, but I'll drop it here - Franck, what a pain! Wring that insurance company for all it's worth. And put in a 'hot' exhaust system to replace the one that might be damaged... Brraap braap :)

[franck2cv]

Well.... still have not seen my van!! I've asked my friend to go through the Qc mechanical inspection without doing the repairs which happen to be less dramatic than expected: Rear bumper (both sides and central panel) needs replacing, front one: only needs a good buffing for now. I found and purchased a rear bumper from Japanoid.... Same color! I will put it on myself and, whenever we get the insurance money, will spend some cash on paintwork if required. The expert's report quoted the repairs @ $3800 !!! ......Until next time!

[Sambarmon92]

Wow, it's been a long time. I was wondering what happened. Thanks for keeping us posted, hopefully you'll see your van soon. And we wanna see pics. ;):pop:

[franck2cv]

:-)
When you see this gallery, you will have seen as much as I did! lol
http://franck2cv.smugmug.com/Cars/Subaru-Libero-E12/24202694_t7Zt4J
F.

[Sambarmon92]

That's awesome, thanx for sharing. I must admit, it's a little weird seeing these vans, with the steering wheel on the left side. :cool:

[franck2cv]

That's awesome, thanx for sharing. I must admit, it's a little weird seeing these vans, with the steering wheel on the left side. :cool:

:p Just opened a new thread with a Right Hand drive van gathering!

[franck2cv]

Update.... !
Got a phone call from my friend today with some good news: My Libero passed the inspection and is now registered. I spare you with all the administrative non sense Vincent had to go through. It's beyond reasonable!
Anyway.... next step now is to get it insured, which should be done this week. Then, finally, we should be going to fetch it this Sunday at my friend's place. I can hardly believe it really. Then, I'm going to give a very very thorough service and proceed with a few things on which I might need your help on!
First, I 'm going to need an CV boot (rear / wheel side): Any clue on a known Canadian car equivalent that share identical CV boots ?
Same thing for brakes just in case.
That's it for now
'till next time :rolleyes:

[franck2cv]

Well, the title says it all! I drove 90 minutes from home to fetch lat little trouble maker!
.... and drove back home with it in the evening. What a brilliant little van! I'm not disappointed.
Although the excitement is a little tainted with problems that will have to be addressed quickly. Some help (and reassurance!) will be much appreciated :

- First, due to its extended storage time, the front brake calipers are sticking.
- There seem to be a malfunctions with the defrost heater mode..... the air coming out of the windshield vent is next to none!
- Rear outer CV boot (left side .... so driver side for me, :p) is punctured
- .... there will be more I guess!

Thank you for your help & interest.

Franck

[Sambarmon92]

Congrats on finally getting your van home. :D:D:D It's been a long wait, but I'm sure it's worth it.
As far as I know, you might be the only guy in Canada with a 97 Libero.:cool:

As for repairs.......

Some parts can be interchanged with other N/A Subaru parts, mainly with
the Justy. You can also order JDM OEM Sambar/Domingo parts. ( But you know that already )

I didn't have to deal with CV or brake issues, so I can't be of much help.
As for the vent airflow, that might be normal. Hopefully one of the Domingo owners can verify that.

Sorry I couldn't be much help. Good Luck..... and let the fun begin. :pop:

[franck2cv]

Thanks :-)
Work first, fun next.
I fixed the brakes. It's a very simple set up. It was just a matter of taking it all apart, cleaning and back together.
The vent issue was related to the battery being very old and feeble! Got a new one..... It starts well and heat well too!
I've ordered the CV boot from Japanoid. I tried by dimension to find a mainstream car that shares the same boot size but to no avail.
And first mistake.... I scraped a mirror whilst reversing out of the garage. Damn it..... not small enough! I ordered a mirror as well :-(

I also changed the oil, spark plugs, oil filter + much cleaning. I pent a good hour going through the owner's book and learn all the seat tricks. It required much patience since all the mechanisms are on the stiff sides.
And finally, I spent Sunday driving it around and visiting much amused friends!! not to mention the pedestrians and other drivers!!

'till next time

Franck

[franck2cv]

Broken mirror: Fixed
Alternator belt: My Libero is the simplest one with no AC. The required belt is:
Ext length: 720mm, Inside: 675mm - V profile
I found a good match at my local store with a part number suitable for VW Jetta, Rabit, Golf, 1.6 Diesel - 1985-1992

Anyone can help with a FRAM air filter reference?

Franck

[franck2cv]

A few pictures....
Sorry, I had to show off my Left Hand Drive dashboard! :p
Note the difference between left and right mirror: German Libero have Sambar mirror!... 15% smaller. I'm going to change the left one too at some point.

Also, see that little fan? Do you have such thing on your Domingo? I don't know what it cools but it always comes on for a minute or two when I turn off the engine!

[Sambarmon92]

Looking good, love the headlight washers. Doesn't look like those would work on a Sambar bumper.


A few pictures....
Sorry, I had to show off my Left Hand Drive dashboard! :p

Now you can make a mould for LHD conversions and make some $$$:).


Note the difference between left and right mirror: German Libero have Sambar mirror!... 15% smaller. I'm going to change the left one too at some point.

I wonder why they went with the smaller mirrors, like in the Sambar trucks. The vans ( Dias II ,at least ) had the bigger ones since 92.


Also, see that little fan? Do you have such thing on your Domingo? I don't know what it cools but it always comes on for a minute or two when I turn off the engine!

That's there to cool the engine, scared the crap out of me when I first heard it. :o

[franck2cv]

Headlight washers: Totally OTT !!! There's a push button on the dashboard to operate them and I'm telling you.... Those two little buggers are like bloody showers!!! And the frustrating thing is: The windshield washer does not seem to function properly. The fluid takes a while to come up and when it does, it just oozes out feebly..... Something I will have to address very soon.

Dashboard mold.... OK, what about pedals, steering etc...... :frustration:

Mirror: You don't really want to know.... European obscure laws and regulation. Believe me, I was born there!

Fan: Does the Sambar has that gimmick too ?

[Sambarmon92]

The windshield washer does not seem to function properly. The fluid takes a while to come up and when it does, it just oozes out feebly..... Something I will have to address very soon.

I would check/replace the tubing, there might be some gunk in there blocking the passage. Probably be better off replacing it, its old and most likely frail. You can get the clear stuff at Rona/Home Depot pretty cheap. Also check the plastic tube connectors, they might be the ones causing problems.

As for the moulds, it just an idea. Something to keep in mind for the future, to help others get their RHD Domingos legal. Didn't the laws and regulations start the whole problem in the first place ?;););)

BTW, how are the two 2cv's that were damaged in the container doing ?:pop:

[franck2cv]

I would check/replace the tubing, there might be some gunk in there blocking the passage. Probably be better off replacing it, its old and most likely frail. You can get the clear stuff at Rona/Home Depot pretty cheap. Also check the plastic tube connectors, they might be the ones causing problems.

As for the moulds, it just an idea. Something to keep in mind for the future, to help others get their RHD Domingos legal. Didn't the laws and regulations start the whole problem in the first place ?;););)

BTW, how are the two 2cv's that were damaged in the container doing ?:pop:

Washer: Yep, looks like I will have to do just that to fix it. Have you done it ? I did not look at it closely... how do you get to those hoses, can you pull out the black jet??
Quebec RHD Laws: from a temporary band, it is now permanent. No more RHD import from 15 to 25 years old vehicles. 25yo and older are considered classics.
2cv: We have the parts to fix them, but I can't carry on paying anymore. It will have to wait until the insurance claim is settled.... which will take many more months I'm afraid.113591136011361

[Sambarmon92]

Washers: I haven't done them on the Sambar. I've done them on my 96 Legacy.(much easier) One of the washers wasn't working properly.
Checked the sprayer and tubing, all clear. Turned out to be the plastic that joins the tubing together. It was designed for one way flow.
Cleaned it up with a wire and that fixed the problem.

The nozzle sprayers (if designed like other Subarus) should be held on by clips and can be removed by turning them 45 degrees, and pulling out.
Getting to the tubing might be a B!@#H.


It will have to wait until the insurance claim is settled.... which will take many more months I'm afraid.

Wow, they sure are taking their sweet time. Hang in there.

[franck2cv]

I'm wondering if the front panel can be easily removed !
I might post a new thread in the Sambar section to see if Sambar owners dealt with it already.
I took the Libero out this am. First real cold morning (-16c). The starter motor sounded a bit sluggish but it fired after 5 or 6 rev.
The ventilation/defrost isn't great at all..... Having no mean to compare with anything similar, I'm wondering if it's just one of the E12 weakness or if something isn't working as it should.
:-) F.

[franck2cv]

No luck on the Sambar pages :(
But I made some progress: The washer pump has been replaced and the washer jets are in working order.... although a bit weak to my taste.
The jet housing are screwed not clipped. There's a nut behind that is not locked in place, which means, if you unscrew the jet, the nut will fall along the hose. Luckily I tried on the passenger side and I managed to access behind the panel through the glove box (black compartment is simply screwed on).

Defrost: Fixed. Easy... the lever was not pushing the swivel mechanism all the way. Now, all the air is directed onto the windshield.

[anthill]

Good to hear your van is working Franck!

I'll add your alternator belt info to my Domingo tips thread. Any other part numbers / maintenance tips to share?

The engine bay cooling fan behaves the same on mine - not sure why it turns on after the car is stopped. It's activated by a separate, independent thermoswitch in the coolant loop. I guess it's a redundancy thing?

The washer jets are pretty weak on my Domingo too, and only reach the top of the windshield when blown at highway speeds. I've developed some work-around technique, but it's a pain. Wondering if I might be able to swap the pump for something a little stronger.

Have you had any luck with replacement windshield washers? I've been using the replacement packs from Canadian Tire, but they're really short-lived.

[anthill]

Broken mirror: Fixed
Alternator belt: With no AC. the required belt is:
Ext length: 720mm, Inside: 675mm - V profile

I'm confused, my van has A/C and I used a belt that was labeled "380mm". Yours should be shorter, not longer, with one less pulley. I wonder if mine was a half-length measure?

[franck2cv]

Hi Anthill,

Good to have you back, it's been a while! :D

Belt: Weird indeed ! it's not as if it's hard to measure!! I'm confused too!

Windshield Washer: OK, now that I know you have a similar issue, I'm tempted to conclude the set-up is weak, period! I'm planning on changing for a arm mounted nozzle commonly used on some GM vehicles (and the Citroen BX too.... I used to have one!). Much better than traditional body mounted nozzle.

Happy new year 2013 with many happy trouble free miles.

Franck

[anthill]

Franck - one more question - Did you replace the front brake pads? I'm wondering if Justy pads will fit (mine are overdue).

Looking forward to copying your windshield washer fix and seeing how the EV conversion works out!

[franck2cv]

Franck - one more question - Did you replace the front brake pads? I'm wondering if Justy pads will fit (mine are overdue).

Looking forward to copying your windshield washer fix and seeing how the EV conversion works out!

No I didn't. Both disc and pads were in excellent condition. The Justy set up is entirely different (disc/pads/calipers). Rockauto has some Libero/Domingo references (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,199103,pgname,Brake%252FWheel%2BHub,a,ww w.google.ca%2BSearch%2Bfor%2B1998%2BSUBARU%2BLIBER O%2B1.2L%2BL3)

Here is a litle drawing to compare Justy and E12 pad shapes.

Let us know.... :)

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