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Date:         Fri, 10 Mar 2000 09:22:39 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject:      Re: 196,000
Comments: To: Todd Kaderabek <todd@LARKBOOKS.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Todd,

I can't resist commenting on this. There is no answer to your question. Put some numbers in a hat, the one you pull out is as good as anything.

Engines are much better made today, but along with better materials and lubricants it is the precision with which the components are made and assembled that really adds up to longevity. This is where the Japanese and Europeans have it all over the American manufacturers. Mercedes, Saab (pre GM), and Volvo (pre Ford) engines typically go 300,000 miles with proper care. The precision (fit tolerance) and engineering (over design, materials) that goes into these engines comes at a cost, and for the mid level market VW/Audi does a very respectable job.

The principle of precision giving longevity can be explained simply by understanding that components that slide by each other at close tolerance with a film of lubricant between them will last longer than components that "hit" each other across a high tolerance gap, no matter how much lubricant there is.

If you by this high mileage unit get a good price and start saving for a new or used engine, you will need one at some point in the not too distant future!

Todd Kaderabek wrote: > > Let me ask this a different way: factoring in replacement of the serpentine > belt and the timing belt, how much life is left on a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder > with 196,000 miles on it, presuming the claim of 130 psi in all 5 holes is > accurate? Any guesses? > > TJK > -- > Todd J. Kaderabek, Director of Production > Lark Books, Fiberarts Magazine, Folkwear Patterns > 50 College Street > Asheville, NC 28801 > Phone: (828) 253-0467, X 331 > Fax: (828) 253-7952 > todd@larkbooks.com

-- Stuart MacMillan Manager, Case Program 800-909-8244 ext. 8208

Getting your share of the Net yet? http://cobaltgroup.com http://UsedEquipNet.com


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