Date:         Sat, 1 Apr 2000 16:36:29 GMT
Reply-To:     Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Preventive Maintenance?
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Volks -

This recent incident with my headlights got me to thinking again about
preventive maintenance.  Bulley has suggested that it makes sense to just
replace parts when they are at the end of their normal lifespan instead of
waiting for them to break.

On the surface, that sounds good, especially for a vehicle like my '87 Westy
that is used mainly for trips out of town, vacations, etc. It's a lot more
of a headache to break down in Challis, Idaho than two blocks from my
mechanic.

But - how far can you take this without being foolish?  We don't have the
option of buying a new Vanagon every two years!

I have replaced most of my fuel lines, flushed all of the fluids, checked
the brakes, checked the electronics with a digitool and have a spare ecu.

If you owned the van, assuming that everything else is original (I'm at
least the fourth owner, so who knows)what would you consider just replacing
at 165,000 miles?  Nothing?  The fuel pump, alternator, AFM, coolant lines,
master cylinder, power steering pump, headlight switch, ignition switch?

More generally, I think it would be interesting if we could put together a
list of things that knowledgeable vanagoneers think should be replaced at X
miles.  There is bound to be a lot of disagreement, but I would love to hear
the discussion, and see if there is some consensus.

If this generates useful stuff, I will put together a summary document and
post it.

Thanks!

- Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, ID
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