Date:         Tue, 8 Aug 2000 17:51:15 -0400
Reply-To:     "Grotz, Kurt" <kgrotz@cmpexpress.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Grotz, Kurt" <kgrotz@cmpexpress.com>
Subject:      Jackson Tale
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

This is my story.

My  Vanagon's name is Jackson.  A Brown 84 waterboxer.  It had 87,000 when I
bought it in 1992, and is now well over 220,000.   It is still my everyday
car, however,  for the past 3 years I have only 1 mile to work - thanks be
to "the higher power".

Alas ,  after so many years of loyal service (never had it towed once) ole
Jackson is near the next life.  Not one big issue, but so many small ones
that it is probably not worth it to get it "all" repaired for the last long
haul.   Also, my family wants me to get a new/er vehicle.  You know the
story.  The kids don't want to be seen in the "shaggin wagon."    I
understand this because we drove 60's Rover sedans (the old kind before the
2000TC) and Humber Super Snipes when I was a teenager.  Now that was
embarrasing.

Anyhow, my dream "and devine justice" would be to find a nicer Westy or
Weekender and turn ole Jackson into a suitable organ donor.  I hate the
thought of relinquishing him for the "other" vehicle, unless the "other"
vehicle is related.   If you catch my drift.

In the meantime, he aint dead yet.    I have two issues that I could use
help with so he can enjoy a bit more semi retirement.

        1.      Where does the brake light switch go?  Bentley missed this
one and I need it to pass current inspection.
        2.      At 230,000 the only things done to engine (to my 130K
knowledge) were 2 waterpumps (fun bolts) and an alternator.  Have done
nothing else major.  The problem is that every couple hundred miles or so,
my lifters start to knock like )(*#$().  Seems that my oil thins out
massively with petrol.  Plugs also black with carbon.   I change the oil,
put on a new filter, clean the fouled plugs and presto... runs great for
another 2 months.  My mechanics, who only see it once a year,  don't have a
clue.  They do have a dart board with "valve job" "brakes" " timing belt"
etc. but that hasn't helped.   They (seriously) do good work, but draw the
line with serious VW Van diagnostics.   I can do most work, but I give up.
Possible culprits:  bad aux. air regulator, bad air intake boot, valve
adjustment, some sensor or another, rings?

I could leave well enough alone, but would like to take one last hurrah trip
to the mountains.   Does anyone out there recognize my problem (besides the
problem of not wanting to let go)?

Appreciate any help you can provide.

Kurt A. Grotz
Web Design Team
CMPExpress.com
kurtg@cmpexpress.com

"Life is short, city planners are city planners and the trees are great
places for VW Vans to hide in.  This means nothing more than that.  Please
don't complain."