Date:         Fri, 2 Nov 2001 19:59:48 -0600
Reply-To:     Theresa Reinhardt <wordbridge@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Theresa Reinhardt <wordbridge@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Stuck in MD
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Hi everybody
-
I need some advice - and please bear with me,
I already feel incredibly stupid as is.

Just went to pick up the
82 Diesel Westy I bought in VA. About one hour into
the trip back to IL, I was stopped by the police 'cause I had
coolant dripping out the rear. Of course, I couldn't find anyone
who knew what was going on. I even called the shop that
was supposed to give it the "once-over" before I started out -
they dind't think it was a problem (by that time, the cap on the
expansion tank was missing...)

So I continued (yes, I know...) and was finally stopped by
an overheated engine just outside Hancock, MD. Of course,
it was closing time, Fri afternoon; I barely managed to have
it towed to a shop's back lot. A friendly gentleman decided
that the engine was leaking coolant (under the doodad that has
the injection pumps in it), but no action was taken.

I found the only motel in town and am now nursing my anger...
What do I do? The body, while a little scratched, dented and 
rusty in places, is as good as anything I've ever seen that was
a lot younger, the inside has some grunge on it, but everything
is original and supposed (!!!) to work... I am, however, not terribly
inclined to throw a lot of good money after (potentially) bad...
and I want a relia ble vehicle.

Here are what I think might be my options
1. Sell it here and as is; so anyone who is interested, my
cell phone doesn't work in this blessed place, motel
# is 301-678-6101 ext. 103. Make me an offer!

2. Find a knowledgeable shop, spend $$$ on towing and
a new engine (?) If so, which one?

3. Go home, forget about it and never look at another car again
other than my Honda...

Anyone have any advice, please?!

Down and out in MD,
Teresa

[text/html]