Date:         Tue, 23 Apr 2002 17:55:14 -0600
Reply-To:     jbrush@AROS.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Brush <jbrush@AROS.NET>
Subject:      Re: '83 Vanagon
Comments: To: Bill N <freeholder@STARBAND.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <001b01c1eb1a$f69a50f0$0400a8c0@BILLPC>

>I have an '81 aircooled.  Our van has no problem cruising at 70.  It will
>slow down some on hills, but not that bad.  Now on longer hauls, I can
>only report that on a trip from Arizona to Key West and back, it ran at
>70 to 75 all the way.  (5000 miles)

I'll second that, or third it, depending on when this post arrives. My 81
air cooled runs like a swiss watch. I hesitate to run it above 70 mph, but
it has no problem getting to 75 and a bit more when I am not paying
attention. I wish I had a bit more power for the long uphill grades, but
overall, I have no complaints the performance.

I got it back from the shop today after the annual emissions and safety
testing fiasco, so I am happy to be good for another year.

I believe I owe the longevity of the machine to the fact that it used to
leak a lot of oil, and so there was no way that it didn't always have
fresh clean oil in it. Every place that could leak, did for the longest
time till I let the shop have at it about five years ago. They did a great
job, and although I use a lot of oil at highway speeds, there is zero
dripping on the ground anymore. I think the pushrod tubes or something are
giving up a lot of oil at 70 mph.

If you are in Salt Lake City and need work done, V&W Volkswagen on 4500
South and 150 West is highly recommended. I have been taking my van there
for ten years and they take great care of it. When I showed up yesterday,
they laughed and commented how they only see me once a year, but I told
them they did too good a job taking care of it, so it just runs and runs.
Very nice, knowledgeable men, and very fair prices. If you are in the
area, and in need, tell em the guy with the Yellow 81 air cooled that
doesn't ever need work sent you :-)

John