Date:         Tue, 28 May 2002 16:32:17 -0400
Reply-To:     Ben huot <huotx@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben huot <huotx@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Subject:      Re: Availability of some crucial parts & engine reman info, yes,
              you better read that!

They just called me.
The case and rods are no longer available.

The reman Canadian company (affiliate to Cummins or something like that) as
a contract with VW North America to covert the warranty of the reman engine
already sold until September, (they don't have any engine on hand right
now) after that, the contract with VW will end and they will revaluate the
demand. The good news is that this company will probably still do some
reman engine, and increase the production on another company name.

Remember that nothing of that is very clear, what is clear is that it looks
like they don't really care a bout Vanagon owner (not my dealer but VW
North America).

For sure the future of the Vanagon engine (mostly the core, rods and
complete engine is uncertain) Many are willing to rebuilt the engine but
not without a good core.

This is a Canadian survey; it's likely to be the same for the USA

The problem doesn't seem to affect neither the 1.9L (Engine still
available) nor the 2.0L

I am preparing a big trip in Mexico & central America next winter; I won't
fell safe at all with this problem. I see 2 solutions, sell my van or
change all connecting rods bolt, main bearings, oil pump and clean all oil
passage.

I would gladly buy 4 new rods, I can't!!!

Very sad, I am not happy about that.
Ben