Date:         Sat, 15 Feb 2003 14:07:33 -0500
Reply-To:     Neil Curri <ncurri@MEDIA.MIT.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Neil Curri <ncurri@MEDIA.MIT.EDU>
Subject:      91 GL problems
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Hello,

I have a '91 GL that bucks just a little bit at lower RPMs. Unless the
engine's working kinda hard - accelerating, climbing a hill, or just
cruising at 3200-3500 RPMs (which is what it does in 4th gear at 60 MPH)
- it sounds almost like the gear is either engaging or disengaging, or
the engine's getting the gas in spurts. It doesn't pull the vehicle hard
unless you're really bogging down at low RPMs like I suppose any engine
would, but even at moderate rotations you hear the engine sort of
working in spurts. I just had the spark plugs and cables replaced, which
I thought would fix that, but it hasn't. I don't think I've changed my
air filter for a looong time, but I'm not too handy with cars and the
air filter looks complex. I just replaced the oil breather myself
because the cap blew off, but my experience (and tools!) are limited.
Would appreciate any advice.

In addition, my head gasket is leaking, but there's no way I'll take
that job on, even if I had the right tools. I searched the list archives
to see if anyone had written about a good VW garage in CT and the only
thing I found was a post regarding Hendrick's in Wallingford, which I
don't think exists anymore. Can someone tell me if they know of any VW
vanagon guys in CT? I've been to Europa Motors in Hamden and Montessi
(the dealership) in North Haven, but now I'm looking for someone who
might want to buy it and take on it's maintenance issues. I have a
feeling I'm going to have a hard time selling it around here.

thanks,
  -Neil