Date:         Sat, 16 Aug 2003 09:39:42 -0700
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: Cost of Ownership
In-Reply-To:  <20030816.091941.1124.2.wilden1@juno.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

>
>On Fri, 15 Aug 2003 22:44:56 -0500 Donald Baxter <onanov@MINDSPRING.COM>
>writes:
> > I have NEVER figured out why mechanics are so reticent to work on
> > Vanagons--even at the VW dealer.

Here is one reason why Wasserboxers are avoided. Original maintenance
called for coolant service every three years. Typically, that service is
inadequate to extend life beyond warranty interval. As well, the proper
procedure was rarely followed. The hoses in the motor compartment are
pinched off and only half the system is drained so the service will only
cost twice as much as a "normal" engine coolant service. This means the new
buffers in the new coolant are immediately used up neutralizing the acidic
nature of the remaining used coolant and for the next interval corrosion is
in play continuously.

I know this to be true because I have many times seen dealer invoices
including cooling system service wherein only one gallon of new coolant was
billed. It was TYPICAL procedure at most dealers.

With the proper anti-freeze costing 3 times as much as the standard stuff,
and a complete drain requiring 3 times the labor of any other "normal"
engine, most shops were seen as rip-offs if they charged for a proper
service by owner's who could have their Ford or Honda or GTi cooling system
serviced for $50.

So, within a year or two out of warranty, the Wasserboxer becomes a
Wasserleaker. Owner pays $800 to replace the first head that starts
leaking. Within 6 days to 6 months, the next weakest point starts to leak.
Now the owner is p.o.ed at the shop. After a shop has been through this
several times, it is no wonder that they begin to refuse to repeat this
fiasco. They just don't have the guts to be honest about the proper
complete service required to prevent corrosion from getting started.

I advise yearly complete coolant change for Wasserboxers and will continue
to do so until I see a well documented example that has had coolant service
every 2 years and shows NO evidence of corrosion whatever having started. I
state with no hesitation that leaks are empirical PROOF of inadequate
maintenance. In fact, the first tiny evidence of green on a temp sensor or
cooling fitting is the same proof of the buffers in the coolant being used
up and corrosion contaminating the whole system.