Date:         Fri, 14 Nov 2003 13:24:04 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Tuovinen <mst@AK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Alternator/Battery/Starter - still no crank sometimes
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

From where are you purchasing your parts? Stay away from price leading chain stores, and stick with the shops that know and specialize in imports.

Mark in AK
20 years and counting in the auto parts/sales/service/warranty business

----- Original Message -----
From: Karen Gritis <gritis@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Date: Friday, November 14, 2003 10:40 am
Subject: Alternator/Battery/Starter - still no crank sometimes

> Font of all wisdom:
>
> You guys always have the solutions to my Vanagon and Cabriolet
> problems.  I hope you can figure this one out.  I have a 91
> Vanagon that has me ready to tell her goodbye, even though I love
> this car.  I keep getting stranded.
>
> History:
> Starter rebuilt 7/02
> Alternator replaced 8/03
> Battery replaced 9/03
>
> The trouble seemed to start in August, stranded without warning at
> the beach, battery was totally drained by non functioning
> alternator.  Replaced alternator.  Everything's fine for about 1
> month.  Same deal.  No warning.  Stranded with completely dead
> battery.  Replaced battery.  Okay until October, then same deal.
> Checked battery and alternator, was told they were okay and the
> trouble might be a frayed / bad connection to the alternator.
> Repaired.  One week later, happened again.  Fed up, towed it to a
> shop.  Shop says its a bad alternator, replaces alternator.  Runs
> fine for Wednesday night, Thursday, then dies again, just now,
> same thing.  Nothing.
>
> Is it time for me to buy the H**da Element and wash my hands of
> this?  Any ideas.  Can you spell frustration?
>
> Thanks for any ideas you might have.
>
> Karen
>