Joy, You are describing what sounds to me like a compression leak (headgasket) into your cooling system. IIRC bearings in Vanagons are sealed and are not adjustable as your friend mentions. If somehitng was worng with them, you'd be hearing them growling and howling while you drive. Brakes can stick and cause a bunring smell as well. Unfortunately, w/o Smell-O-Vision, I can't tell what your friend is sniffing at. Sticky (front) brake calipers can do this. Same for brake shoes (in back). Someone pretty much has to tbe agt the van when the symptoms are present. Take it for a dirve for a few miles with your mechanic to attempt to expose the problem. Once things have cooled and vented, smell goes away. You can't smell what's not there. BenT |
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