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Date:         Fri, 2 Jul 2004 04:46:06 -0700
Reply-To:     Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject:      Re: Trusting Your Machine
Comments: To: Michael Rule <mikerule@UFL.EDU>
In-Reply-To:  <1022411605.1088722654200.JavaMail.osg@spnode15>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

> Silly Question, but I thought it would be an interesting survey- > and one that is simply opinion-based, so no one can accuse right > or wrong answers- but hey- feel free to tell me not to post > useless drivel like this if you're so inclined!

Seems to me that opinion-based answers are the ones that would promote discussion, rather than right vs. wrong answers, but . . . > > This may apply more to the pre'86 models, but all years seem > significantly quirky enough that anybody might "feel my pain"...

All the water boxers are the same, within reason. Obviously there are some changes between '85- and '86+, but they pretty much suffer from the same maladies. Added bonus to the 2.1 liter is the stretch bolts, so there's always the thought of a rod coming through the case. > > Obviously there are plenty of brave Volks who travel all over in > their Groovy Vans, accumulating fun times and memories... but I > gotta tell ya, I'm a bit terrified!

Groovy vans, eh? Sorry, no dancing bears on my windows! But I do like, no, love my van ('85 Westy with 2.1l, btw) > > Reading the constant issues that seem to randomly arise in these > machines makes me VERY hesitant to got much further than St. > Augustine's or Tampa Beach (from Gainesville, 1-2.5hrs), for fear > of some horrific random tranny/ head-gasket blow-out,

It happens, but it's not the end of the world. You call AAA, have it towed to a fox-it shop, call the list for advice if you're not comfortable with what they tell you, and get it done. Hit the road again. Smile.

faulty > fuel-line-induced fire,

Replace the lines if you haven't already. Every few months, like when you change your oil, check that they're tight. Smile.

silent coolant loss,

Keep it topped off; follow your nose. Smile.

lite-switch blow-out

Keep a spare. You know what to do by now.

> turning my dash into a brown puddle of goo...

You play the odds every time you get out of bed, though most folks do die in bed! Smile.

I mean, short of > rebuilding EVERYTHING, when does one begin to feel comfy and > cozy??

You should always be comfy and cozy, but alert. As you drive your van more and more, you'll learn to speak, or at least listen, in Vanagonese. All your senses are involved here: Visual inspections, listen to how it sounds - get used to "normal", so that you'll notice abnormal; smells - coolant, exhaust, hot brakes, etc.; that feeling in the seat of your pants that tells you that you have a bad wheel bearing or a tire casing about to separate. Whenever you're driving, and WHATever you're driving, you should be alert to what you're driving is doing - even if it's under warranty.

> > Please bear in mind, this is sorta tongue-in-cheek griping!

I realize that, but they are legitimate questions. Go forth and be comfortable and remember that you can survive anything.

I am > admittedly neurotic and anxiety-driven (hah!), altho I have > already spent about $3K prepping the vehicle to Be Travel Worthy > (thanks the The List, the Vendors, Vanagonauts, and more Listees > personal communications than I can name)... but I'm wondering if > the initial ownership has made anyone as batty and conflicted--

Yep. Eric used to be normal.

> > "Sell and buy a newer one?"

A little newer won't make much difference, and a lot newer doesn't exist. > > "Go back to my 66 Olds and hiking/camping equipment?"

If you wish. Only you can answer that one, but I think I know the answer. > > "Medication??"

Talk to Eric.

> > "Forget the motorized things, those Luddites had it good?!"

True. Neanderthals never worried about coolant leaks. > > --as I feel after 5wks of ownership of an 84 Westy? > > Cheers, > Mike

Karl Wolz


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