Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 03:23:41 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Let me introduce myself- finally!
In-Reply-To: <17700134.1117765064425.JavaMail.root@wamui-little.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Lisa, Congratulations on your new Westy.
Vanagon based vehicles - Westy's included - are notorious for engine
fires and the vehicle burning up.
I WOULD NOT make that lengthy journey - as fun as it is going to be(I
envy you) - without replacing all the fuel hoses in the engine are aft
(to the rear) of the "Firewall" first. Especially with my kid along.
I wouldn't even drive it around Atlanta!!!! or even out of my
driveway!!!! Why do I feel this way??? Well, I have had some grief with
my own van and I'm fortunate to still have it. By rights it should have
burned at least twice.
DON'T TRUST that the fuel lines were EVER replaced, regardless of what
the previous owner (PO) says. It simply is not worth the risk.
You must consider that you are driving an 18 year old vehicle with 18
year old rubber fuel hoses. Though there are those who will disagree
with me, I would replace the fuel lines every 5 years, beginning with
the date of my new ownership. By doing this, you will have some
assurance the thing will most likely NOT burn, and you will have some
piece of mind on your journeys.
Can't imagine things much worse than to be 1600 miles from home on the
side of a road in between somewhere and nowhere on a dark and stormy
night, and you are standing beside your van watching it burn.
Call one of our list vendors - Ken Wilford at www.vanagain.com or Ron
Salmon at www.busdepot.com
and get that fuel hose kit and get it installed.
BTW, IMHO, Ken is faster, Ron is cheaper. Your choice.
Enjoy your journey,
Best of luck.
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Birmingham, AL (Chelsea)
Lisa Bliss wrote:
>Hi friends,
>
>I have been lurking around here for about a month and I guess it is time to introduce myself! First I was waiting for our westy purchase to go through. The seller was reluctant to part with it and now that we have officially adopted it, I think I understand why. I love it!!! My friends love it!!! My kid loves it!
>
>I am about to embark with my 7 year old daughter on a trip from Atlanta to Crested Butte, Colorado to visit a friend and bum around camping for the month of July. It was just going to be me and my daughter but my friend's brother is now coming along for the drive from Atlanta to Colorado. I am quite happy to have the company and the know how as he is an excellent outdoorsman. Husband will join us for a week at some point, but except for my passenger on the first leg I am going to be on my own.
>
>My van did not come with any manuals so I bought one on ebay for vanagons. I need to get my hands on instructions for the fridge and stove - I have no idea how to light these things and I think I will need some help. Does anybody know where to get instructions for how to light these two things?
>
> If I understand correctly, I should first cool the fridge for 24 hours on electric power and then switch to auxillary battery? Only power it with propane if going to be settled in one spot for the whole time?
>
>The van is at the mechanic now getting some things taken care of before the trip. Because I am going to high altitude, should I ask the mechanic to adjust for this??
>
>I have appreciated the suggestions on the list about what to pack and I am going to track down the list of repair shops between here and there if the need should arise. I have some extra belts. Gathering my other must have and like to have supplies and emergency items. Really looking forward to hitting the road for 4 weeks and hope that I meet some of you out there.
>
>Happy trails to all -
>
>Lisa Bliss
>1987 Westy "Bree"
>
>
>
>