Date:         Wed, 31 May 2006 13:50:37 -0400
Reply-To:     Daniel Gordon <dangordon0128@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Gordon <dangordon0128@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Trip Report - "Hi-Torque" starter and leaky gas tank
Comments: To: adventurewagen@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Well, we made it to Oakland from Philadelphia in four days out rt. 80.
Terrible cross-winds and a leaky gas tank (only when completely filled) were
the only major complications.  It seems we need to rebuild the "venting
system" on the gas tank to stop the leaking.

Made good time but we are upset that we didn't get to seee anything because
we had to race through.

Had major issues before we started with a "hi-torque" starter from
randymofoco on Ebay.  It died after 1 month and had to be rebuilt.
Apparently these starters are basically the toyota celica with a vanagon
mount.  tried to deal with vendor and I have had no response except "send it
back and they will try to fix it"  riiiiight... thats conveinient!  paid the
$80 to rebuild and now will spread the bad word about it to the list cause
it really needs to be known.  They said it would outlast my van... I'm a
sucker, what can I say.

Got much help and responses from the llist.  What an outstanding resource.
I will be in oakland until (about) friday and then off to Long Beach
Washington.  Didn't see many buses on the way out, but the couple we saw
were very friendly!  Thanks eveyone!

Dan
Lora
Pebbles (our cat is with us)
Marklar (83 subie adventurewagen)