Date:         Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:31:28 -0400
Reply-To:     Aileen Boyd <aileen.boyd@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Aileen Boyd <aileen.boyd@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      88' Vanagon healed!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I just wanted to give a word of thanks for all the help, parts and words of
advice that so many of you gave re: my 88' van and it's rich-running habit.
Soooooo many parts put into it, diagnosis and learning for me and I believe
it is on its way. I wanted to also echo the sentiments of how sad it is that
Vanagon's are going to scrap rather than homes. I can completely understand
the frustration that many feel in attempting to get them in running order,
should you not have the time, money or know-how. I have some of those, but
finding a trustworthy and knowledgeable mechanic in certain areas is
tantamount to interviewing surgeons for heart surgery. I went to 3 different
people with my Vanagon, all of whom I had a conversation with beforehand
regarding their experience with Vanagons. 2 told me after a period of one
month and 2 weeks respectively, to get my van and leave. They could not
figure out how to work with it. The third is a god in my eyes. He, and
another person at his shop have experience with many VWs including up to
this decade (he knew not to mess with THE screw!). They basically performed
all the things that I knew I could not do myself (i.e. Timing, adjustments,
electrical analysis...get that damn fused bolt off..etc.) He was shocked to
know that 2 other mechanics claimed to have adjusted the timing, or just
didn't even go there!!! How is that possible??? I came to have to find
someone when my 84 year old German-born mechanic developed cancer for the
second time and is having to focus on his health. He is a legend in my area
with all cars, including VWs.
Also, thanks to those of you who insisted I change out the fuel lines. The
pic of the van on fire was even after I did so, and holy moley was I glad I
did it.
We are hopefully taking a trip, leaving on the 5th from NY, to Southern UT,
Salt Lake City, Spokane, WA and back via a stopover at Yellowstone. If any
of you may be in these areas or on the route, hey, drop me a line. We may
need your expertise!! Not to mention would be great to meet some of you and
your Vanagons.

Aileen
88' Westfalia
Simone
--
If not Peace, then Justice.....