Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 23:46:36 -0500
Reply-To: Jerry <jbvelo@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jerry <jbvelo@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject: Re: vanagon difficulty
In-Reply-To: <4A9F2877.5020409@charter.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
For what it's worth I agree with JR.
Everything in the Vanagon engine compartment
is easily accessible. All electrical connectors
are quick disconnect type connectors. Once you have an
understanding of the electrical system and fuel
injection system it's actually easier to troubleshoot.
All the electrical components can be tested with
a V/O meter. With the Bentley and the Vanagon
list server archives there is a wealth of information
and help available. I just hope that we'll always
have access to parts availability.
JB 88 GL Guido
On 9/2/09 9:22 PM, "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
> Actually, I consider the Vanagon to be one of the easier if not the
> easiest vehicle ot it's type - a van - to work on. Having some
> appropriate equipment makes it a snap.I have gone completely through one
> van - my first - which was an '85 GL, and currently almost done with
> going through my current one - an 88 GL. With a fairly standard tool box
> you can do one heck of a lot of work on these machines yourself, if you
> are spry enough, and when you pass that stage in life - you cans show a
> decent mechanic what to do and still get it done right. BTDT. I have
> another 88 GL waiting in the wings for the same treatment, and I have no
> fear of it either. If one wants to talk of problematic vehicles for
> maintenance - consider the frontwheel drive machines and what you have
> to do to them ot change out a CV, or R&R a transmission. What a
> nightmare. On many you almost have to pull the engine out to do that
> kind of work. Vanagons are really simple by comparison, and even on a
> bad hair day, they aren't bad.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
> Dave Mcneely wrote:
>> David Beierl asked what is it about vanagons that makes me consider them
>> difficult. Here:
>>
>> The are unreliable. Given their age, that is expected, but they NEVER
>> were as reliable as Japanese vehicles, which in my experience seldom
>> need repair.
>>
>> People who can (or are willing) to work on them are rare, especially in
>> the middle of the country. General shops can handle most vehicles.
>> Take a vanagon to one, and if the shop accepts it, the repair will
>> likely be done wrong.
>>
>> Diagnosis seems more difficult than with other vehicles, even for
>> knowledgeable techs.
>>
>> Parts are hard to get and inordinately expensive.
>>
>> A NON-difficult vehicle is one that seldom breaks, and when it does, can
>> be easily repaired at a wide variety of shops at reasonable cost.
>> That's not a vanagon.
>>
>> '91 Vanagon GL Campmobile, which I love for its utility in camping and
>> cross country travel, but fear will leave me stranded far from home or
>> help.
>>
>> Dave Mc
>>
>>
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