Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 09:54:43 -0400
Reply-To: Bobby Brown <bobbybrown1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bobby Brown <bobbybrown1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: vanagon difficulty--comments from a van newbie
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Thoughts from a Vanagon Newbie who has never owned a VW, nor really done any
significant repairs other than changing oil.
A VW nut, former technician friend of mine got me into Vdubs, and then my
van. My first VW is/was an 1984 Rabbit GTi. Virtually all stock, except the
fuel injection was replaced by a Weber 2 barrel carb. It's rock solid,
having been maintained from the showroom by an engineer type guy. And super
fun to drive. It needs body, paint & interior restoration, only because it
is a 25 year old driver.
My van, on the other hand, like many out there, had been in 2 or 3 previous
owners hands. In my opinion, that's problem #1. No way to know who the
previous owners were or how they maintained this van. So I am chasing their
lack of attention to proper maintenance. These vans, in my opinion, are more
maintenance intensive than modern American & Asian drivetrains. A Toyota or
Ford can really get away with a 20,000 mile oil change, even if not
recommended. Or not changing the coolant for 5 or 6 years. Or not using the
factory recommended fluid. Try that in a Passat or a 325 or an S70 and you
will have MAJOR problems.
Problem #2 is that previous owners of my van jerry rigged lots of 'fixes'
because of a lack of knowledge, lack of a Bentley or simple laziness. I have
jump wires and added switches. Someone didn't previously fix a leaking
torque converter; did not fix leaking AC refrigerant; did not fixing rear
heater core. So, I am also chasing their refusal to "fix things right the
first time".
Problem #3 is that my van is 21 years old. It's simply due or past due to
replace most rubber or plastic parts. And it seems to me German vehicles are
LOADED with rubber seals, gaskets and plastic connectors of some type, more
so than American or Asian vehicles.
Problem #4 is that I have not owned a Vanagon before, so all this is new and
strange to me.
So what this leaves me, owner #4, is a list of unknown issues that I find
"over time". I have to admit, my van "seems" unreliable sometimes.
But what will my perspective be in 3 years when I have likely run down 98%
of my unknowns? Likely, I will think my rig is SOLID.
What will be my perspective if I do a Subie or a Bostig conversion or a
TenCent rebuild? Likely, I will think my rig is SOLID.
Many times, the typical consumer looks at the scenario I just laid out and
would say, "No way, no how. I want to get in my car, fill up the gas tank
and go." These types of folks drive a car for 80,000-100,000 miles and then
trade-in and start all over, with "free" warranty and "free" maintenance
plans.
These folks should not attempt van ownership.
Bobby
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