Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:34:04 -0800
Reply-To: Marc Sayer <marcsayer@HUGHES.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Marc Sayer <marcsayer@HUGHES.NET>
Subject: Re: BC inspection was Re: The Otter Has
In-Reply-To: <200911041256.AA7406170@mail.interslice.com>
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This is exactly my take on this shop's list of problems. It was as if
they had a target bill and were going to find enough things wrong to
meet that bill, no matter how idiotic and picky the problems were. As
Ben said, no way the fuel lines in a Vanagon are held together with tape
and silicone, the fuel pressure is wayyyyy to high. This tells me these
guys are either dishonest or they don't know the first thing about FI
cars (I'm leaning to the former). So many of the things they list are so
picky and petty it is ridiculous. Like saying the wheel bearing are
loose so they need to be replaced?? Isn't that what adjustments are
for? Sway bar bushings are cracked? All the way through or just surface
cracks? Surface cracks are not unusual in any rubber bushing. A crack
all the way through is very rare in any rubber bushing of any sort,
because the bushing will generally fall out if it is that bad. Most
often the failure mode is extrusion or going soft because of exposure to
solvents. If the sway bar isn't banging and slapping around, the
bushings are essentially doing their job so who cares what they look
like? And if they will need replacement sometime in the future, why fail
them now? I'd want to tie up the wires and the fuel filter, replace the
bumper end cap (a picky thing but easy to fix), and replace the ball
joint boots. The ball joints shouldn't need replacing unless they are
worn or damaged during servicing. OTOH if you can afford it, replace
them just cause you'll be in there anyway. I'd inspect the fuel lines
and injectors for leaks or seepage, but unless I see leakage, I would
not worry about this (find a realistic shop, perhaps the one Paul is
suggesting). if the turn signals are all working, who cares how fast
they are (no way there is a regulation that specs flasher speed). Most
likely a bulb is burnt. You can try replacing the flasher itself if you
care, but really? Flashing too fast?? That is just desperate.
Of course I could be wrong...
Paul Guzyk wrote:
> Jake, I think you are mistaken. All out of province vehicles must have a BC "safety inspection" prior to being registered by ICBC. vehicles less than 15 years old also require a very simple (DRL, KM speedo, and baby anchors) Federal Inspection at Crappy Tire.
>
> The big problem is MOST BC INSPECTION PLACES ARE REPAIR SHOPS TOO. This is a big conflict of interest....they want to find problems so they can offer to fix them....and they know you want to make the car BC legal so they may take advantage of your situation. (unlike Aircare which is a test only facility.)
>
> However, once an out of province car is inspected in BC, it NEVER has to be inspected again...many cars already on BC roads are in worst condition than 20 year Vanagons imported into BC from other places.
>
> If they want to level the field, they should have annual inspections for all cars...anyway, that's another debate.
>
> When you take your out of BC Vanagon in for a BC inspection, make it clear to the shop you want inspection only, you will do any required repairs elsewhere (yourself, regular mechanic, whatever). They will be less likely to find 97 things wrong.
>
> Also, find an inspection shop less picky about the little stuff.
>
> I know one that is quite Vanagon friendly just outside of Vancouver, pmail me for shop details if interested.
>
> -Paul
>
--
Marc Sayer
Journalist, Photographer, Dog Trainer (APDT member #062956)
Board member - Western States Great Dane Rescue Association
Director of Operations & Training - Deaf Dane Rescue Inc.
Oakridge, OR USA
My Homepage - http://gracieland.org
Deaf Dane Rescue - http://deafdane.org
Western States Great Dane Rescue Association - http://wsgdra.org
RescueWatchdogs - http://rescuewatchdogs.org
Association of Pet Dog Trainers - http://APDT.com
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