Date:         Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:42:45 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Minimum spares kit. Was: Alternator Brushes Wore Out Pretty
              Darn Quick
In-Reply-To:  <20110823175838.CSJLX.1504650.imail@eastrmwml47>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

Too tedious of a topic to cover fully. What all to carry largely depends
on how the vehicle is going to be used and then how capable the owner is
of determining what is wrong and fixing it with parts on-board. I carry
stuff that most people don't and I wouldn't expect very many others to
follow my lead. It is not that I worry so much about actually needing
them as that I realize I could be greatly delayed in obtaining them if
they were needed while I was in a remote spot. Most of them cost so
little if purchased in advance that I just consider it a low cost
insurance policy to have them along. Since I do all my own work anyway
and have a lifetime commitment to multiple Vanagon ownership they will
get used someday.

While decent maintenance is requirement number one, I think most
Vanagons should carry a few specific items that are well known common
and/or abrupt failure points. I think all regular Vanagon drivers should
know how to install them too.

headlight switch
ignition switch
regulator/brush assembly for alternator
belt for water pump/alternator
fuel filter
ECU, tested

Also should have for traveling:
volt meter
6 feet of #12 red wire
6 feet of #12 black wire
4 each of crimp on insulated ends, blue color, 1/4" male spade, 1/4"
female spade, 5/16" ring, butt splices
inline ATC fuse holder and 15 amp fuses

The list has no real end but this is a start. Tools are needed for most
of the parts to be of much use.

Mark








mcneely4@cox.net wrote:
> so, mark, what is your list of the must, or at least really should carry items?  ......................