Date:         Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:17:55 -0500
Reply-To:     Jarrett Kupcinski <kupcinski@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jarrett Kupcinski <kupcinski@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: So my stepson asks . . .
In-Reply-To:  <5032DB23.3030101@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

Not much experience with 1.9's, but I will say that the WBXs in general are amazingly engineered engines. They can take a whole lot of abuse and keep kicking. Those of us who have acquired our vans second, third, fourth hand know just how badly the previous owners have treated these things. And yet they managed to come to us, limping, to be saved. With a known quantity, well cared for engine? I reckon another 50K on Mr. Squirrel's engine will come easily. With a bit of diligent work, I wouldn't be surprised if he doubled its odometer.

That being said, when extracting my own so-so running 2.1 to make room for a Bostig, I was amazed by the number of points of failure there are on a WBX. Every belt, each coolant hose or pipe, intake and exhaust manifolds every which way, electronically controlled fuel injectors in different time zones… search the archives for a more comprehensive list if you're not convinced. I'm amazed the WBX runs at all, for any length of time. But they do. The trick, I suspect, is as Scott usually points out, is to be attentive to the little things and diligent about completing the jobs that need doing. Most people don't drive cars that way. My impression is that Mr. Squirrel is more attentive than your average bear. Either that, or he puts up a good act.

-Jarrett
89 Westy with Bostig conversion


On Aug 20, 2012, at 7:49 PM, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:

> . . . how long can the engine (1.9) in my van last?
> 
>