Date:         Tue, 2 May 2017 15:14:19 -0400
Reply-To:     Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: What spare parts to carry with on trips
Comments: To: steve meassick <stevem@tdhvac.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CO2PR17MB0107A446E1C240F7B6325544A5170@CO2PR17MB0107.namprd17.prod.outlook.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

The answer to this question can be a bit tricky.  It depends on how well
you know your particular
vanagon.   Meaning how well do you know the upkeep of your vehicle?

For me, I just changed out the starter so I'm pretty sure it's not going to
be a problem for a while.
I also have a fairly new set of front to back steel coolant pipes.  So I'm
pretty confident
in that section of the cooling system.   But other parts of the cooling
system may not be
as ready for a long road trip.   Certainly, not for going up to Alaska.
My 91 has 245,000
miles on it and the weak link is the head seals.   It's been dripping out
of the same center
head bolt for many years.   I nurse it along with Subaru Cooling System
Conditioner.   Someone
asked a while back how often do you change the coolant.  Well, the only
time it got changed
in the last 10 years is with the steel pipe replacement.   But I would
never consider driving to
to Alaska in my van in it's current condition.

So you have to ask yourself, what are the weak parts of your
engine/cooling/heating system
and decide from there what spares you need or if you should take it at all.

Steven
91 Westy

On Tue, May 2, 2017 at 2:48 PM, steve meassick <stevem@tdhvac.com> wrote:

> Hi
> This may have been previously covered, but I am wondering on what parts
> for a Vanagon (I have a 87) to carry along on longer trips?  I have done a
> number of long trips, such as to Alaska, without incident, but what would
> be the recommended parts to carry along for the most problems to not get
> stranded.
> Thanks,
> Steve Meassick
>