Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2023 02:30:56 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: Blunt....and extremely Negative
In-Reply-To: <679B4545-52A9-4512-9983-A6321B1C364C@comcast.net>
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Evaluating this potential situation, and what to do about it.....I went for Subie 2.2 motor (I am in California with those stout regulations). And recently, got a new 4 speed transmission. OK...drivetrain is now pretty good. Cooling situation with new SS pipes and new front radiator....that is pretty good too. I figured, if motor problem, there are endless Subaru mechanics and parts, anywhere; for the rest of the Vanagon, a Bentley manual with pretty much any auto mechanic will do the trick.
But...I am a Mechanical Engineer. Degreed, the whole deal, now retired. One thing I learned...always have Plan B. If all fails, I will simply buy a Toyota Sienna; have some fun time outfitting it sort of like a Vanagon....and drive on.
On Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 06:06:46 PM PST, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
I’m more optimistic.
Ken Wilford is building 2.1 engines and posting videos right now. And I consider him on the young side.
At the recent Busses By the Bridge many busses were in the 60 year old range and yet there were engine venders there and many of the buses were running sweet powerful engines some with more HP then a 2.1 vanagon!
It will be from fewer sources but the interest and suppliers are out there. And, at the event there were many people under 50 maintaining the busses. Many under 40 and several in early 20s. The vans are popular and still have a following.
But, I agree it never hurts to hold onto good parts if you have them.
And, also good to share when you can.
Eric Caron
> On Feb 19, 2023, at 8:56 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
>
> I posted this on Vanagon Owners group on Facebook: My advice? If you have a Vanagon mechanic that can rebuild your auto or manual tranny...do it. Now! In 5 years, all those great guys will retire. It is already happening. And.....you want to get your WBX motor fixed?...same situation.
> This is a horrendous outlook. I know that. But I believe it is real. Some of us are skilled mechanics and technicians; most of us are not, I am not. Parts themselves are becoming hard to find, yet alone Vanagon mechanics with the knowhow. And obviously not in some small town in Nowhere USA.
>
> What do you think of this dismal prediction?
