Date:         Wed, 24 Jun 1998 14:31:09 -0700
Reply-To:     Ian Cameron <ianc@UVIC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Ian Cameron <ianc@UVIC.CA>
Subject:      There and back
Comments: To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Just put 3500 Km on our 82 Westy (first trip for us).  First, anyone who
was thinking about buying the van advertised in New Aiyansh (B.C.) can
forget it.  Any vehicle driven on those roads for more than a week isn't
worth buying.
Second, anyone wanting suggestions for camping in the interior of B.C. let
me know.  We found some great spots.
Third, we got 21 mpg (call it 17 mpg U.S.), which sound ok, but the
tailpipe is black.  It must be running rich.  Thoughts?  It's got a clean
air filter.
Finally, it uses oil as if it's going out of style, but there are no great
leaks at idle, no blue smoke.  (And no, the black on the pipe isn't oil.  I
know the difference.)  Thoughts on that?
Finally, what a great rig for camping.  Except for a blowout (I KNEW those
tyres were too light, but they were too new to replace) the thing ran
perfectly, and it's the only way to travel.  No motel problems, no campsite
problems, and totally self contained.  I can see why people love'em.  If
you're thinking about buying one, do it.
Ian, Victoria B.C. 82 Westy, as yet unnamed, but I'm thinking of Pistil Dawn.