Just joined this list yesterday and thought I'd post a quick note to introduce myself. Peter Martin, Abingdon Virginia USA, 86 Vanagon (non-Westy). Bought it in the early 90's w/30K miles, now over 150K, still looks like new but find myself getting paranoid about the coolant leak problem and overall cost of replacement parts. Yikes, VW parts prices are OBSCENE! :) A few things I could use help with if any of you have any suggestions are 1. Exhaust system is on its last legs. Local VW dealer quoted almost $2000 to replace all the pipes, convertor, muffler, etc. Local muffler shops won't tackle it; one guy remarked that his small intestine had less curves and offsets. Suggestions on alternative sources for components that will fit? 2. Temp gage indicates it's running hot, esp'ly on very hot days or when driving slow/idling. Head gaskets were replaced and heads checked by dealer at 100K, but still overheats. Could this be from combustion gases getting into the coolant system? No steam upon startup, and coolant level seems stable. Clogged catalytic converter perhaps? 3. Okay, don't laugh. The bus sat for about a year undriven (in my garage near a cherry tree) and it seems that I may have, uhm, a dead mouse or other cherry-eating rodent--deduced from the cherry pits that occassionally blast out from the vents while driving. Flying pits I can live with; but the SMELL I cannot. Is there an easy way to disassemble and flush out the ventilation ducts under the dash? Or should I just invest in noseplugs and eye protection? All in all, I LIKE the square box. In a world of Astros, Aerostars, and Caravans, this old Vanagon is different enough to make driving it always fun. Top of the day to you all. Look forward to learning from your experiences and offering any I may have of my own. Peter Martin, martin@naxs.com Abingdon Online, http://www.abol.com |
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