Date: Fri, 19 Feb 1999 17:57:45 EST
Reply-To: KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: A bunch of greenhorn questions<F>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
In a message dated 99-02-19 12:24:01 EST, you write:
<< 1. What's a Wolfsburg, as compared to any other type of van?>>
I have been told that this is either a wolf infested village or an iceburg
shaped like a wolf.
<<2. What's a CV?>> Stands for Constant Vibration
<< 3. Is the head gasket problem something that ever gets fixed for once
and for all, or is it something that requires a periodic revisit (a
chronic problem)?>> This problem can be fixed permanently by removing your
water boxer engine and just making engine sounds with your mouth (of course
then the van has a hard time moving), or doing this and then installing a
5-cylinder (no personal bias here) engine, or one of the other engine swap
options (I sure ain't gonna tell you what those are!)
<< 4. What does a "rebuilt" engine really mean? How reliable is a rebuilt
engine?>> This means that the new engine is nice and clean on the outside and
you paid a bunch of money for it. Could also mean that various wear items
inside the motor have been replaced, but not always.
<< 5. I have been told that when test driving a Westi, you can tell a lot
about its condition. I have been test driving a few, but am no
mechanic. I listen for abnormal engine noise, see if the brakes are
mushy, is the hand break tight, is the clutch loose, how does the
steering feel, how smooth is the shifting (which is always rougher than
my 1989 Camry). Any suggestions for other things to pay attention to?>>
The first thing that I do when I check out any vehicle is to turn on the radio
and see how loud it will go. The most vital thing with any car is that it has
a nice and very loud radio. That way no matter how poorly the engine is
running I can always turn up the radio to make the noises go away (also comes
in handy to have something to listen to while waiting for the tow-truck).
<< Thanks for any help you can give, Katherine
>>
Hey its Friday and I am sure that you will get a bunch of helpful posts. Mine
is meant for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this post in a serious
manner is prohibited by law. Void where prohibited. Prices may vary.
:) Welcome to the List!
Ken Wilford
Van-Again
John 3:16