Date: Fri, 30 Apr 1999 07:39:11 EDT
Reply-To: KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: QUICK Problems
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
In a message dated 99-04-30 01:02:51 EDT, you write:
<< 1. Distribution unit has VERY small leak and I HAVE THE NEW
DISTRIBUTION UNIT BUT WORRIED ABOUT TIME CONSUMED BY REFILLING, PURGING,
REPLACING HOSING WHILE I AM AT IT. Also scared of getting air in system
and having problems on the Highway with over heating!!!!>>
This one is a I would NOT put off. You can do the work and it is not that
bad when you are doing it in your driveway etc. However if this thing blows
at highway speeds you risk trashing your motor or at the very least being
stranded on the highway, an expensive towing bill, an expensive repair bill
from Billy Bob's I-Ain't-Never-Worked-On-A-Vanagon-Before side of the road
repair shop, and a long wait while Billy Bob gets the needed parts for the
repair from the local dealer.
<<2. Rack leaks pretty bad out of boots but sounds and works OK. I will
need another front alignment if I do this job when I get home. Should I
a. get rebuilt one for vendor $450 un installed, used one guaranteed not
to leak for $300 installed, rebuild kit $89.90 and attempt this job with
limited time?????>> This one you migh safely put off. Just monitor the
power steering fluid level every time you fill up for gas. If the power
steering goes completely you can still drive the van. If you had the money
and time I would say defineatly do this to but you want to know what is
absolute imperative and this ain't.
<<3. Already have new CORRECT tires but need alignment to keep them new
over trip back. (no one around here will do the rear alignment on my
syncro! :( Said some thing about kit, and not working on rack???
4. Tune Up ( hesitation in first couple of feet of start off or change
of gear then picks up quickly after words????)>> This is also cheap and
easy. Replace, cap, rotor, and plugs and inspect the plug wires to see if
they might need to be replaced as well. This might take you 30 mins and cost
$30 bucks ($90 if you need new wires) but it will save you from possible
break down or possible really poor performance on the road (like getting 12
mpg instead of your normal 18 and the van is bucking like crazy).
Hope this helps you and I hope you do well on your finals.
Ken Wilford
Van-Again
John 3:16
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