Date:         Wed, 16 Jun 1999 15:22:44 -0300
Reply-To:     Malcolm Stebbins <Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Malcolm Stebbins <Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA>
Subject:      Trip report: 3,200 kms and no problems & good mpg
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

A while ago some one suggested reporting on how well the van works.  Well,
I just returned form a 3,235 kms (2,010 miles) trip from Halifax to Lennoxville
Quebec through New Brunswick, mid-Maine, northern NH and Vermont.

We did some hiking on the Appalachian trail and had wonder full weather.
and really liked New Hampshire.

Van sightings:

                                        NS:   NB                NH              Maine           Quebec

Vanagons Westies        3               1               2                       7                       4
Vanagons                        1               1               1                       10                      1
Bus Westies             2               2               3                       1                       1
Euro-campers            -               -               -                       1                       1

At one point there were three Vanagon Westies parked in the lot at Bishops
University in Lennoxville.  As always most vans gave either an enthusiastic
or a knowing wave.

The van drove like new.  Prior to my trip (report coming) I put in new coil and
plug wires and a set of the Bosch Platinum plugs (CDN Tire).  I left the gap
at .7 (as the box says, not the VW specs).  The van starts much easier and
where it use to idle at 850 it now idles at about 1200. I had no trouble with
the plugs.

On my trip the van got 24.2 MPG (or 9.71 l/100km)  which is much better
than in the past. I did most of the driving on 2 lane roads at about 90 kph.
That is GOOD for a 91 syncro westy with a carb.  Malcolm S

Just FYI   Malcolm S