Date: Wed, 6 Oct 1999 21:08:27 -0400
Reply-To: Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Subject: Vanagons Anonymous: Tradgedy again (I thought)
I really think that there should be a 12-step program for certain German
cars. Just like booze or pills, they can soak up your time and money, and
put a ding in all other aspects of your life...all the while you 'think'
you are having a good time...It took a violent crash to break my addiction
to Porsche 914s, which absorbed countless hundreds of dollars through
ongoing repairs and tickets, but MAN was it FUN!!!
Of course, our Westy is fun, and (like an addict) I can't imagine a life
without it. I don't want to be without it, but it does cost a lot more
financially and emotionally to upkeep a relationship with these things than
a simple toyotacurasuburuhondachryslerfordchevynissan. Am I right to say
the first step in a twelve step program is "recognize you have a problem"?
I'm not there yet wit our Westy. Godspeed to those who are feeling that
first breath of winter breathing on their marginal head gaskets...
G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree
-----Original Message-----
From: Lee Brewer [SMTP:brewbag@YAHOO.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 1999 11:46 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Tradgedy again (I thought)
Satuday mourning. Wife starts up the 88GL. It dies.
Repeat 5 times. Initial look reveals small puddle
under right side. I have not replaced that head yet!
After a few words ^%#&&# we take the Toyota. Three
days later when I have cooled off....I took a look at
the engine. Found a loose hose clamp on coolant ring.
also found a loose AFM connector (one side un
attached). Viola.....all is well. Except coolant
light keeps coming on and......
my wife does not understand my affinity for these
vehicles.
not sure I do either.
Like Ken at Vanagain, I am a licensed A & P mechanic.
but as of late am a Engineer/scientist (rocket
scientist).
Bottom line for any newbee or want to be Vanagon owner
is;
All (I repeat) All german cars need continuous TLC.
they will treat you ok if you treat them real good.
German engineering is such that you can always take it
apart and fix it. It is designed that way on purpose.
But you (or someone) will HAVE to do it. Just look
at the aftermarket part suppliers for BMW, Porsche,
etc. they do a great business cause we have to work
on our cars to keep them running. Case in point. My
2nd porsch, an 87 944 with 57k miles had a leaking pwr
steering rack! I have never had one leak on any of
the other 40 cars i have owned. This is one of many
examples. All flames accepted.
Maybe we can start a support group for men who keep
trying to get their wifes motivated to accept
"VANAGONISM" as a way of life.
Have you got your wife to WAVE yet?
=====
Best Regards,
Lee Brewer
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