David, the main thing that kills or severely shortens the life of these engines is heat. So, as Bulley has pointed out, you want all of your engine cooling tin to be there and in good condition, along with the seals that go in between the tin, and in the engine compartment. The other thing to consider is don't overload or overstress the motor. I mean I had a friend with an aircooled Westie and he got a rebuilt motor from AVP that was waranteed not to drop a valve seat and then he loads it up with 5 or 6 friends and all of thier stuff and even tows a small trailer behind the thing on the way to the beach in North Carolina in the middle of the summer and then complains when the motor overheats and drops a valve seat. This is somehow AVP's fault :) Just keep in mind your van isn't a F150 pickup. Take it easy on hills and on really hot days and you'll be fine. But most of all, drive it, have fun, have adventures, after all that is whole point isn't it?
Ken Wilford http://www.vanagain.com John 3:16 Office (856)-765-1583 Shop (856)-327-0027 Fax (856)-327-2242 |
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