I agree with Bully. In spite of the obvious higher
speed means more wear (negligible considering that
the engine is already overstressed),My theory is
that if any engine that I run will not go to
redline ,something is not correct. By the way ,my
van turns 4400 rpm at 80mph. No kidding. It loves
it at that point. It sound as if there might be
some thing wrong with your van if it is turning
4000 rpm at 60 mph!
Tom Czerniak
87 Westy "the Red Brick"
Flame suit on! Catch me if you can, I'll be doing
80!

Bulley wrote:
>
> Sad van for you.
>
> We routinely drive 75-80 mph on trips to and from DC in our 1982 Westy.
> Done it in other 1976 buses as well. I take it a little easier if carrying
> a load, or if it is blazing hot, but otherwise, the redline on mine is up
> around 5000, and everything below that is fair game.
>
> G. Matthew Bulley
> Bulley-Hewlett
> Corporate Communications Counselors
> www.bulley-hewlett.com
> Mount Olive, NC USA
> 877.658.1278 tollfree
>
> "I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses
> herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera . . . fax mentis
> incendium gloria culpum, et cetera, et cetera . . . memo bis punitor
> delicatum!" It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!      -Wonka
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:   Scott Semyan [SMTP:scottse@MICROSOFT.COM]
> Sent:   Wednesday, May 10, 2000 1:13 PM
> To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:        Re: Here's one to rack your brains
>
> >> ...doing about 70...
>
> I assume you mean MPH? If this is the case, I am surprised you didn't blow
> the entire engine. My tach would probably be in the Red at 70mph. My
> average
> speed on the highway is 60mph (at which time I am doing 4K RPM). Driving
> too
> fast is a sure way to decrease engine life...
>
> Scott Semyan
> '85 Westie