If this is the audi five cylinder motor this, indeed, is a hardy engine.  At
least, it is very durable in the various audis...esp the later turbo models.

carl

----- Original Message -----
From: "Stuart MacMillan" <macmillan@home.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2001 4:07 PM
Subject: Re: Eurovans --help, comparison

> ThingGuy@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > In a message dated 5/15/01 12:34:41 PM, macmillan@home.com writes:
> >
> > << I went through this exercise last year and learned two things:  1)
the
> > five cylinder engines are junk. If you buy one, expect an expensive
> > rebuild soon since most are now over 100,000 miles, and suffering from
> > piston slap.  2) The six cylinder models are very expensive, even used.
>>
> >
> > I am in total disagreement with you.  Most EVs are going over 200,000
miles
> > and are still going strong.  The 5 cylinder is an excellent motor, and
even
> > though the '92 and early '93 engines can have the piston slap, it
doesn't
> > seem to reduce the longevity of the engine.
>
> It will.
> >
> > I'm pushing 150,000 miles on my '93 and have had no engine problems at
all.
> > In fact, other than the normal parts you expect to go out, my EV has
been
> > excellent and very reliable.  I've only had to replace a few engine
sensors,
> > transmission mount, radiator and coolant hoses, timing belt and pulleys
and
> > water pump.  Most of this has been preventative maintenance.
>
> That's very good, you take good care of your car.
> >
> > As for being underpowered, I'd be more than happy to put my stock EV up
> > against any stock Vanagon.
>
> They are both underpowered, especially the campers.
> >
> > Don't comment on the EV unless you have first hand experience.  I also
have
> > heard some horror stories regarding engine and transmission problems on
the
> > '92-'95 EuroVans.  Most of these come from owners who bought the EV used
and
> > did not have the service records and the vehicle wasn't taken care of.
>
> Never owned one, but I've driven both the five cylinder and the '99 my
> friend owned on moderate trips.  The '99 was TOO powerful for my own
> good, but nice.
>
> >
> > I do not own a Vanagon, but it would be easy for me to say that most
water
> > cooled Vanagons never see 80K without having at least a top end rebuild.
I
> > could also say that the coolant hoses all leak and the fittings easily
break
> > and engines give out before 100K.
>
> And you'd be right!
> >
> > If you were reading the EV_Update list on Yahoogroups.com, you may be
scared
> > away by the postings of problems.  The same would be true for the
Vanagon
> > list, or any other automotive list.  People rarely post that their
vehicle is
> > running good and is reliable and never break down.  Most people only
post
> > when they have a problem and are looking for assistance.
>
> There were WAY TOO MANY folks with expensive problems on very expensive
> late model vehicles to give me any confidence in the Eurovan, especially
> for the money.
> >
> > Steve Lashley
> > SKL Enterprises
> > http://EuroCampers.com
>
> --
> Stuart MacMillan
> Seattle
>
> '84 Vanagon Westfalia w/2.1
> '65 MGB (Daily driver since 1969)
> '74 MGB GT (Restoring sloooowly)
>
> Personal mechanic for:
> '70 MGB GT (Daughter's)
>
> Assisting on Restoration (and spending OPM):
> '72 MGB GT (Was daughter's, now son's)
> '64 MGB (Son's)
>
> Stripped and gone but their parts live on:
> '68 MGB, '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT