Hi list,
I would like to hear a few positive engine related story. Most of those
board / forum web site serve people in need of a solution or problem.

I would like to hear a few positive stories (true) about people having done
200k miles or more without major problem on a vanagon. Is that possible?
Most post we see are about problem, and that's ok but whose got a few
positive story about Vanagon with VW engine.

Is that possible? I am quite new to the VW camper (1 year) and some of you
have a lot of experience on the subject. What is your opinion?

I read a few, how should I say!!! Horror story in the past few weeks about
the long run reliability of the WB engine.
Problem with the transmission:
http://volksweb.relitech.com/091trans.htm

Problem with the connecting rod on the 2.1
http://volksweb.relitech.com/21rodbrg.htm

The infamous head gasket problem and so on. (Done on mine)

The Westy is a great vehicle, no doubt about that. But now I wonder if I
should open the engine core to replace the rod!!!!!! Or buy an expensive
newer Eurovan for the kind of trip I want to do.

This is a lot of time and money involve, I bought the van for
traveling!!!!!, even if like mechanic
(http://www3.sympatico.ca/huotx/engine1.htm ), this van was bought for long
future trip and not to learn mechanic. The idea of being strangle in
central America with a broken trany is not something I want to have in mind
every driving day��

I think that my westy as about 100k miles on it (true millage, but she is
reading 80k!!!, long story�), the compression is about 140 on each cylinder
(very good for now) and I take about half to a quart of oil per 3000 miles
(good also for now). The engine now run like a clock without any strange
noise at all, most FI components (AFM, Idle stab, fuel regulator and so on)
are original.  I paid $1100 CAD (about 8000 USD) and put $3000 CAD in parts
already in 20k miles in one year. Still a good price I think for a very
clean 87GL westy with mint interior / exterior.

I know, they are 20 years old van, that I can deal with but�you know what I
mean!

A few good stories would help my peace of mind.

Best regards, Ben