On Wed, 31 Jul 2002, Fredrich Hesterberg wrote:

> My 49 Chevy truck has 325,000 miles on it and I only have done to the
> valves, and fuel pump, and starter.
> I do not think the Van would do this to easy.

This is unusual for *any* vehicle.  Let's look at another American car for
comparison.  My parents bought a 1985 Ford Crown Victoria, with a trailer
towing package, in 1985.  Here's what I recall them replacing or repairing
on it, during its 114,000 mile life (leaving out normal, expected
maintenance items):

- Catalytic converters (both of them, replaced under EPA-mandated recall)
- Fuel injection module (left me stranded)
- Transmission (blew its guts out on US-27, at 90,000 miles)
- EGR valve (required frequent cleaning, was always plugging up with
carbon)
- Rear main seal
- Water pump

By the time we got rid of it it was due for several other repairs.  The
engine was running on 7 cylinders from time to time.  It pinged on
anything less than premium gas due to carbon build-up.  The radiator
leaked in several places.  The engine raced when cold and stalled when
warm.  The transmission wasn't shifting right.  And the frame rusted
through behind the right front wheel.  About all I can say in its favor is
that the engine didn't use any oil.

Compare this list to a Vanagon at that milage, and the Vanagon doesn't
look so bad.

             _ _
  __ _ _   _| | |  | David M. Brodbeck (N8SRE)              Ypsilanti, MI
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