At 12:16 PM 08/26/2002, you wrote:

>Had my fuel pump go belly up last week and have been told that this is
>common in Vanagons.

Common only with high mileage and age, or clogged filter from lack of
maintenance. Lots of these pumps last over 20 years. My 25 year old
original Bosch (Mercedes) pump is still function nominal. Nothing lasts
forever.

>What can I do to help stop this from happening again?

Adequate maintenance gives excellent results. These older pump designs last
much longer than the later in tank types.