----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Haynes" <dhaynes@optonline.net>
To: "'Strawn'" <scstrawn@EEE.ORG>; <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 4:28 PM
Subject: RE: Dealer Disaster (Update #2)

Dennis, thanks for this great info. The mechanic working on it now is
keeping all parts, so that should help in my arguments against the dealer
(along with whatever else he finds).
    With regard to this:
>>I seem to recall in an earlier post that while driving the low coolant
light came on, but since the temperature gauge appeared normal, you
continued driving, (I may be wrong). This creates a gray area as to who
is responsible. No warranty can be expected to cover abuse or
negligence. Continued operation like this is not any different than
operating the engine after you know you lost the oil pressure.
    I lost power suddenly driving on the freeway, got to the shoulder of the
road in less than a minute, saw the coolant light blinking, shut off the
engine and had the van towed. I can only hope that helped ...

With regard to this:
>>You will need to prove that the hose failure was actually caused by the
engine. Not that the hose caused the engine to fail. Age related hose
failures are usually small leaks or failures where the hoses are
connected, (under the clamps). Although the hose rubber deteriates with
age, the cords do not. That cord failure definitely indicates an over
pressure condition.
    Is this a "common knowledge" thing needing only the blown hose to prove
it, or do I need documentation of some sort (reference?) for legal purposes.
Thanks again!
Sally