I've been told by a couple of places here that they don't work on "those."
While the systems are little odd they are fairly simple.  I think the
problem stems from the fact that it is more complex than a single carb
Beetle and not as complex as a truely modern wonder that figures out what is
wrong for you.  I find the van a whole lot easier to work on than my Accord
V6.  Except for oil changes the Accord goes straight to the dealer when it
hiccups but I spend quality time in the driveway with the van -- and I have
the knuckles to prove it.

Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy - 'Roland the Road Buffalo'
'95 Honda Accord V6 - Not enough personality to name.
'99 Saturn SC1 (Daughter's) - 'Shakey'

on 8/15/03 11:00 PM, Automatic digest processor at
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM wrote:

>
> Date:    Fri, 15 Aug 2003 22:44:56 -0500
> From:    Donald Baxter <onanov@MINDSPRING.COM>
> Subject: Re: Cost of Ownership
>
> I have NEVER figured out why mechanics are so reticent to work on
> Vanagons--even at the VW dealer.  This vehicle is about as simple as they
> come these days.  Sure the cooling system might look a bit frightening at
> first--but in reality it's actually quite simple as well.
>
> What scares the hell out of me when I try to work on my VR6 Passat.  Truly,
> the Vanagon is a model of simplicity compared to that.
>
> Donald Baxter
> Iowa City, Iowa