OK,
I think I made it clear that I caused my own problem regarding the tranny
replacement related to my recent trip to AZ. I was getting "hints" that the
starter, or more specifically the solenoid, was giving up the ghost (which
it did), thought about getting one and taking it with "just in case". That
would have made the attempt at compression starting in reverse unnecessary,
and no broken tranny. My doing.
2 years ago on this same trip, on the return I got delayed in Page for 2
days because the alternator went. I had been suspicious of it for over a
month (noisy) and, again thought about getting one and taking it with.
Didn't. Again, my own doing.
I'm obviously a slow learner but think I'm learning to use both information,
freely given me by my van, and my intuition.

On the other hand I heard noise that I thought might be noisy tire tread and
had it checked and it turned out to be RF wheel bearing. I also added an
aux. oil cooler and have no idea how that may have affected warding off
problems and/or extending engine life. By the way, on my way back from
picking up the van in AZ a couple weeks ago, the oil cooler fan stopped and
I noticed the oil temp gauge heading up. I stopped and found that the
thermostat had gone out so just direct-wired the fan and the engine oil temp
dropped 30 degrees. The gauge was also an add-on.

Anyway, maintenance and attention are absolutely necessary, I think.

Bob Stevens
'87 Westy Syncro TIICO
http://groups.msn.com/BobsPhotoShare
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tiico

From: "Jack" <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
snip-The only time it it embarrassed me was a failed
> clutch on the road but, it was MY fault! snip-I am interested in seeing
> the same thoughts going
> on by many on this list.
>
> //Jack
>