the recent thread on filters made me think about the cost and benefits
of preventative maintenance.

I have the set up with the small cube shaped filter before the pump and
the large can after, I try and change the cube every year and the can
every two years. It might be unnecessary, but it doesn't cost much or
take much time. I have no proof that it makes the engine run better or
longer, but seeing as it cost about half the price of a fuel fill up it
seems reasonable.

Similarly, following Joel Walker's advice (and Joel, can you re post
your maintenance schedule?), changing the coolant every 2 years or so
is also relatively inexpensive in the grand scheme of things (mind you,
bleeding the I4 cooling system is much easier I think that the WBX).

The argument pro and con synthetic vs dino has been done to death, but
again as I see it, the cost difference is not onerous and I'll go for
the added high temp protection of the synthetic when I have a brick
being pushed by a small engine, especially during summer, loaded down
with family and camping stuff.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the fluid and filter changes
are cheap insurance but less glamourous than say, a satellite radio or
the latest large wheel combo, and they don't really have  immediate
profound fun factor :)

Alistair

'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94

http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/