In a message dated 9/1/04 10:51:07 AM, felder@KNOLOGY.NET writes:

<< but I think most people kill these engines by
trying to keep up with everybody else on the interstates, not chugging
around the neighborhood in top gear >>

I think it's a little more subtle than lugging it at low road speeds.  A
V-gone can also be lugged going up a grade in 3rd gear at 40 MPH with your foot
tight to the floor instead of downshifting to 2nd in order to climb the grade at
35MPH with the engine speed near redline.  Under such conditions, the van
will crest the hill in 3rd without complaint (and with no power to spare), but it
will also be operating at maximum torque and under maximum stress.

I've wound up Vanagons as tight as a Boys Scout's butt on conjugal visit day
for miles on end without the slightest thought of their engines going bye-bye
. . . although, I have learned to think about their transaxles more than I
ever wanted to.

George