On Sep 1, 2004, at 11:33 AM, THX0001@aol.com wrote:

>
> 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
>
>
>