Thanks to all who replied to my problem!!  You folks are the  best!

 After reading your replies i decided to let a local repair place have  a go
with it.....sometimes you gotta know when to fold'm. I always attempt  to
repair myself when the options are right but this seems like a time to have
brighter/experienced minds get to work.  I'll post an update as they come  in.

On a positive note, within minutes of pulling off the road last night, a
red/burgandy westy pulled off the road in front of me.  The driver jumped  out
and ran back to me.  To my surprise the road warrior who stopped was  Todd
Olsen, one of the leaders of the Buses By the Beach crew from western  Michigan. I
can't tell you how good it felt to have a friend there with me in my  time of
need. Thanks Todd for be'n the man you are!  We're hope'n "wendy"  is all
fixed in time to attend the May BBTB campout in Grand Rapids this May  19-21 in
support of the Phoenix Society Burn Survivors a cause that Todd and our  group
loves to support every year.
I believe over $10,000 was raised by BBTB events last year and we are  always
trying to up the amount. A very worthy cause indeed!

_Click here:  http://www.busesbythebeach.com/movie1.swf_
(http://www.busesbythebeach.com/movie1.swf)   check out their  website.

  If you are in the area I highly recommend this event.  Last  year we had
over 50 vans attend and won the coveted "most attended club"  award...even
beating out the mustang club!  Got to give the crew their  props!

Thanks to this site and all who try to make our vanagon experience a better
one.

Charlie and Cathy Laich
'89 Westy GL "Wendy"