Tom -

Seems yer Midas guy has Vanagon (VW) and Vanwagon (Toyota) mixed up.
Replacing the offending part (sounds like the Collector Pipe) is so easy you
could probably do it yourself.

The 83.5-85 models are relatively simple - 1 Front (FIF) Header cage, 1 Rear
(RIR) Header Cage, 1 Left Side Collector Pipe (with the mentioned "heat
sensor" which most likely is the Oxygen Sensor attached to the rear-most
portion of the pipe).  The Collector Pipe attaches to the Catalytic
Converter, which in turn connects direct to the Muffler and Tailpipe.  Can't
get more simple than that.  If the Midas guy can't figure it out, make a run
for it. ;-)

John Connolly's AirCooled.Net is right there in Murray, UT (801) 453-1906.
Although he doesn't do repairs, I'm sure he could get you the right parts
and at a better price than Midas.
--
Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
**********************************
On 7/7/06, bueses <bueses@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> Just got back from Midas after taking my 84 Westy in to have a loud
> exhaust
> noise checked out.  The manager says the exhaust pipe before the "heat
> sensor" is rotted out (imagine that after 22 years!), & that Toyota says
> they are NLA, & very expensive!  No Sh#t Sherlock!
>
> Nice guy, but when I assured him the vehicle was made by VW, he tried to
> reassure moi, that Toyota also made one!  In any event, he then called VW
> to
> get one, but couldn't accurately describe the offending part to VW so they
> were gonna fax him a cut sheet of the exhaust system so he could tell them
> which part we needed!
>
> Dam, I know I should run run run from these clowns, but should I have the
> local VW dealer replace it?  They have been almost as idiotic as the Midas
> guys, & I avoid them like the plague.  Is this a VW dealer only part or do
> any of our list friendly vendors carry the oem parts that I can install or
> have my favorite vw mechanic do it after I break off the studs?
>
> Pax,
>
> Tom B.-& just after I "bragged" that my vanagon went 6400 miles w/o any
> issues!