I've heard similar anecdotes from some others too.  When I move onto a
camper, I think I'll try to stick with a 1.9l.  I don't mind the low
power...

-Wes

John Rodgers wrote:
> My first Vanagon as an 85 GL with the 1.9L engine. I drove it all the
> way to the 205,000 mile mark - original engine, original tranny. When
> I sold it, it was still going strong. Having now owned three vanagons
> - the 85 GL and two 88 GL's - my sense of it is that the 85 GL with
> it's 1.9L engine was the better vehicle. The 1.9L WBX lasted longer
> than either of the 2.1L WBX's. One of the 2.1's died when a piston
> burned through, the other died early around 160-170,000 miles with
> symptoms of old age - low compression, high oil consumption, bad tranny.
>
> Regards
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver (x2)
>
> Wesley Pegden wrote:
>> Hi guys,
>> I just wanted to thank everybody for all the help I've got from the
>> list.  My 1.9l just went over 200000 this past week, on the same trusty
>> old engine and (perhaps even more surprisingly) transmission.
>>
>> I'd have been helpless with the van without all I've learned from the
>> list!
>>
>>
>> -Wes
>>
>>
>>
>
>