List members:
Please bear with me as I clarify some issues. First, for those who want more
information about my credibility, please look in the archives at my past
posts. A body of posts can say a lot about a person. Make your own judgement.

Second, I realize now that when I wrote about gaskets and oil seals, I
thoroughly confused this issue. I became confused, and probably lazy, and
provided a poor presentation. I can't take back what I wrote and will have
to live with the consequences.

Why take this issue to the List?
I have used the List as an important source of information. I used it to
help me install a furnace, a secondary battery, extra lighting, an inverter,
sound insulation, shifter adjustment, etc.

The List is a community of interest--in Vanagons primarily but also a real
community. I owed members the hard facts about my experience with the Boston
Bob engine and, yes, with Bob McDonalds. And I described how I had screwed
up too. (failing to respond to the idiot light)

However, I have long since given up any thought of obtaining monetary
remuneration from Bob. Not feasible.

I dealt with a vendor who refused to respond to my complaints, even when I
offered access to the mechanic who was making the diagnosis that he (Bob
McDonalds) had erred in building my engine. At that point, I thought I had
the opportunity to have revealed whether I was right or wrong about who or
what was responsible for the oil leakage from the seals. But Bob wouldn't
talk to me or the mechanic.

Today, after having the oil seals (and head gaskets) replaced in Colorado
and after 2,000 miles, the oil seals no longer leak but I can't say for sure
what made the difference.

Respectfully,
Dan Roberts