On Aug 27, 2007, at 10:38 AM, Todd Last wrote:

> If there is a site to post photos, I'd love to see who in the
> vanagon community has the cleanest, and the dirtiest engine
> compartments.  I'm always surprised at how dirty people's engines
> are. I guess I assumed that people on the list would have spotless
> and shiny engines... which does not seem to be the norm.
>
> Where do you fit on the continuum?

I have been known to wash my buses before taking them in for
inspection or work by a mechanic-kinda like putting on clean
underwear before visiting the Dr.!
>
> I always try to keep my engine compartment clean, because I hate
> working on a car and have to deal with falling crud. Also, I've
> always felt that if you take your car in for service, mechanics
> will do a better job (or at least be happier) when presented with a
> clean engine compartment compared to one that is all caked with
> dirt and grease.

My opinion also, but I have no evidence to support my anal-retentive
tendencies.

Spraying my vanagon engine from the inside at the car wash is tricky
tho, but I use a tarp to keep the interior dry when so doing.

Tom B.-gotta go wash my cars at lunch today?