I enjoyed my Vanagon at its knucklebusting best last Saturday as I
replaced my fuel injectors, fuel lines, and a number of coolant lines.
I also put in a new set of ignition wires and spark plugs.  I was a
bit worried about it, and whether I connected everything back up
correctly. I just took the van for a half hour drive through town and
on the freeway, however, got it thoroughly warmed up, and it ran
great.  In fact, it is much smoother than ever, especially in the
lower gears where there was a slight bucking when the rpms started to
get lower. It also accelerates much smoother, making it more fun than
ever to drive. I do have to remind myself not to think about the gas
or fuel economy. Actually, I'd love to see if my fuel milage has
increased, but at the moment, the odometer is sticking, so I won't be
able to get a read on that.

The worst part about the repair(aside from having coolant or gas
alternately dripping down my arms onto my face as I repaired various
hoses) was the fact that some of those coolant lines that are in front
of the firewall (not in the engine compartment) are really a pain to
replace as they go over the transmission. I only did half of them,
because I had enough, and my hands now look like I was out brawling
all weekend. Needless to say, there was much profanity involved in the
process.

Anyway, everything seems to be running great. So great, in fact, that
I'll have to look into getting me one of those 200mph speedo's that
have been the talk of the list lately. Surely one of those will make
it run even better!

Seriously, though, now that the Texas weather is cooling, AND the van
is running great, it'll be a tossup whether to ride the bike or drive
the van to work. Screw it, maybe I'll just go camping.

-Jarrett Kupcinski
& 89 Westy "Oly"