Thanks, Benny. Actually the Vanagon has an 87 Jetta engine in it, so it's
from the water-cooled tribe. But I agree with you on maintenance costs. I've
always assumed it would be like a boat (a hole in the water (or land) into
which you throw money). I think to find this out after previously requesting
a full inspection and to have it be scary things like leaking fuel lines
contributed a lot to the intensity of my reaction.
I really appreciate your (minimal but adequate) repair tips. They're golden.
Will print and bring with me to whatever shop I end up at. Local guys are
giving me tips.
Cheers (sorta)
Pat

-----Original Message-----
From: Benny boy [mailto:huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA]
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:28 AM
To: VANAGON@GERRY.VANAGON.COM; Pat Sloan
Subject: Re: The Otter Has (CRASH) Landed!

Hey, you won't like what I'll write so..
82 Vanagon, first mistake. I can elaborate on that if you want.

Air-cool I assume???

If your van would be in my shop:
I would easily find another 3-4K$ to put on her, so 3k is not bad :-)

Seriously, buying a Vanagon is worse than buying an old house, be ready to
spend money, each week or month.

I rent an old house, so far, after a year, the (VERY GOOD) owner as put more
on the house that i gave him in rent.

Like many have stated, start learning mechanic, i mean 2/3 of the stuff is
no more harder than to fix little thing around the house.

-A bumper cap, come on men!

-Wheel bearing, no money! tight that nut harder, it will pass inspection.

-Flasher to fast, tell them to go to hell, it's normal on Air-Cool.

-""Fuel lines leaking fuel. Siliconed and held by electrical tape""", BS!!!,
there is over 30PSI of pressure in there, tape won't old so much pressure.
Show me a picture! Take a screw driver and tight that clamp. Air-Cool always
have a nice non rusty engine/bay.

-Fuel filter, tie-rap.

Your only real Canadian inspection issue are the front end bushing/tie rod
end/ball joint. This is a one day job at most. Cost is minimal as to part.

So, you don't want to work on your van, ok. Here is the fact:

-Labour: 1.5-2 days at 65$hr, 700$-1000$
-Parts: anything between 400-700.

So worse case, 1700$ My neighbour (shop) would do all that for 800$-1000$
part included.

Now, start reading and get dirty:
http://www.benplace.com/vw2.htm

Voila.
Ben
ps.: and welcome :-)
http://www.benplace.com/