Richard, my suggestion would be to pick up a spare ECU to carry. Then
open your old ECU and solder away. If you patiently watch for one you
can find them for $75 - $125. If you break down somewhere and have to
use a shop or flaps store you could spend $500 or more and have to wait
a few days to get it, possibly with no returns if it isn't the problem.
Just having one to quickly rule it out is a big advantage when dead on
the road.

I think there are about a half dozen parts every Vanagon should carry on
board, assuming that Vanagon is used for trips. Even people who don't do
all their own work should consider carrying them since failures often
occur traveling at night or on weekends when parts can't be purchased.
Finding someone to help work on your vehicle is easy, almost anywhere
anytime, but getting parts is another matter. Many could be working
parts only removed so a newly installed part could reduce the chances of
failure.

Here is my basic list:

ECU (2.1)
alternator brush/reg assembly
headlight switch
ignition switch
fuel filter
cap and rotor
alternator belt
quart of oil

For major travel or travel to remote areas I would add:

waterpump and gaskets
oil filter
good used fuel pump
spark plugs
brake fluid
small hoses to oil cooler

All the above can fit in a small space under the bench.

This can be carried to extremes and for my Baja Camper I do go to
extremes but that list is too long for this thread.

Mark
30+ years of VW vans, ?? 600,000+ miles I'd guess

Richard Koerner wrote:
> Think reflowing the solder joints on a 25 year old printed circuit board
> is worthwhile preventive maintenance? Or, if it aint broke, don't fix
> it? Just looking for an opinion.....
>
> Rich
> San Diego
>