As Charles Kettering* frequently told new engineers, "Parts left out
cost nothing and have an infinite service life."

If the engineers at VW thought that they could eliminate even one of
them with no adverse effect, it wouldn't be there.  They're all
necessary.

Fact.

Jim

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_F._Kettering

On Sep 19, 2010, at 7:04 AM, william greenamyer wrote:

> Got a couple more questions for those with more knowledge on the van
> than I
> have.
>
> There are a lot of exhaust system brackets and supports which attach
> to the
> engine on this van.  Normally I put them all on.  Many of the
> mechanics who
> have worked on the van (including a VW person) usually leave them
> off.  I
> see the reasoning for the brackets (keep the exhaust pipes from
> flexing
> differently from the engine movement) but how many are really
> needed?  It
> looks like most of the brackets actually are to relieve stress
> (flexing) on
> the Y-pipe section of the exhaust system.  Is this correct?
>
> William