Be sure to have enough credit card limits to handle the up to 400 mile tow
back home.
It is nearly impossible for anyone to guess how long defective parts may
last especially without the benefit of being there. You know that something
is wrong. You need to decide if the risk is worth the trip. Tranny failures
can also have risks beyond the simple "I got stuck and need a tow". Failures
can even include wheel lock-ups (that is a fun one) and blowing parts
through the case can make for some oily messes that may have to be cleaned
up. At the least the longer you drive it defective the more expensive it
will be to fix it.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Jensen
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2011 11:40 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Tranny Whinning in 84 Westy?

Well, I think I understand about the risks of a transmission failure out on
the road.  What I'm trying to do is make a rational decision about how to
schedule the repair.  Most of my driving is around town, and very rarely
more than five miles; but I have a trip on my schedule in two weeks which
will add up to about 400 miles, I think.  I don't have time to make the
repair before that, so what I'm trying to understand is what my chances are
of successfully getting back with out a failure.  Based on what I've been
hearing from others, I think the chances are good.  I guess I'm hoping for a
confirmation of that.
Best wishes to all.

John Jensen '80 Westy Camper.
johnjensen@johnjensenartist.com
http://www.johnjensenartist.com
bluesbug@verizon.net

On 9/18/2011 10:31 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> Just keep in mind that when it fails completely you will need to be
> towed and the repairs will be much more expensive if the box can even
> be rebuilt after the busted pieces make a mess of things.
>
> Dennis
>
> -