With knowledge and experience combines with the needed tools most vehicles
become manageable to work on. The advantages many forget with the Vanagon is
it is the last of late model vehicle that can everything serviced without a
lift, hoist, or real expensive tools. A good jack and set of stands and you
service anything including the engine and transmission.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
JRodgers
Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2014 12:05 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Random Thoughts on Vanagon Maintenance

I had the occasion today to change out the 26 year old plastic coolant
expansion tank today. It had developed a 5 inch horizontal hairline crack
that was beginning to weep a lot, so I figured it was time before it let go
completely.  As I was working I noted the ease with which I could do the
swap. The part was right on top. And it occurred to me the ease with which
other deficiencies could be corrected.

In looking back over work that I have done myself, I realized that these
vans are really pretty easy to work on. On the engine the things that wear
out the quickest and are likely to give trouble are itms mounted on top of
the engine where there is significant ease of access. A/C Compressor, Water
Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Rails, all lines and hoses, coil, distributor,
alternator, P/S pump, Air Flow Meter, ISV -  all of it right on top, easy to
get to!  Then there is the power steering rack up front. Not the easiest job
in the world, but easy enough. Tie rod ends - easy peasy.  Front brakes and
rotors and bearings - easy as pie, Service/replace CV joints - also
relatively easy.

It's an easy machine to work on Volkz!

John