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