In your first paragragh you mention taking you vanagon to a competent
technician and not willing to pay the price.   I laugh at this as in my
experience that is a huge problem in itself.  I spent thousands at garages
trying to get problems fixed only to receive a vehicle back with many parts
replaced and still have the same initial problem I brought the vehicle in
for.  So when you find this elusive competent technician, please let me
know because in my experience they do not exist.  Not for real problems
anyway.

Steven
91 Westy