We need an Idiot's Guide to the Vanagon.... With the simple stuff. Just
like John Muir had in his book. Won't start (does it have gas?). Red light
on, Won't stop. A Tune up. Basic tools.The Simple Stuff.

I had many a long talks with John Muir by the side of the road & I didn't
even know he was dead (by then) but I learned.

Many years ago I brought up Muir's book on this list & was put down because
his was an air cooled book, I stopped mentioning it. Everytime I hear of
someone getting their van towed because the clutch went out I figure they
never read Muir's book...

Simple things... like the coolant light is blinking or how do you put oil
in the engine?

Just a thought...

Rob
vwrobb@gmail.com

On Thu, Jun 30, 2016 at 4:25 PM, Mike Miller <mwmiller6@att.net> wrote:

> Haven't responded to Scott's posts for a few years but this one I want to.
> Scott,
> You have to know what you're looking at to have looking at things be the
> first step. You've been working on these vehicles, and others, for so long
> that you don't remember what it's like to simply not know anything about
> how the things work and what they look like fixed, or broken.
> Some of us don't.
> If you don't believe me ask BenT what I know about engines and brakes and
> tires and wheels, etc.
> Mike
>
>     On Thursday, June 30, 2016 1:18 PM, Scott - IMAP <
> scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM> wrote:
>
>
>  Funny you should say that about posting right away.
> I see that quite frequently ..
> like people will ask about what can cause a symptom and they havn't
> LOOKED at anything ..
> like not even remove the engine cover and just LOOK in there ..even for
> obvious stuff.
>
> ( I figure they 'just want to post' ...or they're too lazy or don't
> trust themselves enough  to actually LOOK at the thing or system to
> start with. )
>
>   I posted a Friday question once..'What is The First Step' in any
> diagnositc procedure.
> The very, very first step.
> i got answers like 'get out the Bentley Manual' and things like that..
> seems so OBVIOUS ...
> or maybe it's Too Obvious ..but ...jeez ....when a vehicle doesn't work
> like it should ..
> for gosh sakes ..LOOK like with yer eyeballs and hands and fingers at
> the affected area of the vehicle.
>
> and sure ..if people want to post before they do that ...fine ....kind
> of a waste of everyone's time tho ..
> if they look ..
> then they can at least show that they are doing something ....did not
> see anything obvious ..
> or maybe a question about something that may not look right...
> to post without even looking or checking ....
> hmmmmm...
> ....I think some people just want an excuse to post sometimes.
>
> hey ..by the way ..
> One of my vans doesn't run exactly right ..what do people think could be
> causing that ???
>
> < example of a really useless question lacking Any info to go on.  >
>
> it's all good,
> Scott
>
> On 6/30/2016 12:36 PM, Neil N wrote:
> > Hi folks.
> >
> > I'm doing my best to be careful with my work. Work "slower", think more.
> > One bad habit of mine is posting too quickly on an issue or potential
> issue.
> > Hopefully though, what I ask and-or show in images, might be something
> someone
> > else has run across or wondered about.
> >
> > My Vanagon Passion may be out of balance these days but I'd suggest that
> > most if not all folks on this list are VERY passionate about
> Vanagons/Buses,
> > and want to keep them running properly or help other folks to same.
> > That passion can see different forms I guess.
> >
> >
> > Neil.
> >
> >    ---------
> >
> >
> >> Just use yer brains and do careful work, and for sure..
> >> expect that on most jobs that the very first time you do it ..
> >> it will be a learning experience and may not 'automatically' work out
> >> perfectly the first time.
> > --
> > Neil n
> >
> > Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
> >
> > 1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
> >
> > 1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>
> >
> > Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>
>