In a message dated 98-06-07 23:50:58 EDT, PaoloD1455@aol.com writes:

<<
 I failed emissions with an 89 Carat (NJ) after the PO had passed in January.
 There are a number of things I will now change as the vehicle has now been
 "rejected".

 I didn't want to "disturb" it since it had passed six months ago
 (allegedly...the sticker was there). But now I'll do the rotor, distributor
 cap, spark plugs, etc. I hadn't changed the oil before the inspection and
 maybe that put it over the edge (CO and HC, I'm not sure of how far out I am,
 I can't read those punced out cards properly).

 In the spirit of the "Maintenance Philosophy" thread in recent days, I was
 wondering if I shouldn't just replace the cat and O2 sensor since I'm going
to
 laying under it anyway. ( It also has a Midas muffler on it which I would
like
 to replace with OEM), as a way of eliminating them as variables in the
 future... I happen to have the cash for it now and it's not winter...

 Opinions?
  >>
Hi Paul. First we need to know what portion ot the emessions you failed.
Before spending money on a CAT and O2 sensor, you need to bring it to a
vanagon specialist. Determine the failure and repair the cause. It may be a
$100 repair or a $1000 repair. The key is proper diagnoses. Not throwing parts
at it and guessing.
 Michael M. 87 syncro.