Katherine Lee wrote:

> After a few months of crazy work schedules, I'm happy to report that
> I'm
> now back on the VANAGON list.
>
> I first want to thank everyone who responded to my earlier posts
> (around
> May or June) about the oil-burning problem (my 89 Westfalia, around
> 140,000
> KM, was going through about 1/2 L of 20W50 per tank of gas, oil
> changes
> didn't clear it up, compression checks were fine, and I was getting a
> bit
> flipped out).  It turns out that I did indeed have to get the piston
> rings
> done (consistently fouled spark plug in cylinder #3 pointed to this
> conclusion) ... and I took Kelly's very wise advice to go to German
> Motor
> Car in Port Moody, and now the van runs just beautifully.
> Fortunately, the
> catalytic converter managed to escape the harmful effects of the
> burning
> oil, so my repair was limited to the piston ring work (all 4) and a
> piece
> of rusted out exhaust pipe.  German Motor Car's estimate was about 2/3
> of
> the one I received from a VW dealer's shop, BTW.
>
> On another subject, one tire dealer who prefers Continentals on his
> Vanagon, says Michelin LTX M/S tires will ride like bricks.  I ignored
> his
> comment and bought them anyway(!) in preparation for an upcoming
> trip.  My
> accumulated research (plus a bit of experience with a car I once had)
> leads
> me to believe the Michelins will last longer than most tires, and I
> realize
> this of course depends on one's driving habits.  So, we will see ...
>
> Third subject: our holiday itinerary has yet to be finalized, but my
> significant other and I are thinking about a trip fairly soon
> (December-time, starting around the 11th or so), down the west side of
> the
> US (from Vancouver, BC to California). I think I may have gathered
> some
> odds and ends of people's stories about good places to drive, camp,
> hike,
> and so forth, but I would appreciate any tips and pointers to
> publications,
> etc., nonetheless.  For instance, I am told that there is no real
> coastal
> driving in CA, and that one should head inland to the desert.  Would
> anyone
> risk going into a place like Yosemite at this time of year (I have a
> 2WD)?
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all tips,
>
> Katherine Lee

  Katherine Lee, Somebody wa pulling your leg when they told you that
there's no real coastal driveing in cal. just get on H 1 and see for
your self . Drive to Santa Cruz then go East to get a taste of Yosemite
Have a good time.
Mitchell Miller Cal. Surfer 84 Westy San Rafael Ca.