Gentle Ridge wrote:

> We're new owners of Maude - an 85 Vanagon Westy.  Took her in for a
> "checkup" and was told the drive belt looks cracked, and should be replaced.
> Is this an expensive repair...? Estimated shop time to expect?

    Belt you should be able to replace yourself in 20 minutes or so...

>
>
> On the trip home after purchase (about 600 miles) the gas mileage was
> terrible -- 12-13 mpg.  Repair shop reported the plugs were black, running
> "rich"...  Need to do more probing for cause.  Any obvious things that could
> cause this?

    Could be one of several problems:

    Oxygen sensor...  should be changed 'bout every 30K, can cause "rich"
running

    Temp sensor 2: will cause some "rich" or "slow start" symptoms...

>
>
> Also, front heater blower is not working.  Ouch! For that replacement, 4-5
> hours?!
>

    Replace switch...  easy.  Or replace frozen fan motor....  NOT easy.

    4-5 hours labor, big bucks for fan motor...  Not really a d-i-y project...

        Good luck

            JonR