At 03:44 PM 12/16/1999 -0500, you wrote:
>I had a diesel Westy for several years.  Had no problems with the engine.

>I just know from experience that the diesel engine is a good engine in
terms of reliability, >provided it is maintained even halfway decently.  If
maintained to "Deutsche Methode" (Hallo, >Herr Doktor Tim) then it should
last longer than you want it too!

Arguably the most successful small automotive diesel ever made. The
Mercedes 180-240 diesels are a bigger brother that also stand out as
phenominal for extended life WHEN SERVICED PROPERLY.

Simple maintenance. Adjust the valves every 12.5k or so, keep the oil clean
by inspection (feel for smooth), check the fuel pump timing every 60k or
so. Service the cooling system reasonably. Cam belt every 4 yrs or 40k
miles, tensioner every other time. Fuel and air filters as per schedule or
inspection. A bit of lube on the linkages from time to time. And that's
about it for the motor. Excellent long living machines when given
reasonable care.

T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
Surveyor, Mechanic, Poet, Philosopher
San Juan Island, WA