On Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 7:40 PM, Danny <bruiserbabie@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
>   So I got my van back today. The damage? (cost) $976.00. Ya and my
> engine? Its ok, it was not the rear main seal that went. It was the
> Automatic transmishion torq converter seal. And all the other seals on the
> tranny. (they were all starting to leak) They pulled the trany and replaced
> all the tranny seals, even the seals between the gear box and ft part. I
> also had them check all the cv joints. They found one bad one and repacked
> the others. I also had them look at my rear brakes to make sure they were
> good to go. WOW! this van has kicked my ass. I think I have spent over
> $7000.00 on odds and ends for this van over the past 2 months. I just saw a
> 1985 westy with a 2.2L subaru engine for $10,000.00, I might just buy it
> this weekend. Like I said "WOW!!" Well Im going to the Camp 18 cruise in
> this weekend (bring it on van) Now I have AAA...............
>

Danny,

If it makes you feel any better, some of us have been down this path with
bigger numbers and vehicles besides Vanagons.
We do it because the vehicle sometimes becomes more than an appliance. That
$10K Subie Westy might need those same
repairs you had done to your Westy. At least your van is becoming more and
more a 'known quantity'. Chances are, those
parts will not need repairs again soon.

Congrats on getting AAA. Once you've had it a while, you can upgrade to Plus
or Premium. Perfect for long distances. I once overheated on I-5 in an older
VW watercooled van. When the AAA truck came, they offered water/coolant to
get me back on my way. I confirmed that they charge my account the same
whether I get a tow or just plain water. I said, "Fine, I get towed as far
as my AAA+ will allow, then?" They put my van on flatbed truck and took me
forward 100 miles at a much faster clip than I could manage in my
78hp 6-wheeled monster of a VW. This year they are offering me a one-year
promo to Premium Plus (i think that's what it's called) for about $6 more.
Hmmm... that gives you at least one 200 mile tow. Think about the potential
gas savings. =)

Cheers,

BenT