Hi there everyone,
Thought I would take this time to introduce myself officially and update
the not so great progress our '90 van is taking.
My name is Amy and my boyfriend/partner in crime (and insanity at this
point) is Grant.  We live in northern CA and bought our '90 Carat 3
months ago.  I recently wrote in about the problems with it cutting out
up hills at high speeds.  It turns out that we already have the AFM
harness on our car, but haven't really been able to test out a new one
we are borrowing because of more problems.  We took it to another
mechanic to look at it and they say that the ATF is being forced into
the Final drive and mixing with the 90 grade oil in there.  His opinion
is that we pull the transmission and have the seals redone (all for the
low price of $650)  We were trying to get all of the problems with the
van resolved for a month long journey across the states.  I guess I
wanted to know anyones opinion of this repair, as I know nothing about
the transmission on our van.  Also we need to replace the rear brakes
and have the front ones machined and repacked.  I wonder how long we
could go before the brakes are dangerous?  (they will cost $700).  Am I
in maintanance hell or is this just a vanagon.  My biggest concern is
that we will do these repairs and then a month from now, something else
will brake and we will have to put another $1000 into the van.  After
100,000 miles what other repairs are we in for?  As always, any info is
greatly appreciated.  I learn more everyday about that crazy van thanks
to this list.  Hopefully after we decide what to do about the tranny we
will be able to figure out what the problem is with the cutting out.
Thanks, Amy S & JGG.

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