To those who took what I said in my original post out of context let me say
this. I have owned and driven three Vanagons; a 90 Westy (my daily driver of
over 150k), the 82 diesel Westy ("cherry" condition except for the mechanical
issues) and an 81 AC Vanagon. All were or have been great vehicles in their
own  ways and each has had a special charm in it's mechanical nuances and
variations  of form and features. Would I buy another diesel Vanagon? Yes. I would
just want  one in a different form like a 1.9 TDI. There are other variations
on this power  plant that are also intriguing to me that I would also
consider. The stock 1.6  NA engine in a Westy just didn't work out well in my case. My
experiences are  obviously the exception. I had that van worked on by a
number of different  mechanics. None could get it to run well for long. I really
tried hard and  diligently to get it to be a reliable vehicle. It just wasn't in
the  cards for me. My point is this. I have had the best luck with my 2.1 90
Westy. I had then engine rebuilt at 168K and the heads do not leak nor do I
have any mechanical problems short of components (alternator, PS pump,  water
pump, etc.) that have simply died of old age. It now has 246k on  the
odometer. Let it also be said that I am meticulous about the maintenance of  my
Vanagon. I know it's every part and condition maybe better than I know my own  body.
I am perhaps living in a state of denial by thinking that I can get this
mechanical entity to live as long as I do. It's next incarnation will be with a
2.5 Subie engine. I don't write this with the intentions of starting any major
 discussions or threads; just to let everyone know that I am not dissing the
diesel vanagon but to let the potential owner be aware that it is a
different sub-species of Vanagon that has unique characteristics  and  needs including
the services of a competent diesel Vanagon  mechanic which may or may not be
available to everyone. I am able to do 98%  of the maintenance and repairs on
my 90 Westy but never pretended to be fluent  in the language of VW diesel.
Boy did I hate feeling vulnerable that way. I had  to just hope that the person
turning the wrench really knew what they were  talking about and doing. Let's
keep it light and save all the passion for  discussions of religion and
politics in other realms. This list is about sharing  knowledge and fun experiences
with our vehicles that we all love so much.  Absolutely no offense was
intended or taken.

David Clarkson

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