Hi, I am new to this list. I just bought a 1989 Vanagon GL 5 days
ago and am already experiencing problems :(
I was getting a strong gas smell and losing power intermittently
which I took to be a fuel system problem.
so I took it in to a local shop (apparently the only person in town
who will work on vanagons besides the VW dealer who I've heard nothing
good about). Mechanic says it is running on 3 cylinders and will
check it out and call me in the morning. Well, the good news is that
it's not the engine, only bad spark plug wires which he said
cost about $100!. So I just called around and the cheapest wires
I could find are $60. $60 for plug wires!!!! what are they made
of? gold? Sheeesh. Anyway, I guess I should be glad that the engine
and fuel system is ok, eh?
I'm also having a problem with the drivers side power door lock.
It won't lock :( Any suggestions on fixing this?

I really think I will like this van once I get all the kinks out.

--Doug