Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:50:09 -0400
Reply-To: Craig Cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Craig Cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: A glorious day, a lesson in happyness.
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Its strange how some things that seem so little to some, can be so
important to others. Furthermore, how much of a difference these
little things can make in the life of said person. Clearly we all
have one thing in common, a love for these strange vehicles that at
least in my area, no one ever knew existed. I thought all was well, i
had a pretty good summer. I worked every day, kept extremely busy,
paid for a truely rediculous exhaust gasket replacement, but never
REALLY got a chance to drive my van (i'm now totally 3 days of
"function" in at least half a year). It had a somewhat permenant home
in the back corner of the parking lot at work. I kept making
appointments to get it fixed....they just never did anything about
it. I was patient, and was getting a good deal (not paying at
all....), and told them simply "i'm taking it on the last day, make
it work!". Well with today being my last day and they only started to
tinker (wouldnt start AT ALL) yesterday, i was uncomfident. I was out
running around in a Mercedes Benz SL600 (V12 Twin Turbo and 10mpg!)
most of the day and when i got back, i had found that the entire
group of mechanics had turned a wrench at one point today....and
might i say......i am far to happy!
I'll be taking pictures of the spark plugs, you will all be amazed.
The mechanics keep saying in all seriousness they think they're
original! I've never seen such horrible plugs on an engine that
actually "ran". The ignition problems ended up being a bad fuel pump
relay, and improper ground to the ignition module (completely broken
somewhere within the wire but no visible breaks), and new plugs/
timing set. Might i say, i am pleased. Suddenly i have no exaust
leaks, a new muffler, and an engine thats EXTREMELY responsive and
feels like its almost adiquite as far as power goes. I thought i'd
been pretty happy these past few weeks but can honestly say if there
was a way to hold on to a moment..... it would be that first turn
into traffic after a long hiatis from my baby. She purrrs.
I hope the feeling continues and that you all have found and kept the
joy that can live within these cars. They have a mind of their own,
and it helps to know that they can really make ones day.
I hope all is well. You guys have been so helpful, i wish i could
personally shake the hands of everyone, even those who have never
responded and buy them a good steak dinner with a large baked potato
and a cold micro brew. Maybe i cant, but if anyones ever in my neck
of the woods (pittsburgh PA), i'll do my best to at least shake your
hand. You all deserve it. And a good day to you!
-Craig
1985 GL
(Still a few issues, but happy none the less!)
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