Constant alternator replacement 7months between ea.
Muffler 183k miles
water pump 180k miles
clutch slave cylinder 181k miles
turn signal switch 179k miles
shift linkage bushings 171k miles
CV boots inner-outer 181k.
I previously owned a rabbit diesel and just had to have this diesel van when it was in my local paper early 2003,before the fuel price hike. It sold for 1800$,and boasted a engine that was rebuilt about 8 months prior to my purchase (the owner was leaving the country for legal problems and had to liquidate his assets) it had a good body/paint and drove well. At 55-60 miles per hour it is all taped out. It is screaming like a c-130.Fuel consumption was between 28 city, and 33 highway at first. I made it to a conversion van in the last year, mileage is 26-30mpg.I put 205-75 15 tires and the interior noise at 60 mph is better. lots of in town power&pull. Highway acceleration is weak at best. repair costs are palatable due to comfort and appeal.
I found out why the alternator was problematic. The glow plug relay was intermittently energizing the glow plugs while the engine was already running, 188000 miles the injection pump needed rebuilt, it was leaking diesel due to new fuel formulation, seals are failing in these older diesels, with newer type seals it shouldn't re occur.
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